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<p>The 2026 available pool got a little bit smaller last weekend as Bergen Catholic forward <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595675' first='Julius' last='Avent']</strong> committed to Michigan State. Bergen County still has talent that should make an impact at the next level. Here are the top available 2026 Bergen County prospects.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342638' first='Jaden' last='Brown'], 6'3 SG/PG Bergen Catholic</strong></h2>
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<p>Brown is the top available Bergen County prospect and should put his game on display throughout the season. The 6'3 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and can make shots through contact around the rim. Brown is more than just a slasher as he has a nice release on his jumper and makes opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. He can guard both spots in the backcourt and rarely forces shots in the half court. Brown is a talented guard prospect who has the potential to finish his varsity season as an All-State performer.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1788774' first='Mickell' last='Taylor Jr'], 6'0 PG Teaneck</strong></h2>
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<p>Taylor Jr is one of the speedier guards in the class and will be looking to lead the Highwaymen to a deep postseason run. The 6'0 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to get to his spot on the floor and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Taylor Jr has a clean release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He is an underrated passer and can get deflections on the defensive end. Taylor Jr has the ability to put up points in bunches, which should help his stock in a big way.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342637' first='Brad' last='Brown'], 6'0 PG Don Bosco Prep</strong></h2>
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<p>Brown is primed to get more touches in the half court, which will help his development in a big way. The 6'0 guard rarely gets rattled by on-ball and knows how to get to his spot on the floor. Brown has a good touch in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He is a tough on-ball defender and finds his open teammates in the half court. Brown is a tough guard prospect who should make plays at both ends of the floor throughout the course of the season.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2621316' first='Matthew' last='Kennedy'], 6'3 SG/SF St. Mary's (Rutherford)</strong></h2>
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<p>Kennedy had a strong summer and is looking to carry that form over into the winter. The 6'3 wing has a good shooting stroke and can knock down triples in bunches. Kennedy moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the half court. He has the length to defend multiple positions on the floor and is an underrated passer. Kennedy is a sharpshooting wing prospect who should torch the nets from distance this winter.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1775140' first='Jamiko' last='Smith'], 5'10 PG Hackensack</strong></h2>
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<p>Smith has been a steady presence for the Comets' back court the past three seasons and should continue to make his impact felt this winter. The 5'10 guard uses his handle to get into the lane and is unafraid of drawing contact. Smith can also play off the ball and rarely forces jumpers in the half court. He makes it hard for his man to get to his spot on the floor and pushes the pace well in transition. Smith is a gritty guard prospect who is looking to run the offense efficiently throughout the course of the season.</p>
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<h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Track:</strong></h2>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421359' first='Isaac' last='Shrager'], 6'4 SG/PG Old Tappan</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2628194' first='Robert' last='Lopez'], 5'11 PG Glen Rock</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2505095' first='Sam' last='Fasola'], 6'2 SG Park Ridge</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2857847' first='Sean' last='Lustig'], 6'4 SF/SG Park Ridge</strong></p>
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<p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763500' first='Nick' last='Baldini'], SF Tenafly</strong></p>
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The 2026 available pool got a little bit smaller last weekend as Bergen Catholic forward Julius AventJuliusAvent
6'6" | SF Bergen Catholic | 2026State#109NationNJ committed to Michigan State. Bergen County still has talent that should make an impact at the next level. Here are the top available 2026 Bergen County prospects.