2023 Under the Radar Guards on the Verge of a Breakout

<p>The 2023 class in the Garden State is special with seven players in the top 75 of Prep Hoops National Rankings. The talent is spread throughout the class as there are several players who are ready to break onto the scene. Here are the top 2023 under the radar guards on the verge of a breakout season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933045" first="Noah" last="Payne"], 5’10 PG Eastern</strong></p> <p>The Vikings have to replace the graduations of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900297" first="Tazir" last="Cantey"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929514" first="Zubair" last="Lee"]</strong>, who were a dynamic duo all season in the Olympic Conference all season. Payne has been a steady presence in his first two seasons and is ready for a larger role in the offense. The 5’10 guard has a good handle and is able to finish around the rim. Payne makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands and moves his feet well on the defensive end. Eastern should be in position for a strong 2022 season with Payne getting more looks on the offensive end.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902756" first="Jadin" last="Collins"], PG Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p>The Lions are loaded with talent in the backcourt, but Collins should still be able to make an impact this season. He is a tenacious on-ball defender and has extremely quick hands. Collins is a blur in the open floor as he uses his speed and handle to blow past defenders. He is capable of knocking down open jumpers from the perimeter and is a good rebounder. Collins’ ability to defend 94 feet is something that will help Roselle Catholic tremendously in 2021-22.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013068" first="Corey" last="Miller"], 6’1 PG Pennington</strong></p> <p>Miller had a solid debut season for Pennington, but is ready to shoulder a larger offensive role in his second season. The 6’1 guard has a nice release on his jumper and knows how to move off the ball. Miller is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and get to the basket. He is an underrated passer and is not fazed by on-ball pressure. Pennington returns a solid core group for the 2021-22 season, which should allow Miller to thrive in the lead guard role.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902743" first="Quatrell" last="Wilson"], 6’5 SG/SF Newark East Side</strong></p> <p>The Red Raiders should be among Essex County’s best in 2021-22 with Wilson getting more looks on the offensive end. The 6’5 wing plays with a relentless motor on both ends of the floor and is tough to keep off the glass. Wilson has a nice touch around the basket and has the potential to knock down jumpers from distance. He is a play-maker on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Wilson’s collegiate future may be at the three, but his potential is intriguing and should be on display this season for Newark East Side.</p> <p><strong>Josh Ingram, 6’3 SG St. Joe’s Metuchen</strong></p> <p>Ingram started off his sophomore season strong with a 22-point performance against Roselle Catholic and should put up more performances like that in his junior campaign. The 6’3 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and wastes little motion in his shot. Ingram is more than just a shooter as he can also handle the ball and get to the rim. He has the potential to defend both guard spots and is an underrated passer. Ingram is in store for a big 2022 season as St. Joe’s Metuchen looks to take home the GMC tournament title.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013099" first="Jackson" last="Bleeker"], 6’3 SG Seton Hall Prep</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017193" first="Augustine" last="McGee"], 6’2 CG Bayonne</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1025309" first="Jayden" last="Lopez"], 5’10 PG Atlantic Tech</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1026783" first="Jermaine" last="James"], 6’0 PG West Orange</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013070" first="Arnaldo" last="Rodriguez"], 6’1 CG St. Joseph Academy</strong></p>