Spring Stock Risers: NYC Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>These NYC guards are having a great Spring and will see their stock rise throughout the Summer.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1361711' first='Vere' last='Anthony'] 2025 - 6'1" St. Francis Prep | LABC</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Throughout the high school season Vere showed poised and leadership as the point guard for a young and talented St. Francis Prep Terriers squad. In general, Vere continues to be a lockdown defender. He continued by playing up at the Hoop Group Jersey Jam Fest, and completely took guards out of their game. If that's not enough, the 2025 PG expanded his offensive game this Spring. Taking defenders off the dribble and displaying the ability to stop and pop in transition. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1729833' first='Jermel' last='Thomas'] 2026 - 6'1" Cardinal Hayes | [program_tooltip program_id='2078609' first='New' last='Heights'] Lightning</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Thomas just finished his freshman season at Cardinal Hayes playing alongside UNC commit [player_tooltip player_id='1195555' first='Ian' last='Jackson'] and Syracuse commit [player_tooltip player_id='1199070' first='Elijah' last='Moore']. Additionally, the quick guard has been a standout for [program_tooltip program_id='2078609' first='New' last='Heights'] 15U team, balancing between being a facilitator and a scorer. Overall his game gets a little better every time he steps on the floor. In fact, he's on his way to being the top guard in his class.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1361733' first='Brandon' last='Stores'] Jr. 2025 - 6'4" St. Raymond | Renaissance</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Stores Jr. coming off a stellar season with St. Raymond's high school, has been on a tear in the EYBL for the [program_tooltip program_id='2078615' first='NY' last='Rens']. Getting to the rim and finishing through contact is not a problem. Improving his midrange and long range game looks to be a priority. Throughout the CHSAA playoffs, Stores continued to show confidence in his shot. In fact, a recent buzzer beater for the Rens is evidence that side of his game will continue to grow. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1203976' first='Taj' last='Bryant'] 2024 - 6'2" Eagle Academy Brooklyn | LABC/PSA Cardinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>From dominating in the UA Rise circuit, to filling the stat sheets for PSA, [player_tooltip player_id='1203976' first='Taj' last='Bryant'] is a talented guard. If you're looking for a bucket, Taj can get it. Maybe you need a facilitator. Taj will oblige. All things considered, look for more from Taj as his confidence continues to grow and his role expands on the court. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Judah 'Juice' Bontemps 2027 - 5'11" Uncommitted | PSA Cardinals</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>One of the youngest NYC guards here, but boy does Juice pack a punch. Besides the fact that he plays up in tournaments like is8 and on circuits like Hoop Group. Juice continues to separate himself from the rest of his class with his handle and ability to finish around the rim. Unlike the other guards on this list, Juice isn't making national noise yet, but I expect that to change by the end of this summer. </p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->