Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference: Top Players for 2019-2020
The Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference is full of size and strength. Teams are full of talented big men who can do it all on the basketball court. Many returning All-Conference players will look to develop their games further in 2019-2020.…
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Continue ReadingThe Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference is full of size and strength. Teams are full of talented big men who can do it all on the basketball court. Many returning All-Conference players will look to develop their games further in 2019-2020. Here are some of the top players to keep an eye on for the upcoming season.
Photo via HudlDean Smith (2020) | 6’6 PF | Delbarton
Smith is one of those talented bigs who can score in multiple ways. He uses his size to get position on the post but the best part of his game might be from deep. Smith is an elite shooter who has in the gym range. He knocked in six three’s in a win over Chatham early last season. Smith was a bit inconsistent during his junior season but he will be one of Delbarton’s main options this season.
Spencer Myler (2020) | 6’8 PF | Mountain Lakes
Mountain Lakes won 22 games last season on the back of their two All-Division First Teamers. Jack Baker has graduated so now it is up to Myler to lead this team during the season. Myler is an excellent passer out of the post and can draw double teams which leads to him finding the open man on the perimeter. Mountain Lakes is in line for another big season with Myler.
Rafael Castro (2021) | 6’7 PF | Dover
As a sophomore, Castro was a double-double machine. He finished with 21 double-double last season proving to be an elite scorer and rebounder. Castro also proved to be a rim protector. He racked up five or more blocked shots in 16 games including an 11 block outburst towards the end of last season. Castro was one of the top sophomores in the state last season and he will turn into one of the top players in the conference as a junior.
Cameron Burke (2020) | 6’0 PG | Whippany Park
Whippany Park was not a strong team last season. Despite their struggles, Burke provided some star power. He was one of the best players in the conference because of his ability to score the basketball. As a senior, Burke will look to turn this program around for the future of Whippany Park basketball.
Ryan Hillier (2020) | 6’5 SF | West Morris
Hillier was a huge part of a 26 win team last season at West Morris. He was a model of consistency on the offensive end scoring at will game in and game out. In a early season win over Hanover Park, Hillier scored a career-high 32 points and parlayed them with 12 rebounds. This will be an absolute must watch player come the regular season. Hillier will make sure that West Morris sees the same success they did last season.
Brendan Franko (2021) | 6’0 PG | High Point
Franko rounds out the list as one of the top sophomores in the conference. Heading into his junior year, Franko will be able to put his name on the map in an even bigger way. He already has a reputation of being able to score from the three-point line and from the free throw line. He can drive to the rim and get fouled or step outside and shoot from deep. These skills will only continue to grow over his two final high school seasons.