Group 1 Top Returning Players
Burlington City may have been the only Group 1 team to finish in the top 50, but the group was filled with talent. Paterson Charter, Penns Grove and University were also sectional champions with the latter being the only one…
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Continue ReadingBurlington City may have been the only Group 1 team to finish in the top 50, but the group was filled with talent. Paterson Charter, Penns Grove and University were also sectional champions with the latter being the only one to not win 25 games. Dunellen and Bound Brook combined to go 50-10 last season as they both lost in the sectional finals. Group 1 returns some big-time talent who should contribute at the next level. Here are the top returning Group 1 players.
Tazir Cantey Tazir Cantey 6'0" | PG Eastern | 2021 State NJ , 6’0 PG Lindenwold 2021
Cantey is one of the top scorers in the state who is capable of scoring 25 points on any given. The 6’0 guard is lightning quick with the ball in his hands and is capable of blowing by his defender. Cantey plays with confidence on the offensive end and is unafraid to shoot the ball from distance. He is a good rebounder and is disruptive on the defensive end. Cantey was named First Team All-Group 1 in 2019-20 and is looking to repeat the feat for a Lindenwold team that made the South Jersey Group 1 final.
Bakir Cleveland Bakir Cleveland 6'4" | SG University | 2021 State NJ , 6’4 SG University 2021
The Phoenix upset Dunellen in the North Jersey 2 Group 1 final behind Cleveland’s strong all-around play. The 6’4 guard has a good handle and knows how to finish around the basket. Cleveland has a good-looking stroke on his jumper and rarely plays out of control on the offensive end. He is one of the top rebounding guards in the state, plays good defense and is capable of running the offense. University brings back a ton of talent in Janaie Coates Janaie Coates 6'8" | PF University | 2021 State NJ , Justin Harcourt Justin Harcourt 6'5" | SF University | 2021 State NJ , Spencer Joyner Spencer Joyner 6'4" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ and Elijon Nix Elijon Nix 6'0" | PG Arts | 2023 State NJ , but Cleveland’s play will decided how far the Phoenix go in 2020-21.
Quadir Harrell Quadir Harrell 5'10" | PG Bound Brook | 2022 State NJ , 5’11 PG Bound Brook 2022
Harrell is one of the top guards in the Skyland Conference who picked up his play in the state tournament with three 20-point games. The 5’11 guard is tough to contain off the bounce and knows how to finish through contact. Harrell is more than just a slasher as he has a good release on his shot and can get from deep in a hurry. He is also a good passer and solid on-ball defender. The Crusaders should be one of the teams to beat in Group 1 next season with Harrell returning to run the show.
Jamaal Morris Jamaal Morris 5'10" | PG Trenton Catholic | 2022 NY , 5’10 PG Burlington City 2022
The Blue Devils have won the last two Central Jersey Group 1 titles, but they have to replace the program’s all-time leading scorer DJ Woodbury DJ Woodbury 6'2" | CG Burlington City | 2020 State NJ . Morris is primed to take over the lead scoring roles after being the team’s top three-point shooter in 2019-20. The 5’10 guard moves well off the ball and doesn’t need that much space to get his shot off. He’s not just a shooter as he has a good handle and can score around the basket. Burlington City will need Morris to become a more complete scorer in 2020-21 for the Blue Devils to win their third straight sectional title.
Kunga Tsering Kunga Tsering 6'6" | SF Woodstock Academy | 2022 State NLG , 6’7 SF Hasbrouck Heights 2021
The Aviators had a strong 2019-20 season as they won 20 games and made it to the North Jersey 1 Group 1 semifinal. Tsering was a force all season long as he finished with 22 double-doubles. The 6’7 forward has a smooth perimeter game as he can handle the ball on the perimeter, finish above the rim and make shots through contact. Tsering is one of the best rebounders in the 2021 class and is also a good defender. Hasbrouck Heights will be counting on Tsering to have a strong senior campaign as the Aviators look to take home the sectional title.