North Jersey 2 Group 1 X-Factors

<p>The state tournament is set to start next week with over 300 teams competing for a sectional title. North Jersey 2 Group 1 is full of intrigue with multiple prospects having the opportunity to make an impact. Here are the X-Factors from North Jersey 2 Group 1.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2421362' first='Tommy' last='Gobel'], 6'7 PF Weehawken 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Gobel has been a crucial part on the interior for Weehawken as he helps run the offense. The 6'7 forward uses his strong frame to get position down low and has a good touch around the basket. Gobel is a good passer out of the post and his ability to make plays down low will help Weehawken make a deep postseason run.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2623169' first='Rodney' last='Tullis Jr.'], 6'0 PG/CG Newark Tech 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Tullis Jr. has ran the show for the Terriers over the last two seasons and is looking to end his varsity career on a high note. The 6'0 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and finishes in a variety of ways around the rim. Tullis threads passes to his teammates in the halfcourt and his ability to run the offense efficiently will help Newark Tech return to the sectional final.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2628256' first='Ryan' last='Law'], PF Glen Ridge 2027</strong></h2>   <p>Law has been a force down low for the Ridgers as he's been a double-double machine for them. He has a soft touch around the basket and can finish through contact. Law is a presence around the rim and his ability to protect the paint will be something that help Glen Ridge throughout the state tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1859563' first='Tyshawn' last='Boyd'], 6'4 SF Arts 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Boyd has made an immediate impact with the Jaguars as he's shown the ability to play either forward position. The 6'4 forward attacks the basket with a purpose and finishes strong around the rim. Boyd has a pair of 20-10 games this season and should add to that total during the state tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Jason Marasciulo, W Ridgefield 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Marasciulo does a little bit of everything for Ridgefield and should put it on display during the state tournament. He uses his handle to get into the paint and finds his open teammates in the halfcourt. Marasciulo is a tough rebounder and his ability to fill up the stat sheet makes him a prospect to track during the tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Nick Russo, 6'3 W Cedar Grove 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Russo has been key to the Panthers' attack this season as he has 11 games with at least 20 points. The 6'3 wing sets his feet before he shoots and makes opponents pay for giving him space behind the arc. Russo can also score in the mid-range and his ability to score inside and out will help Cedar Grove in the state tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763443' first='Ihjamir' last='Williams'], 6'4 PF American History 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Williams has been a force down low for the Eagles as he has been one of the top shot-blockers in Group 1. The 6'4 post swats almost everything around the rim and is a force on the boards. Williams has three triple-doubles this season and could add to that total if he continues to protect the paint at a high level.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2782185' first='Anthony' last='Blackmon'], 5'9 PG Shabazz 2028</strong></h2>   <p>Blackmon is getting hot at the right time as he has 74 points over his last four games. The 5'9 guard has a quick first step, which he uses to blow by his defender and finishes nicely around the basket. Blackmon has a good release on his jumper and uses his quick hands to get deflections on defense, which he will use in the state tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Will Herman, 6'1 SF Verona 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Herman has the ability to put up big numbers in the state tournament, which the Hillbillies will need. The 6'1 forward knows how to get to his spot on the floor and finishes well around the basket. Herman is a gritty forward prospect who is looking to make an impact at both ends of the floor in the opening round.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Joel DeSuze, F West Caldwell Tech 2025</strong></h2>   <p>DeSuze has taken a big step up this season as he is averaging a near double-double. He knows how to get position down low and has a nice touch around the basket. DeSuze is a force on the boards and his ability to control the paint will be something to watch for in the state tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Zion Glover, 6'3 SF Newark Global Studies 2027</strong></h2>   <p>Glover has stepped his game up recently as he has a double-double in each of his last two games. The 6'3 forward has a solid faceup game as he can put the ball on the floor and finishes well around the basket. Glover skies for rebounds on both ends of the floor and his ability to make plays on the defensive end will be something to watch for in the opening round.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Justin Bunnell, G North Arlington 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Bunnell has shown the ability to play on and off the ball, which makes him an intriguing prospect to watch. He uses his handle to get to his spot on the floor and finds his open teammates in the halfcourt. Bunnell will have to be more assertive on the offensive as North Arlington are 6-1 when he scores 10 or more points.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2347281' first='Nairi' last='Latham'], 6'1 CG Marion P. Thomas Charter 2027</strong></h2>   <p>Latham has been one of the top scorers in the 2027 class as he has almost 1,000 points in his career. The 6'1 guard has a clean release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. Latham can also score in the paint and his ability to involve his teammates in the halfcourt will be something to watch for in the state tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Thomas Moran, F Whippany Park 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Moran has taken a step up this season as he has emerged as their go-to scorer. He knows how to get position down low and has a good touch around the basket. Moran is averaging 14 points per game over his last three games and will be looking to continue that streak during the state tournament.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Kizito Ilori, G Bard 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Ilori does a little bit of everything for Bard and will put that on display in the state tournament. He moves well without the ball in his hands and rarely forces jumpers in the halfcourt. Ilori stuffs the stat sheet for Bard and will look to do that in the opening round.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Aiden Concepcion, G Secaucus 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Concepcion will be looking to make an impact in the state tournament as he keys the Patriots. He has a good release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Concepcion will need to have a big game for Secaucus as the Patriots look to make an upset in the opening round of the state tournament.</p>

The state tournament is set to start next week with over 300 teams competing for a sectional title. North Jersey 2 Group 1 is full of intrigue with multiple prospects having the opportunity to make an impact. Here are the X-Factors from North Jersey 2 Group 1.