NJ Summer Finale Day 1: Top Play-Makers
The ability to make plays in basketball is key to success as teams who are unable to make plays do not generate success. Play-making can happen at all parts of the floor, not just at the point guard position. The…
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Continue ReadingThe ability to make plays in basketball is key to success as teams who are unable to make plays do not generate success. Play-making can happen at all parts of the floor, not just at the point guard position. The NJ Summer Finale was filed with players capable of making plays at multiple levels. Here are the top play-makers from the first day of the NJ Summer Finale.
Joe Lardaro Joe Lardaro 6'5" | PF Freehold Township | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 SF/PF Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite (Freehold Township) 2021
Lardaro may be more of a post player, but that did not stop him from making plays at the NJ Summer Finale. The 6’5 forward was constantly putting pressure on the defense with his energy and motor around the basket. Lardaro showed off his nice touch close to the basket and drew contact all game. He can handle the ball on the perimeter and is an underrated passer. Lardaro is a skilled post player who is able to make plays around the basket.
Nicholas (Niko) Barnes Nicholas (Niko) Barnes 6'4" | CG Compass Prep | 2023 State NJ , 6’4 CG Pure Basketball (Edison) 2022
Barnes was making plays all game long despite being one of the few 2022 prospects to play on day 1. The 6’4 guard was able to beat his man off the bounce and draw contact around the rim. Barnes was able to finish around the basket and made good passes throughout the day. He did not just make plays on the offensive end as he was getting deflections on defense. Barnes’ ability to make plays on both ends of the floor makes him an intriguing prospect in the 2022 class.
Trevor Bokach Trevor Bokach 6'4" | CG Watchung Hills | 2021 State NJ , 6’4 PG Hoop Heaven Hawks Elite (Watchung Hills) 2021
Bokach may have blown a shoe in the second game, but that does not takeaway from his performance throughout the day. The 6’4 guard was routinely getting by his man and making things happen in the lane. Bokach knocked down triples from behind the arc and finished nicely around the basket. He made great passes throughout the day, which put more pressure on the defense. Bokach is a skilled lead guard who makes plays with the ball in his hands.
Jacob Morales Jacob Morales 6'4" | SF Pascack Hills | 2021 State NJ , 6’4 SG NJ Panthers 17U Select (Pascack Hills) 2021
Morales started the day slow, but he still showed out on the opening day of the NJ Summer Finale. The 6’4 guard was tough to keep out of the lane as he used his handle to get by his defender. Morales played with composure on the ball and was able to finish around the basket. He made several nice passes throughout the day, showing his ability to run the offense. Morales’ ability to make plays on and off the ball makes him a tough player to stop on the offensive end.
William Corley Jr., 5’11 PG Pure Basketball (Piscataway) 2021
Corley Jr. was tough to stop as he put pressure on the defense throughout the day. The 5’11 guard has a good handle as he was able to beat his defender off the bounce. Corley Jr. took advantage of his size advantage down low as he was able to score in the post. He was able to finish around the basket and made solid passes throughout the day. Corley Jr. is a gritty point guard prospect with the ability to make plays with the ball in his hands.