Stock Risers: Class of 2022
Sophomore year can be a great year. Players have a chance to make a name for themselves with still two years left of their high school career. There have been stars in this class since they were freshman but these…
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Continue ReadingSophomore year can be a great year. Players have a chance to make a name for themselves with still two years left of their high school career. There have been stars in this class since they were freshman but these are the players that took that big step this season.
Julian Brown Julian Brown 6'1" | PG Bergen Catholic | 2022 State NJ | Bergen Catholic
Brown was apart of the Bergen Catholic team last season that finished No. 2 in the state after a TOC loss in the final game. His role was limited but that was not the case in 2020. He scored 15.3 points per game this season while knocking down 39 three’s. Brown was a big game player. His two highest scoring games of the season came against St. Joe’s (Mont.) where he scored 25 and 32 points. He finished with 23 points back in December against GMC champ St. Thomas Aquinas. Brown, along with fellow Class of 2022 member Will Richardson Will Richardson 6'2" | PG Bergen Catholic | 2022 State #76 Nation NJ , has Bergen Catholic in a great spot moving forward.
Jayden Pierre Jayden Pierre 6'2" | PG Long Island Lutheran | 2022 State #109 Nation NY | Elizabeth
Elizabeth lost just four games all season playing in one of the toughest conferences in New Jersey. One of the main reasons is the emergence of their point guard. Pierre scored in double-figures in all but three games this season and averaged 15.3 per game. He scored a season-high 27 points in a three point win over Linden. Pierre is a player that used his speed and ball handling ability to score. He did not show much as a shooter but that will change overtime. He is already an elite scorer and leader. Elizabeth was one of the top-five teams in the state all season.
Derek Simpson Derek Simpson 6'3" | PG Lenape | 2022 State NJ | Lenape
Simpson was a big time player as a freshman but it is impossible not to look at him as a stock riser after his sophomore season. Simpson averaged 18.1 points per game this season and scored 20 or more points 10 times. This includes a 29-point performance in the final game of the season against Atlantic City. Simpson also showed his ability to pass the ball. He averaged just under five assists per game. Simpson’s best game of the season was during a 58-57 win over Lakewood where he finished with 28 points and nine assists. If he continues to improve going into next season, Simpson is going to turn into one of the better players in the state.
Jaquan Harris Jaquan Harris 6'4" | PG St. Thomas Aquinas | 2022 State #164 Nation NJ | St. Thomas Aquinas
Harris was one of the catalysts for St. Thomas Aquinas during their GMC title run. The sophomore has already racked up offers from Seton Hall, Auburn, Rutgers, Bryant, and Little Rock. And for good reason. Harris transferred to become a Trojan and finished with 13.1 points and five assists per game. He proved to be St. Thomas Aquinas’ most consistent player. At 6’4, he was their most physically gifted player. Harris is quick with the ball in his hands, can shoot from deep which he showed by knocking down 58 three’s, and can explode to the rim and throw down a dunk. There is no doubt that Harris is a Division I talent.
Otega Oweh Otega Oweh 6'4" | SG Blair Academy | 2022 State #91 Nation NJ | Rutgers Prep
Rutgers Prep lost twice this season, once against a New Jersey opponent. Trey Patterson Trey Patterson 6'7" | SF Rutgers Prep | 2021 State #36 Nation NJ turned into one of the best players in New Jersey but Oweh was right behind him. After a lesser role as a freshman, Oweh scored 433 points as a sophomore. He also grabbed over six rebounds per game. The good news for Rutgers Prep is that they are getting both Patterson and Oweh back. For their sophomore sensation, he will be back better than he was this season.
Daniel Skillings Daniel Skillings 6'5" | SG Roman Catholic | 2022 State PA | St. Joes (Hamm.)
What a campaign it was for Skillings. The 6’5 guard showed that he is a multi-faceted player. Skillings averaged 19.3 points and 7.5 rebounds per game this season. He did this while notching 10 double-doubles and knocking down 40 three’s. Skillings has the size and skill to be a dominant player. That trend began this season and will undoubtedly continue.