State Semifinal Standouts

Joe Esquivel-Murphy March 12, 2025 @ 10:56 AM

<p>The NJSIAA state tournament is coming to a close as the state semifinals are underway. Groups 1 and 3 had their semifinals yesterday and they were filled with standout performances throughout the night. Here are the state semifinal standouts from last night.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1628860' first='Isaiah' last='Gore'], 6'3 PG Thrive Charter 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Gore was dominant against Woodbury in the Group 1 semifinals as he poured in 26 points. The 6'3 guard attacked the basket with a purpose as he finished nicely around the rim and used his size to see over his defender. Gore did not get sped up by on-ball pressure and was able to find his open teammates in the halfcourt. He used his length to get deflections on the defensive end and showed the ability to play off the ball. Gore has the ability to put up points in bunches and should do so again in the Group 1 final on Saturday.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2194744' first='AJ' last='Greig'], 6'4 W Ramapo 2028</strong></h2>   <p>Greig pulled out a great performance in the state semifinals as he poured in a game-high 24 points. The 6'4 wing used his handle to get to his spot on the floor and was able to draw contact in the paint. Greig showed off a smooth release on his jumper and made Colonia pay for giving him space behind the arc. He made good decisions with the ball in his hands and used his length to cause disruptions on the defensive end. Greig has three 20-point games during the state tournament and will be looking to add to that total during the state final.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2624505' first='Jalen' last='Baker'], 6'4 PF Newark Tech 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Baker was a force down low for the Terriers as he finished with 17 points and nine rebounds. The 6'4 forward used his strong frame to get position down low and showed a soft touch around the rim. Baker ran the floor hard and sets strong screens in the backcourt. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and held his ground on the defensive end. Baker has been a double-double machine this season and will look to claim another double-double during the state final.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763389' first='Lukas' last='Sloane'], 6'2 SG Colts Neck 2025</strong></h2>   <p>Sloane was crucial for the Cougars in their victory against Ocean City as he scored a team-high 17 points. The 6'2 lefty was decisive with the ball in his hands as he was able to get to his spot on the floor and finished well around the basket. Sloane showed off a good release on his jumper and rarely forced shots in the halfcourt. He worked hard on the glass and slid his feet on the defensive end. Sloane is a gritty guard prospect who is looking to end his varsity career with a state title.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Luke Tjoumakaris, F Ocean City 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Tjoumakaris did all he could in the Red Raiders' loss to Colts Neck as he scored a game-high 21 points. He attacked the basket strong and was able to score in the mid-range. Tjoumakaris made plays in the paint at both ends of the floor and moved well without the ball in his hands. He worked for rebounds on both ends of the floor and influenced shots on the defensive ends. Tjoumakaris ended his junior season with a pair of 20 points games and will be looking to carry over his momentum into the 2025-26 season.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Other Prospects to Know:</strong></h2>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1595674' first='Aiden' last='Derkack'], 6'6 SG Colonia 2026</strong></p>   <p><strong>Kyle Fulcher, G Paterson Charter 2025</strong></p>   <p><strong>Mark Koszowski, 6'0 SG Woodbury 2025</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2348977' first='Marjon' last='Skillman'], 6'4 PF Thrive Charter 2026</strong></p>   <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1411664' first='Malcolm' last='Bragg'], 6'3 SF Newark Tech 2025</strong></p>

The NJSIAA state tournament is coming to a close as the state semifinals are underway. Groups 1 and 3 had their semifinals yesterday and they were filled with standout performances throughout the night. Here are the state semifinal standouts from last night.