2026 NJ Frosh/Soph #E75 Recap - Best of the Forwards

Thursday, October 15th, 2026

Kaleb Patterson, JF Kennedy - Patterson plays with a downhill mentality, consistently looking to collapse the defense and get all the way to the rim. He has a good feel for finding driving lanes and can attack comfortably with either hand. That same aggression carries over defensively, where his intensity and effort make him a tough matchup on both ends.

Ethan Chatman, St. Raymonds - Chatman was the biggest player in attendance as his freshman year gets underway, and the 6'8" center has some notable potential to keep an eye on. He was able to get the looks he wanted around the basket, operating well out of short rolls with soft hands to lay the ball right up and in. He has great timing on the defensive end as well to deter shots away from the cup.

Connor Fitzpatrick, Salesianum (DE) - At 6-foot-6, Fitzpatrick brings a strong interior presence and consistently competes for rebounds on both ends. His strength helps him hold his ground around the basket, while his willingness to challenge shots and play through contact gives him a reliable defensive foundation.

Jeff Sutley, Bergen Catholic - Sutley brings a physical edge to both ends of the floor. He shows good instincts defensively, picking up early in transition and making it difficult for opponents to get comfortable. His work on the offensive glass is another strength, where his effort and physicality consistently create second-chance opportunities.

Finley Knighton-Collins, The Phelps School PA - Knighton-Collinson’s length and wiry frame give him an intriguing foundation on the perimeter. He has compact shooting mechanics and terrific touch from outside, making him a legitimate catch-and-shoot threat. He is also aggressive about hunting his looks and consistently looks to put pressure on the defense from deep.

Max Forbes, Hotchkiss - Forbes plays with confidence and purpose, showing a strong feel for where to find space and when to attack. He is effective in transition and has a good counter package around the rim, while his communication and leadership give him value beyond the box score. He also isn't afraid to let it fly when his shot is there.

Liam Wu, Hanover Park High School - Wu’s strong frame and physicality allow him to consistently carve out space around the basket. He generates a lot of his production through his activity, running the floor hard and creating second-chance opportunities on the offensive glass. His guard skills add another layer, as he can attack closeouts and make shots from three.

Peter Peng, The Phelps School - A strong, physical presence around the rim, FengPeng uses his size and frame to impose himself on defenders in the paint. His ability to play through contact and create space with his body makes him a reliable interior finisher, particularly when he can establish deep position.

Dylan Gauda, St. Joe's Metuchen - Gauda has a scorer’s mentality but plays with more patience than most guards with his offensive talent. He understands how to work within the flow of a possession, attacking when opportunities present themselves rather than forcing the issue. That restraint, paired with a deep offensive bag, makes him an efficient and difficult cover.

Ollie Forbes, Hotchkiss - One half of the Forbes twins, Ollie joins Hotchkiss in the class of 2029 this season with early size as well at 6'5". He's continuing to develop as an athlete around the basket to pressure the rim while using his length well on defense.

Derek Lugo, Millbrook - He’s a smooth scorer with positional size who has a lot in his bag offensively to make shots happen at different levels. With further development to his motor on the backboard and using his physically built frame to impact the game he has a lot more upside to tap into.

Kiyan Jeanty, Bergen Catholic - Jeanty’s athleticism shows up immediately in his work on the glass, where he covers space well and can elevate to finish possessions with rebounds. That same explosiveness translates in transition, giving him the ability to find driving lanes and attack the defense before it has a chance to get organized.

Dane Elliott, Hotchkiss - A high release point and confident stroke make Elliott a tough shooter to bother, especially when he is able to get into rhythm. He is comfortable stepping into shots on the move and has the footwork to create clean looks. Away from the ball, his screening and cutting stand out, and he brings that same activity to the glass.