2027 Watch List: North Jersey Point Guards to Watch

Joe Esquivel-Murphy September 29, 2023 @ 09:13 AM

<p>The 2027 class has yet to play a varsity game, but the excitement around the group is palpable. The North Jersey class has the potential to have a strong debut season, especially in the backcourt. Here are the 2027 North Jersey point guards to watch.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201965' first='Hazaiah' last='Barbour'], 5'9 Arts</strong></h2>   <p>Barbour joins a talented Jaguars' roster that will be one of the top teams in Essex County. The 5'9 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to get into the lane and finish around the basket. Barbour has a nice touch on his floater and rarely makes bad decisions with the ball in his hands. He gets deflections on the defensive end and has the potential to play off the ball as well. Barbour is a talented guard prospect whose ability to get into the lane and create plays will help his stock in a big way this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201964' first='Elijah' last='Caldwell'], 5'6 St. Mary's Rutherford</strong></h2>   <p>Caldwell has the potential to make noise this season with his ability to make plays with the ball in his hands. The 5'6 point guard has a lightning quick first step and a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender in the halfcourt. Caldwell can finish in a variety of ways around the basket and can knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. He plays with quick hands on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Caldwell is a dynamic lead guard who will be one to watch throughout the 2023-24 season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201947' first='Anthony' last='Gonzalez'], 5'11 Union City</strong></h2>   <p>Teammate <strong>Alan Gomez</strong> is another first year player to watch in Hudson County, along with Gonzalez as the Eagles looks to make noise in North Jersey. The 5'11 guard has a good handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the rim. Gonzalez does not get rattled by on-ball pressure and rises up with confidence on his jumper. He slides his feet well on the defensive end and can also get his teammates involved in the halfcourt. Gonzalez is a skilled lead guard prospect who should make plays at both ends of the floor this season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201955' first='Noreaga' last='James'], 5'8 Hudson Catholic</strong></h2>   <p>James' ability to play off the ball is key for his development as he is part of a loaded Hawks' backcourt. The 5'8 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to get to the rim and finish. James involves his teammates in the halfcourt and has a good release on his jumper. He uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense and is an underrated rebounder. James is a slashing lead guard prospect who will be one to watch over the course of his varsity career.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2202019' first='Alex' last='Mazzella'], 5'8 St. Joseph (Mont.)</strong></h2>   <p>Mazzella has the potential to have a solid debut season with his ability to create with the basketball. The 5'8 guard plays with poise as he can get his teammates involved and is rarely flustered by on-ball pressure. Mazzella can finish in a variety of ways around the basket and wastes little motion in his shooting stroke. He pushes the ball well in transition and is an underrated defender. Mazzella's ability to make plays with the ball in his hands is something that will help his stock throughout the 2023-24 season.</p>

The 2027 class has yet to play a varsity game, but the excitement around the group is palpable. The North Jersey class has the potential to have a strong debut season, especially in the backcourt. Here are the 2027 North Jersey point guards to watch.