Under the Radar Matchups to Watch This Weekend

<p>The Garden State basketball season is heating up as the cutoff for the state tournament is just about a week away. Teams across New Jersey are vying for important wins to secure their seed lines creating intriguing matchups to watch. Here are the under the radar matchups to watch this weekend.</p> <p><strong>Pitman vs. Riverside: Elijah Crispin &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1147097" first="Khalil" last="Tucker"]</strong></p> <p>This South Jersey Group 1 matchup is key for seeding and features a pair of talented scorers in Crispin and Tucker. The former may only be a freshman, but Crispin has a smooth release on his jumper and can bury triples in bunches. He is more than just a shooter as he can also finish around the basket and makes good decisions with the ball in his hands. Tucker is at his best getting to the basket as he is a good finisher and does not mind drawing contact. Crispin and Tucker are set to light up the scoreboard.</p> <p><strong>Wildwood vs. Salem: [player_tooltip player_id="1051496" first="Merle" last="Hans"] &amp; [player_tooltip player_id="1214158" first="Anthony" last="Farmer"]</strong></p> <p>This Tri-County Classic battle was played last week with the Rams taking the game 60-56 on the road. Farmer has been a consistent presence for Salem in the backcourt as he can get to the rim and does not mind finishing through contact. The 5’9 guard also has a nice release on his jumper and slides his feet on the defensive end. Hans is a big-time scorer as he is a crafty finisher around the rim and can knock down open shots from behind the arc. This sophomore guard matchup is one to watch as it’ll decide the Tri-County Classic title.</p> <p><strong>Burlington Township vs. Bishop Eustace: [player_tooltip player_id="933050" first="Jordan" last="Poole"] &amp; Reggie Selden Jr.</strong></p> <p>The opening game on day 2 of the Holy Cross Prep Showcase is an intriguing as it features a pair of point guards who are key to their teams’ success. Poole has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the basket. Selden Jr. has a good handle and makes plays when he gets into the lane. Both guards have good shooting strokes and can knock down open jumpers from behind the arc. Poole and Selden Jr. are talented lead guard who should have strong games at the Holy Cross Prep Showcase.</p> <p><strong>Paterson Kennedy vs. Woodrow Wilson: [player_tooltip player_id="1146237" first="JayQuan" last="Briggs"] vs. Zoe Holman</strong></p> <p>This Battle at the Bay matchup has big implications as both teams are looking to secure top seeds in their sectional tournament. Holman has done a little bit of everything for the Tigers as he leads the team in points, assists and steals. The senior guard is at his best attacking the basket as he can finish around the rim and score in the mid-range. Briggs is a slashing guard who finishes strong around the basket and plays with quick hands on the perimeter. Both senior guards are two-way players, creating an exciting game to watch.</p> <p><strong>Doane Academy vs. St. Augustine: [player_tooltip player_id="1036231" first="Sean" last="Hargrow"] vs. Semaj Bethea</strong></p> <p>This game may fly under the radar, but do not sleep on Hargrow and Bethea. The latter has been a big addition for the undefeated Hermits as the Woodrow Wilson transfer has been a consistent scorer for them on the perimeter. Bethea is a good passer and gets deflections on the defensive end. Hargrow has been making plays for Doane Academy all season and is fresh off a 45-point, 7-assist and 17-steal performance against STEM Civics. St. Augustine is looking to maintain their perfection against a Doane Academy trying to secure a top 5 spot in South Jersey Non-Public B.</p>