NJAC: Under the Radar Player of the Year Contenders
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The 2021 season has been full of surprises while some teams have yet to play or are opting out of the season. Dover is an example of that, which has left Providence signee Rafael Castro Rafael Castro 6'9" | PF…
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Continue ReadingThe 2021 season has been full of surprises while some teams have yet to play or are opting out of the season. Dover is an example of that, which has left Providence signee Rafael Castro Rafael Castro 6'9" | PF Dover | 2021 State #157 Nation NJ off the hardwood this winter. Fairfield commit Christian Cevis Christian Cevis 6'0" | PG West Morris | 2021 State NJ should be the front-runner for the award, but there are other candidates putting up good numbers. Here are the NJAC Under the Radar Player of the Year Contenders.
Andrew Stack Andrew Stack 6'2" | SG Madison | 2022 State NJ , 6’3 SG Madison 2022
The Dodgers are 6-1 on the season and Stack is a big reason why. The 6’3 guard is a sniper from distance as he has a quick release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Stack is more than just a shooter as he can put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He moves exceptionally well off the ball and is an underrated defender. Stack has a pair of 20-point games this season and that number should increase as the season progresses.
Ethan Sutherland Ethan Sutherland 6'1" | SG Pequannock | 2022 State NJ , 6’1 CG Pequannock 2022
Forward David Rigoglioso has had a breakout season for the Panthers, but Sutherland is the straw that stirs the drink. The 6’1 guard has a nice handle and is able to get into the lane with consistency. Sutherland is more than just a slasher as he moves well off the ball and has a good release on his jumper. He makes smart decisions with the ball and makes an impact on the defensive end. Sutherland’s all-around play has been key for Pequannock as the Panthers looks to continue their hot start.
Kyle Haegele Kyle Haegele 6'4" | SG Roxbury | 2021 State NJ , 6’4 SG Roxbury 2021
Haegele has cooled off from his torrid start, but he has the ability to go off on any given night. The 6’4 guard is at his best attacking the basket from the perimeter and is unafraid of drawing contact. Haegele has a nice mid-range game and is capable of knocking down jumpers from the perimeter. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is a tough defender. Haegele put up 52 points in his first two games and should get more recognition if he puts up more games like that.
Jack Leiola Jack Leiola 6'4" | SF West Morris | 2021 State NJ , 6’4 SF West Morris 2021
Cevis is the engine that runs the Wolf Pack offense, but Leiola actually leads the team in scoring. The 6’4 forward has a nice touch around the basket and can score in the mid-range. Leiola moves well off the ball and his range extends to the three-point line. He is tough to box out and is a solid shot-blocker as he recorded five in his last game. Leiola has been key to West Morris’ success this season and should get more recognition for his play so far.
Omarion Jett-Dobbs Omarion Jett-Dobbs 6'2" | CG St. Benedict's | 2022 State NJ , 6’2 CG Morris Catholic 2022
Morris Catholic may be 3-2 on the season, but they have one of the best two-way guards in the 2022 class in Jett-Dobbs. The Montclair transfer is tough to contain off the bounce and can finish through contact. Jett-Dobbs is an underrated passer and does not force the issue in the half court. He is a relentless on-ball defender and plays with good instincts. Jett-Dobbs’ ability to impact the game at both ends makes Morris Catholic a team to watch out for in 2021.
Other Prospects to Know:
Troy Brennan, 6’2 SF Lenape Valley 2023
Riley Albregts Riley Albregts 5'10" | PG Mountain Lakes | 2021 State NJ , 5’10 PG Mountain Lakes 2021
Madrit Asani, SG Boonton 2022
Anthony Ferrare, SG Montville 2021
Chris Ross Chris Ross 5'9" | PG Wallkill Valley | 2023 State NJ , 5’10 PG Wallkill Valley 2023