When the new highschool season began , Kennedy Highschool’s Shondell ” Mush” Stewart came in with a new attitude. Already a strong talent, Shondell had to make a mental adjustment. He had to be a player who didn’t let things effect him on the floor like in the past. Because of this the 6’1 junior swingman took his game to another level. He led the N.N.J.I.L. in scoring and played his best in big games. Stewart is Hoops Journal’s 1st Passaic County Player Of The Year because of his tenacity all year. Stewart added the ability to put the ball on the floor to compliment his already deadeye outside shooting. He became a 1,000 point scorer and has another year to add to that. He has the opportunity to have some strong D-1 programs recruit him if he continues to improve like he has. The kid can flat out score and we’re looking forward to even better next year.

       Javae King -Gilchrist made his transfer to his hometown of Teaneck H.S. from Queen of Peace H.S. the smartest move of his young basketball career. Gilchrist went on a ride for the ages as he led Teaneck H.S.  to a Group 3 North State Championship and a Bergen County Jamboree title. For this he is Hoops Journal’s 1st Bergen County Player Of  The Year. Gilchrist earned his stripes by beating Eastside H.S. on a jumper at the buzzer the first game of the season. He went on from there, being an unselfish floor leader  who kept his teammates happy and still managed to take over games late. His enthusiasm for the game was infectious and it carried over to his teammates, as they took his lead to make it a season to remember. Gilchrist, a senior is not sure of his college destination, but any school will be happy to have this 6’1 guard suit up for their program.

Hoops Journal is proud to announce it’s 1st annual All North Jersey Basketball Team. The criteria is simple: Had to have seen team twice or more. Unfortunately, not able to see everyone that many times, so if your favorite player missed the cut (my bad!) Here’s the list!

 

 

Fuquan Edwin – Paterson Catholic  jr.- This junior swingman helped P.C. finally get over the hump of beating  St. Anthony’s H.S. in the Parochial B semis. He could always be counted on to play big in big games. Future D-1 player

Myles Mack – Paterson Catholic  soph. – This sophomore guard plays beyond his years and is considered a clutch player who plays with no fear. His improved perimeter play and intelligence with the rock makes him a future D-1 player.

Karon Abraham – Eastside H.S. -sr. – This Robert Morris University recruit is a nightmare because of his shooting range and ability to put it on the floor. The best midrange shooter in the area, can also distribute the rock. Led Eastside H.S. to a Group 4 North State title. Scored over 1,700 points in career.

 

Dave Robertson -West- Eastside H.S. – sr.- His knack for being around the basketball made West a tenacious player to defend. Uncanny ability around the basket, despite his 6’1″. Improved his outside shot tremendously. Teamed with Abraham to form one of best duos in the area.

Asmar Edwards- Kennedy H.S.- sr.- Like West has a sense for where the ball is. Improved his range, but the best thing about Edwards is his ability to guard any position on the floor and his pure hard work. Seldom takes a play off. Is a stat sheet stuffer.

 

Vaughn Gray -Don Bosco Prep- soph.- This 6’4″ swingman is about to be recognized as the king of Bergen County basketball. Gray has improved his game, being able to beat people off the dribble and knock down the midrange shot. He is definitely a future D-1 player

Maynard Freeman- Passaic County Tech- sr. – Freeman has made himself one of the best in the area largely because of his hustle and desire. Only 5’7 Freeman is a strong kid who can get to the rack, but main threat is his set shot three. Scored 47 in a game this year, including 10 treys.

Mike Dudas- Don Bosco Prep- sr.- Dudas is a smooth shooting lefty with a nice perimeter game. Can knock down three’s and was Prep’s most consistent jump shooter. Had ability to hit big shots late , including a three at the buzzer to defeat Mahwah H.S. in Bergen Jamboree quarter finals.

Jason Rosenberg- Wayne Valley H.S. jr.- A true point guard in every sense of the word, Jason is a floor general who has good passing ability and great leadership skills. One of top assist makers in the area.

Mike Friedberg- Pascack Hills H.S.- sr.- Smooth 6’6 forward can stroke it with the best of them. Good rebounder despite lanky frame. Part of the best success Pascack Hills has ever had. Will be attending Emory College next year.

Jake Wolfin- Pascack Hills- sr.- The other half of Pascack Hills dynamic duo, Jake is a clutch player who constantly made big shots throughout the season. High IQ player who loves to compete. True gamer.

Andre Blackwood- Paramus Catholic H.S.- jr.- Blackwood is a straight up problem! Can knock down the three or put it on the floor. He also had the knack for making clutch shots. Has the potential to be a D1 player.

 

Steve Lequerica- Wayne Hills H.S.- sr.- When it comes to shooting, Steve can knock it down with the best. A 1,000 point scorer, Lequerica has been one of the best players in the area for the past 2 years,but somehow sneaks under the radar.

Julius Defreese- Mahwah H.S.- sr.-  One of the best athletes in the area, Defreese is a heads up defender who can get to the basket at will. A very strong finisher around the rim.

Joe Efese- St. Joseph H.S.-sr.- This 6’6 shot blocker has an underrated jump shot. Probably the best low post defender in the area, Efese will be putting his skills on display at Central Connecticut Univ. next year.

Zachary Anderson- Englewood H.S.- jr.- This 6’3 scorer will be giving Gray a run for best player in Bergen County next year. A forgotten man because of the struggles of his team this season, he has the ability to be something special. Has uncanny range from deep.

Bryant Lewis- Eastside H.S.- sr.- Sometimes the forgotten man, the Ghosts usually went as Bryant went. The quarterback of the team, the better he played, the better the team got. Played his best ball late in the season. Very strong floor game.

Tyshawn Pickett- Passaic H.S.- sr.- Tyshawn is a true competitor with a division 1 game. He can shoot it with any one and doesn’t back down. Can put up numbers when he gets it going.  Carried Passaic throughout the year, including 2 wins against Eastside H.S.

 

Jayon James-Paterson Catholic- jr.-Jayon finally put his physical ability to his basketball IQ. One of the smartest players in the area, James can put it on the floor and is an exceptional passer. P.C. usually went as he went, so a 26-5 record means he was getting it done.

 

 

 

Lance Brown- Paterson Catholic H.S.- sr.- Injured most of the season, Lance gets this award and acknowledgement because of his perseverance throughout the year. He never quit on his team even though he already had a scholarship to Fordham University. Tried to give it a go a few times and even though he wasn’t 100% still gave his all. As good a character kid as you will find.