Group 1: Guards to Watch
With Labor Day firmly in the past, the start of the school year is upon us. Players are excited as it means the basketball season is slowly getting closer. Group 1 is an intriguing section with multiple players being able…
Access all of Prep Hoops
Continue reading this article and more.
Continue ReadingWith Labor Day firmly in the past, the start of the school year is upon us. Players are excited as it means the basketball season is slowly getting closer. Group 1 is an intriguing section with multiple players being able to contribute at the next level. Here are the top guards to watch in Group 1 this season.
Tazir Cantey Tazir Cantey 6'0" | PG Eastern | 2021 State NJ , 6’0 PG Lindenwold 2021
Cantey was the top scorer in South Jersey last season and has the talent to do so again. The 6’0 point guard has a good handle and is tough to keep out of the lane. Cantey can finish through contact and is a good finisher around the rim. He has a good release on his jumper and can get hot from deep in a hurry. Cantey is a threat to drop 25 points on any given night and is looking to lead Lindenwold to the South Jersey Group 1 title this season.
Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , 6’3 PG Arts 2023
Joyner spent his first season at University and should make an even bigger impact at Arts. The 6’3 guard is a skilled ball-handler and knows how beat his defender off the bounce. Joyner can shoot over his defender, but is also able to finish around the basket. He is a tough rebounder and is an underrated passer. Joyner will be carrying the scoring load for an Arts team that won two games last season.
Quadir Harrell Quadir Harrell 5'10" | PG Bound Brook | 2022 State NJ , PG Bound Brook 2022
The Crusaders are seen as one of the top teams in Group 1 and Harrell is a big reason why. The rising junior point is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and can finish through contact. Harrell is more than just a slasher as he is dangerous from behind the arc. He is a solid passer and is willing to take a charge on the defensive end. Harrell’s ability to make plays on both ends of the floor makes Bound Brook a team to beat in Group 1.
Bakir Cleveland Bakir Cleveland 6'4" | SG University | 2021 State NJ , 6’4 SG University 2021
The Phoenix took home the North Jersey 2 Group 1 title last season and they have the potential to do so again. Cleveland led the team in scoring last season as he is hard to keep out of the lane. The 6’4 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and knows how to finish through contact. Cleveland has a good mid-range game and moves his feet on the defensive end. University has the talent to repeat as sectional champions and Cleveland will be the guy leading the charge.
DJ Thomson DJ Thomson 6'3" | PG Keyport | 2022 State NJ , 6’2 CG Keyport 2022
Thomson dropped over 20 points a game last season and should do so again for the Raiders. The 6’2 guard can beat his man off the dribble and is unafraid of contact. Thomson has a nice mid-range game and is athletic enough to finish above the rim. He is a good rebounder and is an underrated passer. Thomson is looking to lead Keyport deep into the sectional playoffs with two years of varsity experience under his belt.
Other Players to Watch:
Elijon Nix Elijon Nix 6'0" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , 5’11 PG University 2023
Davie McLarty Davie McLarty SG Bound Brook | 2021 State NJ , SG Bound Brook 2021
Jamaal Morris Jamaal Morris 5'10" | PG Trenton Catholic | 2022 NY , 5’10 PG Burlington City 2022
Jamar Belfield Jamar Belfield 5'10" | PG Paterson Charter | 2022 State NJ , 5’10 PG Paterson Charter 2022
Zach Wygand Zach Wygand 6'2" | SG Woodstown | 2021 State NJ , 6’2 SG Woodstown 2021