NJ Boys Basketball: Group 4 Power Rankings

<p><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Photo by Paula Lopez</span></em></p> <p>As January comes to an end, county and conference tournaments are beginning to form. Following those tournaments, the state brackets will begin to come out and teams will fight for the most coveted prize. There is plenty of talent in every group around New Jersey. Here are the top teams in Group 4.</p> <p><strong>1. Elizabeth (12-1)</strong></p> <p>Elizabeth has emerged as one of the top three teams in the state this season. In their first season under new head coach Phil Colicchio, Elizabeth is 12-1 and has some impressive wins on their resume. They have taken down Don Bosco, Wildwood Cathlic, and Linden. Elizabeth’s only loss was a five point defeat at the hands of Roselle Catholic. Elizabeth has a clear cut big three that can lead them to a state title. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jordan-price/">Jordan Price</a> leads the way with 20.1 points per game. He is paired with DJ Watkins and sophomore <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jayden-pierre/">Jayden Pierre</a>.</p> <p><strong>2. Paterson Kennedy (12-0)</strong></p> <p>This is one of the last undefeated teams left in New Jersey. Paterson Kennedy is a ranked team in the state led by Mark Heber. This is a dangerous team because they have seniors who can lead and know how to win close games. Deishon Harrison is scoring 17 points per game this season and is one of the leaders on the team.</p> <p><strong>3. Watchung Hills (18-1)</strong></p> <p>Watchung Hills has one of the most impressive records in the state. Their lone loss came to Gill St. Bernard’s in the middle of January. They have since won six in a row. Watchung Hills has impressive wins over Hunterdon Central, Hackettstown, and West Morris. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/michael-bressler/">Michael Bressler</a> is averaging 19.5 points per game to lead the team. Juniors Brian Hopwood and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/chad-martini/">Chad Martini</a> have also been key contributors.</p> <p><strong>4. Middletown South (14-1)</strong></p> <p>The Eagles have won their last 11 games. Their only loss came against powerhouse Manasquan back in December. Since then, Middletown South has taken down some of the top Shore Conference teams including Marlboro, Ranney, and CBA. The Eagles have dynamic guards. James Anderson leads the team with 18.5 points per game. He is joined by Bobby Pirie, Mike Dabas, and <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/luke-albrecht/">Luke Albrecht</a>. This was a dark-horse team coming into the season and they are proving to be a legitimate contender.</p> <p><strong>5. Westfield (11-3)</strong></p> <p>Westfield is a veteran team this season that has made some noise. They have three losses on the season to big time opponents including Elizabeth. Their statement wins have come against Union, Union Catholic, and Plainfield. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/griffin-rooney/">Griffin Rooney</a> has been Westfield’s leading scorer for two seasons now. He is a lightning quick guard who can get to the basket at will. That is how Westfield likes to play and they are very good at it.</p> <p><strong>6. New Brunswick (12-1)</strong></p> <p>New Brunswick is on an eight game winning streak since suffering their only loss to Edison. During that streak, they have taken down Sayreville, Colonia, and got revenge on Edison. Ahyan Brown-Miller leads the team with 19.5 points per game and Tahjay Moore is next on the list with 13 points per game. New Brunswick is a veteran team and can be dangerous come tournament time.</p> <p><strong>7. Toms River North (14-3)</strong></p> <p>This is a Shore Conference team with legitimate star power. They have been the clear No. 2 in the conference all season long behind Manasquan. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/najae-hallenbeck/">Najae Hallenbeck</a> has been a monster this season with 21 points and 12.1 rebounds per game. <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jakari-spence/">Jakari Spence</a> scored his 1,000th point earlier this season in the WOBM Christmas Classic on his home floor. Spence is scoring 20.4 points per game.</p> <p><strong>8. Linden (10-6)</strong></p> <p>Linden went through a rough patch where they lose five of six games but they have turned it around. They have since won three in a row and five of six. Linden has picked up wins over Union Catholic and St. Thomas Aquinas this season. Senior <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/amir-williams/">Amir Williams</a> and Nashawn Holmes have been the catalysts all season long for Linden.</p>