SEC Guard Duos to Watch

<p>Essex County has always been a hotbed for talent in the Garden State. St. Benedict’s is a national powerhouse, while Newark East Side is one of the top Group 4 programs in the state. The guard play in the are is filled with talent as it is loaded with players who will make an impact at the next level. Here are the top SEC guard duos to watch this season.</p> <p><strong>Montclair Immaculate: [player_tooltip player_id="850513" first="Jayden" last="Brown"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="850514" first="DiAndre" last="South"]</strong></p> <p>The Lions took home their first ever Essex County Tournament title on the strength of their guards, but they have to replace Third Team All-State performer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850330" first="Zion" last="Bethea"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850511" first="Amar’e" last="Marshall"]</strong>. Brown returns for Montclair Immaculate and he is dynamic with the ball in his hands. The 6’0 guard has a tight handle and knows how to finish around the basket. South is a big-time athlete who has great body control around the rim and can finish over the top of defenders. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1036729" first="Zakai" last="Zeigler"] </strong>is another talented guard on the Montclair Immaculate roster as the Lions look to maintain their status as the top team in Essex County.</p> <p><strong>Arts: [player_tooltip player_id="850754" first="Spencer" last="Joyner"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="850762" first="Elijon" last="Nix"]</strong></p> <p>The Jaguars may have only won two games last season, but they will be one of the better teams in Group 1 with the additions of Joyner and Nix. The former is a skilled point guard who uses his 6’4 frame to see over his defender. Joyner is unafraid of attacking the basket and scraps for rebounds on both ends. Nix is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and can finish around the rim. Joyner and Nix are talented guards who will help Arts have a bounce back season.</p> <p><strong>Columbia: [player_tooltip player_id="900353" first="Isaiah" last="Hill"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="902757" first="Jalen" last="Robinson"]</strong></p> <p>The Cougars had a solid 2019-20 season, but they should take a big jump with the addition of Hill. The Union Catholic transfer is one of the top athletes in the state as he has great body control and loves to finish above the rim. Hill is more than just a dunker as he can attack the basket off the bounce, score in the mid-range and knock down jumpers from deep. His scoring ability perfectly compliments Robinson as the sophomore lead guard plays under control and is always looking for his open teammates. Columbia has a chance to be one of the breakout teams in Group 4 with Hill and Robinson in the backcourt.</p> <p><strong>Newark East Side: [player_tooltip player_id="850674" first="David" last="Olaniyi"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="901950" first="Jahzeer" last="Gaskin"]</strong></p> <p>The Red Raiders are a perennial contender for the Essex County Tournament title and this year is no different. Olaniyi is a tough lead guard prospect who does not panic under pressure and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Gaskin is a big-time shooter with a quick release and the ability to knock down triples in bunches. They are both tough on-ball defenders who play with quick hands. Newark East Side has the potential to have a bounce back season with Olaniyi and Gaskin returning.</p> <p><strong>University: [player_tooltip player_id="900311" first="Bakir" last="Cleveland"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="900350" first="Tye" last="Artis"]</strong></p> <p>The Phoenix took home the North Jersey 2 Group 1 title last season and should be one of the top teams in Group 1 again. Cleveland returns in the backcourt after a First Team All-Group 1 selection. The 6’4 guard is at his best attacking the basket where he can finish through contract and has a good layup package around the rim. Artis is a tough lead guard who makes opponents pay when they give him space on the perimeter. University will be one of the top teams in Group 1 again with Cleveland and Artis returning in the backcourt.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Seton Hall Prep: [player_tooltip player_id="773397" first="Giye" last="Jenkins"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1027934" first="Gavin" last="Kreitz"]</strong></p> <p><strong>Newark Tech: [player_tooltip player_id="1050410" first="Khalid" last="Sanders"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1050411" first="Khalil" last="Sanders"]</strong></p> <p><strong>Newark Central: [player_tooltip player_id="850545" first="Tasheem" last="Anderson"] &amp; Hazir Lee</strong></p> <p><strong>West Orange: [player_tooltip player_id="1012999" first="Maxwell" last="Dent"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1026783" first="Jermaine" last="James"]</strong></p>