<p>The 2021 recruiting cycle has been tough on many prospects, but the available pool just got a little smaller. Blair Academy point guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850502" first="Jaylen" last="Blakes"]</strong> committed to Duke yesterday, creating an opportunity for other lead guards in the Garden State. Here are the top available point guards in the 2021 class.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850511" first="Amar’e" last="Marshall"], 6’2 Roselle Catholic</strong></p>
<p>Marshall may be more of a combo guard for his ability to play off the ball, but he can make plays with the ball in his hands. The 6’2 guard has a good handle and can score in a variety of ways around the basket. Marshall is more than just a slasher as he can also bury jumpers from distance. He moves his feet extremely well on the defensive end and is a strong rebounder for a guard. Marshall may do a postgrad season, but his ability to affect the game in multiple ways will allow him to make an impact sooner rather than later.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1036729" first="Zakai" last="Zeigler"], 5’9 Montclair Immaculate</strong></p>
<p>Zeigler’s stock has been skyrocketing since the start of the season and has not stopped yet. The Second Team All-State selection is a blur with the ball in his hands as opponents struggle to keep him out of the lane. Zeigler is a crafty finisher around the basket and makes opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. He has some of the quickest hands in the state and is a tremendous passer. Zeigler brings it on both ends of the floor and will be a steal for whichever school lands him.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850513" first="Jayden" last="Brown"], 6’0 Montclair Immaculate</strong></p>
<p>The second Montclair Immaculate player on this list, Brown is a scoring point guard capable of dropping 20 points on any given night. The 6’0 guard shoots the ball with confidence from distance and can knock down triples in bunches as he buried 10 in a game this season. Brown is more than just a shooter as he can beat his man off the dribble and draw contact on his way to the basket. He is an underrated passer and plays with good instincts on the defensive end. Brown’s ability to shoot from distance is something that should intrigue coaches at the next level.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900297" first="Tazir" last="Cantey"], 6’0 Eastern</strong></p>
<p>Cantey is a scoring machine who would have eclipsed 2,000 points for his high school career if not for the pandemic. The 6’0 guard can score at all three levels and knows how to finish through contact. Cantey is more than just a scorer as he is a solid passer and is not fazed by on-ball pressure. He is a good rebounder for a guard his size and is an underrated defender. Cantey’s ability to score points in bunches could help him make an impact early in his collegiate career.</p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900321" first="Al-Fatir" last="Connor"], 6’0 Elizabeth</strong></p>
<p>Connor had a standout final season for the Minutemen as he was one of the state’s top floor generals. The Third Team All-State selection is adept at beating his man off the bounce and making plays once he gets into the lane. Connor rarely forces the issue in the half court and plays his best when the lights shine brightest. He is a pesky on-ball defender and has extremely quick hands. Connor is a winner who is unafraid to compete for a spot at the next level.</p>
<p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="836479" first="Guy" last="Fauntleroy"], 5’9 Olympus Prep</strong></p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="927391" first="Martin" last="Anguelov"], 6’1 Wildwood Catholic</strong></p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012992" first="Lorenzo" last="Washington"], 5’10 Patrick School</strong></p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900339" first="Ethan" last="McEachern"], 6’1 Blair Academy</strong></p>
<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900348" first="Jamling" last="Lama"], 6’0 Secaucus</strong></p>
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