Weekend Battles to Keep an Eye On

The first weekend of is finally here with teams across the state finishing their opening games. Weekend games are always intriguing as it provides matchups with teams who do not normally faceoff against each other. Here are the weekend battles to keep an eye on.

Patrick School vs. Camden

The High put on a show in its opening game of the season with a 91-50 win over Rancocas Valley. Dajuan Wagner Jr Dajuan Wagner Jr 6'4" | PG Camden | 2023 State #1 Nation NJ . set the tone for the Panthers early with a deep three, while transfer Billy Richmond III Billy Richmond III 6'6" | SF Camden | 2024 State #171 Nation NJ had 19 points and six steals in his debut. Aaron Bradshaw Aaron Bradshaw 7'0" | PF Camden | 2023 State #10 Nation NJ was dominant in the paint and will face a frontcourt duo of Ifaola Fawaz Tacko Ifaola Fawaz Tacko 6'11" | C Dream City Christian | 2025 AZ and Assane Mbaye that are both long defenders. Jaiden Glover Jaiden Glover 6'6" | SG Patrick School | 2024 State #273 Nation NJ has gotten off to a hot start for the Celtics and will be tasked with providing perimeter scoring and defense. The Patrick School and Camden should be an entertaining matchup with Division 1 talent across the board.

Arts vs. Newark East Side

This Brick City battle should be fun to watch as both teams have the opportunity to make a deep run in the state tournament. Arts has a talented senior guard duo in Elijon Nix Elijon Nix 6'0" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ and Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , who had a strong opening game against West Side. Sutan Fitzpatrick Sutan Fitzpatrick 5'10" | PG Covenant College Prep | 2024 State NJ started his senior season off with a bang as he poured in 27 points and will have help from classmate Quatrell Wilson Quatrell Wilson 6'5" | SF Newark East Side | 2023 State NJ on the wing. Anthony Akande Anthony Akande 6'4" | SG Arts | 2024 State NJ is one to watch on the perimeter for the Jaguars, while Amir Abdullah Amir Abdullah 5'10" | PG Patrick School | 2024 State NJ provides the Red Raiders with shooting from behind the arc. Arts and Newark East Side should be a classic game with division and county positionining.

Immaculate Conception vs. West Side

The Lions open their season against the Rough Riders and they will be a team to watch in North Jersey. Louisville commit TJ Robinson TJ Robinson 6'3" | PG Immaculate Conception | 2024 State #113 Nation NJ will be running the show for them, using his combination of a quick first step and tight handle to get to the rim. Wing Tavian Pullock Tavian Pullock 6'5" | SF Montclair Immaculate | 2023 State NJ provides additional scoring on the perimeter, while Malachi Arrington Malachi Arrington 6'10" | C Montclair Immaculate | 2025 State NJ gets the touches down low. Brandon Rodriguez Brandon Rodriguez 6'0" | CG West Side | 2023 State NJ dropped 25 points in the season opening loss to Arts and is looking to repeat the feat against Immaculate Conception. This matchup is critical for both teams as they are looking to pick up their first win of the season.

Ridgewood vs. Teaneck

This Big North battle will be one to watch as it has a couple of intriguing matchups. Towson commit Tyler Tejada Tyler Tejada 6'7" | SF Teaneck | 2023 State NJ can score at all three levels and will be challenged by Jordan Rogers Jordan Rogers 6'4" | SF Ridgewood | 2024 PA on the perimeter. Sophomore guards Keith McKnight Keith McKnight 6'4" | SG Hudson Catholic | 2025 State NJ and Johnny Jackson Johnny Jackson 5'10" | PG Ridgewood | 2025 State NJ are both guards who had strong debut seasons last year and should have big 2022-23 campaigns. Ty Carnegie Ty Carnegie 5'10" | PG Teaneck | 2025 State NJ and Evan O’Reilly Evan O’Reilly 6'3" | SG Ridgewood | 2024 State NJ will be the X-Factors to watch on the perimeter with their ability to hit shots from deep. Ridgewood and Teaneck should be a fun battle to watch as both teams look to make noise in Bergen County.

St. Augustine vs. Egg Harbor

This Cape-Atlantic League battle is full of implications as it is an early meeting between the league’s top two teams. Junior guard Elijah Brown Elijah Brown 6'4" | SG Life Center Academy | 2025 State NJ knows how to get to the rim and can defend multiple positions on the floor. DJ Germann DJ Germann 5'11" | PG Egg Harbor | 2023 State NJ dropped 28 points and seven rebounds in the season opener, while Jay-Nelly Reyes picked up six steals. Semaj Bethea Semaj Bethea 5'10" | PG Camden | 2024 State NJ and Ife Okebiorun will be players to watch for the Hermits as they were instrumental in their win against Holy Spirit. The Eagles won last year’s contest 76-51 and are looking for a similar result this season.