Elizabeth-Roselle Catholic Preview

<p>The New Jersey high school basketball season has already seen some marquee match-ups and this Union County Conference clash is no different. Roselle Catholic and Elizabeth are two of the top three teams in the state and have a chance to prove it on Thursday at Roselle Catholic. The Lions are led by Xavier commit <strong>CJ Wilcher</strong> who is averaging 20 points per game this season.</p> <p>His younger brother, <strong>Simeon Wilcher</strong>, is starting to emerge as one of the better guards in North Jersey as the freshman has posted consecutive double-digit scoring games. Down low, senior center <strong>Cliff Omoruyi</strong> has established himself as one of the top shot-blockers in the nation. The 6'11 center has six games with at least five blocks, including an 11-block triple-double performance against First Love Christian at Slam Dunk to the Beach.</p> <p>The Minutemen will struggle containing Omoruyi in the paint, but they were able to keep West Virginia commit <strong>Taj Thweatt </strong>in check at the Seagull Classic. New Haven commit <strong>Jordan Price </strong>has been a rock for Elizabeth so far this season and will need to play his best against Roselle Catholic. Sophomore <strong>Zy'ree Beverly</strong> will probably play extended minutes to combat the Lions' size down low.</p> <p><strong>D.J. Watkins </strong>has elevated his game of late as the senior guard has put up 54 points in his last two games. He will need to bring that same level of scoring against a tough Roselle Catholic defense. Sophomore guard <strong>Corey Floyd Jr. </strong>will most likely be tasked with defending Watkins as he is longer than seniors <strong>Ahmad Robinson </strong>and <strong>Richie Greaves</strong>. Florida commit <strong>Niels Lane</strong> would be the obvious choice, but he has missed the last two games.</p> <p>The point guard battle is one to watch as sophomore <strong>Jayden Pierre</strong> squares off against Wilcher, Robinson and Greaves. The Patrick School transfer has provided Elizabeth with a true floor general who knows how to operate the offense. He is a blur in the open floor and has some of the best handles in New Jersey. Pierre is not just a passer as he can finish around the basket and knock down perimeter jump shots.</p> <p>Roselle Catholic struggled at times with Manasquan sophomore <strong>Ben Roy</strong>, but was able to get the stops it needed to pull out a win. Robinson will most likely get the first crack at Pierre, but Wilcher will also get an opportunity to defend him. The freshman played solid fourth quarter defense on Roy as part of his MVP performance at the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase.</p> <p>Junior <strong>Josh Rivera </strong>will be the X-Factor for Roselle Catholic as size and athleticism off the bench could give Elizabeth problems. The 6'7 forward knocked down a clutch three-pointer to tie the game against Manasquan and had a solid game against Linden. The Minutemen need juniors <strong>Evan Perez </strong>and <strong>Pascal Dodard</strong> to knock down three-pointers to provide Watkins and Pierre driving lanes.</p> <p>Elizabeth-Roselle Catholic has all the makings of an incredible conference clash as the top two teams in the Union County Conference square off.</p>