Central Jersey Group 2 Prospects Who Started 2026 Hot

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The calendar has officially changed into 2026, meaning the basketball season is heating up. Prospects have put up big games to start the new year, especially in Central Jersey Group 2. Here are the Central Jersey Group 2 prospects who have started off the year hot.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Brian McKenna, 6'2 SG Wall 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McKenna started off the new year on fire as he dropped 31 points against Howell. The 6'2 guard has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. McKenna moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the half court. He can also score around the rim and works hard on the defensive end. McKenna is a sharpshooting guard prospect whose ability to defend the ball will help his stock over the course of the season,</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2205839' first='Luke' last='Cruz'], 6'9 PF Rumson Fair-Haven 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Cruz has started off 2026 on a high note as he is averaging 19.5 points and 15 rebounds in two games. The 6'9 forward has a good face-up game as he can put the ball on the floor and his range extends out to the three-point line. Cruz has a nice touch around the rim and can draw contact in the paint. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and swats a ton of shots around the rim. Cruz is a talented forward prospect who should continue to light up the scoreboard this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Cameron Hayes-Durina, 6'1 SG Metuchen 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hayes-Durina has powered the Bulldogs' 7-0 start to the season and should continue his play in the new year. The 6'1 guard plays with composure on the ball as he uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and can find his open teammates in the half court. Hayes-Durina attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and can draw in the paint. He is a strong rebounder and pushes the pace well in transition. Hayes-Durina is a gritty guard prospect who should continue to 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='2428329' first='Tommy' last='Denvir'], 6'3 SG/PG Delaware Valley 2027</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Denvir has been playing at a high level all season and has continued that form into 2026. The 6'3 guard has a clean shooting stroke and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Denvir is more than just a shooter as he can also put the ball on the floor and knows how to finish around the rim. He is an underrated passer and gets deflections on the defensive end. Denvir has the ability to put up points in bunches, which will help his stock over the next couple of months.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jack Vallillo, 5'8 PG Holmdel 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Vallillo kicked off 2026 with a 27-point performance against East Brunswick Magnet and should continue his high scoring performances this winter. The 5'8 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to get into the lane and has a nice touch in the mid-range. Vallillo moves well without the ball in his hands and can hit open jumpers from behind the arc. He is a solid defender and rarely forces jumpers in the half court. Vallillo is a hard-working guard prospect who should continue to put up big performances throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->