Under the Radar Group 3 Guards

<p>The end of the crazy 2021 season is a little over a week away and has produced crazy results. Some teams have burst onto the scene out of nowhere, with players putting up big performances on a nightly basis. The same can be said for Group 3 with numerous guards flying under the radar. Here are the top Group 3 guards that deserve your attention for their play this season.</p> <p><strong>Virgil Scruggs, SG Deptford 2022</strong></p> <p>The Spartans are the only undefeated team in Group 3 at 12-0 with Scruggs keying the offense. The junior guard is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher around the basket. Scruggs is more than just a slasher as he can bury jumpers from deep and has a nice release on his jumper. He is a solid rebounder and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Scruggs has had a breakout season for the breakout team in Group 3.</p> <p><strong>Amari Thompson, CG Rahway 2021</strong></p> <p>Classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900316" first="Ernest" last="Carter"] </strong>was the go-to guy for the Braves in 2019-20, but Thompson has been the bell cow this season. The senior guard is a big-time scorer with three 20-point games as he likes to take his defender off the bounce and get to the rim. Thompson is unafraid of drawing contact on his way to the basket and has a good release on his jumper. He is a play-maker on the defensive end and is a good rebounder for a guard. Thompson has burst onto the scene as one of the more under the radar guards in Union County for Rahway.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017710" first="Jordan" last="Derkack"], 6’3 SG Colonia 2021</strong></p> <p>Wardlaw-Hartridge transfer <strong>Savion Pressley</strong> has had an instant impact for the Patriots, but Derkack’s versatility has made the difference. The athletic 6’3 guard loves to finish above the rim and can finish through contact. Derkack is a good passer when he gets into the lane and can knock down jumpers from distance when given space. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end. Derkack has been filling up the stat sheet for Colonia all season and should continue to do so in the last week of the season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933645" first="Brandon" last="Raba"], 6’2 PG Nottingham 2021</strong></p> <p>The Northstars have been one of the top teams in the CVC this season as Raba leads the charge on offense. The 6’2 guard has a good handle and is a crafty finisher around the basket. Raba can also score in the mid-range and plays with his head up in the half court. He is an underrated defender and makes smart decisions with the ball in his hands. Trenton Catholic transfer <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900323" first="Donavin" last="Crawford"] </strong>has had a strong senior season as he teams up with Raba to create a dynamic duo in the CVC.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013061" first="Brian" last="Whitney"], 6’3 SG Passaic Valley 2022</strong></p> <p>The Hornets are 9-2 on the season and Whitney’s ability to play on both ends of the floor is a big reason why. The 6’3 lefty has a nice release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Whitney is more than just a shooter as he can put the ball on the floor and finish around the basket. He plays with quick hands on the defensive end and is one of the top shot-blocking guards in the class as he averages better than two blocks a game. Whitney has had a strong junior season and should have a strong senior season in 2021-22 for Passaic Valley.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Andre Wells, 5’11 PG Matawan 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013112" first="Dennis" last="DeMarino"], 6’1 PG Cranford 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016678" first="John" last="Celli"], 6’0 SG Tenafly 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1035706" first="Kyle" last="Haegele"], 6’4 SG Roxbury 2021</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929527" first="Kyle" last="Rolon"], 6’3 SG Somerville 2021</strong></p>