Which teams could make their debut appearance in the TOC
The Tournament of Champions began in 1989 as a way to decide the top basketball team in New Jersey. The tournament contains the top teams from all six groups in the state with the final being played at the RAC.…
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Continue ReadingThe Tournament of Champions began in 1989 as a way to decide the top basketball team in New Jersey. The tournament contains the top teams from all six groups in the state with the final being played at the RAC. Ranney won the Tournament of Champions last season in its debut appearance, extending the public school drought to 19 years. The Panthers were not the only newcomers to the tournament as Moorestown also made its first appearance in the Tournament of Champions. Here are other teams that could make their debut appearance in 2020.
Wildwood Catholic
The Crusaders will have a tough time getting through the Patrick School, but they have the talent to pull off the upset. West Virginia commit Taj Thweatt is a monster on the block and will give Adama Sanogo and Bretner Mutombo fits down low. Jahlil White is one of the best slashers in New Jersey and should get easy points around the basket. Wildwood Catholic needs Dasean Lopez and Jacob Hopping to be at their best as they will be the X-Factors against the Celtics. The Crusaders fell just short of the Non-Public B final last season, but they have the pieces to potentially make the Tournament of Champions.
St. Peter’s Prep
Bergen Catholic is the favorite to represent Non-Public A, but watch out for St. Peter’s Prep. Sophomore point guard Mark Armstrong is a high-level scorer that is capable of putting up over 20 points per game. Seton Hall prep transfer Josh Hopson is a force down low, while Gavin O’Farrell is a solid interior scorer who can also rip down rebounds. Senior Will White is a solid point guard that will help Armstrong on the perimeter. The Crusaders should be the top team in Non-Public A, but they should be in for a fight against St. Peter’s Prep in the Non-Public A North final.
St. Thomas Aquinas
The Trojans were eliminated in the Non-Public A South quarterfinals last year, but they should be one of the top teams in the state this season. Wake Forest commit Quadry Adams is one of the top guards in New Jersey, while Southern New Hampshire commit Derrick Grant is a double-double machine. Patrick School transfer Jaquan Harris is one of the top sophomores in the state and should have a terrific season. Tristan Jeffries provides St. Thomas Aquinas with athleticism and length on the perimeter. The Trojans have to get through the daunting task of Non-Public A South, but they have enough talent to make the Tournament of Champions.
West Morris
The Wolfpack lost in the North 2 Group 3 semifinals, but they are one of the favorites to win Group 3. Junior point guard Christian Cevis is a dynamic point guard who is ready to explode onto the recruiting scene. Senior forward Ryan Hillier is a solid scorer who should lead the Wolfpack in scoring in his final high school season. West Morris lost at home to Colonia and is looking to get revenge on them this season. The Wolfpack will lean on Cevis and Hillier as they try to make their first appearance in the Tournament of Champions.
Manasquan
Camden is the top team in Group 2, but the Warriors should be their top challenge this season. Senior power forward Alex Galvan is a dominant presence on the block who should give Lance Ware and Ta’Quan Woodley problems. Sophomore Ben Roy is a heady point guard that can run the offense as good as anyone. Kieren Flanagan provides Manasquan with three-point shooting and perimeter defense. The Warriors are one of the top teams in Group 2 and could pull off the upset over Camden in the state tournament.