Under the Radar 2021 Prospects with Big Roles
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The New Jersey basketball season has gotten off to a scintillating start. Top teams are getting upset every week, while the state’s top players turn in monster performances. New Jersey’s elite are not the only ones impressing as several under…
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Continue ReadingThe New Jersey basketball season has gotten off to a scintillating start. Top teams are getting upset every week, while the state’s top players turn in monster performances. New Jersey’s elite are not the only ones impressing as several under the radar prospects have big roles for good teams. Here are the top 2021 sleepers with big roles for their teams.
Zarique Nutter & Samson Johnson, 6’4 SF/ 6’10 PF Patrick School
The Celtics are led by junior sensation Jonathan Kuminga, but their junior duo of Nutter and Johnson are to their success in 2019-20. In the televised match-up with Sierra Canyon, Nutter led the Patrick School with 20 points as Kuminga had to leave the game early due to an ankle injury. The St. Benedict’s transfer excels at getting to the basket and is a solid complimentary scorer.
Johnson has been a force on the interior with Adama Sanogo and Bretner Mutombo sitting out due to transfer rules.The Togo native has been an eraser at the rim for the Patrick School as he uses his size, length and athleticism to block shots well above the rim. The Celtics are one of the top teams in New Jersey and they need Nutter and Johnson to keep playing at the same level they are at now.
Elijah Jones, 6’7 SF Pleasantville
Pleasantville needed someone to step up in 2019-20 and Jones has answered the call. The 6’7 junior started off the season on fire with three consecutive games of at least 25 points, including a 33-point, 18-rebound performance against Bridgeton. His ability to score through contact around the basket is vital for a Pleasantville squad with high aspirations. Jones’ play down low is the reason to believe Pleasantville can make some noise in South Jersey Group 2.
Isaiah Hill, 6’3 SG Union Catholic
Don’t look now, but Union Catholic is emerging as a sleeper candidate in Non-Public A North after the Vikings upset victory over Hudson Catholic. Hill sparked the upset as he erupted for 31 points, showing off his versatile offensive game. The 6’3 shooting guard has an excellent mid-range game, good handles and a nice stroke from behind the arc. It’s no surprise that NJIT offered Hill after his performance against Hudson Catholic and he should expect more offers as the season comes along.
Nicolo Nobili, 6’9 PF Paul VI
Wisler Sanon and Jaylen Boyd-Savage are Paul VI’s top players, but Nobili has emerged as the go-to option for the Eagles. The Italian native has a diverse offensive skillset as he can score inside with his quick feet and soft touch, but can also knock down perimter jump shots with his smooth shooting stroke. Paul VI is one of the top teams in South Jersey and Nobili is a big reason for the Eagles early success.
Christian Cevis, 6’0 PG West Morris
The Wolfpack are currently 7-0 on the season and Cevis is a big reason why. The 6’0 point guard is a gifted passer and playmaker off the bounce, making him hard to keep out of the lane. Cevis is a great on-ball defender as he is averaging close to five steals a game. He is also a good rebounder for a guard his size and can make defenses pay with his perimeter shooting. Cevis is one of the top point guards in North Jersey as West Morris looks to make a deep run in North 2 Group 3 in 2019-20.