Group 4 Standouts on Opening Night

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Opening night of the state tournament kicked off Thursday with over 130 teams fighting to take home a sectional title. Group 4 saw some big performances as they helped their teams advance in the state tournament. Here are the Group 4 standouts from the opening night of the state tournament.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2763474' first='Aivaye' last='Ingram'], 6'5 SF/SG Trenton Central 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Ingram had a monster game against Hunterdon Central as he put up 33 points and 10 rebounds. The 6'5 wing attacked the wing with a purpose as he finished strong above the rim and drew contact in the paint. Ingram uses his size to see over his defender and set his feet before he shot. He fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor and used his length to make an impact on the defensive end. Ingram is a talented wing prospect who will be looking to replicate his performance against reigning sectional champion Montgomery.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1919209' first='Chris' last='Delgado'], 6'2 SG Cherry Hill East 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Delgado was a force for the Cougars against Toms River North as he had 30 points and eight rebounds. The 6'2 guard has a smooth release on his jumper as he drilled six jumpers from behind the arc. Delgado moved well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open jumpers and layups in the half court. He was a force on the boards and slid his feet on the defensive end. Delgado has been crucial to Cherry Hill East's success this season and should continue to have big games for them in the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1859565' first='Sam' last='Jones'], PG Sayreville 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Jones had a big game to kick off the state tournament against South Brunswick as he poured in 29 points. The Drew commit used his handle to get to the rim off the bounce and finished in a number of ways around the rim. Jones also showed the ability to score in the mid-range and set his feet before he shot. He made plays with the ball in his hands and got deflections on the defensive end. Jones is a tough guard prospect who is looking to replicate that success against Marlboro in the quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dylan McEwen, 5'11 G Marlboro 2027</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>McEwen continued his breakout campaign for the Mustangs as he poured in 28 points against Princeton. The 5'11 guard was at his best attacking the basket as he finished strong around the rim and rarely got sped up by on-ball pressure. McEwen showed the ability to play on and off the ball and rarely forced shots in the half court. He pushed the pace well in transition and moved his feet on the defensive end. McEwen will look to continue his high scoring ways in the state quarterfinals against Sayreville as he looks to score inside and out.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Derek Roth, 6'2 SG Central Regional 2027</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Roth did all he could in the opening round as his 21 points and 17 rebounds weren't enough as the Golden Eagles lost to Vineland. The 6'2 guard was constantly on the attack as he was able to get to the rim off the bounce and drew contact in the paint. Roth was dominant on the glass as he secured second chance opportunities for his team and moved well without the ball in his hands. He got deflections on the defensive end and set his feet before he shot. Roth played at a high level all season long and will be looking to carry it over into the spring and summer AAU seasons.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->