2026 Guard Duos to Watch
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The first week of August is over, meaning the new school year is about a month away. The 2026 class is filled with good guard who should make an impact this season. Here are the 2026 guard duos to watch…
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Continue ReadingThe first week of August is over, meaning the new school year is about a month away. The 2026 class is filled with good guard who should make an impact this season. Here are the 2026 guard duos to watch in 2023-24.
Jalen Grant Jalen Grant 6'0" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ & Jalen Maldonado Jalen Maldonado 6'2" | CG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ , Roselle Catholic
Grant and Maldonado are an intriguing duo to watch as both players impact the game in different ways. The former has a quick release on his jumper and can shoot either off the catch or dribble. Grant is more than just a shooter as he can also get into the lane off the bounce and make plays. Maldonado has a tight handle and a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the basket. Grant and Maldonado will be a duo to watch as they look to keep Roselle Catholic atop of Non-Public B.
Richie Rosa Richie Rosa 6'0" | PG St. Peter's Prep | 2026 State NJ & Mason Santiago Mason Santiago 6'3" | SG St. Peter's Prep | 2026 State NJ , St. Peter’s Prep
Rosa and Santiago play off each other really well, which should lead them to a big 2023-24 season. Rosa plays with poise with the ball in his hands as he rarely gets sped up by on-ball pressure and can get into the lane off the bounce. Santiago has a smooth release on his jumper and shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc. They are both solid on-ball defenders as they slide their feet and are able to get deflections. Rosa and Santiago are a tandem to watch as they should be making plays for the Marauders throughout the season.
Isaiah Gore Isaiah Gore 6'2" | PG Trenton Catholic Preparatory Academy | 2026 State NJ & Tyler Hammond Tyler Hammond 6'0" | CG Trenton Catholic Academy | 2026 State NJ , Trenton Catholic
Gore and Hammond are the Iron Mikes’ top returning scorers and their numbers should increase in 2023-24. The former is a lanky, guard prospect who uses his quick first step to blow by his defender off the bounce and finish at the rim. Hammond is a scorer whose range extends well-past the three-point line and can put up points in bunches. Gore has the potential to defend both backcourt spots, while Hammond is an underrated passer. Trenton Catholic’s duo of Gore and Hammond is one to watch in Central Jersey with their ability to score points in a hurry.
Mickell Taylor Jr Mickell Taylor Jr 6'0" | PG Teaneck | 2026 State NJ . & Bryce Hamilton Bryce Hamilton 6'0" | PG Loughlin | 2026 State NY , Teaneck
Taylor Jr. is poised for a breakout campaign for Highwaymen as he will have the ball in his hands more this season. The 5’10 guard has a clean shooting stroke and requires little space to get his shot off. Hamilton has a good handle, which he uses to get into the paint and finish around the basket. He has the ability to play off the ball as well and works hard on the defensive end. Taylor Jr. and Hamilton will be a duo to track in North Jersey as they should put up numbers this winter.
Cam Vick Cam Vick 5'9" | PG East Brunswick | 2026 State NJ & Matt Mikulka Matt Mikulka 5'9" | PG East Brunswick | 2026 State NJ , East Brunswick
Mikulka had a big debut varsity season for the Bears as he canned over 80 triples in 2022-23. The 5’9 guard has a quick release on his jumper and can bury three-pointers in bunches. Vick has a good handle, which he uses to get into the lane and finishes nicely around the basket. They play well off each other as they are both capable of running the offense in the halfcourt. Vick and Mikulka have the potential to have strong 2023-24 seasons as they will be the go-to guys for East Brunswick.