2022 Postseason Match-ups We Wished We Could See

<p>The 2021 season was a success as many teams were able to more than 10 games during the pandemic times. The one drawback was the lack of a true postseason tournament with the NJSIAA not having the state playoffs. No postseason play meant missed opportunities on potential battles for championships, especially individual battles within the 2022 class. Here are the top postseason match-up we could have seen, but missed out on because of no state tournament.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850662" first="Will" last="Richardson"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="850683" first="Julian" last="Brown"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="850664" first="Mark" last="Armstrong"]</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901960" first="Elijah" last="Flournoy"]</strong>’s toughness and defensive versatility gives Bergen Catholic a strong 2022 trio, but it’s the dynamic duo who run the show. Richardson was a Third Team All-State selection last season as he can get to the basket with ease, knock down jumpers from distance and run the offense smoothly. Brown is a big-time scorer with the ability to get from distance in a hurry. Armstrong is a big-time scorer for the Marauders as he can score at all three levels and has the ability to score 20 points on any given night. All three players did not disappoint when they faced off against each other last season for the Non-Public A North title and it would have been spectacular this season.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="787669" first="Corey" last="Floyd Jr"]. &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1025905" first="Jamarques" last="Lawrence"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="850666" first="Denver" last="Anglin"]</strong></p> <p>Another title game rematch, this one has an added twist with the addition of Lawrence. The Plainfield transfer is a knockdown shooter from distance and has a good chemistry with Floyd Jr. The UConn commit attacks the basket with a purpose, but he also has the ability to run the offense and is a strong defender. Anglin is lethal from distance and showed his scoring ability with three 30-point games this season. This match-up would have been fun to watch as they would be battling for supremacy within Non-Public B North.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850673" first="Maurice" last="Odum"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="933710" first="Shy’heed" last="Jenkins-Floyd"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="1147088" first="Shawn" last="Reckley"]</strong></p> <p>This North Jersey 1, Group 4 showdown may fly under the radar, but do not overlook the talent in the backcourt. Odum is one of the top scorers in the state as he led the state in scoring as a sophomore and has the ability to drop 30 on any given night. Jenkins-Floyd is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Reckley is one of the more underrated players in Bergen County as he can take his defender off the bounce or knock down jumpers from distance. This game would have been fast-paced with many points on the board before the game is over.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="850667" first="Derek" last="Simpson"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="1033441" first="Carlos" last="Lopez"]</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="933727" first="Tayvon" last="Gaither"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901968" first="Aidan" last="Anderson"]</strong> are also talented juniors on a good Lenape team, but Simpson is the guy who runs the show. The 6’1 guard has a tight handle and is a crafty finisher around the basket. Simpson is more than just a slasher as he ha a smooth release and can knock down triples in bunches. Lopez is a shifty lead guard who can break his defender down off the bounce and is a good finisher around the basket. This South Jersey Group 4 matchup would be fun to watch as both lead guards battle each other head-to-head.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901983" first="DJ" last="Thomson"] vs. [player_tooltip player_id="901978" first="Quadir" last="Harrell"]</strong></p> <p>This Central Jersey Group 1 showdown might not have the biggest names, but the individual match-up between Thomson and Harrell is one to watch. The former is one of the top scorers in the Shore Conference as Thomson excels at attacking the basket and finishing through contact. Harrell has a nice handle, but also has the ability to get hot from distance in a hurry. Both players have eclipsed the 1,000 point mark and should have dominate senior seasons. Their match-up would have exciting to watch as both players would eclipse 20 points in an entertaining battle.</p>