Group 1: Guards to Watch

<p>With Labor Day firmly in the past, the start of the school year is upon us. Players are excited as it means the basketball season is slowly getting closer. Group 1 is an intriguing section with multiple players being able to contribute at the next level. Here are the top guards to watch in Group 1 this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900297" first="Tazir" last="Cantey"], 6’0 PG Lindenwold 2021</strong></p> <p>Cantey was the top scorer in South Jersey last season and has the talent to do so again. The 6’0 point guard has a good handle and is tough to keep out of the lane. Cantey can finish through contact and is a good finisher around the rim. He has a good release on his jumper and can get hot from deep in a hurry. Cantey is a threat to drop 25 points on any given night and is looking to lead Lindenwold to the South Jersey Group 1 title this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850754" first="Spencer" last="Joyner"], 6’3 PG Arts 2023</strong></p> <p>Joyner spent his first season at University and should make an even bigger impact at Arts. The 6’3 guard is a skilled ball-handler and knows how beat his defender off the bounce. Joyner can shoot over his defender, but is also able to finish around the basket. He is a tough rebounder and is an underrated passer. Joyner will be carrying the scoring load for an Arts team that won two games last season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901978" first="Quadir" last="Harrell"], PG Bound Brook 2022</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders are seen as one of the top teams in Group 1 and Harrell is a big reason why. The rising junior point is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and can finish through contact. Harrell is more than just a slasher as he is dangerous from behind the arc. He is a solid passer and is willing to take a charge on the defensive end. Harrell’s ability to make plays on both ends of the floor makes Bound Brook a team to beat in Group 1.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900311" first="Bakir" last="Cleveland"], 6’4 SG University 2021</strong></p> <p>The Phoenix took home the North Jersey 2 Group 1 title last season and they have the potential to do so again. Cleveland led the team in scoring last season as he is hard to keep out of the lane. The 6’4 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and knows how to finish through contact. Cleveland has a good mid-range game and moves his feet on the defensive end. University has the talent to repeat as sectional champions and Cleveland will be the guy leading the charge.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901983" first="DJ" last="Thomson"], 6’2 CG Keyport 2022</strong></p> <p>Thomson dropped over 20 points a game last season and should do so again for the Raiders. The 6’2 guard can beat his man off the dribble and is unafraid of contact. Thomson has a nice mid-range game and is athletic enough to finish above the rim. He is a good rebounder and is an underrated passer. Thomson is looking to lead Keyport deep into the sectional playoffs with two years of varsity experience under his belt.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850762" first="Elijon" last="Nix"], 5’11 PG University 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900322" first="Davie" last="McLarty"], SG Bound Brook 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931032" first="Jamaal" last="Morris"], 5’10 PG Burlington City 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933655" first="Jamar" last="Belfield"], 5’10 PG Paterson Charter 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933720" first="Zach" last="Wygand"], 6’2 SG Woodstown 2021</strong></p>