Paul VI is Hungry for a State Title Behind its 2021 Quartet

<p>The South Jersey Non-Public basketball scene is one of the toughest divisions in New Jersey with numerous teams capable of making deep runs in the state tournament. Wildwood Catholic was the region’s top team, but that title will go somewhere else with the school closing down. Paul VI looks to be the team to seize the throne as the Eagles return their top four scorers.</p> <p>NJIT commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850529" first="Wisler" last="Sanon"] </strong>leads the way and is one of the most underrated players in the state. The 6’3 combo guard is an elite defender as he shut down VCU commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850324" first="Jamir" last="Watkins"] </strong>at the Jeff Coney Classic. His ability to defend multiple positions on the floor makes him a weapon for Paul VI, but that is not his best asset.</p> <p>"Energy," Sanon said when asked what is the best aspect of his game. His energy helps him when going against higher ranked opponents as he loves the competition.</p> <p>"Isn’t that what it is all about," Sanon said. "Competing against players who are higher ranked than you and giving it your all."</p> <p>His tenacity on defense is something that teammates <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900324" first="Jaylen" last="Boyd-Savage"] </strong>and <strong>Jordan Pierre</strong> have picked up on. The 2021 trio have been a part of the Paul VI program for the last three years, leading the program to a 46-11 record over the past two seasons. Pierre is not the biggest forward, but he plays with energy and toughness on both ends of the floor.</p> <p>Boyd-Savage is a tough guard prospect who knows how to finish around the basket. He is not just a slasher as he can also knock down shots from behind the arc. Boyd-Savage and Pierre are also good defenders, making Paul VI one of the better defensive teams in South Jersey.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900357" first="Nicolo" last="Nobili"] </strong>rounds out the 2021 quartet and is of New Jersey’s best kept secrets. The Italian native plays with good footwork down low and has a soft touch around the basket. Nobili can also step out and knock down jumpers at the free throw line and is a solid passer.</p> <p>Paul VI’s combination of toughness, athleticism and talent makes it the favorite to take home the Non-Public A South title in 2020-21. The Eagles were upset in last season’s tournament by eventual winner St. Augustine, but they are returning a team hungry to get the job done. The Hermits look to be Paul VI’s top competitor next season, but they are not the only challengers.</p> <p>Camden Catholic has been to three straight Non-Public A South finals and the Irish return <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850506" first="Zach" last="Hicks"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900326" first="Lucas" last="Dunn"]</strong> and <strong>Colin Merriman</strong>. St. Thomas Aquinas may have been upset in the first round last season, but the Trojans return a loaded roster next season in <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787644" first="Jaquan" last="Harris"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850510" first="Tristan" last="Jeffries"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850512" first="Josh" last="Rivera"]</strong>.</p> <p>Paul VI has been one of the top teams in South Jersey for the past two seasons and is looking to continue that in 2020-21. Sanon, Boyd-Savage, Pierre and Nobili are ready to take the Eagles to the next level and take home the Non-Public A South title.</p>