Monsignor Martin League Breakout Candidates: Centers
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Western New York is an underrated basketball hotspot chockful of promising, talented recruits. The 2019-2020 Monsignor Martin League (Buffalo NY) was highly competitive and produced many memorable moments for both teams and individuals alike. This article will focus on 4…
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Continue ReadingWestern New York is an underrated basketball hotspot chockful of promising, talented recruits. The 2019-2020 Monsignor Martin League (Buffalo NY) was highly competitive and produced many memorable moments for both teams and individuals alike. This article will focus on 4 Centers that are poised for a breakout season in 2020-2021.
Ater Marial – Bishop Timon-St. Jude – Class of 2021
Marial led the 2019-2020 Monsignor Martin League in blocked shots, managing 53 total over the course of 25 games. That amounted to 2.1 per game, nearly a full half of a block more than the next man. At only 6’5”, he relies on his timing and anticipation more so than physical gifts to rise up and challenge opponents. I expect Marial to take a big jump in scoring, too; after posting just 1.9 points per game as a Sophomore, his offensive role should substantially increase in 2020-2021. His defensive prowess a year ago has certainly earned him the opportunity!
Logan Reaska – St. Francis – Class of 2023
Logan Reaska certainly showed flashes of potential in 2019-2020. Just a Freshman, he led his team in steals per game at 2.0. He also finished third on his team in rebounds per game. Reaska, who also plays football, is one of the most physical players in the Monsignor Martin League. The Red Raiders would certainly benefit if Reaska is able to take a leap in his game, particularly with his scoring. As the youngest player on the team, Reaska has plenty of time to improve.
Josh Haskell – St. Joseph’s Collegiate Institute – Class of 2022
Haskell returns to a St. Joseph’s team that finished the 2019-2020 season with an impressive 20-6 record, including 10-2 in the Monsignor Martin League. Last year as a Sophomore, Haskell pulled down 3.8 rebounds per game, good for third on the team. Among all 2020-2021 returning Mauraders, that mark is the highest. Given that he put in the necessary work over the summer, I expect Haskell to take another step in his game and would not be surprised if he manages 5 rebounds or more per contest.
Nikola Bosic – Cardinal O’Hara – Class of 2021
At 6’6” Nikola Bosic will enter the 2020-2021 season as the tallest player on his team. That alone should earn him plenty of playing time for a squad that could use help controlling the glass. The 2019-2020 Hawks were outrebounded in plenty of games, which helps explain their losing record a year ago. Appearing in only 18 games in 2019-2020, I expect Bosic to receive more opportunities this year. I feel that he is poised and ready to cement himself as one of his team’s best rebounders.
*All statistics come from Maxpreps.com. All analysis is my own.