2025 UCC Guards Set for a Big Season

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2023-24 basketball season is underway as the tryouts are in full swing. The UCC is one of the strongest conferences in the Garden State and is full of talent, including in the 2025 class. Here are the 2025 UCC guards set for big 2023-24 seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411630' first='AJ' last='Altobelli'], 5'11 PG Union Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Transfers <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1773151' first='Jaden' last='Myers']</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1786395' first='Luke' last='Schorr']</strong> are set to help the Vikings in the backcourt, but Altobelli is the only returning starter in Union Catholic's backcourt. The 5'11 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get into the lane and finish in a variety of ways around the rim. Altobelli threads passes to his teammates in the halfcourt and has a nice touch on his floater. He plays with good instincts on the defensive end and pushes the pace in transition. Altobelli is a gritty, lead guard prospect who will make plays with the ball in his hands throughout the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1943560' first='Zach' last='Epp'], 6'2 SG Westfield</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Epp had a strong summer and it should carry over into the winter. The 6'2 guard has a good first step, which he uses to beat his man off the bounce and finish around the rim. Epp is more than just a slasher as he can also knock down jumpers from behind the arc and has a smooth release on his shot. He is a tough on-ball defender and moves well without the ball in his hands. Epp is a two-way guard prospect who has the potential to put up big scoring numbers this season for Westfield.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1466430' first='Asher' last='Bradley'], 6'0 PG Oratory Prep</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Bradley has been a key part of the Rams' backcourt over the last two seasons and should breakout in 2023-24. The 6'0 guard plays with composure on the ball as he rarely gets rattled by pressure. Bradley can finish through contact around the rim and also has a nice touch in the mid-range. He uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense and is an underrated rebounder. Bradley will have the ball in his hands more this season, which will help his development in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1213545' first='Kordell' last='Philemon'], 6'4 CG Roselle Catholic</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Philemon joins a talented Lions' squad that is looking to repeat as state champions. The 6'4 guard finishes nicely around the basket and does not mind drawing contact. Philemon has a nice release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and is a solid rebounder. Philemon's ability to make plays at both ends of the floor is something that will help his game in a big way in 2023-24.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557545' first='Cameron' last='McRae'], 5'10 PG Elizabeth</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McRae is line for a big junior season as he should have the ball in his hands more this season. The 5'10 guard has a quick first step and a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his man and finish at the rim. McRae shoots the ball with confidence from deep and is comfortable shooting off the catch and bounce. He is a tough on-ball defender and finds open teammates in the halfcourt. McRae has the ability to score points in bunches, which will help the Minutemen throughout the 2023-24 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->