Next Generation of Hoop Stars

Take a look at the Next Generation of Hoop Stars

By Metro Hoops Staff

Tamir "Pop Jackson Jr. 2 G St. Benedict Prep
The 2 Benedicts point man is probably the most underrated guard in the nation. He's the perfect compliment to the monstrous frontline at the Newark Prep School. He's a crafty scorer and creator with a knack for making big plays and getting Ws.

Asmar Edwards Jr. 3 G Passaic Tech
You may not have heard of him yet, but Asmar will be a hot topic on various blogs and forums by February. He's a natural scorer that makes big plays and isn't afraid to take the big shot. Remember where you heard the name first.

Justin Crossgile Jr. 5'10 G DePaul Catholic
Crossgile was called on to score the ball more in his sophomore campaign. This year should be no different. He's an exciting playmaker and explosive scorer but an underrated passer and defender as well.

Kenneth "Boobie" Ortiz Jr. G Newark Science Park
Though loaded with talent and experience, the Newark school will only go as far as Ortiz leads them this year. He's a strong finisher and rebounder for his size that creates problems for opponents once he's in the lane.

Lance Brown Jr. 2 G Paterson Catholic
Lance first burst onto the scene at one of our showcases. He hasn't disappointed yet. He's a fierce competitor with a deadly midrange game and rebounding prowess seldom seen by players at his position.

Fuquan Edwin Soph. 5 G/F Paterson Catholic
Edwin is dubbed "The Finisher" for good reason. He finishes just about everything near the rim. Match that with a scorer's mentality and a strong will to win and you have a future Garden State Great. Keep your eyes on this kid.

Jayon James Soph. 6 G/F Paterson Catholic

Jayon is an extremely intriguing player. He's 6 and is as capable of playing point guard as he is wing forward. Look for the tandem of James and Edwin to make a push for that Non-Public B crown in coming years.

Isaiah Epps Soph. 1 G Plainfleld
The southpaw from Plainfield is as crafty as they come. He's a slashing point man who should carry on the great tradition of tough Plainfield guards.

Steve Rennard Soph. 1 G St. Joseph (Met)
Shooting ability and court savvy makes Rennard one to keep an eye on at St. Joes. Starting for his second season at the Metuchen school, his experience should pay off in his sophomore outing.

Dondre Whitmore Soph. 5'8 G Trenton Catholic
Whitmore is a dynamic little guard who's as quick as they come on both sides of the ball. He has a scorer's mentality and is deceptively strong for his size.

Franz Massenat Soph. 1 G Trenton Catholic
This Lefty's game is as smooth at butter. He seldom even looks rattled on the court and is a great compliment to Whitmore. This tandem should give opposing coaches many a sleepless night in the next few years.

Chris Thompson Soph. 2 G Life Center
Chris lit it up at our South Jersey Showcase emerging as the showcase's leading scorer. He'll have much of the same on display at Life Center Academy this season. This kid is skilled and athletic enough to make a major impact at the varsity level and will show everyone why he's on this list throughout the season.

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