GMC Under the Radar Guards

<p>The GMC has perennially been one of the top basketball conferences in the Garden State and this year is no different. St. Thomas Aquinas is a top-10 team in the state, powered by junior point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787644" first="Jaquan" last="Harris"]</strong>. He is not the only big-time guard in the conference as the GMC is filled with talent this year. Here are the top under radar guards in the GMC.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1034378" first="Nicholas" last="Barnes"], 6’4 CG Edison 2022</strong></p> <p>Simply put, Barnes has been a one-man show for the Eagles to open up the season. The 6’4 guard has eclipsed the 20-point mark three times this season with a career-high 29 points to open the season. Barnes has been aggressive with the ball in his hands as he is getting to the line, knocking down jumpers and finishing around the basket. He is doing more than just scoring for Edison as he also leads the team in assists, rebounds and steals. Barnes is having a breakout season for Edison and should be a sought after name in the 2022 class.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012949" first="Ronnie" last="Burwan Jr."], 6’4 CG Timothy Chrisitan 2021</strong></p> <p>Timothy Christian may have only played one game this season, but Burwan Jr.’s performance in that game was noteworthy. The 6’4 guard showed his good instincts on the defensive end with eight steals and four blocks as he was jumping passing lanes and playing with great timing. Burwan Jr. was also in a zone offensively as he finished the game with 27 points. He has a nice release on his jumper, but he is at his best attacking the basket and drawing contact. If Burwan Jr. can continue to put up performances like these on both ends of the floor, his stock will be on the rise.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013011" first="Kody" last="Robinson"], 6’3 SG St. Joe’s Metuchen 2021</strong></p> <p>The Falcons have multiple guards who are flying under the radar, but Robinson gets the nod here. The 6’3 guard has a good handle on the perimeter and is able to break his defender down off the bounce. Robinson is more than just a slasher as he has a good shooting form and sets his feet before he shoots. He is capable of running the offense in a pinch and moves his feet well on the defensive end. Robinson put up 26 points in his last game and if he can continue big scoring games like that, he won’t be under the radar for much longer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017710" first="Jordan" last="Derkack"], 6’4 SG Colonia 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>Savion Pressley </strong>is leading the way for the Patriots, but Derkack has done a little bit of everything for them. The athletic 6’4 guard skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his athleticism to swat shots around the basket. Derkack plays with quick hands on the defensive end and is an adept passer as he has five assists in every game this year. He is a good finisher around the basket and shoots the ball with confidence from distance. Derkack is the do-it all guard who will help Colonia be one of the top teams in the GMC this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1024750" first="Jabri" last="Fitzpatrick"], 6’0 PG North Brunswick 2021</strong></p> <p>Fitzpatrick has been the driving force for the Raiders to start the season and has been doing it in a variety of ways. The 6’0 guard is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and is tough to contain in the half court. Fitzpatrick is unafraid of contact as he knocked down nine free throws in one game this season. He is also a solid passer and has a good release on his jumper. North Brunswick has the chance to make some noise in the GMC this season with Fitzpatrick running the offense.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013102" first="Keyshawn" last="Winchester"], 5’7 PG J.P. Stevens 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045682" first="William" last="Corley Jr."], 5’11 PG Piscataway 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013044" first="Adam" last="Silas"], 6’2 PG St. Thomas Aquinas 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Ruben Reyes, 6’0 PG Colonia 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933736" first="Amari" last="Campbell"], 6’3 PG St. Joe’s Metuchen 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900327" first="Elijah" last="Barlow"], 6’0 CG St. Joe’s Metuchen 2021</strong></p>