ReportIt Pre Season Top 25

With the 2023-2024 season set to tip off this week, the time of year for pre-season team rankings is upon us. As we progress through the season, GSBR will present weekly rankings for each classification throughout the state beginning in January, as well as an overall top 25.

Today we take a look at the Pre-Season Top 25.

Roselle Catholic lost just about everything a power program could lose, including its coach, but starts the year as #1 in the state--As a defending state champion and power program, the Lions top the list. They're going to be incredibly young, so holding on to the top spot under first year head coach Todd Decker could be tough, but the future is very bright for RC as Jalen Grant, Jalen Maldonado, Ethan Mgbako and others are part of a very talented group.

Don Bosco Prep is slated for a banner year led by 6'5" Rutgers commit Dylan Harper. He'll get help from big man Keiner Asprilla and a host of others. The Ironmen could make a case to start the season #1 over the Lions, along with a few other teams, but we'll give RC the benefit of the doubt until proven otherwise.

Hudson Catholic and Saint Peter's could each lay claim to having the top backcourt in Hudson County and both squads are incredibly deep. HC features electric Auburn commit Tahaad Pettiford, Teaneck transfer Keith McKnight and Penn commit Alex Massung in its starting lineup and offers plenty of size as well. The Marauders counter with a host of guards who could reach the scholarship level including Richie Rosa, Nico Pena, Peyton Miller, Mason Santiago and Bergen Catholic transfer Austin Spencer. SPP got a frontcourt boost, literally and figuratively, with the arrival of 6'11" sophomore center Will Higgs from Christian Brothers Academy. St Peter's may be one year away from topping this poll to start the season.

Saint Rose should consider anything less than a Shore Conference Championship and Non-Public B South title a disappointment with Villanova commit Matt Hodge leading what should be the Purple Roses best squad ever. He'll get help from his younger brother Jayden, senior Gio Panzini and a handful of talented juniors.

Saint Benedict's returning to the NJSIAA ranks after playing as a prep powerhouse for some time should shake up the state playoffs even further. They bring back forward Maurice Vassell in the froncourt and have added a number of transfers, including one of the top ranked 2026s in the nation in Chidi Nwigwe from Bergen Catholic.

Speaking of Bergen Catholic, in spite of losing just about everyone of consequence from last year's team to transfer, Billy Armstrong still has enough talent remaining and inbound to start as a top 10 team. 6'7" junior Declan Wucherpfennig will have to step into a prime time role as a junior. He'll get help from 6'7" sophomores AJ Williams and Julius Avent. A young backcourt will learn on the job but has enough talent to cement BC as a top ten team.

As far as public schools are concerned, Camden has Billy Richmond back and a handful of incoming players who will keep them right at the top of the class in Garden State Basketball.

Linden has a solid crop of seniors who should keep them among the elite in the Garden State, including point guard Nas Robinson, rugged forward Hashim Nadir and Elijah Butler rounding out the frontcourt. Linden has some new faces making noise and also added Elizabeth transfer Jaden Barnett in the backcourt. Toss in senior guard Jalil Turner and their top prospect, 6'5" sophomore wing Jekhi Burnam and Linden could be the class of public schools in North Jersey.

Ramapo, the defending NJSIAA Group III State Champion, features Princeton bound Peyton Seals and should be a top squad. Newark Arts will fancy itself a top contender for the Group II crown as Prophet Kates has a plethora of options at his disposal across all graduating classes. Camden Eastside returns the core of its team and will see its depth bolstered by a host of transfers.

Former Roselle Catholic HC Dave Boff should have College Achieve strong right out the gate with a 6'8" junior, Keyport transfer Nas Hart leaing the way. CA could make a big leap in the rankings when several senior transfers, including LaSalle commit Deuce Jones, become eligible.

Who else made the ReportIt Pre-Season Top 25?

Check it out below!

ReportIt Pre-Season Top 25

1. Roselle Catholic

2. Don Bosco Prep

3. Hudson Catholic

4. Camden

5. Saint Rose

6. Saint Peter's Prep

7. Bergen Catholic

8. Saint Benedict's

9. Linden

10. Immaculate Conception

11. Union Catholic

12. Newark Arts

13. Ramapo

14. Rutgers Prep

15. Camden Eastside

16. Elizabeth

17. College Achieve

18. Middle Township

19. Saint Mary's of Rutherford

20. Gill St. Bernards

21. Saint Thomas Aquinas

22. Saint Joseph's of Metuchen

23. Colonia

24. Saint Augustine

25. Union City