2023 Top Wings
The basketball season is starting to get into full swing as teams across the state are playing in holiday tournaments. The new season can be hard for some freshmen, while others are relishing their debut into high school basketball. The…
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Continue ReadingThe basketball season is starting to get into full swing as teams across the state are playing in holiday tournaments. The new season can be hard for some freshmen, while others are relishing their debut into high school basketball. The Class of 2023 may be filled with high-level point guards, but it also contains a lot of good wing players. Here are the top wing players in the 2023 class.
Mackenzie Mgbako, 6’7 SF Gill St. Bernard’s
It’s hard to imagine that a 6’7 freshman plays on the perimeter, but that is Mgbako’s game. He is a high-level shooter who has a quick release for a player of his size. Mgbako can also create his own shot off the bounce and bring the ball up the court to run the offense. He is not a high-level athlete like some of his peers, but he makes up for it with positional awareness and a feel for the game. Mgbako just recently got offered by Rutgers and should see a slew of offers before the end of his freshman season.
Akil Watson, 6’7 SF Don Bosco Prep
Watson does not strictly play on the perimeter as Don Bosco Prep uses him inside because of his strong frame. The New York native excels at finishing through contact, but he can also finish over the top because of his athleticism. Watson has a good-looking jump shot and can beat his defender off the bounce. He is an elite rebounder as the 6’7 freshman rarely allows offensive rebounds. Watson may not have the same three-point shooting ability as his AAU teammate Mgbako, but he is a high-level player who should have some college offers before the end of the season.
Zack Davis, 6’4 SF Ranney
Davis is one of the better on-ball defenders in his class as he knows how to keep his man in front. His quick hands and feet allow for him to get steals for the Panthers to start the fast break. Davis can knock down mid-range jump shots, but he excels at getting to the rim. He is also a solid passer and moves well without the ball. Ranney needs someone to step up alongside Elijah Perkins and Ryan Zan in 2019-20 and Davis looks to be that guy.
Matt Kinsler, 6’4 SG St. Peter’s Prep
Kinsler is the top shooter in the class of 2023 as he can knock down three-pointers in bunches. He has a good looking shot and a very quick release, which makes it hard for opponents to block his shot. Kinsler moves well off the ball as he understands how to free himself up for an open look. His ability to stretch the defense is huge for St. Peter’s Prep as the Marauders need someone to take the pressure off star sophomore Mark Armstrong. Kinsler can do that with his three-point shooting.
Qing Fang Pang, 6’8 SF St. Benedict’s
Fang Pang is not the only star freshmen for St. Benedict’s as point guard Ty-Laur Johnson has been a vital part of the Grey Bees’ success. The 6’8 forward plays a fair amount on the inside, but has shown an ability to play on the perimeter. Fang Pang has a nice touch around the basket and knows how to get to the rim off the bounce. He is also a solid defender who can block shots on most possessions. St. Benedict’s has a solid freshman duo in Johnson and Fang Pang, which is a good sign for the future of the Grey Bees.
Other Names to Know:
Dasear Hawkins, 6’6 SF Trenton Catholic
Quatrell Wilson, 6’2 SG/SF Newark East Side