New Jersey Basketball - 2023 All-Freshman Team
As we look back on the 2023 high school basketball season in New Jersey, we have seen some impressive performances from some new faces to the high school scene. Whether they were executing flawless passes, hitting long-range jumpers, or disrupting plays with their defensive prowess, the All-Freshman Team members left a lasting impression on spectators and coaches alike. As they continue to hone their skills and develop their game, it's clear that these freshmen have a bright future ahead of them in the world of New Jersey basketball. On that note we take a look at the 2023 New Jersey All-Freshman Team.
Aiden Derkack
Derkack was among Colonia’s top scorers this season, making the most of his first year on the team. The freshman guard averaged 10.8 PPG, 3 REB/G and 3 AST/G. Derkack’s top performance came against J.P. Stevens, as he dropped a season-high 23 points and 6 assists. Aiden helped lead a tough Colonia team to a solid year, as they ended the season in a close battle in the Group 3 semi-finals, with the Group 3 champions, Ramapo.
Richie Rosa
With the departure of star guard Mark Armstrong to Villanova this off-season, St. Peter’s Prep was looking for players to help fill that void. In comes freshman standout Richie Rosa. Rosa had a solid season for his first campaign at the high school level, averaging 8 PPG. Rosa started his career against tough competition, playing top teams in the state night in and night out. Rosa’s top performance was a 19 point outing in a tough 61-56 loss to a Top 20 program in St. Thomas Aquinas. What stood out most about Rosa was his ability to guard some of the best competition in the state. The Marauders had no easy schedule and Rosa proved himself to be a true starter since day 1.
Jayden Hodge
This offseason, St. Rose acquired Jayden Hodge, who was an overseas transfer that played on the U16 Belgium National Team. Hodge’s game translated well, as he was the 2nd leading scorer on a 24-5 St. Rose squad who fell just short of a Non-Public B title. The freshman phenom averaged 12.3 PPG this season. Hodge’s best performance was a 23 point game in a win against St. John Vianney, which tied a season-high. St. Rose’s basketball program did a complete 180 this offseason and you can thank Jayden Hodge for being a large part of that.
Kole Grandison
Montclair Immaculate had an absolute gauntlet of a schedule this season, but that didn’t slow down freshman forward, Kole Grandison. Grandison was matched up against some of the best players in the state, as well as the country, on a weekly basis. Grandison averged 8.7 PPG on the season, which is good for the 3rd leading scorer on his team. The freshman’s best performance was in a down to the wire loss against a Top 20 program in Seton Hall Prep, where he scored game-high and career-high 24 points. Montclair Immaculate is bringing back most of their key players, losing Tavion Pullock to graduation, so look to Grandison to step into a bigger role next season.
Tyshaun Boyd
Newark Tech had a deep postseason run this season, falling just short of a Group 1 title as they lost in the final game. Freshman standout Tyshaun Boyd was Tech’s top scorer this season, and played an integral role in their postseason success. Boyd averaged an impressive 18 PPG and 9.7 REB/G for the Terriers. Boyd’s best performance of the season came in the semifinal round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 Tournament. He put it all on the line, as he dropped a huge 21 points and snagged 20 rebounds to lead Newark Tech to the next round.
Honorable Mentions
Mason Santiago, St. Peter's Prep
Ty Barlow, Weequahic
A'zon Young, Audubon
Jalen Grant, Roselle Catholic
Jarren Barnett, Montclair Immaculate
Dorsett Mulcahy, Gill St. Bernard’s
Jekhi Burnham, Linden
Alex Daniel, Wildwood
Brameer Long, Sterling