2023 Shore Conference Guards To Watch—Spring AAU Circuit
2021-2022 was a successful one for many of the teams in the Shore Conference, most notably Marlboro’s senior laden team carrying them all the way to the Group IV State Championship Game at Rutgers. While the Mustangs graduate their guard…
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Continue Reading2021-2022 was a successful one for many of the teams in the Shore Conference, most notably Marlboro’s senior laden team carrying them all the way to the Group IV State Championship Game at Rutgers. While the Mustangs graduate their guard heavy rotation, a plethora of players are returning in 2022-2023 at the guard position to make the Shore Conference worth watching and we look at several today who will be seniors in 2022-2023.
Isaac Hester Isaac Hester 6'0" | PG Ranney School | 2023 State NJ | 6’0”| G | The Ranney School
Hester is in prime position to be the top senior guard in the Shore Conference next season. He can break down defenders and attack the rim, pull up in the mid-range and stroke it from beyond the arc. He enjoyed a showcase season in 2021-2022 as the centerpiece of the Ranney offense when several key players transferred to other programs. Hester’s best performances of the season came during the State Tournament, going over 20 in three of the four games, including 28 against Trenton Catholic. He’ll cross 1,000 points early in his senior year. Hester is receiving interest from several D1 schools. An impressive 2022 AAU run with Team Rio could see MAAC and A-10 type schools join the mix.
Jack O’Leary Jack O’Leary 6'1" | CG Raritan | 2023 State NJ | 6’1”| G | Raritan
After seeing bit roles as an underclassman, O’Leary burst on the scene as a junior. His best performances saw him score 29 against Steinert, 22 against a very talented and youthful Holmdel team and a Prime Time Player moment in the states, hanging 24 on South River. He also had solid games vs Roselle and Ranney(14pts each night). He attacks the basket well, is unafraid to drive at bigger defenders and is active on defense. He was named all division this past season. With the graduation of Justin Rivera Justin Rivera 5'10" | PG Raritan | 2022 State NJ (Mt. St. Mary in NY), O’Leary will lead the backcourt next year in Hazlet. Coupled with his play during the HS season, a strong AAU cycle with the Jersey Force should see O’Leary receive interest from an array of D-3 programs.
Nick Valentino Nick Valentino 6'0" | PG Red Bank Regional | 2023 State NJ | 6’2”| G| Red Bank Regional
Valentino put RBR on his shoulders in ’21-22. The big-bodied guard scored nearly 500 points on the season. He’s got fantastic form on his shot, uses his 190lb frame to his advantage when attacking the basket and has shown to do all the fundamental things well. His entire season was a highlight reel on offense, but his most notable outings against quality opposition came against Rumson(19), Saint John Vianney(23&21), Keyport(26) and Manasquan(22). He projects as one of the best guards at the Bayshore in 2022-2023. A strong spring and summer, coupled with another eye-catching season as a senior, could catapult Valentino’s recruiting stock from colleges in the region. He most recently played AAU with the Jersey Shore Predators.
Will Bradley Will Bradley 6'2" | SG CBA | 2023 State NJ | 6’2”| G| Christian Brothers Academy
After graduating the bulk of its scoring from the previous year, CBA turned to a host of new faces in 2021-2022. Bradley emerged as the leader of the bunch that will return next year, with Pat Lautato Pat Lautato 6'3" | SF CBA | 2022 State NJ the only regular graduating. He’s got a sharpshooters touch and will be driving the bus for the Colts next year. His best performances of the year were against Rumson(26) and Ranney(18). D3 schools should be excited to watch Bradley develop in the spring and summer with the Jersey Force .
Samir Padilla Samir Padilla 5'10" | PG Jackson Memorial | 2023 State NJ | 5’10”| G | Jackson Memorial
After transferring in from Lakewood, Padilla made the 2021-2022 season his statement year as the Jaguars returned to being one of the better teams at the Shore. He handles the ball well, has an explosive first step and took it to his advantage this year, averaging 20+PPG. Padilla could be in the running to earn first team all Shore honors as a senior and D3 colleges should be paying attention to him.
We will return tomorrow with another list of Shore Conference 2023’s to watch on the spring AAU circuit.