Top Contenders for the Tournament of Champions
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New Jersey high school basketball is very competitive with two programs being ranked inside the USA Today’s Super 25 preseason poll. The Patrick School is ranked fourth in the preseason poll, while Roselle Catholic checks in at 24. The Ranney…
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Continue ReadingNew Jersey high school basketball is very competitive with two programs being ranked inside the USA Today’s Super 25 preseason poll. The Patrick School is ranked fourth in the preseason poll, while Roselle Catholic checks in at 24. The Ranney School won the Tournament of Champions last season, but has to replace five star duo Scottie Lewis and Bryant Antoine. Non public schools have ruled the Tournament of Champions with no public school winner since Camden in 2000.
The Patrick School is the clear favorite to win it all this season behind a sleuth of transfers. Jonathan Kuminga is the top rated junior in the country, while big men Adama Sanogo and Bretner Mutombo give the Celtics a dominant interior duo. IMG Academy transfer Noah Farrakhan has championship experience, which is vital for the Patrick School. Sophomore Dionte Johnson may come off the bench, but he is an explosive point guard who will have a big contribution this season.
Roselle Catholic is the Patrick School’s top threat in Non-Public B behind star big man Cliff Omoruyi. The Lions have premier talent on the perimeter in seniors C.J. Wilcher and Niels Lane and sophomore Corey Floyd Jr. Binghamton commit Richie Greaves provides Roselle Catholic three-point shooting and a steady presence in the backcourt. Simeon Wilcher may only be a freshman, but he is a high major talent that will give Roselle Catholic a lift off the bench.
Trenton Catholic and Wildwood Catholic both have star players who can carry their teams deep into the state playoffs. VCU commit Jamir Watkins has been dominant in the Fall League, while West Virginia commit Taj Thweatt has the opportunity to be the Player of the Year in New Jersey. Temple commit Jahlil White is a great compliment to Thweatt, but the Crusaders do not have enough pieces to beat the Patrick School. E.J. Evans and Freddie Young Jr. are a talented backcourt, but the Iron Mikes lack a true interior presence to compete with the top teams in the state.
Bergen Catholic lost in the Tournament of Champions final and is looking to repeat as Non Public A Champions this season. The Crusaders are led by Notre Dame commit Matt Zona, while senior Raejon Figures and sophomore Will Richardson anchors the backcourt. Junior DiAri Duncan is a solid power forward, while sophomore guard Julian Brown is primed for a breakout season. Bergen Catholic will have to escape a strong St. Peter’s squad led by Mark Armstrong.
Camden may have lost 10 games last season, but the Panthers are primed to make the Tournament of Champions. Kentucky commit Lance Ware is a high energy big man who can alter the game with his athleticism. Jerome Brewer was the team’s top scorer last season and is in store for a big junior season. Burly power forward Ta’Quan Woodley is a tough post player who should gobble up double-doubles this season. Freshmen DJ Wagner and Cian Medley are New Jersey’s top young backcourt and their play will decide how far the Panthers will go.
Newark East Side and Elizabeth are undersized, tough Group 4 schools that know how to grind out tough wins. Monmouth commit Mikah Johnson Jr. is one of the top on-ball defenders in the state and should average over 15 points per game for the Red Raiders. The Minutemen are led by New Haven commit Jordan Price, but the backcourt of D.J. Watkins and Jayden Pierre is one of the best in New Jersey. Senior guard Gabriel Olaniyi is the X-Factor for Newark East Side, while sophomore Jordan Ortiz has to hold down the post.
The Tournament of Champions does not take place until March, but the Patrick School and Roselle Catholic look like the top two teams in New Jersey.