Essex County Invitational Quarterfinals Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>County tournaments are in full swing as the first week of February is half over. The Essex County Invitational quarterfinals are set to tip off on Saturday and prospects have the opportunity to have big games. Here are the Essex County Invitational Quarterfinals prospects to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763539' first='Omar' last='Mangassouba'], 6'4 SF Newark East Side 2027</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Mangassouba has taken a big step up this season as he has come up with big games for the Rad Raiders. The 6'4 wing uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and finishes nicely around the basket. Mangassouba uses his size to see over his defender and has a nice release on his jumper. He is an underrated rebounder and uses his length to make plays on the defensive end. Mangassouba's ability to score inside and out is something that will help Newark East Side during the Essex County Invitational quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Zach Smith, SG Livingston 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Smith has the ability to have a big quarterfinals with his ability to shoot the ball form distance. He has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Smith moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the halfcourt. He rarely forces jumpers in the halfcourt and is an underrated passer. Smith is a sharpshooting guard prospect who is looking to torch the nets this Saturday for Livingston.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2932335' first='Jayvon' last='Rogers'], 6'3 SG Columbia 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Rogers has been getting hot at the right time for the Cougars, averaging nearly 22 points per game over his last four games. The 6'3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the basket and is unafraid of drawing contact. Rogers can also score in the mid-range and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. He is a solid rebounder and gets deflections on the defensive end. Rogers has four 20-point games this season and is looking to add to that total on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Herman, 6'1 SF Verona 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Herman paces Verona's offense and will be looking to lead them to victory this Saturday. The 6'1 wing as a solid handle, which he uses to get to the rim off the bounce and finishes nicely around the basket. Herman can also score in the mid-range and can find his open teammates in the halfcourt. He is a solid rebounder and slides his feet on the defensive end. Herman is a gritty wing prospect who is looking to will his team to victory on Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2765197' first='Ahmad' last='Woodard'], 5'8 PG American History 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Woodard has been putting up big numbers this season for the Eagles as he has already eclipsed 400 points on the season. The 5'8 guard has a clean shooting stroke and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Woodard is more than just a shooter as he can also get into the paint off the bounce and finish around the basket. He finds his open teammates in the halfcourt and uses his quick hands to get steals on defense. Woodard is averaging 27 points per game over his last three games and is looking to continue his hot streak on Saturday.</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='2700396' first='Ahmad' last='Cook'], 7'0 C/PF West Side 2028</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1775139' first='Zaim' last='Barnes'], 5'10 PG Shabazz 2026</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Malachi Thomas, 6'2 CG Newark Central 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1472516' first='David' last='Ekhelar'], 6'8 PF Newark East Side 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763443' first='Ihjamir' last='Williams'], 6'4 PF American History 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->