Group 4 Prospects Who Could Shake Up States
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The state tournament is right around the corner and the excitement is palpable. Postseason play is always chaotic as lower seeds try to make deep runs to shake up the status quo. It frequently happens in Group 4 as 16-seed…
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Continue ReadingThe state tournament is right around the corner and the excitement is palpable. Postseason play is always chaotic as lower seeds try to make deep runs to shake up the status quo. It frequently happens in Group 4 as 16-seed Egg Harbor made the semifinals in 2020, Hackensack made the final as a 10-seed and Elizabeth took home the overall Group 4 title as a 9-seed. Here are the Group 4 prospects who could shake up the state tournament.
Fitzpatrick has been running the show for the Red Raiders all season long and is looking to end his season on a high note. The 5’9 guard has a good handle and a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the rim. Fitzpatrick is more than just a slasher as he has a clean release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. He is a solid rebounder for a guard and plays with nice anticipation on the defensive end. Fitzpatrick is capable of putting up points in bunches, which could be the key for Newark East Side to make a deep run in the state tournament.
Agard has been a scoring machine for the Blue Knights this season as he poured in a career-high 56 points in his last game. The 6’0 guard has deep range on his jumper and is comfortable shooting the ball either off the catch or bounce. Agard uses his handle effectively as he is able to create space for himself on the perimeter and around the basket. He is a crafty finisher around the basket and does not mind drawing contact. Agard can put up points in bunches, which could help Irvington make a deep run in the sectional Group 4 tournament.
Simmons has done a little bit of everything for the Knights as he has recorded a double-double in almost every game this season, including a triple-double against Barringer. The 6’5 wing excels at getting to the rim where he explodes off the floor for dunks and can finish through contact. Simmons plays with good floor vision as he finds his open teammates in the half court and rarely makes bad decisions with the ball in his hands. He skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and is a play-maker on the defensive end. Simmons’ versatility makes him a prospect to watch in Group 4 for Paterson Kennedy.
Antoine has been a big part of the Vikings’ run to the GMC Tournament final as he is averaging 21.3 points per game in the tournament. He uses his quick first step to get by his defender and knows how to finish around the rim. Antoine has a good release on his jumper and can hit jumpers in bunches as he has four games with at least four made triples. He is a tough defender and is unafraid of fighting for rebounds against taller defenders. Antoine is a scoring, lead guard prospect who is looking to lead South Brunswick back to the sectional title game since their Central Jersey Group 4 title in 2020.
Portnoy has had a strong junior season for the Vikings as he has showed his versatility. The 6’2 guard plays with his head up in the half court as he is able to find open teammates for layups and jumpers. Portnoy knows how to get to his spot on the floor and rises up with confidence on his jumper. He is a good finisher around the basket and is a strong rebounder. Portnoy’s ability to do a little bit of everything on the floor is something that will help Eastern in a big way during the state tournament.