2021 & Under Prospects at Hearts 2 Hands
The Hearts 2 Hand showcase Sunday featured five games full of intriguing matchups from teams across New Jersey. With many of the 2020 class either committed to or figuring out their next steps after high school hoops, this article focuses…
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Continue ReadingThe Hearts 2 Hand showcase Sunday featured five games full of intriguing matchups from teams across New Jersey. With many of the 2020 class either committed to or figuring out their next steps after high school hoops, this article focuses on the players in the 2021 class and under who rose their stock during this event.
Alif Bass (2022) | St. Peter’s Prep
Not sure anyone increased their stock higher Sunday than Bass who stepped up in the absence of their best player Mark Armstrong. Bass was the best defender on the floor, doing everything from lock down on-ball defense to flying around the floor getting steals. He combines his defensive prowess with good spot up shooting making him a 3 and D prospect. Currently unranked in New Jersey’s 2022 class, if he continues playing like he has these past few weekends, Bass should find himself as a ranked player moving forward.
Rayshawn Ford (2021) | St. Peter’s Prep
In Armstrong’s absence, Ford rose to the occasion and was the best player on the floor. He scored 26 points and pulled down 8 rebounds in their 64-54 win over Union. The #61 ranked player in New Jersey’s 2021 class can get overshadowed by teammate Armstrong, but his talent was on full display Sunday. Ford is a combo guard who handles the ball well, complimenting his backcourt teammates when needed. He can score at the rim using his athleticism, hit the mid-range jumper and shoot from deep using his good shooting stroke. Ford is an intriguing prospect to pay attention to as he finishes his junior year and goes into his senior campaign.
Corey Floyd Jr. (2022) | Roselle Catholic
Roselle’s loaded 2020 class hides the talented underclassmen on the roster, but Sunday was an opportunity for them to shine as many of their top players were sitting in street clothes against Olympus Prep. Floyd Jr. flashed early, showing why he’s the #3 prospect in the 2022 class. He has a fluid stroke with a quick release and uses his strong frame and athleticism to finish above the rim in traffic. Floyd Jr. will play at the Division 1 level when he graduates and is someone to follow throughout his high school career.
Simeon Wilcher (2023) | Roselle Catholic
No player took more advantage of an opportunity than Wilcher did over the weekend. He put on a show burying threes and bringing the house down with two thunderous dunks, including a poster leaving him exclaiming “it’s my time now!” It’s not quite his time yet, but Wilcher’s potential is through the roof. He’ll continue to grow into his long frame as he gets older and will show why he is the current #3 ranked prospect in the 2023 class.
Elijah Barlow (2021) | Union Catholic
Barlow was in complete control against St. Joseph’s Metuchen as the maestro on the floor. He has the ball on a string and uses his extreme quickness to get by his primary defender. He’s a crafty finisher at the rim even against taller defenders. Barlow has a great stroke from deep and uses his quick release to punish defenses if he’s open at the mid-range. He also accepts the challenge on the defensive end getting up and into the opponent’s primary ball handler. Barlow is a player who coaches at the next level should follow for the rest of the season and into his senior year.
Zaba Bangala (2021) | St. Benedict’s
The final game of the night featured 2020 VCU commit Jamir Watkins, who Bangala was matched up against for the majority of the night. He took this challenge immediately and was trading baskets with Watkins early in the first quarter leading to trash talk exchanges by both players. His competitiveness was displayed, but his athleticism eventually was the story. Bangala has a strong lower body and excellent first step he uses to get to the rim. He had two powerful dunks and can make free throws when he’s fouled, even though he doesn’t have a natural shooting stroke. Bangala is currently the #38 ranked prospect for the 2021 class.
Mo Johnson (2021) | St. Joe’s Metuchen
Johnson epitomizes effort, hustle and energy specializing in offensive rebounding even as an undersized forward. He has a strong frame that allows him to play down low and attack the basketball. Even though he doesn’t have a truly refined offensive game, he can do his scoring damage from the free throw line when fouled. His athleticism makes up for his lack of size in the front court. Johnson turned heads with his effort on Sunday.