Jersey Gemz EYBL’s 16U Roster Looks to Surprise in AAU
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The Nike EYBL has expanded once again into New Jersey as the Jersey Gemz have taken the floor for the first time during the AAU season. When it comes to coaches, St. John Vianney head coach Dawn Karpell at the…
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Continue ReadingThe Nike EYBL has expanded once again into New Jersey as the Jersey Gemz have taken the floor for the first time during the AAU season. When it comes to coaches, St. John Vianney head coach Dawn Karpell at the helm of the program is a fantastic start. With a roster full of great talent from within the Garden State, here are some of the players featured on the Gemz roster this season.
Julia Karpell Julia Karpell SG St. John Vianney | 2024 State NJ – 5-11 SG, St. John Vianney (2024)
Karpell became a much more integral part of SJV this season after seeing little of the floor as a freshman. Right now, we wouldn’t categorize her just yet as a 3&D player, though she was most dominant as a shooter and defender during the season. We think that with more time on the floor, she’ll be able to contribute much more to SJV, looking at her rebounding and passing. She has great court vision and is able to separate well from defenders beyond the arc. Karpell has a lot of raw talent and is a gifted shooter without a doubt. This AAU season is going to be big for her continued development as her high school career continues.
Katie Collins – 6-2 PF, Manasquan (2024)
Collins is making constant strides to better herself overall and we’re seeing that play out in front of us. Last season, she was one of the best overall defenders and shot-blockers in the Shore Conference, averaging roughly a block and a steal a game. With more playing time, we saw more aggression naturally come out of her game, something that allowed her to be successful on the boards and driving into the lane. She commands the paint well and will need to continue to do that against tough AAU and high school competition coming up.
Zahra Alexander Zahra Alexander 5'9" | PG Rutgers Prep | 2024 State NJ – 5-10 PG/SG, Rutgers Prep (2024)
Alexander slid down the PGH NJ 2024 prospect rankings slightly, coming in at No. 32 on the newest rankings list. However, this Rutgers Prep guard has a lot of promise and was an integral part of a TOC Final run for the Argonauts. She became more of a role player this season for Rutgers Prep and expanded her range more to the perimeter. While she attacked the lane well, the ability to create more ways to score is incredibly vital for a high school player. We’ll be looking to see more aggression out of her on defense, but the success is already there. Alexander just needs to show it consistently on the floor.
Ava Mazur – 5-7 PG/SG, Mainland (2024)
Mazur goes a bit more under-the-radar playing in Atlantic County in New Jersey, a bit further away from the supposed “basketball epicenters” of the state. However, she and Mainland have been very successful overall and Mazur in particular has taken the reigns of the program and already become a vocal leader. Mazur plays with her emotions on her sleeve and can carve up most any defense with ease on offense. She plays an aggressive, but smart style of basketball that has given her immense confidence as a sophomore. This young superstar is quickly getting well-deserved attention and accolades.
Megan Sias – 6-3 SF/SG, Toms River North
Sias is a player to watch this season after unfortunately missing her entire sophomore year at TRN due to injury. Looking back to her freshman year, however, this forward/guard combo was a perennial All-Conference player in the Shore Conference for a reason. She handles the ball incredibly well for a player of her height and can separate on offense to Drive and score. She’s much more of a stretch four-type player and isn’t confined to the paint in order to be successful. Naturally, she’s shown to be a great defensive player and a good rebounder. However, watch out this AAU season for her to develop more of an outside shot and a midrange game.