Must Watch Match-ups this Weekend
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Another highly anticipated weekend of basketball is here as the state’s top teams compete in showcases. These elite match-ups will feature some of the top players in New Jersey, which makes the games far more interesting. Good performances in these…
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Continue ReadingAnother highly anticipated weekend of basketball is here as the state’s top teams compete in showcases. These elite match-ups will feature some of the top players in New Jersey, which makes the games far more interesting. Good performances in these games are crucial as coaches want to see their kids perform well against tough competition. Here are the must watch match-ups for this upcoming weekend.
Cliff Omoruyi vs. Mounir Hima, Roselle Catholic vs. St. Benedict’s
The freshman point guard battle between Simeon Wilcher and Ty-Laur Johnson was also an option here, but it had to be the battle of the senior big men. Omoruyi has been one of the most dominant big man in the country as the Nigerian native is blocking everything around the rim and producing at a high level around the basket. He will have his work cut for him against Hima as the Niger native is also a high-level shot-blocker. Hima excels at catching lobs around the rim and has good footwork down low. C.J. Wilcher and E.J. Evans is another intriguing match-up on the perimeter, but the game will be decided by the big man battle.
Akoldah Gak vs. Joshua Hemmings, Blair Academy vs. Lawrenceville
This prep school battle may seem a little one-sided, but it features a tremendous match-up down low. Gak has been superb for the Buccaneers all season as he is running the floor well, blocking shots and knocking down jump shots. The 6’11 junior will be tested by Hemmings as the Canadian excels at running the floor. The 6’8 senior has great footwork down low and can pull the big man away from the basket with his jumper. Jaylen Blakes may run Blair Academy’s offense, but Gak’s performance against Hemmings will be the deciding factor in the game.
Jordan Martin vs. Elmarko Jackson, Bordentown vs. St. Augustine
Bordentown-St. Augustine may not be the most high-profile match-up of the day, but it features a good backcourt match-up. Martin has been a scoring machine for the Scotties this season as he has seven 20-point games this season, including a pair of 36-point performances this season. The 6’2 senior can score from anywhere on the floor and is one of the craftier finishers in New Jersey. Jackson may only be a sophomore, but he is one of the most explosive guards in South Jersey. The 6’3 point guard excels in the open court where he uses his speed to create opportunities for himself and his teammates. Gavin Shiver and Matthew Delaney are also players to watch in this game, but all eyes will be on Martin-Jackson.
Wisler Sanon vs. Freddie Young Jr., Paul VI vs. Trenton Catholic
The battle between Jaylen Boyd-Savage and Donavin Crawford will also be one to watch as two of the top junior backcourts in New Jersey face-off. Sanon excels at beating his man off the dribble and getting to rim, but can also knock down the occasional outside shot. Young Jr. is a scoring point guard who knows how to get his teammates involved and when to create offense for himself. The Princeton Day School transfer is a good passer and solid on-ball defender. Sanon and Young Jr. are two of the top point guards in the junior class, creating a must-watch game between Paul VI and Trenton Catholic.