2025 North Jersey Guards Primed to Have Big State Tournaments

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>February is creeping closer, which means the state tournament is getting closer. The North Jersey brackets are full of intrigue as senior guards are looking to close their careers out on a high note. Here are the 2025 North Jersey guards primed to have big state tournaments.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2623169' first='Rodney' last='Tullis Jr.'], 6'0 PG Newark Tech</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Tullis Jr. has been running the offense efficiently for the Terriers all season long as he's helped them to an 11-2 record this season. The 6'0 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender off the bounce and finishes nicely around the rim. Tullis Jr. can also score in the mid-range and can make opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. He finds his open teammates in the halfcourt and uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense. Newark Tech has been to the last two Group 1 finals and is looking to make it to its third straight appearance in 2025.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919184' first='Gio' last='Figueroa'], 5'10 PG Paterson Charter</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Figueroa has established himself as the go-to guy on the perimeter for the Lions as he leads the team in points and rebounds. The 5'10 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the dribble and can finish in a variety of ways around the rim. Figueroa rarely forces shots in the halfcourt and sets his feet before he shoots. He plays with good court vision and works hard on defense. Figueroa is looking to lead the Lions back to the sectional title as Paterson Charter have the potential to make a deep run.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jarnell Harmitt, 6'1 SG Teaneck</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Harmitt has been a consistent presence in the backcourt over the past three seasons, which will be key for the Highwaymen in March. The 6'1 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and is unafraid of contact. Harmitt uses his dribble to get to his spot on the floor and can knock down open jumpers behind the arc. He is a strong rebounder and slides his feet on the defensive end. Harmitt has the ability to play on and off the ball, which will help Teaneck throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411405' first='Johnny' last='Jackson'], 5'11 PG Ridgewood</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jackson has been lighting up the scoreboard for the Maroons as he has eight 20-point games so far this season. The 5'11 guard has a quick release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Jackson moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the halfcourt. He is an underrated passer and finishes well around the basket. Ridgewood has been to the last three sectional finals, and Jackson is looking to make it four in a row this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1412734' first='Luke' last='Kreitz'], 6'0 PG Ridge</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kreitz is one of the top shooters in Group 4 as he has six games with at least three made triples. The 6'0 guard has a smooth shooting stroke and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Kreitz can also attack the basket off the bounce and finishes well around the basket. He is a solid rebounder and is an underrated defender. Kreitz has a pair of 20-point games this season and should have more games like that during the postseason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1557545' first='Cameron' last='McRae'], 5'10 PG Elizabeth</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2339146' first='Jamir' last='Westry'], 5'11 PG Payne Tech</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2107790' first='Kevin' last='King'], 6'0 CG Mendham</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2119096' first='Mason' last='Mangione'], 6'3 SG Glen Rock</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Mohamed Swaray, 5'9 CG Newark Collegiate</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->