NJSIAA Sectional Final Guard Matchups to Watch
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The NJSIAA state tournament is almost over as the sectional finals tip off on Friday. The guard play should be top notch in the finals as teams are looking to take home a sectional title. Here are the NJSIAA guard…
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Continue ReadingThe NJSIAA state tournament is almost over as the sectional finals tip off on Friday. The guard play should be top notch in the finals as teams are looking to take home a sectional title. Here are the NJSIAA guard matchups to watch in the sectional final.
Rumson Fair-Haven vs. Manasquan: Nick Rigby Nick Rigby 6'0" | SG Rumson Fair-Haven | 2024 State NJ – Griffin Linstra Griffin Linstra 6'5" | CG Manasquan | 2025 State NJ
The battle between Rigby and Linstra will be exciting to watch as both players impact the game in similar ways. Rigby is at his best attacking the basket as he is a strong finisher around the rim and is unafraid of drawing contact. Linstra also attacks the basket with a purpose and has a nice touch on his floater. They are both good rebounders and play tough on-ball defense. Rigby and Linstra might matchup against each other as they are looking to take home the Central Jersey Group 2 title.
East Orange vs. Ridgewood: Kaiyiri Barkley- Johnny Jackson Johnny Jackson 5'10" | PG Ridgewood | 2025 State NJ
Barkley and Jackson both pace their teams in scoring and will look to continue to do so in the North 1 Group 4 final. Jackson is a sharpshooter from distance as he can knock down triples in bunches and his range starts once he crosses halfcourt. Barkley uses his handle to beat his defender off the bounce and can make opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. They both also have the ability to play on and off the ball and slide their feet on defense. Barkley and Jackson have the ability to put up points in bunches, which should make it a sectional final to watch.
Eastern vs. Lenape: Max Portnoy Max Portnoy 6'3" | SG Eastern | 2024 State NJ – Tye Dorset Tye Dorset 6'3" | SG Lenape | 2024 State NJ
Portnoy and Dorset is an intriguing matchup to watch as they do a little bit of everything for their teams. The latter plays with composure on the ball as he doesn’t get rattled by on-ball pressure and can score at all three levels. Dorset gets his teammates involved in the halfcourt and uses his length to be disruptive on the defensive end. Portnoy has a nice handle, which he uses to get by his defender off the bounce and make plays in the paint. Dorset and Portnoy are versatile guard prospects who should fill up the stat sheet in the South Jersey Group 4 final.
Plainfield vs. Elizabeth: Micah Gordon Micah Gordon 5'10" | PG Plainfield | 2027 State NJ – Cameron McRae Cameron McRae 5'10" | PG Elizabeth | 2025 State NJ
This UCC clash will be one to watch, especially at the lead guard position. Gordon has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. He is more than just a slasher as he has good release on his jumper and can get hot from distance in a hurry. McRae has a good first step, which he uses to create separation and shoots the ball with confidence from behind the arc. Plainfield and Elizabeth will be an entertaining game throughout with Gordon and McRae making plays at both ends.
Camden vs. Middle Township: Semaj Bethea Semaj Bethea 5'10" | PG Camden | 2024 State NJ – Jamir McNeil Jamir McNeil 6'0" | PG Middle Township | 2025 State NJ
The battle of the Panthers will be full of highlights with Bethea and McNeil running the show. The former plays with good floor vision as he threads passes to open teammates in the halfcourt. Bethea has a nice release on his jumper and finishes nicely around the basket. McNeil uses his quick first step to blow by his defender off the bounce and makes plays on the defensive end. Camden and Middle Township should be a great sectional final as Bethea and McNeil matchup against each other in the backcourt.