Group 4: Top scorers

<p>The 2019-20 season was filled with numerous high level scoring performances with a pair of players scoring 50 points in a game. Group 4 has the top two scorers in the state, but they are not the only big-time scorers. In total, 13 players in Group 4 averaged at least 20 points per game, while Atlantic City’s <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929533" first="Stephen" last="Byard"] </strong>averaged over 26 points per game in the South Jersey Group 4 tournament. Here are the top scorers in Group 4 from 2019-20.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850673" first="Maurice" last="Odum"], 6’1 PG Union City 2022</strong></p> <p>Union City may have closed out the season with four straight losses, but that does not diminish Odum’s ability to score. The sophomore guard topped the state in scoring at 27.3 points per game with nine 30-point games. Odum can score from all three levels as he can blow by his man to get to the rim, draw contact close to the bucket and knock down three-pointers in bunches. He has already eclipsed 1,000 points in his high school career and will be torching the nets in his final two varsity seasons.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929534" first="Andrew" last="Turco"], SG Monroe 2020</strong></p> <p>Turco was an absolute marksman from behind the arc as he knocked down 101 three-pointers on the season, which includes drilling 10 three-pointers against Spotswood in a 50-point performance. The senior guard is more than just a shooter as he finished third in the state with 174 made free throws. Turco is a tough competitor who knows how to score points in bunches. His ability to get hot in a hurry made him one of the top seniors in Middlesex County this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896675" first="Alex" last="Ratner"], 6’0 SG Marlboro 2020</strong></p> <p>Ratner may have struggled in the Central Jersey Group 4 final against South Brunswick, but he was a high-end scorer all season. The Shore Conference’s leading scorer had six 30-point games this season, including a 36-point performance against Wall at the WOBM Christmas Classic. Ratner is at his best when he attacks the basket because he can finish around the rim and knows how to draw contact. He is a solid three-point shooter and is unafraid to grab tough rebounds in traffic. Ratner leaves Marlboro as the school’s all-time leading scorer and will be sorely missed by the Mustangs next season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929537" first="Ryan" last="Knorr"], 5’10 PG Manalapan 2020</strong></p> <p>The Braves increased their win total by 10 games from last season behind Knorr’s play in the backcourt. The 5’10 senior was consistent throughout the season as he eclipsed double figures in every game but one. Knorr could get hot from deep in a hurry and has a quick release on his shot. He makes plays with the ball in his hands and is an underrated passer. Knorr had a terrific senior season and is one of the more underrated guards in the Shore Conference.</p> <p><strong>Najae Hallenback, 6’6 PF Toms River North 2020</strong></p> <p>Classmate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896630" first="Jakari" last="Spence"] </strong>is electric with the ball in his hands, but Hallenback was the driving force for the Mariners this season. The 6’6 power forward was tough to stop down low as he used his body and positioning to pin defenders behind him in the paint. Hallenback has a soft touch around the basket and can even step away from the basket to knock down jumpers. His senior season ended abruptly with an upset loss to Egg Harbor in the first round, taking away a potential battle between him and Byard in the sectional final.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Players to Know:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>Nick Souza, SG Kearny 2020</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850678" first="Keon" last="Sabb"], 6’3 SG Williamstown 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929679" first="Josh" last="Randall"], PF Gloucester Tech 2020</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896645" first="Or" last="Sundjyvsky"], 6’4 SG Fair Lawn 2020</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933653" first="Devin" last="Strickland"], SG South Brunswick 2020</strong></p> <p><strong>Jamarques Lawrence, 6’0 SG Plainfield 2022</strong></p>