Union County Conference: Season Preview
The Union County Conference continued it’s dominance last season. It features some of the best teams in the state and that will continue this season. Some players have moved on to play high level Division I basketball while others have…
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Continue ReadingThe Union County Conference continued it’s dominance last season. It features some of the best teams in the state and that will continue this season. Some players have moved on to play high level Division I basketball while others have the dream to do so in the future. Players have transferred in in hopes of winning a state championship. Central Jersey basketball will be a hot ticket in 2019-2020.
2018-2019 Season In-Review
With a 28-4 record, Roselle Catholic proved to be the best team in the conference. Led by Kentucky bound Khalil Whitney, the Lions went 6-0 in division play and were unbeaten in eight conference games. Roselle Catholic rode their success all the way to the Non-Public B state final but was taken down by the eventual Tournament of Champions winner Ranney.
Outside of Roselle Catholic, there were four other teams with 20 or more overall wins. Rahway, New Providence, Summit, and Elizabeth all finished near the top of their divisions. New Providence led the conference with 29 overall wins and they captured the Group I state title. There was success in other divisions but the Watchung Division continues to be the dominant force in conference.
Roselle Catholic and The Patrick School were both strong teams last season. They have produced countless Division I players who have gone on to pro ball. Come 2019-2020, these two teams are expected to be near the top of the state once again.
2019-2020 Season Preview
The Union County Conference has looked more like the NBA in terms of players switching teams from season to season. Many players have transferred to or from schools to get into a better situation for them to showcase their talent. Teams have even gotten players out of state to come play.
It all starts with Jonathan Kuminga. He is one of The Patrick School’s newest toys along with Adama Sanogo. Kuminga joins The Patrick School as the No. 1 ranked junior in the nation. He is seen as the top player in New Jersey regardless of class and might be one of the best players in the nation already. Kuminga has offers pouring in from schools that want him to play one year before going to the NBA. Kuminga and Sanogo have turned The Patrick School into big preseason favorites to win the Tournament of Champions.
Another impact transfer is Cliff Omoruyi who will join Roselle Catholic. The Lions have had replenished talent for close to a decade now and this team is no different. Omoruyi, along with Niels Lane and CJ Wilcher, will be a top five player in New Jersey this season. The Union County Conference could very well have the top two teams in the state this season.
Rahway, New Providence, and Elizabeth will also continue their success this season. Union Catholic can be a dark horse team in the conference but certainly in their division. Led by Elijah Barlow, Union Catholic will have a good season as they look to gain some respect in conference play. They have been over shadowed by all of the incredible talent but they have some of their own that will be on display come the regular season.
When 2019-2020 begins, the Union County Conference will be filled with huge games between in-state rivals and big name teams all over the country coming to New Jersey to play. There are is an endless amount of must watch players and you can see one every time one of these teams steps on the floor. Whatever you do, make sure to schedule sometime to check out this conference.