How Westfield is a Dark-Horse Team in 2020-21

<p>The state tournament is always an exciting time as the pressure is ratcheted up to another level. It rises to a paramount in the final, where anything can happen. Group 4 was one of the most highly contested sections in the state with two sectional finals being decided in the final seconds. Elizabeth was the top team in the group all season, but the Minutemen have to replace <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850359" first="Jordan" last="Price"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850354" first="D.J." last="Watkins"]</strong>. Westfield loses Lafayette football commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="896680" first="Griffin" last="Rooney"]</strong>,but the Blue Devils return three starters and have the pieces to make a deep postseason run in 2020-21.</p> <p>Dual-sport athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013052" first="Logan" last="Howland"] </strong>returns down low and is primed for a larger role. The 6’7 junior forward has a strong frame and plays with great footwork down low. Howland is a tough rebounder and is always talking on the defensive end. He can score over either shoulder and has a nice touch on his jumper. Howland is not the only talented big on the Westfield team as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1018553" first="Jack" last="Spellman"] </strong>also returns.</p> <p>The 6’9 senior forward blocked 90 shots last season due to his combination of length, timing and positioning. Spellman is a true stretch four as he can shoot the ball from deep, but also put the ball on the floor. He has a clean shooting stroke and a quick release. Spellman is a strong rebounder and his ability to stretch the floor should allow Howland more space to operate down low. </p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1016687" first="Ryan" last="Friedberg"]</strong> is the third returning starter and is ready for a big junior season. The 6’4 guard is a big-time athlete who is able to finish above the rim. Friedberg has a good handle and is a creative finisher around the basket. He has a good release on his jumper and is capable of bringing the ball up. Friedberg’s comfort with handling the ball is huge as Westfield breaks in a new point guard.</p> <p>Rising sophomore <strong>Pete Meixner </strong>is slated to be the guy and looks ready to take over the offense. The 5’11 guard plays with confidence on the ball and is capable of blowing by his defender. Meixner is a good finisher around the basket and doesn’t rush on his jump shot. Senior <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1018552" first="Ezra" last="Budashewitz"] </strong>is a capable backup as he plays with poise on the ball and has a nice looking jumper. Meixner and Budashewitz are both skilled guards who should make the Westfield offense run smoothly.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1018572" first="Sean" last="Logan"] </strong>is the X-factor for the Blue Devils as he provides even more length to the lineup. The lanky 6’9 forward is a good shot-blocker as he uses his long arms to swat shots around the rim. Logan has a nice touch on his jumper and is working on his low post game. He will be a stretch four at the next level, but Logan will play more on the wing in Westfield’s starting lineup with Howland and Spellman on the team.</p> <p>The Blue Devils won 21 games and made the North Jersey 2 Group 4 semifinals last season and they have the ability to do it again in 2020-21. Westfield has a strong interior group, a skilled point guard duo and an athletic wing scorer, which is the recipe for a deep run in the state tournament.</p>