Weekend Matchups with Big State Implications
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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…
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Continue ReadingThe 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.
South River vs. South Plainfield
This GMC Blue clash was played on opening and the rematch is filled with intrigue. The Rams won 63-56 behind junior guard Jeremy Grospe Jeremy Grospe 5'10" | CG South River | 2023 State NJ ’s 21 points. Classmates Lazaro Rodriguez Lazaro Rodriguez 6'4" | SF South River | 2023 State NJ and Roman Santos have been playing well all season and they will need to continue their play to maintain the top spot in Central Jersey Group 2. Brandon Dean Brandon Dean 5'10" | PG South Plainfield | 2024 NLG 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.
Egg Harbor vs. St. Joseph Academy
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 Carlos Lopez Carlos Lopez 6'0" | PG Egg Harbor Twp | 2023 FL . DJ Germann DJ Germann 5'11" | PG Egg Harbor | 2023 State NJ has been a good complimentary scorer for Egg Harbor, who would become the second seed in South Jersey Group 4 with a victory. Ja’Son Prevard Ja’Son Prevard 6'2" | CG St. Joseph Academy | 2022 State NJ and Arnaldo Rodriguez Arnaldo Rodriguez 6'1" | CG St. Joseph Academy | 2023 State NJ 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.
Nottingham vs. Notre Dame
This CVC battle is full of intrigue as the winner will put themselves in a great position for the state tournament. Juniors Joe Lemly and Quiyon McMillon Quiyon McMillon 6'1" | CG Nottingham | 2023 NJ 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 Chris Vlahos Chris Vlahos 6'3" | SG Notre Dame | 2023 State NJ and Stesher Mathelier 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.
Don Bosco Prep vs. Hudson Catholic
This is a titanic clash between two of the top teams in the Garden State which should be entertaining throughout. Dylan Harper Dylan Harper 6'6" | SG Don Bosco Prep | 2024 State #3 Nation NJ leads the way for the Ironmen with his sweet shooting stroke but watch out for Evan Cabral Evan Cabral 6'2" | CG Don Bosco Prep | 2023 State NJ and Isaiah Edmond Isaiah Edmond 6'2" | CG Don Bosco Prep | 2022 State NJ in the backcourt as well. Tahaad Pettiford Tahaad Pettiford 6'1" | PG Hudson Catholic | 2024 State #27 Nation NJ is a lights-out shooter from distance, but he is not alone as Omari Moore and Elijah Gertrude Elijah Gertrude 6'4" | SG Hudson Catholic | 2023 State #145 Nation NJ are also talented guards. Isaiah Brown Isaiah Brown 6'1" | CG Don Bosco Prep | 2024 State NJ and Xavier Edwards Xavier Edwards 6'3" | SF Hudson Catholic | 2022 State NJ 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.
Red Bank Catholic vs. Chrisitan Brothers Academy
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 Alex Bauman Alex Bauman 6'4" | SF Red Bank Catholic | 2022 State NJ keys the offense for Red Bank Catholic, while sophomores Gio Panzini Gio Panzini 6'5" | SF St. Rose | 2024 State NJ and Zach Meeks Zach Meeks 6'5" | PF Red Bank Catholic | 2024 NJ give the Caseys more length and athleticism on the floor. Pat Lautato has been clutch for the Colts in big moments, especially in wins against Ranney and St. John Vianney. Cy Arvanitis Cy Arvanitis 6'3" | SG Red Bank Catholic | 2022 State NJ , Will Bradley Will Bradley 6'2" | SG CBA | 2023 State NJ and Peter Noble Peter Noble 6'2" | PG CBA | 2024 State NJ 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.