Top Shooting Guards in Newark

<p>Newark is one of the top basketball hot spots in New Jersey with powerhouses like Newark East Side and St. Benedict’s. Shooting guards <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850349" first="E.J." last="Evans"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850338" first="Mikah" last="Johnson Jr."] </strong>were big time play-makers this season, but they are the only big-time guards from New Jersey’s most populated city. Here are the top shooting guards from Newark.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900311" first="Bakir" last="Cleveland"], 6’4 University 2021</strong></p> <p>Cleveland may play more on the wing for his high school team, but he will definitely play shooting guard at the college level. The 6’4 guard is one of the top shooting guards in the 2021 class due to his ability to play both ways. Cleveland is hard to keep out of the lane and knows how to finish around the basket. He has a solid mid-range game and is capable of knocking down shots from behind the arc. Cleveland is one of the more underrated prospects in the 2021 class and is ready for a big senior season for University.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850545" first="Tasheem" last="Anderson"], 6’2 Newark Central 2021</strong></p> <p>Anderson is more of a combo guard, but his ability to play off the ball makes him eligible for this list. The University transfer did a little bit of everything for the Blue Devils as he was third on the team in points, second in rebounds and first in assists. Anderson is a play-maker with the ball in his hands as he can score around the basket or find an open teammate. He is a tough rebounder and a solid on-ball defender. Anderson’s all-around game makes him one of the top guards in Newark and is hoping to lead Newark Central deep into the state tournament next season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850754" first="Spencer" last="Joyner"], 6’2 University 2023</strong></p> <p>Joyner is more of a point guard prospect, but he will play off the ball for the Phoenix due to the presence of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850762" first="Elijon" last="Nix"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900350" first="Tye" last="Artis"] </strong>at point. The 6’2 guard got off to a late start in his first varsity season, but was pivotal to University’s North 2 Group 1 title run. Joyner has a good handle and is capable of breaking down his defender off the bounce. He is a good shooter and is not afraid to go after rebounds down low. Joyner may play more on the ball this season as the Phoenix need him to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896648" first="Noah" last="Mack"]</strong>’s scoring in 2020-21.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901950" first="Jahzeer" last="Gaskin"], 5’10 Newark East Side 2022</strong></p> <p>Gaskin may be under 6’0, but he plays more plays off the ball with classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850674" first="David" last="Olaniyi"]</strong> running the offense. The 5’10 guard is the top shooter in Newark as he has deep range and a quick release on his shot. Gaskin works hard off the ball to free himself up and has a good chemistry with Olaniyi. He is more than just a shooter as he is capable of beating his man off the dribble and drawing contact around the basket. The Red Raiders need Gaskin to step up next season with Johnson Jr. and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896465" first="Gabriel" last="Olaniyi"] </strong>graduating.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933737" first="Everton" last="Browne"], 6’0 St. Benedict’s 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Ty-laur Johnson</strong> will take over the point guard duties for St. Benedict’s from NJIT commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850348" first="Adetokundo" last="Bakare"]</strong>, leaving Browne to be his backcourt mate. The 6’0 guard is lightning quick who can blow by his defender in the half court. Browne can finish around the rim and is a solid passer. He is capable of running the offense in a pinch and works hard on the defensive end. The Grey Bees need someone to replace Evans’ scoring and Browne will get the first opportunity to do so.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Names to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902743" first="Quatrell" last="Wilson"], 6’2 Newark East Side 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900346" first="Alassane" last="Doumbia"], 6’3 University 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Zahree Brown, 5’10 Newark Central 2022</strong></p>