By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
Team: Immaculate
Ranking: 10
Record Last season: 14-14, 6-6 in conference play
Key players: Jalen Carey, senior
Justin Winston, senior
Potential emerging stars: Elijah Everette,sophomore;Zion Bethea, sophomore; Raejohn Figures, sophomore
Team analysis: Montclair Immaculate's season was full of peaks and valleys in 2017. On the nights they faced mid to lower level competition, they dominated their foes. When they faced the top teams in the state, they often struggled. When it seemed the Immaculate finally found their stride, they ran into high school basketball titan St. Anthony’s in the first round of the state tournament, losing in a close battle. As a result, the team ended the season at 14-14.
So, who is the real Montclair Immaculate? While the team lost senior guard Jordyn Owens to graduation, the large majority of their rotation is not only back, but loaded with upperclassmen. Immaculate is lead by sensational senior guard Jalen Carey. The Syracuse commit possesses a mean first step and uncanny bounce, which allows him to attack the rim all game long with relentless aggression. Senior forward Justin Winston is a prototypical small forward. He has an amazing fifteen footer and a great first step. Winston can also guard multiple positions. One of the best kept secrets in the state is senior guard Derohn Mitchell. Mitchell is a deadly shooter from deep, but really took his game to another level last year but improving his game off the dribble. Defensively he’s no slouch as well, as he can guard the opposing team's best player if needed.
With senior leadership, size in the frontcourt and a young but talented bench, Montclair Immaculate has all the pieces needed to make a deep run. The real question is: Can they put it all together?
Stat to know: Senior guard Jalen Carey committed to Syracuse University in November.