Deron Rippey Jr: NJ Gatorade Player Of The Year

When I first saw Deron Rippey Jr., better known as “Ron Ron,” he was a freshman at Blair Academy. My good friend Justinn (aka NJ Hoop Recruit) had his annual Hoop Jam event at Roselle Catholic, where each graduating class goes head to head with one another. Even though Rippey came off the bench for Blair, you could tell that he was different compared to the other people in his age group. Rippey wowed the crowd with his dunks, defense, and ability to hit difficult shots.  While this was the case, people in the crowd had a hard time identifying who he was. Even with a USA Basketball invite and a couple of offers under his belt, Jersey didn’t know that they had an emerging star on their hands. But now they do.

A couple of years later, Deron Rippey Jr. is now your 2025 Gatorade Player of the Year. Averaging 16.2 PPG, 5 RPG, 5 APG, and 2.4 steals per game for the year, it is no doubt that Ron Ron is not only the best player in the state, but one of the best in the nation. Aside from the individual stats, the Brooklyn native also was a leading catalyst for the success of Blair Academy this year, as they took home the MAPL Boys Basketball championship and the NJ Prep Open Tournament against the Patrick School. 

“I think he had a great junior year, “ said Jon DeJesus, assistant coach for Blair Academy. “I think this year he took it to another level. In our program, we preach consistency and being an every day guy. I think he really embodied that with the effort he brought every day and the intensity he brought to every single practice. Obviously his game got better, but his consistency was a main catalyst for him having a great junior year.”

Those who know Ron Ron knew that his talent was always superior to his competition. His athleticism is NBA-like, his defense is elite, and he has turned into a shooter that you cannot leave open. The turning point of which people really caught on to Rippey’s potential was the Jordan Holiday Classic in NYC tbis past December.

The moment came on the second day of the tournament, where Blair Academy went head to head against Our Savior Lutheran High School, otherwise known as Team Jellyfam of the well known Overtime Elite League. In this game, Rippey’s stardom was born as he brought the crowd into a frenzy in the second half with what many believe was the best dunk in all of high school basketball. Rippey’s performance pretty much made him go viral, as he was posted on Overtime, Ballislife, Bleacher Report, and pretty much every major sports network you can think of.

“I think individually, coming back to NYC and playing in that game was a major turning point for me and one of my best moments of the season, ” Rippey said. “I started off pretty hot and I was knocking down a lot of threes, which translated to me having a big game. It also allowed me to have a lot of confidence for the second half of the season.”

With the AAU season approaching, Rippey will be looking to transform his game into an even better level. Rippey will be playing with the New Heights program on the Adidas circuit. Rippey will also be getting ready for the upcoming camps that the best players in the United States usually attend, such as the NBPA Top 100 camp. 

Of course, Rippey could not have done all of these accomplishments without the combination of his support system, and his faith. 

“I credit all my success to my family and God,” said Rippey. “My faith has always been very special, and it has only grown with the help of my family. We always go to church, pray, and make sure to keep God first. My team ‘s support for me also allows for them to have a special place in my heart as well.

“Seeing Ron Ron accomplish his dreams makes me and his family proud,” said Rippey’s father, Deron Rippey Sr. “Whether it is my son or his sister, the best thing as a father is to see your children happy and doing what they love. That’s all I can ever ask for.”

While currently listed as the 27th player in the 2026 class on ESPN, Rippey will be climbing up the rankings in no time, especially with the season he just had. Mark my words, once it is all set in done, Jersey will have to put Deron Rippey Jr. as not only one of the best players to come out of the state, but also one the best winners. The sky is truly the limit.