More Under The Radar 2024 Guards
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The junior class has a host of guards who are slated for breakout seasons in 2022-2023. Today we feature a handful who received significant minutes as sophomores but are not getting the attention that the highest ranked players are receiving.…
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Continue ReadingThe junior class has a host of guards who are slated for breakout seasons in 2022-2023. Today we feature a handful who received significant minutes as sophomores but are not getting the attention that the highest ranked players are receiving. These players should see big junior seasons.
Zion Harrison Zion Harrison 6'4" | SG Hillsborough | 2024 State NJ | 6’4” | G | Hillsborough
A very athletic guard who uses his size to finish well at the basket and also has a mid-range game. A rugged defender who crashed the boards hard. He’s a solid two-way player who showed some potential as a sophomore, scoring 24 vs Watchung Hills, 20 vs Princeton and 15 vs Summit and Bridgewater. He’ll be one of the top Skyland players by his senior year.
Johnny Magner Johnny Magner 6'4" | SG Bridgewater-Raritan | 2024 State NJ | 6’4” | G | Bridgewater Raritan
A long 6’4” guard who got good exposure last year and played the role he was asked to, but should expand into a leadership role as a junior. A solid jump shot and can finish at the rim. He’s going to make his name as a shooter. He had 18 vs North Hunterdon and 16 vs Wardlaw last year.
Matt Schwartz Matt Schwartz 6'4" | SG Hunterdon Central | 2024 State NJ | 6’3” | G | Hunterdon Central
A skilled lefty who can get in transition, score at the rim and also step back beyond the arc to keep defenders honest. His best asset is as a catch-and-shoot guy, especially in the corners. He’ll see an expanded role as a junior. He had 17 vs Gill and 12 vs Immaculata, showing his upward trajectory.
Luke Gaccione Luke Gaccione 5'10" | PG St. Mary's (Rutherford) | 2025 New E | 5’10” | G| Saint Mary’s Rutherford
Gaccione had the poise of a senior as a sophomore and was the lead guard for the Gaels. A crafty lefty with a solid understanding of the game, above average passing skills and a good release on his shot. He had great games vs Group I Champs Paterson Charter(19 and 17) and went over 20 several times. He’s got two more seasons to grow into one of the top small school players in Bergen County.
LJ Falconi LJ Falconi 6'5" | SG St Marys Rutherford | 2025 New E | 6’4” | G | Saint Mary’s Rutherford
Like his teammate Gaccione, Falconi had a great sophomore year. He’s a strong guard who showcased his abilities as a slasher but can also get hot fast from beyond the arc. He had 27 vs North Arlington and 14 vs Paterson Charter. Part of a host of college prospects at Saint Mary’s.
Karson Culuko Karson Culuko 6'2" | SG Pequannock | 2024 State NJ | 6’2” | G | Pequannock
Culuko followed up on a good freshman year with a fantastic sophomore year. A solid shooter who can also finish strong at the basket. A good ballhandler and facilitator, he’s got a high basketball IQ and will be tasked with being Pequannock’s unquestioned leader the next two years. He had 22 vs Whippany Park, 21 vs Boonton and Hanover Park and 20 vs several other teams. He’s also a good rebounder for a guard.