NJ Shootout: Sunday Standouts
August 1, 2023 by Trent Watson
Jordan Torres (Elizabeth): Jordan Torres used his frame and length to cause matchup problems on both ends with his versatility and size. Offensively he was able to attack bigger defenders with slower feet, taking them off the bounce to create shots in the mid-range area. He also excelled playing without the ball and scored out of various types of off-ball movement. Defensively his length was disruptive for smaller guards, but also allowed him to be effective inside when crashing the glass.
Jeremiah Carter (St. John Baptist): Athletic wing Jeremiah Carter excelled in the open floor, making plays in transition when he had space to attack. Carter’s aggression and determination to get downhill led to ample free throw opportunities. Once he was able to get to his strong hand and turn the corner with a full head of steam, it was difficult for opposing guards to apply the proper resistance to prevent him from scoring.
Deuce Jones (College Achieve): Deuce Jones is a shifty space creator who possesses rapid end to end speed and an explosive first step. The bursty guard easily created advantages, shifting defenders to get into the lane or utilize his pull-up game. Jones also showcased his ability to play above the rim in transition and possesses solid connector tools when looking to get his teammates involved.
Naas Hart (College Achieve): Rangy forward Naas Hart showcased some enticing tools and intangibles in Sunday’s action.The six-foot-eight forward uses his height and athleticism to act as a vertical threat, playing behind the defense in the short corner. Hart also possesses the fluidity to push the break after securing defensive rebounds, igniting transition offense and allowing shooters to fill the lanes.
David Munro (College Achieve): David Munro played with extremely high energy and made winning plays in Sunday’s action. Defensively Munro was effective by imposing his presence as a rim protector. Munro is adept at doing his work early, being in the correct help positions to challenge shots without fouling. Offensively, he pursued every rebound, and set the tone with his physicality. The 2025 forward has vast offensive upside and intriguing long-term indicators.
Tariq Jennings (West Catholic): Tariq Jennings showcased efficient shot making from the perimeter, clever off-ball movement and high energy on the defensive end. Jennings’ has a high understanding of proper floor spacing and timing on situational movements, such as knowing when to slide into the vision of weak side dribble penetration. Jennings pushed the pace in transition with urgency, quickly scanning the floor and making the correct reads. Defensively he caused havoc, immobilizing opposing offenses by staying disciplined and giving multiple efforts.
Kingston Wheatley (West Catholic): Kingston Wheatley continues to show early indicators of superb defensive instincts, versatility and motor skills. Wheatley contested multiple shots at the rim without fouling by walling-up and using his length to deter shots. He was also effective offensively by running the floor hard, scoring from clean-up buckets and creating easy looks around the rim.
Micah Waters (West Catholic): Waters shot the ball at a consistent clip as a spot-up shooter, with a fluid follow through at the top of his release. Waters has an efficient approach to the game and plays with a team oriented mindset. Defensively, Waters was menacing as an on-ball defender, ceasing opposing offenses and forcing turnovers that led to fast break opportunities.
AJ Altobelli (Union Catholic): AJ Altobelli was very poise as the primary playmaker for Union Catholic. Altobelli looked very comfortable under heavy ball pressure, blowing by aggressive defenders and connecting on drop-off passes or backside lobs. Smoothly executed pick and roll offense, often turning the corner and making the right play. He scored when the team needed a quality look and made timely baskets in the flow of the offense.
Terrance Traylor (Ewing): Traylor was a steady playmaker utilizing creative passing skills to find his teammates for easy opportunities. Excelled in pick and roll play, executing pocket passes or finding spot-up shooters on the weak side. Can improvise when plays break down and can create a quality look, as well as catch the defense sleeping with quick attacks when they relax the pressure or turn their head.
Christian Conklin (Kingsway Regional): Conklin put on an impressive defensive display of timing and anticipation in Sunday’s win against South Amboy High, acquiring over three steals in just the first half. His exceptional instincts playing center field in their full-court pressure fueled his team to an early lead, with easy points off turnovers. Offensively he was proficient as a spot-up shooter, and understood how to make himself available. Adept at sprinting to the corners in early transition for routine threes, as well as sliding up to the wing from the weak side corner, to enter ball handlers vision during dribble penetration.