Point Rising: Top Point Guards Leapers in New Jersey

<p>New Jersey basketball has always been filled with big-time athletes. From J.R. Smith to <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850498" first="Jonathan" last="Kuminga"]</strong>, the Garden State has produced numerous prospects who love to finish above the rim. While the swingmen are the usual prospects of high-flying acrobatics, lead guards are capable of throwing down big-time dunks. Here are the top point guards high risers in New Jersey.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900384" first="Danny" last="Lans"], 6’0 St. Joseph (Mont.) 2021</strong></p> <p>The Green Knights used Lans a little more off the ball this season, but the Bergen County Jamboree champions will need him to be a lead guard in his senior campaign. The 6’0 guard is a big-time athlete who loves to throw down dunks. The Green Knights threw Lans alley-oops on numerous occasions during the season. He did not just use his athleticism on the offensive end as he had several chase down blocks. Lans will be relied upon to become more of a go-to scorer in his senior campaign if St. Joseph (Mont.) wants to repeat as Bergen County Jamboree champions.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787655" first="Jayden" last="Pierre"], 6’0 Elizabeth 2022</strong></p> <p>The Minutemen were one of the top teams in New Jersey all season and Pierre’s addition was a big reason why. The Patrick School transfer is one of the toughest guards to keep out of the lane with his combination of handles and speed. Pierre has a nice layup package around the basket, but he is also capable of finishing above the rim. His bounce also makes him one of the shot-blockers from the point guard position in New Jersey. Elizabeth looks to defend its North 2 Group 4 title with Pierre returning to run the offense.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900329" first="Marcus" last="Pierce"]/[player_tooltip player_id="900365" first="Jordan" last="Stafford"], 6’1 St. Joseph (Hammonton) 2021</strong></p> <p>St. Joseph (Hammonton) will shut down its doors at the end of the academic season, but that does not take away from its talent junior duo. Pierce played off the ball for the Wildcats due to his ability to score the ball, but he is capable of running the offense and can finish above the rim. Stafford was the team’s true point guard throughout the season and is a big-time athlete. Both players will be valued additions to whatever team they join as their athleticism and talent will be a big addition to a team looking for a point guard.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901941" first="Elijah" last="Perkins"], 6’3 Ranney 2022</strong></p> <p>Perkins was a key contributor on the 2019 Tournament of Champions team and stepped up in his sophomore campaign. The lanky guard was named to Second Team All-Shore Conference after leading the team in points and assists. Perkins is at his best attacking the basket where he can finish above the rim. He is also a good chase down blocker as he has swatted numerous shots from behind during the season. Perkins is ready to lead Ranney to a big 2020-21 season as the Panthers return everybody from last year’s squad.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850752" first="Simeon" last="Wilcher"], 6’3 Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></p> <p>The Lions need some to replace <strong>C.J. Wilcher</strong>’s play-making in 2020-21 and they may already have the answer on the roster. Younger brother Simeon proved he was ready for the spotlight against Manasquan as he helped will Roselle Catholic to a 45-43 victory. Wilcher explodes off the floor and knows how to finish above the rim. He is a crafty finisher around the basket and is one of the top athletes in the 2023 class. Roselle Catholic has to replace the majority of its backcourt from last season, but Wilcher has the makings of being one of the top guards in the state in 2020-21.</p>