2020 NJSIAA Tournament: North Jersey, Section 1 Group 1 Preview

<p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">The first round of the North Jersey, Section 1 Group 1 tournament kicks off today, and several teams will be vying for a chance to make a statement and ultimately be recognized as champions. From the heavy favorites headlined by Bogota and Paterson Charter to sleepers such as Midland Park and Hasbrouck Heights, fans are in store for a competitive tournament ahead. </span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Top Team: Paterson Charter</span></strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Hailing into the tournament as the No. 2 seed, Paterson Charter has been one of the more balanced teams in the state and equipped with the athletes to defeat No. 1 seed Bogota. Led by Senior guard Sadiki Miller, Paterson Charter continues to find ways to win. Perhaps the team's most substantial advantage is the deep roster they possess -- with a staggering eight players scoring over 100 points for the season. Miller, the team's go-to scorer, has netted 283 points and over 50 rebounds and assists. Senior Zahire Robinson continues to be a force and double-double possibility on every night with totals of 163 points and 117 rebounds on the season. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Look for Paterson Charter to set the tone on defense as well. The well-rounded roster has a knack for creating turnovers and forcing opponents into bad mistakes. Miller, Robinson, Michael Ferguson, Marquis Harris, Troy Medlock, and Caleb Ruffin each have recorded over 20 steals this year and will be playing even more aggressively during the tournament. </span></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Should Paterson Charter continue to play balanced on offense and aggressive on defense, they will have as good a shot as anyone to hoist up a state title. </span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Team With the Best Shot at Taking Out Paterson Charter: Bogota </span></strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Heading into the state tournament with an 18-6 overall record and perhaps the best player in the tournament, Bogota has the best shot at knocking off Paterson Charter. Led by Junior guard Taj Collins, Bogota has continued to win games consistently throughout the entire season. Collins, scoring over 340 points on the season, can beat an opponent from anywhere on the court. The junior's ability to score in the paint or on the perimeter has proven vital to Bogota's success. Bogota may be the most top-heavy team in the tournament as well, with three players scoring over 300 points on the season. Collins will be looking for Sophomore <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-meberg/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/evan-meberg/">Evan Meberg</a></a> and Ashanti Caviness to remain aggressive and keep opponents on their heels. Bogota needs to make a statement early in the tournament -- they have lost two of their last three games. </span></p> <p><strong><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Dark Horse Team: Midland Park</span></strong></p> <p><span data-preserver-spaces="true">Several teams could have been listed as my dark horse candidate, but it's hard to ignore the potential of Midland Park. Winners of their last five games, Midland Park, appear to be playing their best basketball of the season right now. Led by Sophomore David Luberoff, Midland Park's offense has been clicking. Proven to be virtually unstoppable the entire season, Luberoff has produced over 500 points on the season with an average of 20 per game. Junior Brett Murray has been a force as well, netting 370 points for the year to go along with an impressive 58 three-pointers. Still, not a believer? In January, Midland Park pushed No. 1 seed Bogota to the brink losing by only two points. </span></p>