Impact Performers in Group 3 Quarterfinals
The Group 3 quarterfinals were full of excitement as multiple games went down to the wire. Teaneck Pascack Valley, Payne Tech and Burlington Township all continued their runs to the semifinals as double-digit seeds. Defending group champion Moorestown needed overtime…
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Continue ReadingThe Group 3 quarterfinals were full of excitement as multiple games went down to the wire. Teaneck Pascack Valley, Payne Tech and Burlington Township all continued their runs to the semifinals as double-digit seeds. Defending group champion Moorestown needed overtime to get past Seneca, while Timber Creek struggled to slip past Toms River East. Here are the top impact performers from the Group 3 quarterfinals.
Sam Fagan Sam Fagan 5'10" | PG Neptune | 2021 State NJ , 5’10 PG Neptune 2021
The Scarlet Fliers slipped past second-seeded Somerville in double overtime behind Fagan’s big day. The junior point guard dropped a career-high 40 points in the 71-65 win as Somerville could not stop him from putting the ball in the basket. Fagan drew contact throughout the game as he made 12 free throws during the course of the game. He was lethal from behind the arc as he knocked down six three-pointers. Fagan is playing at a high level for Neptune which could push the Scarlet Fliers into the Central Jersey Group 3 final.
Logan Jagodzinski Logan Jagodzinski 6'6" | SF Moorestown | 2021 State NJ , 6’6 SF Moorestown 2021
Moorestown needed overtime to slip past Seneca as the Quakers pulled out a 55-54 victory despite Malin Jasinski’s 32 points. Jagodzinski was the difference-maker in the game as he scored a team-high 18 points. The 6’6 junior showed off his versatile offensive game by attacking the basket, knocking down three-pointers and making smart decisions with the basketball. Jagodzinski utilized his height advantage as he was able to shoot over the Seneca defense. Moorestown is looking to repeat as Group 3 champions and more performances like that from Jagodzinski will help the Quakers get there.
Michael Dabas Michael Dabas 6'3" | SG Middletown South | 2020 State NJ , 6’2 CG Payne Tech 2020
Colby College commit Eric Baier Eric Baier 6'3" | SG Summit | 2020 State NJ had a game-high 27 points, but it was not enough as Summit was upset by Payne Tech 57-55 in overtime. Power forward Danny Oravbiere Danny Oravbiere 6'6" | PF Payne Tech | 2020 State NJ was a stalwart on the defensive end with five blocks and two steals, but it was Everette who controlled Payne Tech’s offense. The senior combo guard had a team-high 15 points and had four steals. Everette stretched the defense with his perimeter shooting and was not flustered when the ball was in his hands. Payne Tech faces off against Irvington in the North Jersey 2 Group 3 semifinals and Everette will need to be at his best to pull off another upset.
Elian Tejada, 6’2 SG Teaneck 2020
Teaneck pulled off its second straight upset with a 58-45 victory over Wayne Valley. Hunter Toro had a team high 20 points, but it was Tejada who ran the show for Teaneck. The senior guard filled up the stat sheet as he had 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists and four steals. Tejada was aggressive attacking the basket and was unafraid to go after rebounds in traffic. His control of the offense was vital and Tejada will need to do it against Sparta if Teaneck wants to make the section final again.
Tim Mastromarino, 6’3 SF Allentown 2020
Senior R.J. Weise has been the go-to guy for Allentown all season, but it was Mastromarino’s performance that propelled the Redbirds to a 87-71 victory over Nottingham. The 6’3 senior scored a game-high 31 points on the game as he made a living around the basket. Mastromarino showcased a soft touch around the basket and knocked down a three-pointer to keep Nottingham honest. If Mastromarino is able to play like that against Wall, the Redbirds could host the Central Jersey Group 3 final on March 9.
Other Names to Know:
Emmanuel Ayetigbo Emmanuel Ayetigbo 6'6" | PF Burlington Township | 2020 State NJ , 6’6 PF Burlington Township 2020
Moses Pierre Moses Pierre 6'0" | PG Irvington | 2020 State NJ , 6’0 SG Irvington 2020
Quinn Calabrese Quinn Calabrese 6'3" | SG Wall | 2020 State NJ , 6’3 SG Wall 2020
Aidan Mastandrea Aidan Mastandrea 6'1" | PG Sparta | 2020 State NJ , 6’1 SG Sparta 2020
Ryan Hillier Ryan Hillier 6'4" | SF West Morris | 2020 State NJ , 6’4 SF West Morris 2020
Tyrese Myrick Tyrese Myrick 6'2" | SG Westampton Tech | 2020 State NJ , 6’2 SG Westampton Tech 2020