Central Jersey Potential Breakout Guards

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The new academic school year may not have started yet, but the upcoming basketball season is full of intrigue. Breakout candidates are littered across the Garden State with players having the opportunity to step into a bigger role this season. Here are the Central Jersey potential breakout guards to watch this winter.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1050401' first='Andrew' last='Buck'], 6'2 SG Ranney 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Buck is a breakout contender to watch as he should get an extended role in the Panthers' offense in 2022-23. The 6'2 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and is a solid finisher around the basket. Buck moves well without the ball in his hands and can make opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. He is a solid rebounder and slides his feet on the defensive end. Buck will get more looks on the offensive end, which should help his stock in a big way this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206523' first='Jack' last='O'Leary'], 6'1 CG Raritan 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>O'Leary is the Rockets' leading returning scorer and should see his numbers go up as he will be the go-to guy in their offense. The 6'1 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get by his defender and finish around the basket. O'Leary can also score in the mid-range and rarely forces shots in the half court. He is capable of running the offense and moves well without the ball in his hands. O'Leary had five 20-point games last season and should have more games like that with the ball in his hands more.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411626' first='Zayier' last='Dean'], 5'10 PG Ocean Township 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dean had a stellar debut season for Ocean Township and is one of the top sophomores in the Shore Conference. The 5'10 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the basket. Dean knows how to get to his spot on the floor and rises up nicely on his jumper. He knows how to run the offense effectively and gets deflections on defense. Dean is an intriguing guard prospect to watch as Ocean Township looks to bounce back in 2022-23.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150533' first='Connor' last='Howard'], 6'1 SG St. John Vianney 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Howard will be running the Lancers' offense this winter, which gives him the potential to have a breakout final varsity season. The 6'1 guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he goes to the basket strong and can finish through traffic. Howard shoots the ball with confidence and was unafraid of taking big shots throughout the summer. He is a good on-ball defender and moves well without the ball in his hands. Howard is a tough guard prospect who will have to do a little bit of everything for St. John Vianney this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1050402' first='Josh' last='Moore'], 5'9 PG Montgomery 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Moore will be handed the keys to the Cougars' offense, which will help his game in a big way. The 5'9 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get into the paint and make plays. Moore knows how to finish around the basket and can knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. He is a solid on-ball defender and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Moore should get a big increase in usage on the offensive end, which gives him the potential to have a breakout 2022-23 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong><span style="text-decoration: underline;">Other Prospects to Watch:</span></strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1407255' first='James' last='Curley'], 6'0 SG Monmouth Regional 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1269794' first='Anthony' last='Loscalzo'], 6'1 PG Hun 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>Devyn Wright-Miles, 6'3 SG Hamilton West 2024</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1456847' first='Jadiel' last='Manzueta'], 5'11 PG Perth Amboy 2025</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1402088' first='Jaden' last='Hall'], 6'1 PG Princeton Day 2023</strong></p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->