Essex County Tournament Quarterfinal Matchups to Watch

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The first full week of February is here, meaning county tournament play is in full swing. The Essex County Tournament quarterfinals are here and will be exciting to watch with intriguing matchups. Here are the Essex County Tournament quarterfinal matchups to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201964' first='Elijah' last='Caldwell']- [player_tooltip player_id='2782185' first='Anthony' last='Blackmon']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>East Orange and Shabazz square off this weekend, which features a point guard battle between Caldwell and Blackmon. The former is a blur in the open floor as he uses his speed to blow by his defender and can finish in a variety of ways around the basket. Blackmon has a smooth release on his jumper and can knock down triples in bunches. They both rarely get sped up with the ball in their hands and use their quick hands to make plays on the defensive end. Caldwell and Blackmon are talented lead guard prospects who should make plays at both ends of the floor throughout the game.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763494' first='Jayden' last='Solomon']- [player_tooltip player_id='2201949' first='Ayyub' last='Wilson']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newark Collegiate and Arts will be a game to watch as Solomon and Wilson battle it out in the backcourt. The latter plays with composure on the ball as Wilson knows how to get to his spot on the floor and has a good touch in the mid-range. Solomon attacks the basket with a purpose as he finishes strong around the rim and can also knock down jumpers from behind the arc. He has the ability to play off the ball and has the length to defend both backcourt spots. Wilson and Solomon have been leading the way for both of their teams this season, making their battle a fun one to watch.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201961' first='Va'Shaun' last='Harper']- MJ Postell</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Newark Tech and Arts is another Newark showdown that features a fun battle to watch in the backcourt with Harper and Postell. The latter has exploded onto the scene in his debut varsity season as Postell soars for dunks in the half court and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Harper uses his handle to get into the paint and can finish through contact. Postell uses his length to make an impact on the defensive end, while Harper pushes the pace well in transition. Harper and Postell are capable of scoring points in bunches, which will help both of their teams during the quarterfinal matchup.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2380816' first='De-an' last='Armstrong']- [player_tooltip player_id='2504780' first='Infinite' last='Sincere-AmenRa']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919208' first='Gerald' last='Edwell']</strong> has been a force down low for the Lions all season, but Armstrong's ability to run the offense against Sincere-AmenRa will be one to watch. The 6'0 junior guard has a good release on his jumper and sets his feet before he shoots. Sincere-AmenRa has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and finishes in a variety of ways around the basket. Both guards can also play off the ball as Sincere-AmenRa has good chemistry with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2201947' first='Anthony' last='Gonzalez']</strong>. Armstrong and Sincere-AmenRa will battle on the perimeter as Payne Tech and Seton Hall Prep battle in a rematch of the 2025 Essex County Tournament final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2344534' first='James' last='Roberts']- [player_tooltip player_id='2201950' first='Elijah' last='Colon']</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roberts and Colon are two of the top juniors in Essex County, making their matchup one to watch this season. Since becoming eligible, Colon has been on a tear, averaging over 22 points per game with his ability to score inside and out. Roberts has shown his versatility this season as he's shown the ability to defend multiple positions, rebound with a purpose and knock down shots inside and out. They both move well without the ball in their hands and can find their open teammates in the half court. Roberts and Colon have the ability to light up the scoreboard, making their matchup fun to watch this Saturday.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->