Point Guard Prospects Set to Dominate This Summer

<p>The summer season is right around the corner with teams and players preparing for breakout campaigns. Guard play is key to a team’s success and the Garden State is filled with good point guards. Here are the New Jersey point guards set to dominate this summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050389" first="Tahaad" last="Pettiford"], 6’0 Hudson Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p>Pettiford and AAU teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046909" first="Elliot" last="Cadeau"] </strong>are set for huge summers with the NY Lightning. The lefty guard has a smooth shooting stroke and is in range once he crosses half court. Pettiford has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender in the half court and is a crafty finisher around the basket. He gets his teammates involved in the halfcourt and is a competitive on-ball defender. Pettiford is a big-time lead guard prospect who should make plays all summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850751" first="Dajuan" last="Wagner Jr"], 6’4 Camden 2023</strong></p> <p>Wagner Jr. is the top-rated player in the state and is ready for a big summer with the NJ Scholars. The 6’4 guard is a three-level scorer who gets to his spot in the half court and is unafraid of the big moment. Wagner Jr has a nice handle and can finish through contact around the rim. He moves well off the ball and has the length to defend multiple positions. Wagner Jr. is in store for a big Peach Jam as he looks to close out his EYBL career in style.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850752" first="Simeon" last="Wilcher"], 6’4 Roselle Catholic 2023</strong></p> <p>Wilcher took home the State Player of the Year from <em>NJ.com </em>after leading the Lions to the Tournament of Champions title as he leads the NY Rens this summer. The North Carolina commit has a good feel for the game as he always seems to be in control and is not rattled by on-ball pressure. Wilcher can finish in a variety of ways around the basket and plays his best when the lights shine bright. He is a good passer and plays with great instincts on the defensive end. Wilcher is one of the top players in the country and will put it on display this summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1046909" first="Elliot" last="Cadeau"], 6’2 Bergen Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p>Cadeau is the top player in the 2024 class with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902746" first="Naasir" last="Cunningham"]</strong>’s move to Overtime Elite and should have a big summer for the NY Lightning. The 6’2 guard has a good handle, which he uses to break his defender down off the bounce and finish around the rim. Cadeau has a nice release on his jumper and is capable of shooting either off the bounce or catch. He makes plays for his teammates once he gets into the lane and gets deflections on defense. Cadeau is a talented guard who will be one to watch throughout the summer.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902735" first="Ty-Laur" last="Johnson"], 6’0 St. Benedict’s 2023</strong></p> <p>Wilcher is not the only big-time lead guard on the NY Rens as Johnson is electric with the ball in his hands. The 6’0 guard has a tight handle and a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and make plays in the paint. Johnson can finish in a variety of ways around the basket and has a nice touch on his floater. He is a tremendous passer and is a tough on-ball defender. Johnson is a play-maker who should have a big summer in the EYBL.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850757" first="Cian" last="Medley"], 6’0 Camden 2023</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050395" first="Deuce" last="Jones"], 6’1 Trenton Catholic 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1123895" first="Chase" last="Coleman"], 6’1 Patrick School 2025</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1411624" first="Peter" last="Mauro"], 5’10 Gill St. Bernard’s 2025</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901957" first="Jayden" last="Lemond"], 6’3 Blair Academy 2023</strong></p>