2021 Guards Making Cases for All-State Recognition

<p>It’s difficult to talk about the end of an already shortened season, but it isn’t too early to talk about potential all-state performers. The 2022 and 2023 classes have multiple guard options, but the 2021 group has put out strong performances as well that deserve recognition. Here are 2021 guards making arguments to receive All-State recognition in their final varsity season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850507" first="Noah" last="Harris"], 6’0 PG Rutgers Prep</strong></p> <p>The Argonauts needed someone to emerge as their go-to scorer when <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850499" first="Trey" last="Patterson"]</strong> enrolled early at Villanova and Harris has answered the bell. The Marist commit has been scorching the nets from distance with 11 triples in two games played. Harris is not just shooting as he pulling up in the mid-range and getting to the rim, which is why he is averaging 29 points per game to open the year. He is doing more than just scoring as he is also dishing out seven assists a game. If Harris is able to maintain his numbers throughout the season, it’ll be difficult to keep him off the All-State teams.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1036729" first="Zakai" last="Zeigler"]/[player_tooltip player_id="850513" first="Jayden" last="Brown"], 5’9/ 6’0 Montclair Immaculate</strong></p> <p>The Lions have played the toughest schedule of any team in state with all three of their losses against teams ranked in the top six in the state. Despite the difficulty, Zeigler and Brown have shown on the big stage as they have shown their ability to play against top level competition. The former paces the team at 20 points per game and is a blur with the ball in his hands. Brown is a dangerous scorer with numerous ways to fill it up as evidenced by his 30-point performance against Roselle Catholic where he buried five triples and made 11 free throws. Both players have been tremendous to start the season and deserve to be recognized for their play against the state’s toughest schedule.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900329" first="Marcus" last="Pierce"], 6’2 CG St. Joseph Academy</strong></p> <p>Pierce has been playing at a high level all season and has made the argument as the best available 2021 prospect in South Jersey. The 6’2 guard has been relentless all season as he attacks the basket with a purpose and is unafraid of drawing contact. Pierce is a crafty finisher around the basket and has a good release on his jumper. He plays with good instincts on the defensive end and is capable of running the offense as well. Pierce has eclipsed 20 points in every game this season and his name should be talked about for All-State if he continues his scoring pace.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900309" first="Christian" last="Cevis"], 6’0 PG West Morris</strong></p> <p>Cevis has been the top lead guard in Group 3 for over a year and is making plays in his final high school season. The Fairfield commit plays with tremendous court vision and is always looking for open teammates in the half court. Cevis has a tight handle which he uses to get to the rim, but is also capable of burying jumpers from distance. He is a pest on the defensive end and is a good rebounder for a guard. If the Wolf Pack are able to keep winning, Cevis will hear his name being discussed for All-State.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1012962" first="Gannon" last="Brady"], 5’11 PG Ocean City</strong></p> <p>The Red Raiders are off to a 4-1 start and Brady is a huge reason why. The Fordham baseball commit has been torching the nets with three 30-point games, including a season-high 38 points in his last game out against Atlantic City. Brady is a strong finisher around the basket and knows how to draw contact. He is more than just a driver as he can bury jumpers from deep as he drilled five triples against Wildwood Catholic Academy. It may be hard for Brady to make an All-State team, but it will be hard to overlook if he continues to put up 30-point performances.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013011" first="Kody" last="Robinson"], 6’3 SG St. Joe’s Metuchen</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929528" first="Trevor" last="Bokach"], 6’4 CG Watchung Hills</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900321" first="Al-Fatir" last="Connor"], 6’0 PG Elizabeth</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013017" first="Jacob" last="Morales"], 6’4 SG Pascack Hills</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900328" first="Rayshawn" last="Ford"], 6’2 SG St. Peter’s Prep</strong></p>