State Tournament Watch: Group 1 Prospects

<p>The state tournament in New Jersey is almost here as the sectional playoffs are less than a week away. The Group 1 tournament should be full of excitement with multiple teams vying to take part in the final Tournament of Champions. Here are the Group 1 prospects to watch in the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901971" first="Asim" last="Jones"], 6’3 CG Paterson Charter 2022</strong></p> <p>The Lions are the reigning North Jersey Section 1 Group 1 champions and are looking to retain their title behind Jones. The 6’3 combo guard attacks the basket with a purpose as he is a good finisher and does not mind drawing contact. Jones is more than just a slasher as he can also knock down jumpers in bunches and shoots the ball with confidence from deep. He uses his athleticism to make plays on the defensive end and runs the offensive effectively. Jones is a high-scoring guard prospect who should have a big state tournament for Paterson Charter.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1202192" first="Naceir" last="Kirksey"], 6’0 PG West Side 2022</strong></p> <p>The Roughriders are one of the hotter teams in North Jersey Section 2 Group 1 with Kirksey running the show. The Shabazz transfer is lightning quick with the ball in his hands, which he uses to blow by his defender in the half court and finish around the basket. Kirksey has a nice release on his jumper and knows how to get to the line with consistency. He is a strong rebounder for a guard and has good chemistry with backcourt mate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901950" first="Jahzeer" last="Gaskin"]</strong>. Kirksey is a skilled lead guard prospect who is looking to lead West Side deep into the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901954" first="Keyshun" last="Sanders"], 5’11 PG Paulsboro 2022</strong></p> <p>Sanders has been playing at a high level all season for the Red Raiders and is looking to end his varsity career on a high note. The 5’11 guard has a good handle, which he uses to break down his defender off the bounce and finish around the basket. Sanders knows how to get his teammates involved and can make opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter. He is a tenacious on-ball defender and is one of the top available rebounding guards in the state. Sanders is a tough, two-way guard prospect who should continue to put up big numbers in the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901983" first="DJ" last="Thomson"], 6’4 PG Keyport 2022</strong></p> <p>Thomson has been the go-to guy for Keyport in every year of his varsity career and should lead the way in the state tournament. The East Stroudsburg commit is at his best going to the basket as he is a strong finisher around the rim and can draw contact with consistency. Thomson is also capable of scoring in the mid-range and is an underrated passer. He is a solid rebounder and can get deflections on the defensive end. Thomson has averaged at least 20 points per game over his last three seasons and is looking to continue that trend in states.</p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013041" first="David" last="Luberoff"], 6’8 PF Midland Park 2022</strong></p> <p>Luberoff is one of the top available forward prospects in the state as he has a versatile skillset. The 6’8 forward has a good face-up game as he can knock down jumpers on the perimeter and get to the basket from the perimeter. Luberoff has a nice touch around the rim and plays with solid footwork in the post. He skies for rebounds at both ends of the floor and uses his length to swat shots around the basket. Luberoff is a two-way, stretch four that will be the go-to guy for Midland Park throughout the state tournament.</p> <p><span style="text-decoration: underline;"><strong>Other Prospects to Watch:</strong></span></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1045717" first="Bryan" last="Moussako"], 6’0 PG Glen Ridge 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901976" first="Tristin" last="Harcourt"], 6’6 PF University 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1214158" first="Anthony" last="Farmer"], 5’10 PG Salem 2024</strong></p> <p><strong>Logan Wejnert, 6’0 PG Waldwick 2022</strong></p> <p><strong>Dejuan Hunter, 5’4 PG Burlington City 2022</strong></p>