The Camden High standout and University of Kentucky commit earns JSZ’s boys basketball player of the year honor. Watch his feature and acceptance speech along with highlight reels of our five Mister Hoop Zone Finalists.


Lance Ware was the leader of a Camden team that went 29-1, finished on top of New Jersey basketball polls and was recognized in national polls as well. The future Kentucky Wildcat won the balloting of statewide coaches and media over a stellar podium that featured Jonathan Kuminga (Patrick School), Taj Thweatt (Wildwood Catholic), Trey Patterson (Rutgers Prep) and Cliff Omoruyi (Roselle Catholic). JSZ’s Mike Frankel profiles Ware’s outstanding high school career, and Lance has an acceptance speech below:

JSZ Mr. Hoop Zone Balloting

Thanks to the coaches and statewide media who casted their vote for JSZ’s Mr. Hoop Zone. 3 points for a first-place vote, 2 points for a 2nd, and 1 point for 3rd:

Name High School 1st 2nd 3rd Total
Lance WareCamden23139104
Taj ThweattWildwood Catholic11171077
Cliff OmoruyiRoselle Catholic119859
Jonathan KumingaPatrick School451335
Trey PattersonRutgers Prep37730

Coaches: Cameron Bell, Egg Harbor Twp., Grant Sporny, Williamstown, Gene Allen, Atlantic City, Paul Rodio, St. Augustine Prep, Mike Jones, Millville, John Bruno, Ocean City, Dan Williams, Mainland, Dan Russo, Vineland, Matt Bloom, Rutgers Prep, Billy Armstrong, Bergen Catholic, Anthony Tavares, Newark East Side, Ben Gamble, Marist, Justin Salton, Watchung Hills, Kevin Diverio, Don Bosco Prep, Dave Boff, Roselle Catholic, Todd Powers, Gloucester Catholic, John Rosser, Overbrook, Mike Puorro, Barnegat, Matt Wolf, Lenape, Kevin McQuade, Jackson Memorial, Phil Collichio, Elizabeth, Chris Chavannes, Patrick School, Paddy McNamara, Haddon Township, RJ Conley, Lindenwold, Richard Bolds, Timber Creek, Michael Doherty, St. Joe-Montvale, Chris Raba, Nottingham, Dom DeMeo, Hightstown, Mike Antenucci, Jackson Liberty, Mike Clemente, Central Regional, Anthony Drejaj, Linden, Mike Nausedas, Marlboro, Anthony Melesurgo, Bound Brook, Bloomfield, Hightstown, Roselle Park, Perth Amboy

Media: Kevin Minnick, NJ.com, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Tom Williams, Prime Events, Richard Greco, NJ.com, Mike Kinney, NJ.com, Dave’s Joint, Adam Zagoria, NY Times/Forbes/NJ.com, Jersey Sports Zone staff

Watch Highlight Reels of JSZ’s Five Mr. Hoop Zone Finalists