2023 Breakout Guard Candidates

<p>The 2023 class is full of exciting potential with a ton of high level prospects. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850751" first="Dajuan" last="Wagner Jr"].</strong> was a second team All-State performer in his debut varsity season, while <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850752" first="Simeon" last="Wilcher"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902732" first="Mackenzie" last="Mgbako"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850753" first="Akil" last="Watson"]</strong> are all nationally ranked. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850754" first="Spencer" last="Joyner"] </strong>and <strong> [player_tooltip player_id="992524" first="Aaron" last="Bradshaw"] </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902736" first="Isaac" last="Hester"], 6’0 PG Gill St. Bernard’s</strong></p> <p>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 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850666" first="Denver" last="Anglin"]</strong>. Hester is a talented point guard prospect who should have a strong 2020-21 campaign for Gill St. Bernard’s.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902744" first="Cameron" last="Piggee"], 6’0 PG Rutgers Prep</strong></p> <p>The Argonauts are one of the favorites to win the Non-Public B South, but they must replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850671" first="Otega" last="Oweh"] </strong>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.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933044" first="Richard" last="Machado"], 6’1 CG Saddle River Day</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933045" first="Noah" last="Payne"], 5’10 PG Eastern</strong></p> <p>The Vikings have to replace Susquehanna commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896459" first="Noah" last="Klinewski"]</strong> 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 <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929514" first="Zubair" last="Lee"]</strong> and he should get help from Payne in the backcourt.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933047" first="Jahmir" last="Smith"], 5’8 PG Holy Spirit</strong></p> <p>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.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933644" first="Samir" last="Padilla"], SG Lakewood</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902747" first="Chris" last="Venturoso"], 6’2 SG Point Pleasant Beach</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902741" first="Elijah" last="Gertrude"], 6’0 PG Hudson Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902758" first="Lorenzo" last="Perez"], 5’10 PG Perth Amboy</strong></p>