NJ Boys Basketball: Group 2 Power Rankings

<p>The state tournament is the most exciting time of the year for high school basketball. The best teams gather to see who will get the most coveted prize and try to earn a spot in the Tournament of Champions. Group 2 features some of the top teams in the state and one certain contender that can win it all and be the best overall team. Here are the power rankings for Group 2 at the end of January.</p> <p><strong>1. Camden (14-1)</strong></p> <p>This has been one of the five best teams in the state all season long. Camden is dominating under first year head coach Rick Brunson. Their lone loss came against Roman Catholic (PA) but they have been undefeated against teams from New Jersey. This includes a statement victory over Roselle Catholic 63-51. D.J. Wagner is the son of the Jersey basketball legend Dajuan Wagner and is scoring just like his father. The freshman sensation is averaging 14.7 points per game to lead the team. Kentucky commit <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/lance-ware/">Lance Ware</a> has been dominant on both sides of the ball as well.</p> <p><strong>2. Manasquan (17-1)</strong></p> <p>Manasquan has been the clear-cut best team in the Shore Conference from the opening week. They began the season 10-0 before losing a heartbreaker to Roselle Catholic in the final seconds. They have rebounded with seven straight wins and have a chance to run the table heading into the postseason. Class of 2022 standout <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ben-roy/">Ben Roy</a> is scoring 18.1 points per game to lead the team. He is joined by <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-galvan/">Alex Galvan</a> and Kieran Flanagan. This is a team built for the postseason. This will not be the last time we speak of Manasquan this season.</p> <p><strong>3. Haddonfield (15-1)</strong></p> <p>Haddonfield suffered an early season loss to the top ranked team in Group 3 Timber Creek. Since then, they have won 14 straight including wins over West Deptford and Paulsboro. This is a team that knows how to win close games. Senior Andrew Gostovich leads the team with 17.5 points per game. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ben-cerrato/">Ben Cerrato</a> is scoring 15.5 points and grabbing 8.5 rebounds per game. With those two leading the way, Haddonfield will look to ake some noise come the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>4. Holmdel (12-3)</strong></p> <p>Holmdel has two losses this season against Manasquan. The most recent coming by six points after being blown out in their first matchup. They are 12-1 in their other games this season. Holmdel is a team with depth that begins with Alex Baker and Jack Giamanco. Holmdel has dominated the Shore Conference as one of the top teams behind Manasquan. They have quality wins over Red Bank Catholic and Rumson-Fair Haven.</p> <p><strong>5. Hackettstown (12-2)</strong></p> <p>Hackettstown went through a rough patch where they lost two of them. They quickly rebounded and are currently on a six game win streak headlined with close wins over Dunellen and Jefferson. Tyler Gorczyca has been the catalyst on the offensive end. He is a player that can score from anywhere on the floor. Jalen Baptists gives Hackettstown a strong one-two punch to lean on in close games.</p> <p><strong>6. Lincoln (11-3)</strong></p> <p>L.incoln is on a four-game winning streak including impressive victories over University and Toms River North. Junior <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/toriano-munford/">Toriano Munford</a> is leading the team in scoring followed by Prime Payton, who is also an elite rebounder. Lincoln has shown that they have the ability to win low scoring games. They are comfortable playing ugly and winning games on the defensive end. This will be key down the stretch of the season.</p> <p><strong>7. Ramsey (11-6)</strong></p> <p>Ramsey has six losses on the season but they have come against some of the best competition. They began the season with losses to DePaul and St. Joe’s (Mont.). They later fell to Rutgers Prep who has been dominating everyone. Ramsey has won eight of 10 to get back on track. They will always be a threat because of <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/sean-hansen/">Sean Hansen</a>. The senior is averaging 18 points and 9.1 rebounds per game this season. He is second on the team in three-point shooting behind <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/steven-turk/">Steven Turk</a>. Senior <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jaden-quinerly/">Jaden Quinerly</a> is also a big time scorer on the offensive end.</p> <p><strong>8. Hillside (15-2)</strong></p> <p>Hillside has suffered two big losses this season to Hackensack and Irvington this season. They find themselves in the top eight because of what they have done against every other opponent. A total of 11 of their 15 wins have come by double-digits. They are a team that likes to get ahead early and stay ahead. Kalleem Lambert has been the best player on Hillside by a long shot. He is scoring 23 points per game which is near the top of any Group 3 school.</p>