2026 Newark Guard Prospects to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>September is right around the corner as Labor Day is only a couple of days away. Newark is filled with talent that will make an impact on the floor this season, especially in the 2026 class. Here are the 2026 Newark guard prospects to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1406953' first='Eric' last='James Jr.'], 6'3 SG St. Benedict's</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>James Jr. transferred into St. Benedict's from Pittsburgh this offseason and is looking to make an impact right away in the NJSIAA. The 6'3 guard attacks the basket with a purpose and finishes nicely t the rim. James Jr. is more than just a slasher as he can also score in the mid-range and sets his feet before he shoots. He pushes the pace nicely on the defensive end and works hard on the defensive end. James Jr. has the potential to put up points in bunches and will look to put that on display throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595763' first='Kareem' last='Anthony Jr.'], 5'9 PG Arts</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Anthony Jr. has the potential to have a strong junior season with his ability to score inside and out. The 5'9 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and can finish in a number of ways around the basket. Anthony Jr. has a nice touch on his floater and can knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. He is an underrated passer and slides his feet on the defensive end. Anthony Jr. is a speedy guard prospect whose ability to score inside and out will help his tock in a big way.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1775139' first='Zaim' last='Barnes'], 5'10 PG Shabazz</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes is the top returning scorer for the Bulldogs and should increase his scoring output this season. The 5'10 guard is at his best attacking the basket as he finishes strong around the basket and can make shots through contact.. Barnes can also score in the mid-range and makes people pay for giving him space behind the arc. He gets his teammates involved in the halfcourt and can get deflections on the defensive end. Barnes had three 20-point games last season and should eclipse that number this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919206' first='Maji' last='Dixon'], 5'10 PG Newark Central</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Dixon is an electric guard prospect and will be one to watch throughout the course of the season. The 5'10 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender off the bounce and finishes in a variety of ways around the basket. Dixon has a nice release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. He pushes the pace nicely in transition and uses his quick hands to get steals on the defensive end. Dixon is a speedy, lead guard prospect whose ability to make plays with the ball in his hands will help his game throughout the course of the season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1853445' first='Ali' last='Kelleh'], 6'2 SG Newark Collegiate</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kelleh will shoulder a large scoring load this season as he's the team's top returning scorer. The 6'2 guard has a good handle, which he uses to get to his spot on the floor and finish around the basket. Kelleh is more than just a slasher as he has a nice shooting stroke and sets his feet before he shoots. He is an underrated rebounder and slides his feet on the defensive end. Kelleh had nine double-digit scoring performances last season and should go over that number this season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->