Group 1 Quarterfinal Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The NJSIAA playoffs are rolling as the semifinals tip off on Wednesday. The quarterfinals finished up last night and there were big performances in Group 1 as prospects helped led their teams to victory. Here are the Group 1 standouts from the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1050395' first='Deuce' last='Jones'], 6'1 PG College Achieve 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones did a little bit of everything for the Knights as he finished off with 22 points, six assists and five steals. The La Salle commit exploded off the floor for dunks and finished craftily around the basket. Jones used his tight handle to create separation from his defender and shot the ball with confidence from behind the arc. He got his teammates involved in the halfcourt and used his quickness to get steals on the defensive end. Jones is a dynamic guard prospect who should continue to have standout games for College Achieve in the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1051496' first='Merle' last='Hans'], 5'10 PG Wildwood 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hans paced Wildwood's offense as he scored a game-high 24 points against Audubon. The 5'10 guard used his quick first step to blow by his defender off the bounce and finish nicely around the basket. Hans also showed the ability to score in the mid-range and rarely forced shots in the halfcourt. He fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor and showed the ability to play off the ball. Hans is a speedy, guard prospect who should continue to pace Wildwood in the semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421336' first='Lamir' last='Boxley'], 6'1 SG Hoboken 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Boxley powered the Redwings' attack as he led the way with 23 points. The 6'1 guard attacked the basket with a purpose as he finished strong around the basket and was unafraid of drawing contact. Boxley was able to get to his spot on the floor and wasted little motion in his release. He played solid on-ball defense and played with good court vision throughout the night. Boxley has been playing at a high level this season and should continue it on Thursday night.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Talib McLean, 6'1 CG Shabazz 2025</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McLean helped guide Shabazz to the sectional semifinals as he scored a team-high 23 points. The 6'1 guard finished nicely around the basket and was unafraid of drawing contact. McLean showed a nice touch in the mid-range and moved well without the ball in his hands. He played solid on-ball defense as he was able to generate deflections. If McLean has another standout game in the semifinal, then Shabazz will see itself play in the sectional final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2292300' first='Tyler' last='Kesolitz'], 6'2 SG Manville 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kesolitz led Manville's upset of Brearley as he scored a game-high 20 points. The 6'2 guard buried four triples as he showed off a good release and wasted little motion in his jumper. Kesolitz moved well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers in the halfcourt. He was able to draw contact throughout the game and moved his feet well defensively. Kesolitz is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should continue his hot shooting in the sectional semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->