Big North Prospects off to Hot Starts
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The opening week of New Jersey basketball has had some hitches, but was still full of excitement. Prospects were able to show off their talents with some of them putting the Garden State on notice. The same is true in…
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Continue ReadingThe opening week of New Jersey basketball has had some hitches, but was still full of excitement. Prospects were able to show off their talents with some of them putting the Garden State on notice. The same is true in the Big North with players putting up big numbers to open off the year. Here are the top Big North prospects off to hot starts.
Dominick Barlow Dominick Barlow 6'7" | SF Dumont | 2022 NLG , 6’7 SF Dumont 2021
No other prospect in the conference has had as strong a start as Barlow as he he is averaging 33 points per game. The 6’7 forward is scoring at every level from finishing above the rim to knocking down jumpers from behind the arc. Barlow is also doing it on the glass as well with consecutive 20 rebound games. He had a strong summer with Jersey Force and it has carried over into the season. Barlow has been one of the top players in North Jersey this season and his stock is rising among colleges.
Yasen Crawford Yasen Crawford 5'11" | PG Paterson Kennedy | 2022 State NJ , 5’9 PG Paterson Kennedy 2022
Crawford was supposed to play at Pioneer Academy this season, but rejoined the Knights with the school opting out of the year. The 5’9 guard has been the go-to guy as he is averaging 20 points per game for 20th ranked Paterson Kennedy. Crawford is adept at getting into the lane as he is a crafty finisher around the basket and has a solid mid-range game. He is also running the offense effectively as he had five assists to go along with his 22 points in his last outing. Crawford has been a fun point guard to watch to start the season and should continue to do that for Paterson Kennedy this season.
Akil Watson Akil Watson 6'7" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #105 Nation NJ , 6’7 SF Don Bosco Prep 2023
Watson entered the season as one of the top freshman in the country and showed it in the season opener against DePaul Catholic. The 6’7 freshman poured in a game-high 26 points as he was the go-to guy for the Iron Men. Watson was a marksman from deep as he buried five triples in the game, but also showed an ability to get to the rim. He also led the team in rebounds with six and is only scratching the surface. If Watson can keep putting up games like this for the rest of the season, his name could end up on the All-State team.
Shawn Reckley, 6’2 CG Hackensack 2022
Reckley has been an impact player for the Comets to start the season and has affected the game in multiples ways. The 6’2 guard opened the season with a double-double as he ripped down 10 rebounds to go along with his 15 points. Reckley poured in 31 points in his last game against Saddle River Day as he knocked down four triples and was able to get into the lane with consistency. He has played solid on-ball defense to start the season as he has six steals in three games. Reckley has been a rock for Hackensack this season and his ability to go for 30 makes him an exciting player to watch.
Philip Park, 6’2 SG Wayne Hills 2021
Wayne Hills has jumped out to a 3-0 start and Park’s play is a big reason why. The 6’2 senior is averaging 18 points per game and has a nose for getting to the line with 20 made free throws. Park has a good frame to finish through contact, but is also a capable shooter from distance. He fights for rebounds on both ends and is an underrated defender. Wayne Hills may not go 15-0, but Park has shown he is capable of leading them to a successful 2021 season.