Opening Day Match-up to Watch: Part 3

<p>The opening day of New Jersey basketball is finally here. Players are excited for games to be getting out on the court as they look to take advantage of the limited season. The preliminary match-ups have created some great games to watch with some of the top players in the region able to face off against each other. Here are some of the top match-ups to watch on the opening day of Garden State basketball.</p> <p><strong>Columbia vs. University: [player_tooltip player_id="900353" first="Isaiah" last="Hill"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="900311" first="Bakir" last="Cleveland"]</strong></p> <p>This SEC American clash should be entertaining with a pair of talented guards going head-to-head. Hill is a big-time athlete who plays with great body control and can finish over the top of defenders. The Union Catholic transfer is a bucket getter, capable of putting up points in bunches. Cleveland is a tough-minded guard who excels at getting to the rim, but is a solid defender and is an underrated passer. This wing match-up is huge as both teams are looking to get off to a hot start in the toughest division in the SEC.</p> <p><strong>High Point vs. Wallkill Valley: [player_tooltip player_id="900356" first="Brendan" last="Franko"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="1013101" first="Chris" last="Ross"]</strong></p> <p>This NJAC Freedom division battle is intriguing with a pair of skilled guards at different stages of their careers. Franko will be leading the High Point attack for his third year with his ability to get to the rim and finish through contact. He’s more than just a driver as he can get hot from distance as well. Ross is a dynamic athlete who loves to finish above the rim, but is also one of the more underrated on-ball defenders in the 2023 class. Both teams are looking to get off to a good start as they try to catch Hackettstown in the NJAC Freedom division.</p> <p><strong>Shawnee vs. Winslow: Tristan Thomas vs. [player_tooltip player_id="933732" first="Devon" last="Theophile"]</strong></p> <p>The Olympic Patriot division is up for grabs and this interior match-up will be fun to watch. Thomas has a nice touch around the basket and does not mind drawing contact. The 6’9 forward also has the ability to step outside and knock down jumpers on the perimeter. Theophile has a strong frame which he uses to get position down low and has a good low post game. The Olympic Conference is one of the tougher conferences in New Jersey, so starting off with a win is imperative.</p> <p><strong>Lower Cape May vs. Middle Township: [player_tooltip player_id="1017195" first="Archie" last="Lawler"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="1017197" first="Devon" last="Bock"]</strong></p> <p>Both Cape-Atlantic teams are looking for bounce back years and this game features a good 2023 wing battle. Lawler has a nice release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. The 6’2 guard is capable of knocking down triples in bunches and has the ability to put the ball on the floor. Bock is a slashing wing who can finish around the basket and has a solid mid-range game. While Lawler and Bock have contrasting styles, their individual match-up should still be exciting to watch.</p> <p><strong>Lawrence vs. Hightstown: [player_tooltip player_id="1016681" first="Gabriel" last="Mitchell-White"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="1027935" first="Ayden" last="Hogan"]</strong></p> <p>This CVC clash is vital for Lawrence as the Cardinals are trying to catch the Rams at the top of the division. Mitchell-White is a big-time athlete who is tough to contain off the bounce and can finish above the rim. He will have his hands full with Hogan, who will be tasked with more responsibility on the perimeter. The 6’2 guard can score at all three levels, but his greatest strength on the court is his poise and leadership. Mitchell-White and Hogan will put on a good show as both teams look to start out the CVC slate on the right foot.</p>