Alex Pace, Nate Zanetich Shine: 5 SJ Quarterfinal Stars

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>March is here, meaning the state tournament is in full swing. The quarterfinals for Groups 2 and 4 took place on Saturday with many prospects putting up big performances. Here are the standouts from the South Jersey sectional tournament quarterfinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1604422' first='Alex' last='Pace'], 6'2 PG Camden 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Pace put up a state tournament high as he poured in 51 points against Camden Eastside. The 6'2 guard used his handle to get to his spot on the floor and rose up with confidence on his jumper. Pace finished in a number of ways around the rim and showed the ability to play off the ball as well. He pushed the pace well in transition and slid his feet on the defensive end. Pace has the ability to put up points in bunches, which he should do again in the SJ Group 2 semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2462998' first='Alexander' last='Daniel'], 6'2 CG/PG Middle Township 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Daniel was crucial in Middle Township's win over Sterling as he put up 25 points, nine rebounds and five assists. The 6'2 guard attacked the basket with a purpose as he finished strong around the rim and was unafraid of drawing contact. Daniel also scored in the mid-range and found his open teammates in the half court. He fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor and made plays off the ball. Daniel's versatility is something that can help Middle Township make a deeper run in the posteason.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='2450726' first='Nolan' last='Barnes'], 5'9 PG Lenape 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Barnes was dynamic for the Indians in their win over Vineland as he scored a game-high 27 points. The 5'9 guard buried four triples as he shot the ball with confidence from behind the arc and was also able to get into the lane off the dribble. Barnes was also able to score in the mid-range and threaded passes to his open teammates. He used his quick hands to get steals on the defensive end and played off the ball as well. Barnes is a crafty guard prospect who will be looking to have more performances like that during the sectional semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>Dontae Day-Thompson, SG Atlantic City 2028</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Day-Thompson continued his hot streak in the sectional quarterfinals against Howell as he poured in 31 points and got 10 steals. He used his quick first step to blow by his defender and drew contact when he got in the paint. Day-Thompson jumped passing lanes on the defensive end, which he used to generate fast break opportunities for his team. He played off the ball and worked hard on the glass. Day-Thompson had his fourth 30-point game of the season on Saturday and will be looking for more games like that in the sectional semifinals.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2 class="wp-block-heading"><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='3532533' first='Nate' last='Zanetich'], 6'7 PF Eastern 2026</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Zanetich was a force for the Vikings against Rancocas Valley as he had 1 points and 17 rebounds. The TCNJ commit used his strong frame to get position down low and has a good touch around the basket. Zanetich also put the ball on the floor and set strong screens in the half court. He ripped down rebounds on both ends of the floor and influenced a number of shots around the rim. Zanetich is a physical forward prospect who should continue to dominate down low in the sectional semifinals against Lenape.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->