By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on Instagram
Name: Jalen Carey
Team: Immaculate Conception
Year: Senior
Stats: 21 points per game
Accolades: ESPN Top 60 player in the 2018 class. Signed to Syracuse University
Projection: All State Selection
Why they’re on the list: Three years ago, Jalen took a risk leaving his cushy situation at Dwight Englewood.
At the time, Immaculate was a fairly unknown program in the Garden State. The combination of a good education and new head coach grabbed Jalen’s attention.
Three years later, it’s clear that the risk paid off. Immaculate is now one of the top teams in the state and Carey has dozens of division one offers. This fall, Jalen announced that he will attend Syracuse University to play for Hall Of Fame coach Jim Boeheim.
While Immaculate has taken great strides during the regular season, the team has fallen short the past two years during the state tournament. Making a deep tournament run will cement this schools legacy. In regards to skills, Carey has the full package needed to make this possible. The silky smooth guard picks his spots wisely and plays with amazing tempo. He can get to every spot on the floor and score in a heartbeat. Last year, Jalen improved his jump shot, knocking down two three pointers per game. His willingness and ability to knock down the deep shot makes him virtually unguardable at times.
Now more than ever, Jalen has been surrounded with a bevy of talent. Immaculate has size, athleticism and experience. With the right seeding, Carey has the talent push this team to an elite level this March.
Trust the process.
Stat to know: Carey dropped 31 points in his season finale against the now closed St. Anthony’s High School.