NJ Watch List: Class of 2023 Point Guards
Photo by Elizabeth Robertson Underclassmen have been a true force this season around the state of New Jersey. The Class of 2023 officially got their feet wet in their first season and will improve as sophomores. Before we get to…
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Underclassmen have been a true force this season around the state of New Jersey. The Class of 2023 officially got their feet wet in their first season and will improve as sophomores. Before we get to that point, it is time to acknowledge some of the top point guards in the class.
DJ Wagner | 6’2 | Camden
New Jersey high school basketball is in Wagner’s blood. He is the son of Dajuan Wagner who was a star at Camden High School and went on to play at Memphis and for the Cleveland Cavaliers. Wagner is a gifted scorer just like his father. He led Camden scoring 18 points per game. Wagner is a lightning quick guard with the ball in his hands and can score in many ways. He is an elite shooter and uses his size and quickness to get to the rim.
Photo by 247 SportsSimeon Wilcher Simeon Wilcher 6'4" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #17 Nation NJ | 6’3 | Roselle Catholic
Wilcher stepped into a starting role for Roselle Catholic when Binghamton commit Richie Greaves Richie Greaves 6'0" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2020 State NJ went down with an injury. This move did not effect the freshman at all. Wilcher is a smooth player. He is a guard who is always under control of the game and that is rare for someone his age. Wilcher is never in a hurry and that allows him to make plays with ease. Wilcher is also a gifted athlete who can elevate and dunk over a bigger defender. He is going to be even more dynamic in the upcoming years.
Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ | 6’2 | University
Joyner is someone who got better as the year went on. At 6’2, Joyner is a natural scorer and showed off his ability to rebound as well. If there is one aspect that he must improve on, it is outside shooting. Joyner will add a more consistent jump shot and become one of the top guards in the state.
Cian Medley Cian Medley 6'0" | PG Camden | 2023 State NJ | 6’0 | Camden
Camden is set up well for the future with their two star guards. First Wagner and now Medley. He did not own much of the spotlight but that is going to change in the upcoming years. Medley is a great decision maker. He is an incredible passer that can do things that surprise the crowd.
Ty-Laur Johnson Ty-Laur Johnson 6'1" | PG St. Benedict's | 2023 #134 Nation NY | 5’10 | St. Benedict’s
Johnson got a big chance this season to play for one of the most storied programs in New Jersey. He is an under-sized guard who is only going to grow. But until then, his game will make up for his lack of size. Johnson is a strong defender. He moves well laterally and has active hands in the passing lanes. On the offensive end, Johnson thrives as a slasher who likes to get to the rim.
Isaac Hester Isaac Hester 6'0" | PG Ranney School | 2023 State NJ | 6’0 | Gill St. Bernard’s
The Knights have top-level talent all over the floor. This includes Hester who is going to turn into a top guard very soon. He knocked down 39 three’s this season. Hester has a quick release and is not afraid to shoot from anywhere. He also averaged just over four assists per game. A do-it-all type of point guard is what Hester is and will continue to become.
Photo by Reena Rose SibayanElijah Gertrude Elijah Gertrude 6'4" | SG Hudson Catholic | 2023 State #145 Nation NJ | 6’0 | Hudson Catholic
If there is one player on this list that could possibly make the biggest jump, it is Gertrude. He did not get much of a chance given Hudson Catholic’s elite guard play of Zion Cruz Zion Cruz 6'4" | SG Patrick School | 2022 #26 Nation CA-S , Justin Glover Justin Glover 6'2" | SG Hudson Catholic | 2021 State NJ , and Isaiah Griffin Isaiah Griffin 5'11" | PG Patrick School | 2023 KS . Gertrude got to practice against these players and learn day in and day out. Gertrude is a long player. He has great length and that will help on both sides of the ball.
Elijon Nix Elijon Nix 6'0" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ | 6’0 | University
Nix has room to grow and that is not a bad thing. University is loaded with underclassmen talent for the future. Nix is going to become a starter very quickly because of his ability to defend and shoot from deep. Nix is an effort player. He gives 100% on both ends at all times and is not afraid to dive for loose balls.