2024 Guards Set to Fill Big Roles This Season

<p>The start of the school year is always exciting as students across the Garden State are gearing up for months ahead. Teams around the state will have to replace the talent they lost, but there are 2024 members who should pick up the slack. Here are the top 2024 guards set to fill big roles this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153997" first="Jaiden" last="Glover"], 6’4 SG Roselle Catholic</strong></p> <p>The Lions are a loaded roster, but they will have to replace the production of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787669" first="Corey" last="Floyd Jr"]. </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850511" first="Amar’e" last="Marshall"]</strong> in the back court. Glover should help with that as he gives head coach Dave Boff an athletic wing who can finish strong around the basket. The St. Benedict’s transfer has a nice handle, which should take some of the pressure off of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850752" first="Simeon" last="Wilcher"]</strong>. Glover can knock down open jumpers from the perimeter and is an underrated rebounder. Roselle Catholic will be a team to watch all season in New Jersey as Glover looks to make an early impact with the team.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153958" first="Isaiah" last="Brown"], 6’1 CG Don Bosco Prep</strong></p> <p>The Ironmen were hit hard this offseason, creating a big-time opportunity for Brown. The 6’1 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he is a good finisher and does not mind drawing contact. Brown has a good handle, which he uses to break down the defense and get into the lane. He can run the offense effectively, but is also capable of playing off the ball. Brown and classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153959" first="Dylan" last="Harper"] </strong>make up a talented backcourt set to make noise in Bergen County this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213556" first="Peter" last="Noble"], 6’2 PG CBA</strong></p> <p>The Colts have to replace their top two backcourt performers in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929483" first="Colin" last="Farrell"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900376" first="Mike" last="White"]</strong>, leaving an opportunity for Noble to take a starring role. The 6’2 guard shoots with confidence from distance and has deep range. Noble is more than just a shooter as he can blow by his defender off the dribble and is a crafty finisher around the rim. He is capable of making flashy passes and is an underrated defender. Noble is a breakout candidate in the Shore Conference with his ability to score the ball in multiple.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1051496" first="Merle" last="Hans"], 5’10 PG Wildwood</strong></p> <p>Hans had a strong freshman campaign for Wildwood and is set to be the go-to guy on offense with the graduations of <strong>Omarion McNeal </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1142786" first="Diante" last="Miles"]</strong>. The 5’10 guard has a nice handle, which he uses to get into the lane and finish. Hans is more than just a driver as he has a good shooting stroke and sets his feet before he shoots. He plays with quick hands on the defensive end and is an underrated passer. Hans will be tasked with shouldering a larger scoring load this season for Wildwood and is ready for the challenge in front of him.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050405" first="Dean" last="Smith"], 6’1 CG Watchung Hills</strong></p> <p>Smith got some game-time for Watchung Hills last season, but will be asked to make a big jump with the graduation of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929528" first="Trevor" last="Bokach"]</strong>. The 6’1 guard plays with confidence with the ball in his hands and attacks the basket with a purpose. Smith constantly plays with high energy as he rarely takes a play off when he’s on the floor. He talks on the defensive end and moves well off the ball. Smith is a glue guy that makes plays to help his team win games.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Devyn Wright-Miles, 6’2 SG Trenton Catholic</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1064514" first="Anthony" last="Lanza"], 5’10 PG Elizabeth</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1051497" first="Azzir" last="Smith-Bey"], 5’10 PG Timber Creek</strong></p> <p><strong>Keith Brown Jr., 6’1 PG Life Center Academy</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050399" first="Alex" last="Massang"], 5’9 PG Hudson Catholic</strong></p>