Class of 2020: Top Post Players
In high school basketball, post play is key. The top teams in the state usually thrive on solid post play. The 2020 class is loaded with talented big men with seven of the top 15 players being either power forwards…
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Continue ReadingIn high school basketball, post play is key. The top teams in the state usually thrive on solid post play. The 2020 class is loaded with talented big men with seven of the top 15 players being either power forwards or centers. The top post players in the state have many Division I offers. Here is a look at the top big men in the state.
Lance Ware, PF Camden
The Kentucky commit gets the top spot due to his offensive game. Ware is an athletic four-man that has a nice perimeter feel. He can handle the ball at the top of the key, make solid passes and knock down jumpers in the mid-range. Ware loves to catch lobs in the halfcourt, but he is capable of scoring with his back to the basket.
His athleticism makes him a great offensive rebounder and solid shot-blocker. Ware’s quick feet help him on sides of the ball as the Camden products runs the floor well. He is a double-double waiting to happen and has the potential to play in the 2020 McDonald’s All-American Game.
Cliff Omoruyi, C Roselle Catholic- The highest uncommitted player left in the 2020 class, Omoruyi is a physical specimen down low. The 6’11 big man is a good athlete that excels at running the floor. Omoruyi’s post game is a little raw, but he has good footwork and a soft touch around the basket. He also has a bit of a perimeter game as the big man hit a spot-up three-pointer against Archbishop Stepinac at the Northeast Fall Invitational.
Defense is the place where Omoruyi excels at blocking shots. As a result, Omoruyi is the top post defender in the state. He is in line for a big senior season at Roselle Catholic as the Lions look to win their third consecutive Non Public B North title.
Matt Zona, PF Bergen Catholic
Zona is an extremely skilled big man that should excel at the next level. The Notre Dame commit is the modern day stretch four with an elite perimeter game. Zona can score around the basket and knock down the perimeter jump shot. He is also an adept ball-handler and passer who fits perfectly into the Notre Dame offense.
Zona’s defense is solid, but is not the same type of shot blocker as Omoruyi. The 6’9 forward is in for a big senior season as Bergen Catholic looks to make it back to the Tournament of Champions.
Taj Thweatt,PF Wildwood Catholic
The only returning member of the All-State teams, Thweatt is a dominant post player. The West Virginia commit is a versatile scorer that can hurt defenses at all three levels. He is a willing passer and elite rebounder as his 17 double-doubles last season can attest.
Thweatt is also an elite shot-blocker, despite his 6’7 frame. He enters his senior season with 1,235 and should end his high school career with over 2,000 points.
Josh Hemmings, PF Lawrenceville
Hemmings is an extremely intelligent player as he is committed to Harvard. The 6’8 forward is an adept passer because he grew up playing point guard. Hemmings can score on the block, but can also knock down the perimeter jumper.
He is a solid athlete that runs the floor well and can grab rebounds outside his frame. Hemmings is not an elite shot-blocker, but he is a good post defender that moves his feet well. Tommy Amaker should be excited to get a power forward like Hemmings as he is a well-rounded offensive big man.
Other names to know
Zach Martini, PF Gill St. Bernard’s
Luke Kolaja, Blair Academy
Mounir Hima, St. Benedict’s
Supreme Cook, Peddie
Sean Hansen, Ramsey
Josh Orogun,St. Benedict’s