Central Jersey Group 1 Prospects Who Had Big XMas Performances

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new year has officially started, meaning teams are preparing for their push towards the postseason. Group 1 might contain the smallest public schools in New Jersey, but prospects still had big performances over the Christmas and New Year's weeks. Here are the Central Jersey Group 1 prospects who had big performances during those weeks.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1790210' first='Tyler' last='Hammond'], 6'0 CG Thrive Charter 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hammond paced the Titans during the Christmas tournament period as he averaged over 16 points per game in his last three games. The 6'0 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down jumpers in bunches. Hammond is more than just a shooter as he can also get into the paint off the bounce and finishes nicely in the mid-range. He is an underrated passer and gets deflections on the defensive end. Hammond is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should continue to torch the nets from distance this season</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>George Breckenridge, CG Point Pleasant Beach 2027</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Breckenridge has provided a spark for the Garnet Gulls so far this season, pouring in 20 points in his last game. He has a clean shooting stroke as he wastes little motion and can get hot from deep in a hurry. Breckenridge moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the half court. He is an underrated passer and can get deflections on defense. Breckenridge has the ability to put up points in bunches, which will help his stock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>AJ Skara, SG Piscataway Magnet 2027</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Skara poured in 43 points in Piscataway Magnet's last 2 games of 2025 and is looking to carry it over into 2026. He has a good first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finishes well around the rim. Skara can also score in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He moves well without the ball in his hands and slides his feet on defense. Skara's ability to get into the paint off the bounce is something that will help his development over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Julian Samuels, G Middlesex 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Samuels has stepped up for the Blue Jays this season as he has two 20-point performances in his last four games. He has a good first step, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finishes well around the rim. Samuels is more than just a slasher as he can also knock down open jumpers from behind the arc and moves well without the ball in his hands. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is an underrated defender. Samuels is a tough guard prospect who should continue to make plays for the Blue Jays during the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763549' first='Darion' last='Joubert'], 6'1 SF/PF South Amboy 2028</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Joubert has been a force down low for South Amboy as he has controlled the paint so far this season. The 6'1 forward uses his body well to get position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. Joubert can draw contact in the paint and sets good screens in the half court. He rips down rebounds on both ends of the floor and holds his ground on the defensive end. Joubert put up 21 and 11 right before Christmas and is looking to have more games like that over the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->