PGH NJ’s 2023 Prospects No. 16-20
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We’re rounding out the top 20 prospects in the 2023 class in New Jersey in this article after we talked about the top 15 2023 prospects in the state so far. This 2023 class is full of great players and…
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Continue ReadingWe’re rounding out the top 20 prospects in the 2023 class in New Jersey in this article after we talked about the top 15 2023 prospects in the state so far. This 2023 class is full of great players and tons of depth across the board. After the top 15, here’s the final five rising seniors in our Top 20.
No. 16: Zoie Maffei Zoie Maffei 5'11" | SF Jackson Memorial | 2023 State NJ – 5-11 SF, Jackson Memorial
We’ve already very recently talked about Maffei as she was the highest-ranked new addition to the 2023 rankings and honestly, a player we should have had on this list a while ago. She’s one of the best forwards in the state, someone who really knows how to use their size to their advantage, and finishes well in the lane. Maffei can create and dominate, and a recent addition to her game as a junior was perimeter shooting, something she’s worked on throughout the summer. Consistency is key and she’s locking in that consistency in a big way.
No. 17: Montana Nicks Montana Nicks 5'5" | SG Dwight-Englewood | 2023 State NJ – 5-5 SG, Dwight-Englewood
Nicks can often be an overlooked player in New Jersey, but looking at shooters across the state, she’s easily in the conversation for the best. Where Nicks might lack in height, she makes up for in basketball IQ, knowing where to be and when to be in a certain place on the floor. She thrives off the dribble and loves catch-and-shoot situations where she can work that quick release and get off a shot in a tight window or if she’s free for a split-second on the wing.
No. 18: Gabriella Ross Gabriella Ross 5'7" | SG Donovan Catholic | 2023 State NJ – 5-7 SF, Donovan Catholic
Ross has shown us nothing but constant growth with Donovan Catholic and as a senior this season, she’s the unquestionable leader of this team, one that will challenge for regional and state titles. Ross is one of the best three-and-D prospects in the state and someone who’s defense is incredibly underrated. We like her mobility on the floor, how she’s able to spread the floor, and her shot selection overall. She’s not trying to force up shots in bad situations, rather capitalizing on mismatches, either through her or her teammates. Everything has come together as the right time for Ross.
No. 19: Jah’Nel Lewis Jah’Nel Lewis SG Snyder | 2023 State NJ – 5-3 SG, Snyder
Lewis is a player who isn’t the tallest guard in the world, but boy can she cut into the lane hard and finish as well as just about anyone in the state. You’re looking at a fantastic three-point shooter, someone we expect will continue to grow in that role. She’s also an incredible defender, quick but nimble with the ball, often the player that will start a fast break for Snyder going the other way. Speed and agility are her x-factors and she loves playing an up-tempo style of basketball because it works incredibly well with her game. She knows how to exploit on the fast break to her advantage.
No. 20: Jaylin Hartman Jaylin Hartman 6'2" | SF Blair | 2023 State NJ – 6-2 SF, Blair
Hartman has the blessing of size on her side and has a great grasp of the game from a forward’s perspective. While realizing what an asset she is on the defensive end with her long wingspan, someone easily able to haul in rebounds and rack up blocks, she’s begun to expand her range more offensively. That height comes in handy as a shooter, not only because guards generally aren’t close to being 6-2, but that added reach gives her a better angle to shoot at and a slightly closer look overall. We’re going to see Hartman continue to dominate the post, but the more she adds as a shooter, the exponentially better she’ll be.