2023 Newark Public School Guards to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The upcoming high school season is around the corner as it is the second weekend of August. Newark is loaded with talent and should put it on display this season, especially in the backcourt. Here are the 2023 Newark public school guards to watch this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850762' first='Elijon' last='Nix'], 6'0 PG Arts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Nix runs the show for the Jaguars' offense and is looking to lead them deep into the state tournament. The 6'0 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Nix is unafraid of drawing contact in the paint and has a nice release on his jumper. He makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and moves his feet well on the defensive end. Nix is a gritty lead guard prospect who makes winning plays at both ends of the floor.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850754' first='Spencer' last='Joyner'], 6'4 PG Arts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joyner plays alongside Nix in the Jaguars' backcourt, and he is in line for a big senior season. The 6'4 guard has a strong frame, which he uses to finish through contact and knows how to get into the paint. Joyner is more than just a slasher as he can score in the mid-range and knock down open jumpers on the perimeter. He is a strong rebounder and has the athleticism to defend both guard spots. Joyner is a skilled guard who is looking to end his varsity career on a high note.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150278' first='Sutan' last='Fitzpatrick'], 5'10 PG Newark Eastside</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Fitzpatrick is set to lead the Red Raiders' offense in 2022-23 and will be one to watch in the winter. The 5'10 guard is dynamic with the ball in his hands as he can finish above the rim and is capable of drawing contact in the paint. Fitzpatrick knows how to get to his spot on the floor and plays with confidence with the ball in his hands. He uses his quick hands to get deflections and is a solid passer. Fitzpatrick is a quick, lead guard whose ability to get to the rim will help his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150532' first='Hazir' last='Lee'], 6'2 SG Newark Central</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lee was a key part of the Blue Devils' sectional title and Group 2 Final appearance and will have an expanded role in the offense this season. The 6'2 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he gets into the lane strong and can finish through contact. Lee moves well without the ball in his hands and is capable of running the offense in a pinch. He slides his feet on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Lee's higher usage on the offensive end is something that will be key for his game and stock in 2022-23.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400494' first='Brandon' last='Rodriguez'], 6'0 CG West Side</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rodriguez is in a similar situation to Lee as he was a key part of the Rough Riders' run to the sectional final. The 6'0 guard uses his handle and change of pace effectively as he knows how to get to the rim and draw contact. Rodriguez is more than just a slasher as he has a quick release and can knock down triples in bunches. He is a strong rebounder for a guard his size and is a capable defender. Rodriguez will be asked to have the ball in his hands more often in 2022-23, which will help his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Prospects to Watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='933715' first='Nasir' last='Wheeler'], 5'9 PG Newark East Side</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1269792' first='Tyler' last='Velez'], 6'5 SG Arts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400480' first='Faquir' last='Mosley'], 5'11 Arts</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206522' first='Asan' last='Jones'], 6'3 CG Eagle Academy</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='902755' first='Micah' last='McCants'], 6'1 SG Science Park</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->