Essex County has long been one of the hotbeds of talent for New Jersey hoops going back for nearly an entire century and this year’s crop out of the urban core is among the best in some time. Today we…
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SubscribeEssex County has long been one of the hotbeds of talent for New Jersey hoops going back for nearly an entire century and this year’s crop out of the urban core is among the best in some time. Today we look at some of those players who are set to have big seasons coming up.
Kaiyri Barkley Kaiyri Barkley 6'0" | CG East Orange | 2024 State NJ |6’0” | G | East Orange 2024
Barkley played a limited role as a sophomore behind some senior guards and worked in the rotation with Duncan but he’ll be in the mix for an expanded role as a junior on an EOC team that is guard heavy and should make big noise the next two years in Essex County. A physical guard who gets to the rim through contact and battles hard on defense. He had 13 vs North Star and 10 vs Orange.
Brandon Rodriguez Brandon Rodriguez 6'0" | CG West Side | 2023 State NJ | 5’11” | G | Newark West Side 2023
Creative and explosive scorer who is a solid and confident ballhandler. He uses those skills to finish around the rim with authority. He’s also a good shooter from deep and completes his all around game by confidently hitting the boards even though he’s a guard. He had a breakout year last winter. Scored 29 vs Verona, 28 vs Millburn. Played well in the state tournament as well, including 19 in the sectional final loss to Glen Ridge.
Devin Artis Devin Artis 5'10" | PG West Side | 2024 PA | 6’0” | G | Newark West Side 2024
Rodriguez teammate is a crafty guard played his role effectively as the backcourt facilitator for West Side has they made a deep run into the playoffs. A good passer, Artis has solid dribbling skills can get into the paint off the dribble and finish. Hits the glass well for a young guard. With two seasons to go, his skillset should expand as his leadership role also expands. Provided a spark with 10 in the playoff win against American History. Also had good games vs Orange(17,12) and Millburn(14).
Samir Jordan
Samir
Jordan
6'1" | SG
Snyder | 2023
State
NJ
| 6’1” | G | North Star Academy
Jordan is an explosive scorer, capable of finishing at the rim. He also rebounds well, is a tough defender who creates turnovers with active hands and is a good facilitator in the half court set. Averaged 18PPG as a junior, scoring 25 vs Paramus Catholic and 22 vs Saint Peter’s. He should have a strong senior year and attract college interest.
