Essex County Tournament Final: Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>County tournaments are coming to an end as the state tournament kicks off on Monday. The Essex County Tournament ended on Saturday with Seton Hall Prep retaining its title with a 46-32 victory over Arts. Here are the top standouts from the Essex County Tournament final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='609754' first='Darrius' last='Phillips'], 6'8 PF Seton Hall Prep 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Phillips had a monster game against Arts as he controlled the game inside and out. The West Chester commit ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor, creating second chance opportunities for the Pirates. Phillips was able to get position down low and showed a nice touch around the basket. He influenced shots on the defensive end and made good passes to his teammates. Phillips is a physical forward prospect who has had a big senior season for Seton Hall Prep.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='850754' first='Spencer' last='Joyner'], 6'4 G Arts 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joyner did his best to keep the Jaguars in the game as he was aggressive from the beginning. The Boston U commit attacked the basket with a purpose as he drew contact in the paint and finished nicely at the rim. Joyner played with confidence with the ball in his hands and moved well within the flow of the offense. He moved his feet well on the defensive end and showed the ability to run the offense at times during the game. Joyner is a two-way guard prospect who had a standout senior season for Arts.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1773033' first='Ethan' last='Maynard'], 6'2 SG Seton Hall Prep 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maynard had a game-high 19 points as he helped lead the Pirates to back-to-back Essex County Tournament titles. The 6'2 guard used his handle to get by his defender off the bounce and finished through contact at the basket. Maynard shot the ball with confidence from behind the arc and and showed a good release on his jumper. He moved his feet well on the defensive end and fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Maynard's ability to score inside and out is something that has helped his stock in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595682' first='Jayden' last='Holman'], 5'11 PG Arts 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holman provided a spark off the bench for the Jaguars as he made an impact for them as soon as he came in the game. The 5'11 guard showed off a nice handle and was not overly rattled by on-ball pressure. Holman used his length to make an impact on the defensive end and moved well off the ball. He showed the ability to finish around the basket and dove on the floor for loose balls. Holman will be a point guard prospect to watch in Essex County with his combination of quickness, skill and length.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Shawn Lyght, 6'3 W Seton Hall Prep 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Lyght may have only scored three points in the game, but his impact was felt on both ends of the floor. The Notre Dame lacrosse commit played tough on-ball defense as he made it hard for his man to get to his spot on the floor. Lyght moved well within the flow of the offense and the ball did not stick in his hands. He worked hard for rebounds on both ends of the floor and was unafraid of getting physical. Lyght is the ultimate glue guy for Seton Hall Prep, which has been key to the Pirates' success this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->