Front Office Fall Invitational Opening Day Top 5 Takeaways

The opening day of the Front Office Fall Invitational was full of excitement with four games taking place today. The day had big-time moments, which provided plenty of talking points. Here are the top 5 takeaways from the opening day of the Front Office Fall Invitational.

1. St. Peter’s Prep is more than just the Mark Armstrong Mark Armstrong 6'2" | PG St. Peter's Prep | 2022 State #39 Nation NJ show

While the Villanova commit dazzled the crowd with multiple tough finishes and triples, the Marauders had other players step up in their 66-50 win over Elizabeth. Tyler Lingham was the perfect compliment to Armstrong on the perimeter as he knocked down jumpers from distance and moved well without the ball.  Matt Kinzler Matt Kinzler 6'7" | PF St. Peter's Prep | 2023 State NJ  also provided the Marauders with floor spacing and did a good job on the defensive end.  Jackson Tindall Jackson Tindall 6'7" | PF St. Peter's Prep | 2024 NLG may have came off the bench, but his presence was felt on the glass at both ends. St. Peter’s Prep is a team to keep an eye on in Non-Public A as the Marauders look to avenge their loss to Bergen Catholic in the 2020 sectional final.

2. Etienne Richelieu Etienne Richelieu 6'4" | SG Elizabeth | 2022 State NJ is set for a breakout season

The Minutemen may not have come out victorious against St. Peter’s Prep, but it was not for a lack of trying on the part of Richelieu. The 6’4 wing was all over the court as he made plays on both ends of the floor. Richelieu knocked down several jumpers from distance and has a clean release on his jumper. He attacked the basket with a purpose and was unafraid of mixing it up on defense. Richelieu is in line for a big senior season as the Minutemen look to be one of the teams to beat in Group 4 this season.

3. Charles Anyichie Charles Anyichie 6'7" | PF Ranney School | 2022 State NJ is the X-Factor for Ranney

Isaac Hester Isaac Hester 6'0" | PG Ranney School | 2023 State NJ  controlled the pace of the game for Ranney on offense, but it was Anyichie who set the tone of the game early. The 6’7 forward was a menace defensively as he swatted numerous shots around the basket. Anyichie fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor and was always going after loose balls. He ended the night on a high note with an emphatic one-handed slam to cap off Ranney’s 47-32 win. Anyichie’s ability to impact the game on the defensive end is something that will help the Panthers throughout the course of the season.

4. St. Joseph (Mont.) will be an under the radar team to watch in Bergen County

The Green Knights split their games on the day, even without dual-sport athlete  Donovan McKoy Donovan McKoy 6'6" | SF St. Joseph (Mont.) | 2023 State NJ . Junior Justin Noelizaire led the way as he attacked the basket strong and was able to finish through contact.  Mason Piorkowski Mason Piorkowski 5'9" | PG Saint Joseph (Montvale) | 2023 State NJ was the top shooter on the day as he made opponents pay for giving him space from distance.  Monty Nedd Monty Nedd 6'1" | CG St. Joseph (Mont.) | 2023 State NJ Jr. was a steady contributor at both ends as he was able to score in multiple ways and played tough defense. St. Joseph (Mont.) play in the tough Big North United division, but that will not stop the Green Knights from having a strong 2021-22 season.

5. Ramapo will be a fun team to watch over the next couple of years

The Raiders knocked off St. Joseph (Mont.) 55-50 and the majority of the players that led the way were underclassmen. Peyton Seals Peyton Seals 6'4" | SG Ramapo | 2024 State NJ led the way on offense as he was able to score around the rim and bury open jumpers on the perimeter. Wyatt Eglinton-Manner was tough to contain on the offensive end and fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Chris Cervino and Cole Pisciotti buried jumpers from distance, which helped the Raiders stretch the floor on offense. Ramapo has a good young core, which makes them an intriguing team to keep an eye on for the next few years.