Metro Hoops Preseason Invitational: Standout underclassmen guards

The Metro Hoops Preseason Invitational took place on Saturday at Gill St. Bernard's, bringing in more than a dozen premier programs from across North Jersey to compete in one of the final tuneups before the season gets underway. After taking in several games of action over the course of the afternoon, we'll start coverage with a handful of underclassmen guards who caught the eye.    A key piece to one of the state's most potent backcourts, Sincere-AmenRa continues to acclimate well after transferring in from now-closed Immaculate Conception. In the Pirates' resounding Saturday afternoon win over CBA, the skilled and aggressive guard helped establish an early lead with his dynamic perimeter shotmaking. He went on to use his snappy handle to create penetration off the bounce while keeping his eyes up to hit bigs on the roll for easy buckets. More of an on-ball scorer by nature, Sincere-AmenRa showed continued progression as a lead guard, particularly while advancing the ball ahead smartly and unselfishly in transition. He impressed on the other end as well as a consistent pest at the point of attack with instinctive hands to force turnovers and ignite transition offense. It's clear why he projects as one of the state's most productive sophomore guards with D1 recruitment almost assuredly to follow.     St. Mary's came away with two impressive wins in no small part due to the play of its new lead guard, as Ellis shined throughout the Gaels' tight win over Montgomery. The transfer from Hoboken displayed his smooth and confident shooting stroke, getting going with his catch-and-shoot from the perimeter before helping seal the game with a number of clutch stop-and-pops in the midrange. Ellis showed the ability to get downhill using a slick handle, balanced footwork, and advanced manipulation of pace before finishing with a high degree of skill and dexterity among the trees. While his size can present a target on D, Ellis held his own on that end as well, using active hands to force multiple turnovers and get going the other way. While he doesn't jump off the page physically or athletically, Ellis brings a blend of production, skill, toughness, and IQ that should garner steady scholarship-level attention in the coming years.     CBA took a tough loss at the hands of Seton Hall Prep but its young backcourt managed to stand out nonetheless, with Cooper leading the way from the lead guard spot. The quick-footed transfer via St. Rose showed off his dynamic end-to-end speed while consistently controlling the pace of the game in both transition and the halfcourt. He really sees the floor as a willing and slick passer, setting the table comfortably for cutters and shooters alike. Most importantly for his long-term outlook at the next level, Cooper showed off extended range as a shooter which will be key to help keep defenses honest at his size and stature. He'll have to work to add some muscle to his frame in the coming years but Cooper should generate scholarship-level attention moving forward given the dearth of true lead guards in today's game.     Another St. Rose transfer joining Cooper to make up a young core in the backcourt for CBA, Rene showed impressive signs of progress despite the loss to Seton Hall Prep. A smart but attack-minded combo guard, he showed a smooth pace off the bounce with a first step that looked quicker than in past viewings, keeping his eyes up for both dropoff and kickout passes. He showed to be a capable shooter off the catch while moving well off-ball to find his way to easy looks. We'll look to see more of his ability to create his own shot moving forward but Rene's plug-and-play ability at either guard spot provides clear value as he starts trending toward the scholarship level.     One of the more acclaimed incoming freshmen in the state, McCray has had no trouble stepping right in at the high school level to help form one of the most dynamic backcourts in the state. Saturday was no exception as he came off the bench to add effective punch as both a primary and secondary ballhandler. McCray is precociously confident but shows a natural feel for getting in where he fits in alongside a talented stable of older guards. The southpaw is a dangerous shooter with deep range and a quick release off the catch. He adds reliable ballhandling while covering ground efficiently in the halfcourt and providing a steady spark in transition. He'll have to work to improve his rim finishing as he gets used to bigger, stronger, and lengthier shot-blockers, but looks like he'll be one of the more productive rookie guards in the state this winter nonetheless.

The Metro Hoops Preseason Invitational took place on Saturday at Gill St. Bernard's, bringing in more than a dozen premier programs from across North Jersey to compete in one of the final tuneups before the season gets underway. After taking in several games of action over the course of the afternoon, we'll start coverage with a handful of underclassmen guards who caught the eye.