2026 Guards Set to Lead State Tournament Runs
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The 2026 might have only played one varsity season, but the hype around the group is palpable. The guard class is set to make a big mark on the Garden State this season as they look to lead their teams…
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Continue ReadingThe 2026 might have only played one varsity season, but the hype around the group is palpable. The guard class is set to make a big mark on the Garden State this season as they look to lead their teams to a state title. Here are the 2026 guards set to lead their teams to deep state tournament runs.
Jalen Grant Jalen Grant 6'0" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2026 State NJ , 6’0 PG Roselle Catholic
Grant is the Lions’ top returning scorer from last season’s Non-Public B title winning team and will be shouldering a larger leadership role in 2023-24. The 6’0 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the rim. Grant is more than just a slasher as he has a smooth release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He plays with good floor vision in the half court and slides his feet on defense. Roselle Catholic has won five straight sectional titles and will look to win a sixth straight with Grant running the offense.
Chidi Nwigwe Chidi Nwigwe 6'6" | SG St. Benedict's | 2026 State NJ , 6’5 SG St. Benedict’s
Nwigwe should put up big numbers this season as the Gray Bees look to take home hardware this season. The lanky 6’5 guard shoots the ball with confidence from distance and has deep range on his jumper. Nwigwe can also get to the rim off the bounce and finish through contact around the basket. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and is an underrated rebounder. Nwigwe is a talented guard prospect whose ability to score the ball in a variety of ways will power St. Benedict’s in 2023-24.
Aiden Derkack Aiden Derkack 6'5" | SG Colonia | 2026 State NJ , 6’5 SG Colonia
Derkack has had a big summer and fall, which should carry over into the winter for the Patriots. The 6’5 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to blow by his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Derkack can scan the defense on the perimeter and thread passes to teammates in the halfcourt. He can also knock down open jumpers from distance and makes plays on the defensive end. Derkack is a versatile guard prospect, who is looking to lead Colonia to back-to-back sectional titles.
Richie Rosa Richie Rosa 6'0" | PG St. Peter's Prep | 2026 State NJ , 6’0 PG St. Peter’s Prep
Rosa started for last season’s title winning team and will have an even bigger role in 2023-24. The 6’0 guard rarely gets rattled by on-ball pressure and finds his open teammates in the backcourt. Rosa can finish in a variety of ways around the basket and wastes little motion in his jumper. He works hard on the defensive end and can also play off the ball. Rosa is a gritty, guard prospect who is looking to lead St. Peter’s Prep back to the Non-Public A title game.
Jayden Holman Jayden Holman 6'1" | PG Arts | 2026 State NJ , 6’1 PG Arts
Holman is part of a talented Jaguars’ backcourt that is looking to take home a sectional title. The 6’1 guard has a tight handle and a quick first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Holman has a good touch on his floater and can also shoot off the bounce. He uses his long arms to get deflections on defense and gets his teammates involved in the halfcourt. Holman is a skilled, guard prospect who is primed for a big 2023-24 season for Arts.