Weekend Matchups with Big State Implications

<p>The middle of January is here as Martin Luther King Jr. Day is this coming Monday. The state tournament cutoff is less than a month away and there are huge matchups this weekend that have a big implication on the state tournament seedings. Here are the games this weekend that could have a major impact for the NJSIAA tournament.</p> <p><strong>South River vs. South Plainfield</strong></p> <p>This GMC Blue clash was played on opening and the rematch is filled with intrigue. The Rams won 63-56 behind junior guard <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1267925" first="Jeremy" last="Grospe"]</strong>’s 21 points. Classmates <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1269717" first="Lazaro" last="Rodriguez"]</strong> and <strong>Roman Santos </strong>have been playing well all season and they will need to continue their play to maintain the top spot in Central Jersey Group 2. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1270515" first="Brandon" last="Dean"] </strong>has been spectacular for the Tigers all season and is looking for his fourth straight 20-point game. South Plainfield is in position to take the top seed in North Jersey Section 2, Group 3 with a victory, meaning this division rematch has a huge outcome on the state tournament seedings.</p> <p><strong>Egg Harbor vs. St. Joseph Academy</strong></p> <p>Two of the top teams in the Cape-Atlantic League square off in a game with big implications for both teams. The Eagles are one of the top teams in the state led by dynamic floor general <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1033441" first="Carlos" last="Lopez"]</strong>. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1017198" first="DJ" last="Germann"]</strong> has been a good complimentary scorer for Egg Harbor, who would become the second seed in South Jersey Group 4 with a victory. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013042" first="Ja’Son" last="Prevard"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013070" first="Arnaldo" last="Rodriguez"]</strong> have been key for the Wildcats this season as they are looking to maintain their spot at the top of Non-Public B South. This Cape-Atlantic League United tilt is a big matchup in South Jersey with results that could have a big impact on the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>Nottingham vs. Notre Dame</strong></p> <p>This CVC battle is full of intrigue as the winner will put themselves in a great position for the state tournament. Juniors <strong>Joe Lemly </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150259" first="Quiyon" last="McMillon"]</strong> have been the key parts of the offense for the Northstars. A win for Nottingham could put the Northstars at the top of Central Jersey Group 2 if results go their way, but they will move up regardless with a victory. Notre Dame juniors <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1152305" first="Chris" last="Vlahos"] </strong>and <strong>Stesher Mathelier</strong> have stepped up as the go-to guys for them this season. The Irish would move into ninth in Non-Public A South with a win, which could give them a more favorable opening round matchup in the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>Don Bosco Prep vs. Hudson Catholic</strong></p> <p>This is a titanic clash between two of the top teams in the Garden State which should be entertaining throughout. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153959" first="Dylan" last="Harper"] </strong>leads the way for the Ironmen with his sweet shooting stroke but watch out for <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150263" first="Evan" last="Cabral"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901993" first="Isaiah" last="Edmond"]</strong> in the backcourt as well. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1050389" first="Tahaad" last="Pettiford"]</strong> is a lights-out shooter from distance, but he is not alone as <strong>Omari Moore </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902741" first="Elijah" last="Gertrude"]</strong> are also talented guards. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153958" first="Isaiah" last="Brown"]</strong> and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901947" first="Xavier" last="Edwards"]</strong> are X-Factors for their teams as both squads are looking to secure a top four spot in Non-Public A North. Don Bosco Prep and Hudson Catholic will be fun to watch throughout as it features a matchup between two of the top guards in the state.</p> <p><strong>Red Bank Catholic vs. Chrisitan Brothers Academy</strong></p> <p>Both teams have been playing at a high level this season as they are looking for the top spot in the Shore Conference tournament along with Non-Public A South. Dual-sport athlete <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931027" first="Alex" last="Bauman"]</strong> keys the offense for Red Bank Catholic, while sophomores <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153991" first="Gio" last="Panzini"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153969" first="Zach" last="Meeks"] </strong>give the Caseys more length and athleticism on the floor. <strong>Pat Lautato </strong>has been clutch for the Colts in big moments, especially in wins against Ranney and St. John Vianney. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931026" first="Cy" last="Arvanitis"]</strong>, <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1150543" first="Will" last="Bradley"] </strong>and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1213556" first="Peter" last="Noble"]</strong> provide perimeter shooting, which will be key for both teams. RBC and CBA are two teams looking to gain the upper hand in both the conference and state tournaments.</p>