Underclassmen to Watch in WNY
Story by Jer Mountain Unfortunately the New York State Federation was unable to complete all of the necessary competition to claim state champions this season, but the competition for Section 6 crowns was as intense as ever. We know that…
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Unfortunately the New York State Federation was unable to complete all of the necessary competition to claim state champions this season, but the competition for Section 6 crowns was as intense as ever. We know that these times aren’t ideal, but the promise of competitive sport brings everyone together in a common interest. Here’s a quick rundown of a few underclassmen who really showed out on the biggest stages in Buffalo in 2020, and who will be sure to be back next year.
JaVaugn “Jonesy” Jones – Health Sciences, Junior
20.6 PPG / 7.4 RPG / 7.3 APG / 4.9 SPG
A true warrior and floor general. Jonesy willed his way through not one, but two grinding matchups versus powerful programs in Amherst and North Tonawanda, on his way to leading his Health Sciences squad to a Section 6 Class A Outright championship. Throughout waves of tests, Jonesy proved to be a man who would not be stopped. Again and again he settled his troops and facilitated a maestro performance at the PG position. Showed incredible resiliency, and mental fortitude.
Roddy Gayle – Lewiston-Porter, Sophmore
25.6 PPG / 9.0 RPG / 3.0 APG / 2.3 SPG / 1.3 BPG
The Greek Freak of Lew Port. Gayle was dominant all season long, and is no stranger to success here in WNY. Out of 17 games, Gayle put up over 20 in 14 games, and scored 38 twice. Gayle has all the size and strength to move on to the next level, and play at the highest level. As a sophomore, he’s already a member of the 1,000 point club, and will sure to maintain his dominance the next two seasons in WNY.
Jamyier Patton – Timon, Junior
22.1 PPG / 3.2 RPG / 2.7 APG / 2.7 SPG
Don’t Leave him open..Patton has raised eyebrows the last few seasons, showing absolutely no fear despite his developing frame. If you haven’t seen Patton play yet, it won’t take long to notice his sweet stroke from beyond the 3 point stripe. Last season Patton showed he put in the work in the offseason to improve on his strength, splitting double teams and attacking the basket with no fear. He’s sure to show further growth in his senior campaign.
Jalen Bradberry – Park, Junior
19.7 PPG / 3.2 APG / 3.1 RPG / 1.4 SPG
Bradberry developed under the tutelage of widely respected Coach Sal Constantino at Niagara Falls, before transferring to Park School for the 2020 season. An outstanding overall talent, Bradberry shows a mature smooth stroke, and a confident knowledge of the game. He’ll attack the basket, shoot it from 3, or even get the game winning rebound-putback like he did in a crucial win versus JaVaugn Jones and Health Sciences (HS only loss all year). He showed he belonged in Brooklyn, scoring a season high 35 vs Brooklyn Collegiate.
Joe Harrington – Lancaster, Sophomore
15.8 PPG / 8.4 RPG / 2.0 BPG / 1.7 SPG / 1.3 APG
Rounding out the conceptual starting 5 with a traditional big man, 55 scored double figures in 19 games, averaging almost a double-double, logging that in 9 of his contests. As only a sophomore, he shows he will be a force to be reckoned with, and the success Lancaster had in sectionals showed they’ll be around. Winning the class AA title has it’s perks, and so does having 19, 10, and 8 blocks versus a very tough Niagara Falls team in the AA semis. Lookout for Harrington and the Legends next season.
These are only a few of the many amazing student athletes here in Western New York. Stay tuned for coverage of offseason tourneys, AAU news around WNY, more previews for 2020 and more here on prephoops!
Jer Mountain is a local blogger and reporter- please email any story ideas to jer7rej@gmail.com. Love to hear about successes, hard work, dedication, and helping tell kids stories to help them gain new opportunities.