NJ Group 3 Upsets: Why Freshman Quincy Washington is a Must-Watch

Photo: Prep Hoops

Joe Esquivel-Murphy February 28, 2026 @ 03:54 PM

<p>The opening round of the state tournament has concluded as every sectional is in the quarterfinals. Group 3 saw five double-digit seeds win in the opening round as prospects put up big performances on the night. Here are the prospects who helped spark the upsets in Group 3.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2768125' first='Quincy' last='Washington'], PG Northern Burlington 2029</strong></h2>   <p>Washington didn't let the spotlight get to him as the freshman put up a game-high 21 points and a team-high nine rebounds for Northern Burlington. He was dynamic off the bounce as he used his handle to get into the lane and finished nicely around the rim. Washington was also able to score in the mid-range and drilled open jumpers from behind the arc. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and made plays on the defensive end. Washington has come up with big games for Northern Burlington over the course of the season and should do it again in the state quarterfinals.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2401452' first='Brody' last='Hallik'], 6'3 SG Morris Knolls 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Hallik got revenge from last season's loss to Ramapo as he poured in 28 points. The SUNY Canton commit attacked the basket with a purpose as he finished strong around the rim and was able to draw contact in the paint. Hallik rarely looked rattled by on-ball pressure as he was able to get to his spot on the floor and rose up nicely on his jumper. He worked hard on the defensive end and was able to push the pace well in transition. Hallik has been one of the most productive prospects in Morris County and should continue his high scoring ways against Northern Highalnds.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Iain Rossig, 6'1 SF River Dell 2028</strong></h2>   <p>Rossig sparked the Golden Eagles' attack as he put up 20 points in the upset win. The 6'1 wing used his handle to get into the lane and was unafraid of drawing contact i the lane. Rossig moved well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open layups and jumpers in the half court. He slid his feet on the defensive end and fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor. Rossig will look to build upon his opening round performance in the quarterfinals against Teaneck as the Golden Eagles look to continue their postseason run.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Emmanuel Harris, 6'4 SF/PF Winslow 2026</strong></h2>   <p>Harris was a force for Winslow all game long as he put up 21 points and 11 rebounds in the upset victory. The 6'4 forward was able to get position down low and showed a nice touch around the rim. Harris put on display his ability to play on the perimeter as he put the ball on the floor and knocked down open jumpers from behind the arc. He skied for rebounds on both ends of the floor and used his length to make an impact on the defensive end. Harris' ability to impact the game in the paint is something that will help Winslow in the quarterfinals against reigning sectional champion Ocean City.</p>   <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Sean Burke, SG Mainland 2027</strong></h2>   <p>Burke was instrumental in the Stags' opening round upset as he poured in a game-high 17 points. He showed a good release on his jumper as knocked down three jumpers from behind the arc. Burke rarely forced shots in the half court and was also able to get to the rim off the bounce. He moved well without the ball in his hands and was able to get deflections on the defensive end. Burke is a sharpshooting guard prospect who should keep torching the nets from distance in the sectional quarterfinals.</p>

The opening round of the state tournament has concluded as every sectional is in the quarterfinals. Group 3 saw five double-digit seeds win in the opening round as prospects put up big performances on the night. Here are the prospects who helped spark the upsets in Group 3.