Under the Radar Guards Who can Make an Impact Day 1

<p>Guard play in the Garden State has always been good with names like Kyrie Irving, Jay Williams and Danny Hurley all playing here. New Jersey has a reputation of turning out good guards, even if they are not the most well-known names. Don Bosco grad <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850355" first="Myles" last="Ruth"] </strong>is an example of that as he was Monmouth’s starting point guard for the majority of the season. The 2021 class is in the same boat with multiple players being able to make an impact on Day 1. Here are the top under the radar guards who can contribute from the beginning.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012997" first="Khalid" last="Elmi"], 6’5 SG Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p>Elmi has the prototypical build of a shooting guard and has all the tools to be an immediate contributor. The Australian native has a smooth shooting stroke and is capable of getting hot in a hurry. Elmi moves extremely well off the ball and has a quick release on his jumper. He is a strong rebounder and his length allows him to defend multiple positions on the floor. Elmi’s shooting along with his defense should help him see the floor early next year.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929513" first="Ryan" last="Cassels"], 5’10 PG Saddle River Day</strong></p> <p>Cassels had a big-time year for the Rebels as he led the state in triples per game. The 5’10 guard may have the deepest range in New Jersey as it starts once he crosses half court. Cassels has a quick release on his jumper and shoot off the catch or dribble. He is an underrated passer and moves his feet well on the defensive end. Cassels is one of the top shooters in the Garden State, which could get him early playing time.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900322" first="Davie" last="McLarty"], 6’0 CG Bound Brook</strong></p> <p>The Crusaders went 14-0 this season and McLarty’s all-around game is a big reason why. The 6’0 guard is a tough on-ball defender who puts pressure on the opponent’s ball-handler. McLarty plays with good floor vision and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He attacks the basket strong and is capable of knocking down jumpers from behind the arc. McLarty’s ability to affect the game in multiple ways makes him a candidate to get on the floor early in his first college season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1018561" first="Malcolm" last="Eley"], 6’3 SG Hudson Catholic</strong></p> <p>The Hawks had a strong season as Eley emerged as a confident scorer on the wing. The 6’3 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher and is unafraid of drawing contact. Eley can play in big moments as he had 16 against Roselle Catholic and 18 against St. Peter’s Prep to conclude his varsity career. He is a strong rebounder and is a good defender. Eley proved he can play well against some of the top teams in New Jersey, which should help his case for early playing time.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013112" first="Dennis" last="DeMarino"], 6’1 PG Cranford</strong></p> <p>DeMarino may play football at the next level, but his final year of high school hoops proved he can play at the next level. The dual-sport star has a good handle and is unafraid of drawing contact on his way to the basket. DeMarino is a play-maker with the ball in his hands as he is capable of making tremendous passes in the half court. He is an underrated shooter from distance and does not mind scrapping for rebounds on both ends. DeMarino is a skilled guard prospect with the ability to have an impact early in his collegiate career.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900361" first="Anthony" last="Milligan"], 6’3 SG Franklin</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="954072" first="Marcus" last="Mitchell"], 6’2 SG Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012981" first="Tyrell" last="Moore"], 6’7 SG Olympus Prep</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1142786" first="Diante" last="Miles"], 6’2 SG Wildwood</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896645" first="Or" last="Sundjyvsky"], 6’4 SG Covenant College Prep</strong></p>