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12/16/2006
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New Jersey's Top 10 Ballers :
Regardless of Class |
New Jersey is always loaded with some of the top ballers in
the country. Here's a look at New Jersey's top 10 "Ballers", regardless of class!
By Galen Smith
1.
Corey Fisher (Sr.) Bronx (NY) St. Patrick's HS: Villanova bound
Fisher has a mean crossover and the ability make defenders vanish. Corey is the
most entertaining player in New Jersey period. Corey has already lead St.
Patrick’s to the promised land last year – A Tournament of Champion Title. Can
anyone say repeat?
2. Samardo Samuels (Jr.) Newark (NJ) St. Benedict's
Prep: Samuels is regarded by many as the top 2008 prospect in the
country. His size and strength make him a near unstoppable force in the paint,
where he can been seen throwing down monstrous dunks or tossing the opposition's
shot into the stands. His potential is scary. Sarmardo didn't even start playing
basketball until he became a teenager after growing up playing soccer in
Jamaica. Look for the big man to etch his name in the NJ schoolboy history books
before the final whistle blows.
3. Corey Stokes (Sr.) Newark (NJ) St. Benedict's Prep:
At 6’6 Corey is not only a big guard and big time prospect, he’s one of the
deadliest 3pt snipers in the nation. Stokes uses his size and strength post up
smaller players and punish the opposition on the boards. He’s also the best
long-range shooter in Jersey. This summer, Corey made his third appearance in
the ABCD All-Star Game. Stokes will team up with Corey Fischer at Villanova
University next year.
4. Corey Chandler (Sr.) Newark (NJ) East Side:
Corey broke into national prominence at ABCD camp last summer as a late
addition after receiving a last minute phone call. The rest is history! The
Rutgers bound guard is a legitimate scorer who can fill it up from the outside
or drive and finish above the rim.
5. Jeff Robinson (Sr.) Columbus (NJ) St. Patrick's:
Memphis State bound Jeff Robinson is a big time athlete whose potential is off
the charts. He’s fun to watch in transition because he usually finishes with a
big-time dunk and brings the crowd to its feet. Robinson can also stroke the
3-ball. Once he fully develops his in-between game, the sky’s the limit.
6. Ashton Gibbs (Jr.) West Orange (NJ) Seton Hall Prep:
In two years Mr. Gibbs has won one TOC Championship, and 2 Non-Public
A Championships. As a Sophomore he put his team on his back and lead them back
to the TOC before losing to eventual TOC runner-up, Linden. Gibbs is more
efficient than flashy, but excels because of his passion, size, and basketball
IQ. Bottom line, the kid is a winner!
7. Idris Hilliard (Sr.) Princeton (NJ) Hun School:
The Hun School’s Idris Hilliard is best known for his rim-rocking dunks,
but there’s much more to his game. Idris has developed a solid face up game and
the results have been great. This creates math-up problems for many opposing
power forwards because they can’t defend him off the dribble. Idris did damage
on the spring and summer AAU circuit, and made a second trip to the ABCD Camp.
8. Jordan Theodore (Jr.) Paterson (NJ) Paterson Catholic - Paterson Catholic
High School: 6-foot point guard Jordan Theodore has had a phenomenal
summer, and has become a hot prospect. Mr. Theodore has been receiving plenty of
high major college interest. All summer long Theodore has demonstrated his
ability to score anytime, or anywhere.
9. Corey Raji (Sr.) Westwood (NJ) Westwood:
Don’t sleep on the Westwood ,New Jersey native. Corey isn't flashy, but he’s
fundamentally sound and does all the little things to help his team win. Raji
had a monster summer with the Playaz Basketball Club and made his second trip to
the Adidas All-American Camp. The talented forward made a verbal commitment to
Boston College. At 6-foot-6, 200-pound Raji averaged 26 points and 17 rebounds
as a junior.
10. Dexter Strickland (Soph.) Rahway (NJ) St. Patrick’s
High School: This summer young Mr. Strickland had his coming out
party at the Nike All-American Camp. Strickland ended up being rated as one of
the top 10 players in the camp. Wow, and he’s only a sophomore! Dexter has long
been regarded the top 2009 prospect in New Jersey, but now he’s let it be known
that he’s one of the top 2009 prospects in the country! Strickland has the
package. He can handle, pass and shoot the rock with the best of them. He’s also
blessed with phenomenal athleticism – cat quick with crazy hops. Keep an eye out
for Mr. Strickland as he moves into St. Patrick’s starting line-up this year.
Honorable Mention:
Anthony Nelson (Senior) - Plainfield
Travon Woodall (Senior) - St. Anthony’s
Chris Smith (Senior) - St. Benedict’s
Clarence Jackson (Senior) - Cherokee High School
Miles Beatty (Senior) - St. Anthony’s
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