Which Prospects are Leading Underdogs in States?

Joe Esquivel-Murphy February 24, 2023 @ 09:41 AM

<p>The state tournament has been exciting with multiple upsets happening across the Garden State. Four double-digit seeds have made the sectional semifinals while one top seed has fallen. Here are the prospects that are leading underdogs in the state tournament.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1150278' first='Sutan' last='Fitzpatrick']/[player_tooltip player_id='1407084' first='Amir' last='Abdullah'], Newark East Side</strong></h2>   <p>It's hard to classify Newark East Side as an underdog with the overall success of the program, but the Red Raiders are the only 8/9 seed to knock off a number one seed. Abdullah has been a consistent presence in the backcourt with his smooth release on his jumper and can score in the mid-range. Fitzpatrick only scored five points in the win over Ridge, but he dished out four assists as he controlled the offense for the Red Raiders. Both players can play or off the ball and play good on-ball defense. Fitzpatrick and Abdullah will be looking to continue Newark East Side's run in the state tournament as the Red Raiders look to capture their first sectional title since 2019.</p>   <h2><strong>Omero Chevere, G Ocean City 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Ocean City is in a unique position as they host the sectional semifinal game as Chevere looks to lead Ocean City into the South Jersey Group 3 final. The senior guard has a nice release on his jumper as he wastes little motion and sets his feet before he shoots. Chevere is more than just a shooter as he can also get to the basket and finish. He is not afraid of contact and is an underrated rebounder. Chevere is averaging 20 points per game in the state tournament and is looking to maintain that average in the state semifinals.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2335566' first='Isiah' last='Akpassa'], 6'3 PF Absegami 2024</strong></h2>   <p>Akpassa has been a force down low for the Braves all season long and has continued it in the state tournament. The 6'3 forward knows how to get position down low and does not mind contact. Akpassa moves well without the ball in his hands and has a nice touch on his free throws. He fights for rebounds on both ends of the floor and works hard on the defensive end. Akpassa is a physical forward prospect who is looking to continue Absegami's run in the state tournament.</p>   <h2><strong>Mason Mangione, W Glen Rock 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Mangione has been key for the Panthers during their run to the state semifinals as he is averaging 17 points per game so far in the state tournament. The sophomore wing has a clean release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Mangione moves well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the half court. He is a solid rebounder and is an underrated defender. Mangione's ability to knock down jumpers from behind the arc is something Glen Rock will need to advance to the sectional final on Tuesday.</p>   <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1400494' first='Brandon' last='Rodriguez'], 6'0 CG West Side 2023</strong></h2>   <p>Rodriguez has been a stalwart for the Roughriders all season long and it has continued in the state tournament. The 6'0 guard has a good handle, which he uses to beat his defender off the bounce and finish through contact around the basket. Rodriguez knows how to get to his spot on the floor and shoots the ball with confidence from distance. He is a good rebounder for a guard and gets steals on the defensive end. Rodriguez can score points in bunches and will look to continue his hot shooting in the sectional semifinals against Madison.</p>

The state tournament has been exciting with multiple upsets happening across the Garden State. Four double-digit seeds have made the sectional semifinals while one top seed has fallen. Here are the prospects that are leading underdogs in the state tournament.