Under the Radar Teams
The 2019-20 season is in full swing and teams are starting to find their groove. Some of New Jersey’s top teams have already lost, while others are rolling through their competition. With the amount of quality teams in the state,…
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Continue ReadingThe 2019-20 season is in full swing and teams are starting to find their groove. Some of New Jersey’s top teams have already lost, while others are rolling through their competition. With the amount of quality teams in the state, it is easy for a team to get lost in the shuffle. Here are some of the top teams who are flying under the radar.
Union
The Farmers have gotten off to a strong start as they are currently 5-0. Their scoring is quite balanced with nine players already eclipsing double figures this season. Junior guard Jake Edmond does it all for the Farmers, while sophomore big man Emeka Iloh controls the boards. Freshman Malachi Johnson is tied with Edmond for the team’s leading scorer and is a big reason for Union’s early success. The Farmers’ schedule is about to get a little tougher, but they are playing like one of the better teams in New Jersey.
Toms River North
Manasquan has taken up most of the early Shore Conference headlines, but watch out for Toms River North. The Mariners have an explosive offense as they are averaging 75.4 points per game this season. Senior point guard Jakari Spence is the team’s engine as he paces the team at 26.2 points per game. Najae Hallenbeck has been a double-double machine so far this season with four double-doubles so far this season.The Mariners’ only loss this season was to Manasquan, but Toms River North looks to be one of the top teams in South Jersey Group 4 this season.
St. Joseph (Montvale)
The Knights pulled off one of the biggest upsets so far this season when they knocked off Gill St. Bernard’s at the New Year’s Tip-Off. Senior guard Dyree Rogers has been the catalyst for St. Joe’s this season with 79 points through five games. Daniel Lans and Albert Serrano have been great complimentary pieces for Rogers, which is why the Knights are 5-0 so far this season. St. Joseph (Montvale) has yet to play division for Bergen Catholic this season, but the Knights are capable of giving the Crusaders a game in 2020.
Montgomery
The Cougars are flying under the radar in the Skyland Conference, despite boasting a 4-0 record. Junior forward Chris Rubayo has taken a big step this season as he is averaging 17.5 points per game so far this season. Sophomore guard Ryan Curry has also stepped up this season as he trails only Rubayo as the team’s top scorer at 16.5 points per game. The Cougars’ strength is their defense as opponents are only scoring 47.5 points per game on them so far this season. Montgomery has yet to play either Gill St. Bernard’s or Rutgers Prep, but the Cougars are definitely a team to watch in the Skyland Conference.
Lindenwold
The Lions only won seven games last season, but have gotten off to a hot start in 2019-20. Lindenwold has won its first four games this season and is led by one of the top scorers in the state. Junior point guard Tazir Cantey is pouring in 30 points per game, but also has 18 steals in four games. He is not alone in the scoring department as Eriq Campbell has been a solid complimentary scorer. Lindenwold is flying under the radar and the Lions are looking for a big 2019-20 season.