Under the Radar Teams by Group
The summer is beginning to wind down with September starting in a couple of weeks. Players are getting ready for the start of school after an interesting summer without a true AAU circuit. Teams across the state are looking to…
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Continue ReadingThe summer is beginning to wind down with September starting in a couple of weeks. Players are getting ready for the start of school after an interesting summer without a true AAU circuit. Teams across the state are looking to have a strong 2020-21 season as they are looking to build upon their success from the previous season. Here are the top sleeper teams in each group.
Group 1: Overbrook
The Rams may have finished with the top seed in the South Jersey sectional, but they were upset in the quarterfinals by Gloucester. Davon Thornton Davon Thornton 6'2" | SF Overbrook | 2020 State NJ will be missed, but leading scorer Damian Rawls Damian Rawls 6'1" | CG Overbrook | 2021 State NJ returns. He is at his best attacking the basket as he can finish through contact and make plays in the lane. Kenneth Juanico is a tough forward prospect who does the dirty work down low, while rising sophomore Devon Johnson Devon Johnson SG Overbrook | 2023 State NJ is in line for a for breakout season. University and Bound Brook are the top teams in Group 1, but watch out for Overbrook as the Rams could make some noise this season.
Group 2: Pascack Hills
The Cowboys made the North Jersey 1 Group 2 final and they should be back there again in 2020-21. Leading scorer Jacob Morales Jacob Morales 6'4" | SF Pascack Hills | 2021 State NJ returns and is ready for a big senior season. The 6’4 wing can attack the basket off the bounce,but can also knock down shots from behind the arc. Aidan Kehoe Aidan Kehoe 6'11" | PF Canterbury | 2022 State NLG also returns down low and his growth in the offseason has been huge. The 6’10 big man has developed more confidence down low and has the ability to truly dominate the paint on both ends. Pascack Hills’ dynamic duo is good enough to propel the Cowboys deep into the Group 2 tournament.
Group 3: Burlington Township
The Falcons made a surprise run to the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals and they should be in the hunt again this season. Emmanuel Ayetigbo Emmanuel Ayetigbo 6'6" | PF Burlington Township | 2020 State NJ departs, but Daniel Thomas Daniel Thomas 5'10" | PG Burlington Township | 2021 State NJ returns to run the show. The 5’10 guard is tough as nails and is unafraid of challenging shot-blockers around the rim. Jordan Dotson Jordan Dotson 6'4" | SF Burlington Township | 2022 State NJ brings athleticism and toughness down low, while rising sophomore Jordan Poole Jordan Poole 5'11" | PG Burlington Township | 2023 State NJ has the potential to break out this season. Burlington Township has made the sectional semifinals in each of the last two seasons, but the Falcons have the potential to get over the hump in 2020-21.
Group 4: Westfield
The Blue Devils won 21 games in 2019-20 and they have the potential to duplicate the feat this season. Logan Howland Logan Howland 6'7" | PF Hun | 2023 NJ and Jack Spellman Jack Spellman 6'8" | PF Westfield | 2021 State NJ return down low, creating one of the top forward duos in the Union County Conference. Junior guard Ryan Friedberg Ryan Friedberg 6'4" | SG Westfield | 2022 State NJ is a talented wing who should get more touches on the offensive end. Pete Meixner Pete Meixner 5'11" | PG Westfield | 2023 State NJ and Ezra Budashewitz Ezra Budashewitz 5'10" | PG Westfield | 2021 State NJ will both get an opportunity to run the offense, while lanky Sean Logan Sean Logan 6'10" | PF Westfield | 2022 State NJ will be looking to make his mark on both ends of the floor. Westfield’s combination of skill,athleticism and experience make the Blue Devils a team to watch in Group 4.
Non-Public A: St. Joe’s Metuchen
The Falcons have always been one of the better teams in Non-Public A over the past couple of seasons and that trend should continue in 2020-21. Amari Campbell Amari Campbell 6'3" | PG St. Joe's Metuchen | 2022 State NJ returns to run the offense and will get help in the backcourt with Union Catholic transfer Elijah Barlow Elijah Barlow 6'1" | CG St. Joe's Metuchen | 2021 State NJ . Kody Robinson Kody Robinson 6'3" | SG St. Joe's Metuchen | 2021 State NJ is ready to make an impact on the perimeter as well, while forward Miles Whye Miles Whye 6'7" | PF St. Joe's Metuchen | 2021 State NJ has breakout potential. Rising sophomore Khalid Brown Khalid Brown 6'2" | SG Piscataway | 2023 State NJ may have been on the JV team last season, but the lanky lefty is full of talent. St. Joe’s Metuchen has the potential to go far in the South Jersey Non-Public A playoffs with its combination of length, athleticism and talent.
Non-Public B: Saddle River Day
The Rebels were seconds away from making the Non-Public B North semifinals and they have the potential to make it this season. Richie Machado had a strong freshman season and is primed to take a big step forward in his second varsity season. Ryan Cassels Ryan Cassels 5'10" | PG Saddle River Day | 2021 State NJ is a big-time shooter from behind the arc and is capable of knocking down triples in bunches. Sean O’Neill Sean O’Neill 6'4" | SF Saddle River Day | 2021 State NJ is a skilled wing prospect who is ready for a bigger role on the offensive end with Connor Cyran Connor Cyran 6'2" | SF Saddle River Day | 2020 State NJ ’s graduation. Non-Public B North is the toughest group in New Jersey, but Saddle River Day has the talent to make some noise in 2020-21.