2026 Top Available Public Union County Prospects

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The 2026 pool got a little bit smaller last week as Johnson guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342604' first='Dean' last='Yellen Jr']</strong> committed to Arcadia. Union County still has guards that can make an impact at the next level, especially in the public schools. Here are the 2026 top available public school Union County prospects to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595682' first='Jayden' last='Holman'], 6'1 PG Linden</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Holman returns to the run the show for the Tigers as they look to make a deep postseason run. The 6'1 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finishes nicely around the rim. Holman can also score in the mid-range and has the ability to play off the ball as well. He pushes the pace well in transition and makes it hard for his man to get to his spot on the floor. Holman is a gritty guard prospect who should make plays at both ends of the floor this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595681' first='Jaren' last='Barnett'], 5'8 PG Linden</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnett joins the Tigers after Immaculate Conception shut down and should make an immediate impact on the hardwood. The 5'8 guard rarely gets sped up by on-ball pressure as he knows how to get to his spot on the floor and threads passes to his open teammates. Barnett can finish in a variety of ways around the rim and wastes little motion in his release. He is a tough on-ball defender and is an underrated rebounder. Barnett's ability to run the offense effectively is something that will help his stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595676' first='Jalen' last='Maldonado'], 6'2 CG Elizabeth</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Maldonado is primed to make an immediate impact for the Minutemen as they look to take home a sectional title. The 6'2 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and can make shots through contact. Maldonado is more than just a slasher as he has a nice release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He uses his quickness to make plays on the defensive end and moves well without the ball in his hands. Maldonado is a play-making guard who should make plays at both ends of the floor throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421357' first='Matt' last='Caplan'], 6'2 SG Summit</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Caplan had a solid junior season and should build off of that in his senior campaign. The 6'2 guard has a good first step, which he uses to get into the lane and has a good touch in the mid-range. Caplan can also play on the ball as he can find his open teammates in the half court and sets his feet before he shoots. He works hard on the defensive end and is a solid rebounder. Caplan's ability to score inside and out is something that will help his stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2868287' first='Ryan' last='Malcolm'], 6'5 PF/SF Johnson</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Malcolm has the ability to play either forward spot, making him an intriguing forward prospect to track. The 6'5 forward has a good face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and has a high release on his jumper. Malcolm can also get position in the paint and has a nice touch in the paint. He works for rebounds and is an underrated shot-blocker. Malcolm should stretch the floor and protect the paint this season, which will help his stock throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1981659' first='Jake' last='Russell'], 5'10 SG Westfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2779190' first='Tayshaun' last='Banks'], 6'4 W Rahway</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2875973' first='Max' last='MacEacheron'], 6'0 SG/PG Westfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342647' first='Rashawn' last='Williams'], 6'3 SF Plainfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2342645' first='Kamai' last='Lowery'], 6'1 SG Plainfield</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->