2022 Sleepers
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New Jersey’s sophomore class has the potential to be an elite class. Hudson Catholic’s Zion Cruz has established himself as a top-20 recruit nationally, while Will Richardson from Bergen Catholic is a future star in the making. Corey Floyd Jr. and Mark Armstrong are also…
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Continue ReadingNew Jersey’s sophomore class has the potential to be an elite class. Hudson Catholic’s Zion Cruz has established himself as a top-20 recruit nationally, while Will Richardson from Bergen Catholic is a future star in the making. Corey Floyd Jr. and Mark Armstrong are also big-time players that should have strong sophomore seasons. With all the talent at the top of the rankings, there are players that fly under the radar. Here are the top sleepers in the sophomore class.
Keon Sabb, 6’3 SG Glassboro
Sabb was one of the top freshmen in New Jersey last season. He is a pure scorer with 14 20-point games who excels at attacking the basket. Sabb is developing his three-point shot, which could make him the most dangerous scoring option in the sophomore class.
He is not just a scorer as he had 10 double-doubles last season. Sabb is also a good perimeter defender as he had 61 steals in his freshman season. His numbers and play are worthy of a top-10 placement in the rankings, but his ability on the football field hurts his stock. Sabb is one of the top players in the state and will easily eclipse the 1,000-point mark in his sophomore campaign.
Otega Oweh, 6’4 SG Rutgers Prep
Oweh did not play that much as a freshman, but will have a breakout sophomore season. He excels at getting to the free throw line as he took 21 free throws in a game at the Northeast Fall Invitational. Oweh has good handles on the perimeter and makes plays when the ball is in his hands.
He is a superb rebounder and is a good perimeter defender. Oweh only made one three-pointer in his freshman season, but should get more looks from behind the arc with star junior Trey Patterson taking double teams. He is ready to emerge onto the scene in New Jersey as Oweh will try to help Rutgers Prep win Non-Public B South.
Lual Manyang, 6’10 C Blair Academy
Manyang is the top post player in the sophomore class and is poised to shoot up the rankings. The 6’10 big man works hard on both ends of the floor and rarely takes a play off. He is a terrific post defender as he blocks almost everything at the rim.
Manyang is not just a defensive player as he has good footwork in the post and a soft touch around the basket. He has a good-looking jump shot as he knocked down several three-pointers in warm-ups at the Pango’s All-East Frosh/Soph Camp. Manyang is an all-around big man that should receive tons of college offers before the end of his sophomore season.
Julian Brown, 5’10 PG Bergen Catholic
Brown is overshadowed by his more well-regarded teammates, but he should not be slept on. The Bergen Catholic floor general is a gritty, tough-nosed that excels at defending the ball. He has great handles and understands how to get to his spot on the floor.
Brown can also score the ball as he put on an offensive scoring display at the Pango’s All-East Frosh/Soph Camp. He is a good facilitator that can get his teammates involved in the proper spots. Bergen Catholic needs a point guard to get the ball to Richardson, Matt Zona and Raejon Figures, which makes Brown the perfect candidate for the job.
Daniel Skillings, 6’5 SG/SF St. Joseph (Hamm.)
Skillings is an extremely talented wing who is flying under the radar. He can score at all three levels and knows how to finish around the basket. Skillings has good handles and a smooth shooting stroke.
The most underrated aspect of his game is his rebounding as he had seven double-doubles as a freshman. Skillings has the makings to be an All-State performer in a couple of years, but he has to play with consistency. His transfer from Highland to St. Joseph (Hammonton) gives him the opportunity to perform on a bigger stage in New Jersey.
Other Names to Know:
Elmarko Jackson, PG St. Augustine
Justin Hawkins, SF Life Center Academy
Jahzeer Gaskins, PG Newark East Side
Mehki Johnson, PF St. Thomas Aquinas
Ryan Zan, PF Ranney School