2023 Breakout Guard Candidates
The 2023 class is full of exciting potential with a ton of high level prospects. Dajuan Wagner Jr Dajuan Wagner Jr 6'4" | PG Camden | 2023 State #1 Nation NJ . was a second team All-State performer in his…
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Continue ReadingThe 2023 class is full of exciting potential with a ton of high level prospects. Dajuan Wagner Jr Dajuan Wagner Jr 6'4" | PG Camden | 2023 State #1 Nation NJ . was a second team All-State performer in his debut varsity season, while Simeon Wilcher Simeon Wilcher 6'4" | PG Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #17 Nation NJ , Mackenzie Mgbako Mackenzie Mgbako 6'8" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #5 Nation NJ and Akil Watson Akil Watson 6'7" | SF Roselle Catholic | 2023 State #105 Nation NJ are all nationally ranked. Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ and Aaron Bradshaw Aaron Bradshaw 7'0" | PF Camden | 2023 State #10 Nation NJ both have received high major offers and are looking to have big sophomore campaigns. The guard class in 2023 is special with numerous players having the capability to make an impact at the next level. Here are the top 2023 breakout guard candidates.
Isaac Hester Isaac Hester 6'0" | PG Ranney School | 2023 State NJ , 6’0 PG Gill St. Bernard’s
Hester started for the majority of the season for the Knights, but he will have a greater influence on the offense in 2020-21. The 6’0 guard has a good handle and knows how to finish around the rim. Hester has a good-looking jumper and moves well off the ball. He is a solid passer and works well with Mgbako and Denver Anglin Denver Anglin 6'0" | PG Gill St. Bernard's | 2022 State #120 Nation NJ . Hester is a talented point guard prospect who should have a strong 2020-21 campaign for Gill St. Bernard’s.
Cameron Piggee Cameron Piggee 6'1" | PG Rutgers Prep | 2023 State NJ , 6’0 PG Rutgers Prep
The Argonauts are one of the favorites to win the Non-Public B South, but they must replace Otega Oweh Otega Oweh 6'4" | SG Blair Academy | 2022 State #91 Nation NJ on the perimeter. Piggee came off the bench in his first varsity season, but is ready for a bigger role. The 6’0 guard plays with composure on the ball and is unafraid of attacking the basket. Piggee plays good on-ball defense and is capable of running the offense. Rutgers Prep needs someone to step up in the backcourt and Piggee looks to be the guy.
Richard Machado Richard Machado 6'1" | CG Saddle River Day | 2023 State NJ , 6’1 CG Saddle River Day
The Rebels had a good 2019-20 season as they won 22 games and took home the NJIC Tournament title. Machado was a big reason for their success, but his best performance came against North Jersey 1 Group 2 winner Ramsey in the Bergen County Jamboree. The 6’1 combo guard drilled six three-pointers, showcasing his smooth shooting stroke and quick release. Machado is more than just a shooter as he can beat his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Saddle River Day should be in contention to win 20 games again in 2020-21 with Machado returning in the backcourt.
Noah Payne Noah Payne 6'1" | PG Peddie | 2024 State NJ , 5’10 PG Eastern
The Vikings have to replace Susquehanna commit Noah Klinewski Noah Klinewski 6'2" | PG Eastern | 2020 State NJ and Payne looks to be the guy to do so. The 5’10 guard plays with composure on the ball and is a smooth passer. Payne knows how to get into the ball lane and is capable of finishing around the basket. He plays solid on-ball defense as he moves his feet well. Eastern returns one of the top wings in the Olympic Conference in Zubair Lee Zubair Lee 6'5" | SF Eastern | 2021 State NJ and he should get help from Payne in the backcourt.
Jahmir Smith Jahmir Smith 6'0" | PG Centennial Highschool | 2023 GA , 5’8 PG Holy Spirit
Smith had a solid debut season for the Spartans and is looking to build off that in 2020-21. The dual-sport athlete is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and is hard to keep out of the lane. Smith knows how to draw contact around the basket and is a crafty finisher. He is a good passer and plays tenacious on-ball defense. Smith is ready for a larger role in his second varsity season as Holy Spirit looks to improve its 17-10 record from 2019-20.
Other Players to Watch:
Samir Padilla Samir Padilla 5'10" | PG Jackson Memorial | 2023 State NJ , SG Lakewood
Chris Venturoso Chris Venturoso 6'3" | SG Lacey | 2023 State NJ , 6’2 SG Point Pleasant Beach
Elijah Gertrude Elijah Gertrude 6'4" | SG Hudson Catholic | 2023 State #145 Nation NJ , 6’0 PG Hudson Catholic
Lorenzo Perez Lorenzo Perez 5'10" | PG Perth Amboy | 2023 State NJ , 5’10 PG Perth Amboy