Under the Radar Teams Capable of Big Postseason Runs

<p>The New Jersey basketball season is essentially at its halfway point. Teams are getting closer to hitting their 16-game cutoff for states, while transfers are just getting eligible. These new additions could help boost a team's chances of making a deep run in states. Some underdogs are in unfavorable positions due to current seeding, but that does not diminish their ability. Here are the top under the radar teams capable of making a deep postseason run.</p> <p><strong>Montclair Immaculate</strong></p> <p>The Lions may be a top 10 team in the state, but they are currently seeded as the eight seed in Non-Public B North. Hofstra commit <strong>Zion Bethea</strong> has been the spark for Montclair Immaculate's six-game winning streak with five 20-point performances in that span. Juniors <strong>Jayden Brown </strong>and <strong>Amar'e Marshall</strong> have been excellent complimentary scorers as they help Bethea run the offense. Senior <strong>Zayon Marsh </strong>has been a rock for the Lions all season despite being undersized. Montclair Immaculate has the talent and ability to go deep in states, despite a loaded Non-Public B North field.</p> <p><strong>Lenape</strong></p> <p>The Indians are currently the two seed in South Jersey Group 4 and are in a great position for a deep run. Sophomores <strong>Derek Simpson </strong>and <strong>Tayvon Gaither</strong> spearhead a balanced offensive attack, while senior <strong>Anthony Cortese </strong>does the dirty work on the inside. Lenape has a pair of tough losses to Camden Catholic and Paul VI, which will prepare the team for the rigorous postseason.Toms River North is the favorite to take home the South Jersey Group 4 title, but do not be surprised to see the Mariners take on Lenape in the final.</p> <p><strong>Holy Cross Prep</strong></p> <p>Undefeated Rutgers Prep is the clear favorite to take home the Non-Public B South, but watch out for the Lancers. Delaware commit <strong>Gianmarco Arletti </strong>is a do-it-all player that fills up the stat sheet for Holy Cross Prep. Big man <strong>Giovanni Cessel </strong>is a rugged forward who does the dirty work down low, while junior <strong>Stefano Faloppa </strong>is a solid complimentary scorer. Wildwood Catholic and Trenton Catholic are the teams that will challenge Rutgers Prep, but watch out for Holy Cross Prep.</p> <p><strong>Matawan</strong></p> <p>The Huskies are in contention for the four spot in Central Jersey Group 3, which would mean two home games in the state tournament. Senior <strong>Niles Haliburton </strong>is the team's leading scorer, while big man <strong>John Buekers</strong> provides toughness down low. <strong>Ethan Okello </strong>has been solid all year round, while guards <strong>Zaire Williams </strong>and <strong>Andre Wells </strong>give Matawan perimeter shooting.Senior <strong>Elijah Mckenzie </strong>gives the Huskies size, energy and athleticism off the bench that most teams don't have. Matawan is capable of making a deep run in the state tournament as it has the right combination of talent and veteran leadership.</p> <p><strong>Newark East Side</strong></p> <p>The Red Raiders have fallen off the radar since losing three of four games in mid-January, but they are still a very dangerous team. Monmouth commit <strong>Mikah Johnson Jr. </strong>is an explosive athlete who has taken control of the scoring duties. Classmate <strong>Gabriel Olaniyi </strong>has been erratic, but the 6'3 guard is averaging 19.5 points per game in his last two outings. Sophomores <strong>Jahzeer Gaskin </strong>and <strong>David Olaniyi</strong> have been huge additions to the starting lineup as they add shooting and play-making at the guard position. North Jersey 2 Group 4 is a tough group, but Newark East Side has the talent, depth and championship experience to repeat.</p>