2020-21 Cape-Atlantic League Outlook without St. Joseph (Hammonton) and Wildwood Catholic
The Cape-Atlantic League was hit with a sucker punch as the Dioceses of Camden permanently shut down St. Joseph (Hammonton) and Wildwood Catholic. The Crusaders have dominated the league recently as they have won the last three Cape-Atlantic League Tournament…
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Continue ReadingThe Cape-Atlantic League was hit with a sucker punch as the Dioceses of Camden permanently shut down St. Joseph (Hammonton) and Wildwood Catholic. The Crusaders have dominated the league recently as they have won the last three Cape-Atlantic League Tournament titles. St. Joseph (Hammonton) went 22-6 and was on the cusp of a big season in 2020-21.
St. Joseph (Hammonton) combo guard Marcus Pierce Marcus Pierce 6'1" | CG Compass Prep | 2022 State NJ led the Wildcats in scoring last season and will be a huge addition to any team in 2020-21. The 6’1 junior is one of the toughest guards in South Jersey and knows how to draw contact around the rim. Pierce is a good passer and is capable of running the offense in a pinch. He is at his best attacking the basket and will be a valuable addition for any team that needs a scoring guard.
Wildwood Catholic guards Martin Anguelov Martin Anguelov 6'1" | PG Wildwood Catholic | 2021 State NJ and DaSean Lopez DaSean Lopez 6'3" | CG Wildwood Catholic | 2021 State NJ are a pair of guards who bring championship experience. The latter is a defensive stalwart who plays hard throughout the game. Lopez is not a huge scoring threat, but he is a good ball-handler and solid passer. His defense and toughness are important for a team that needs a good on-ball defender.
Anguelov is a big-time shooter who is capable of getting hot in a hurry. He has a quick release on his shot and moves extremely well off the ball. Anguelov is not just a shooter as he makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and plays with composure on the ball. He is also a good defender as he shut down Rutgers Prep’s Noah Harris Noah Harris 6'0" | PG Rutgers Prep | 2021 State NJ in the Non-Public B South final. Anguelov’s ability to shoot from behind the arc and defend the point makes him one of the top transfers in New Jersey.
Jordan Stafford Jordan Stafford 6'3" | PG St. Joseph Academy | 2021 State NJ was a crucial part of St. Joseph (Hammonton)’s success this season as he ran the show for the Wildcats. He always played with his head up and could beat his defender off the dribble. Stafford was also one of the better on-ball defenders in the Cape-Atlantic League, making him an intriguing addition to any team in need of a point guard.
Daniel Skillings Daniel Skillings 6'5" | SG Roman Catholic | 2022 State PA and Devon Theopile may have only played one year at St. Joseph (Hammonton), but their impacts on New Jersey basketball will probably be felt more. The latter is only a freshman who played well for the 22-win Wildcats. Theopile is a tough rebounder and has a good offensive game for a young post player. His physicality along with his youth should help any team in need of a young big man.
Skillings is the most talented player available due to his combination of size, skill and athleticism. The 6’5 shooting guard loves to finish above the rim, but can also make tough layups around the basket. Skillings is capable of breaking his defender down off the bounce due to his smooth handle, but can also make defenders pay for giving him space on the perimeter. He uses his length and athleticism to swat shots around the rim and sky for rebounds. Skilings is a D1 caliber player who should provide a big scoring boost to his new school.
St. Augustine is poised to win the Cape-Atlantic League as the Hermits return almost everybody from 2019-20. Point guard Elmarko Jackson is a big-time athlete and may be one of the best kept secrets in New Jersey. Juniors Matthew Delaney Matthew Delaney 6'7" | PF St. Augustine | 2021 State NJ , John Horner John Horner 6'6" | SF St. Augustine | 2021 State NJ and Keith Palek were key pieces for Paul Rodio’s team. St. Augustine won the Non-Public A South title and should win the Cape-Atlantic League title in 2020-21.
The whole landscape of the Cape-Atlantic League changes with St. Joseph (Hammonton) and Wildwood Catholic shutting its doors. Players like Anguelov, Pierce and Skillings will all be looking for new homes. St. Augustine and Atlantic City were both sectional winners and they should be considered the teams to beat in 2020-21.