Group 1: Big-Time Performers
The Group 1 tournament was full of intrigue as it had numerous good story lines. Burlington City was looking to repeat as Central Jersey Group 1 champion, while Paterson Charter was looking to make history in 2019-20. Lindenwold has one…
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Continue ReadingThe Group 1 tournament was full of intrigue as it had numerous good story lines. Burlington City was looking to repeat as Central Jersey Group 1 champion, while Paterson Charter was looking to make history in 2019-20. Lindenwold has one of the top scorers in the state, while Dunellen and University was filled with talent. Here are the top big-time performers from Group 1 in 2019-20.
DJ Woodbury DJ Woodbury 6'2" | CG Burlington City | 2020 State NJ , 6’2 CG Burlington City 2020
The Blue Devils repeated as Central Jersey Group 1 champions behind Woodbury’s play in the state tournament. The Temple football commit averaged 25.3 points per game in the state tournament, including a 40-point performance in the semifinal against Middlesex. Woodbury is a big-time athlete who finishes above the rim and skies for rebounds on the defensive end. He works hard on both ends of the floor and is capable of running the offense. Woodbury ended his varsity career as the school’s all-time leading scorer and a pair of Central Jersey Group 1 titles.
Kavon Lewis Kavon Lewis 5'9" | PG Penns Grove | 2020 State NJ , 5’10 PG Penns Grove 2020
The Red Devils rolled to the South Jersey Group 1 title behind Lewis’ scoring ability. The senior guard put up 99 points in four games, scoring at least 22 points in every game. Lewis used his speed to get to the basket and was able to draw contact when he got into the lane. He did not just excel on the offensive end as he helped hold red-hot Eriq Campbell to 14 points. Lewis has been electric for Penns Grove all season, which ended with a sectional title.
Tazir Cantey Tazir Cantey 6'0" | PG Eastern | 2021 State NJ , 6’1 SG Lindenwold 2021
Cantey missed the majority of the state playoffs due to injury, but his scoring prowess makes him a lock for this list. The 6’1 guard finished fourth in the state in scoring at 25.3 points per game and is capable of dropping 30 points on any given night. Cantey is hard to contain off the bounce as he uses his quickness to get to the basket. He has a quick release on his jump shot and can get hot in a hurry. Cantey is on pace for a big senior season and is looking to take Lindenwold back to the South Jersey Group 1 final.
Tyje Kelton Tyje Kelton 6'6" | PF Covenant College Prep | 2021 State NJ , 6’5 SF Dunellen 2020
Kelton may have struggled in the North Jersey 2 Group 1 final loss to University, but he has been stellar all season. The 6’5 forward filled up the stat sheet for the Destroyers as he finished with over 500 points, 200 rebounds, 90 assists and 60 steals on the season. Kelton was at his best attacking the basket and knew how to finish through contact. He is a tough rebounder, good on-ball defender and solid passer. Kelton was one of the top players in the GMC in 2019-20 and finished his career as Dunellen’s all-time leading scorer.
Sadiki Miller, 6’0 SG Paterson Charter 2020
The Lions had their best season in school history as they won their first ever sectional title and finished with a record of 27-4. Seniors Miller and Marquis Harris led the way for Paterson Charter, but the former stepped up late in the state tournament. The 6’0 guard put up 19 points in both the semifinal and final as he knocked down key three-pointers in both games. Miller has a quick release on his shot and has a great chemistry with Harris and sophomore Jamar Belfield Jamar Belfield 5'10" | PG Paterson Charter | 2022 State NJ . Paterson Charter will sorely miss its seniors after they led the Lions to the Group 1 final.
Other Players to Know:
Quadir Harrell Quadir Harrell 5'10" | PG Bound Brook | 2022 State NJ , PG Bound Brook 2022
Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , 6’2 PG Universtiy 2023
Noah Mack Noah Mack 6'2" | CG University | 2020 State NJ , 6’2 CG University 2020
Kunga Tsering Kunga Tsering 6'6" | SF Woodstock Academy | 2022 State NLG , 6’6 SF Hasbrouck Heights 2021
Rob Petersen Rob Petersen 6'2" | SG Pitman | 2021 NJ , 6’1 SG Pitman 2020
DJ Thomson DJ Thomson 6'3" | PG Keyport | 2022 State NJ , 5’10 PG Keyport 2022