Mercer County: Top Guards

<p>Mercer County is filled with high level talent as Trenton Catholic is one of the top programs in South Jersey. VCU commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850324" first="Jamir" last="Watkins"] </strong>had a dominant senior season as he carried the Iron Mikes to the Mercer County Tournament title. Robbinsville and Nottingham had solid seasons and are returning big-time play-makers. Here are the top returning guards from Mercer County.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901991" first="Dante" last="Weise"], 5’9 PG Allentown 2022</strong></p> <p>The Redbirds won 21 games in 2019-20 behind <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="926737" first="RJ" last="Weise"]</strong>’s all-around play, but they should be in good hands with his younger brother. The 5’9 guard is a pass-first guard who always plays with his head up. Weise is able to beat his man off the dribble and makes plays with the ball in his hands. He knows how to finish around the basket and can makes opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. Weise is capable of leading the offense for the Redbirds next season as he takes control of the offense from his older brothers.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850548" first="Freddie" last="Young"] Jr., 6’3 PG Trenton Catholic 2021</strong></p> <p>Watkins was the top player for the Iron Mikes in 2019-20 and his offensive production will be missed next season. Young Jr. has the opportunity to be the top player with his ability to run the offense and shoot the ball from deep. The 6’3 guard has range that extends past the three-point line and has a good release on his shot. Young Jr. is a good passer and plays solid on-ball defense. Trenton Catholic will need someone to replace Watkins’s scoring and Young Jr. will get the first opportunity to do so.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900323" first="Donavin" last="Crawford"], 6’3 SG Trenton Catholic 2021</strong></p> <p>If Young Jr. does not led the Iron Mikes in scoring next season, than it will be Crawford. The 6’3 shooting guard is one of the top shooters in the state as he has a quick release and deep range. Crawford is not just a shooter as he can attack the basket and finish around the rim. He is a big-time athlete who soars for rebounds and blocks on the defensive end. The Iron Mikes have the talent to have a good season in 2020-21 with Young Jr. and Crawford in the backcourt.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901962" first="Ethan" last="Pires"], 6’4 SG Pennington 2022</strong></p> <p>Pennington will add <strong>Phillip Urban</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900352" first="Mark" last="Woolhouse"]</strong> and <strong>Corey Miller</strong> for the 2020-21 season, but Pires will be the go-to guy in the backcourt. The 6’4 guard is unafraid of taking the ball to the basket and can finish through contact. Pires has a solid mid-range game and has a nice release on his jump shot. He is a tough rebounder and is an underrated passer. Pires has a chance to lead Pennington to a strong 2020-21 season with his ability to impact the game in numerous ways.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901969" first="Daniel" last="Vessey"], 6’2 SG Hun School 2022</strong></p> <p>The Hun School may not compete in the Mercer County Tournament, but its location in Mercer County makes him eligible for this list. Vessey is one of the top shooters in the 2022 class as he can knock down three-pointers in bunches and has a quick release on his shot. He moves extremely well off the ball and shoots the ball with confidence. Vessey is more than just a shooter as he can also take the ball to the basket. The Hun School has a good 2022 trio in Vessey, <strong>Jake Scott</strong> and <strong>Isaiaha Dickens</strong>, who are looking to have a strong 2020-21 season.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Names to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902748" first="Hampton" last="Sanders"], PG Princeton Day School 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933645" first="Brandon" last="Raba"], 6’2 SG Nottingham 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933639" first="Ryan" last="Smith"], 6’4 SG/SF Robbinsville 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Jake Scott, 6’3 SG Hun School 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Corey Miller, 6’0 PG Pennington 2023</strong></p>