NJSIAA Group 3: Favorites, Dark Horses, All-Conference Picks 

<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true"><strong>Introduction</strong>:</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Last season the NJSIAA </span><em><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Group 3</span></em><span data-preserver-spaces="true"> Championship saw New Jersey powerhouse Moorestown defeat Ramapo convincingly in a 58-44 showdown. While the road to another state title will be full of fierce competition for the Quakers, they remain amongst the best statewide. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Group 3 isn't home to the states most elite; however, it has more than a handful of outstanding teams that make it very intriguing and exciting to cover. From Moorestown to Ramapo and Colonia, Group 3 offers enticing matchups on a nightly basis that will make for a great 2020 NJSIAA Group 3 tournament.</span></p> <p><strong>Top Team: West Morris </strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After shocking many last season and winning 28 games, West Morris will be a team to be reckoned with in Group 3 competition. While many other powerhouses around the state have to regroup with Seniors graduating, West Morris will return five of their top six players. The engine will run through Junior point guard Christian Cevis, a do-it-all playmaker that averaged an impressive 11.4 points and 6.8 assists per game. West Morris will be a tough out for anyone they come across as they can score from anywhere on the court. With junior forward Ryan Hillier (14.7 ppg.) and sophomore forward Jack Leloia (7.5 ppg.) also in the fold, West Morris projects as a team with little weaknesses. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After winning the Morris County Tournament Championship and reaching the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 final, losing to Colonia, West Morris is on the verge of becoming an intimidating powerhouse amongst the states best. </span></p> <p><strong>Teams with the best shot at taking out West Morris: Ramapo, Moorestown</strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Moorestown won't be worldbeaters this season --- but they will be good. It was a historic season for the Quakers --- winning their first state title since 1960 ---defeating the then-ranked No. 19 Ramapo. The Quakers had a balanced offense, capable of scoring in the paint and on the perimeter led by hardworking Senior wing Nick Cartwright-Atkins.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Moorestown ultimately fell in the Tournament of Champions semifinals against the best team in N.J. last season, Ranney. The Quakers will need big seasons from Seniors Evan Francisco and Kevin Muhic if they want to repeat last season's success. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ramapo exceeded expectations during the 2018-2019 season, being the first boys' basketball team in school history to compete in a Group final. The robust team, led by Seniors K.C. Hunt and Neal Quinn blazed through their schedule, going 26-4. Ramapo would ultimately lose to Moorestown in the Group 3 championship game.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">While last season's teams relied on their star Seniors, the program will be bringing back at least nine players from their contending team. Ramapo is a surefire contender in Group 3 play this year. </span></p> <p><strong>Dark Horse Team: Colonia</strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">It almost feels like a slight to call the Colonia Patriots a darkhorse candidate this season; however, that's precisely what they are. With star point guard Luke Valeriano, who averaged 16.5 points per game gone, the Patriots will need several key contributors to help fill the void. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">After graduating seven seniors, including Forward Chad Baker, who averaged 19 points per game, the Patriots will have plenty to prove. It certainly appears everyone will be looking up at West Morris in the standing this year. For the Patriots to give themselves a chance at hoisting up a state title, they'll need a consistent year from Senior guard Jimmy Frage, who produced well when Valeriano suffered a broken ankle during the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 3 tournament. </span></p> <p><strong>Preseason First Team</strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Quinn Calabrese, Wall, Sr.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Corey Manning-Floyd, Snyder, Sr.</span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Christian Cevis, West Morris, Sr. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ryan Hillier, West Morris, Sr. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Jimmy Frage, Colonia, Sr. </span></p> <p><strong>Preseason Second Team</strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Max Pernetti, Ramapo, Sr. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Josh Hemmings, Lawrenceville, Sr. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Jake Cook, Mainland, Sr. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">RJ Weise, Allentown, Sr. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Ethan Stoute, West Morris, Jr. </span></p>