Dark Horse Teams to Watch Per Group
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The start of the basketball season may have been pushed back to January 11, but the season is still full of intrigue. Camden ended the season as the state’s top team after the Panthers won their last 25 games. Roselle…
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Continue ReadingThe start of the basketball season may have been pushed back to January 11, but the season is still full of intrigue. Camden ended the season as the state’s top team after the Panthers won their last 25 games. Roselle Catholic and the Patrick School reloaded their rosters, as they look to battle it out for Garden State supremacy. There are also teams flying under the radar, who are capable of making some noise this season. Here are the top dark horse teams to watch per group this season.
Group 1: Overbrook
The Rams may seem a bit of a cop out after they won 21 games last season, but they are losing three of their top four scorers. Damian Rawls Damian Rawls 6'1" | CG Overbrook | 2021 State NJ sets the tone for the Rams’ offense as he attacks the basket with a purpose and can finish above the rim. He is not alone in the backcourt as rising sophomore Devon Johnson Devon Johnson SG Overbrook | 2023 State NJ is ready for a larger role in the offense. Big man Kenny Juanico Kenny Juanico 6'7" | C Overbrook | 2021 State NJ patrols the paint by ripping down rebounds and blocking shots around the basket. Even with the scoring losses, Overbrook has the talent to be one of the top teams in Group 1 this season.
Group 2: Newark Tech
The Terriers had a first round exit in the state tournament last season, but that should not happen this year. Leading scorer Naim Muhammad returns to lead the scoring, while power forward Sincere Robinson Sincere Robinson 6'5" | PF Newark Tech | 2021 State NJ should get more looks down low. Khalid Sanders Khalid Sanders 5'11" | PG Kinston | 2024 NC may only be a freshman, but he has the talent and skillset to make a major impact right away. The same is true for Khalil Sanders Khalil Sanders 5'11" | PG Kinston | 2024 NC as the 2024 duo have the potential to take Essex County by storm. Newark Tech may have only won 10 games in 2019-20, but the Terriers have the potential to eclipse that mark even with a shortened season.
Group 3: Roxbury
Another team to have a first round exit, Roxbury has the potential to make some noise this season. Sweet shooting Trevor Napoliello Trevor Napoliello 6'5" | SF Roxbury | 2021 State NJ can get hot from deep in a hurry, but is also capable of finishing around the basket. Kyle Haegele Kyle Haegele 6'4" | SG Roxbury | 2021 State NJ knows how to get by his defender and does not mind drawing contact around the basket. Incoming freshman Chris Ditrolio Chris Ditrolio 5'9" | PG Roxbury | 2024 State NJ is one of the top shooters in his class and should get significant minutes early in his varsity career. Roxbury’s ability to connect from distance makes it a team to watch in Group 3 this season.
Group 4: Hightstown
The Rams won 21 games last season, but they have to replace their top seven scorers. Spencer Kenny Spencer Kenny 6'4" | SF Hightstown | 2021 State NJ is the team’s top returning scorer and is ready for an expanded role after a strong summer. Classmate Ali Ahmed Ali Ahmed 6'3" | SF Hightstown | 2021 State NJ works tirelessly on both ends of the floor and has a nice touch around the basket. Guards Ayden Hogan Ayden Hogan 6'2" | SG Hightstown | 2022 State NJ and Keenan Reiss Keenan Reiss 6'1" | SG Hightstown | 2023 State NJ both had big summers and should be one of the top guard duos in the CVC. Hightstown’s combination of talent, depth and energy gives the Rams an opportunity to be one of the top teams in Group 4.
Non-Public A: St. John Vianney
The Non-Public sections may be grouped together this season, but the Lancers are definitely a team to look out for in 2020-21. Nate Williams Nate Williams 6'4" | SG St. John Vianney | 2022 State NJ had a huge summer for the Jersey Force 16U team and his success there should translate this winter. Rising sophomore guards Connor Howard and Joe DaBlasio provide the team with toughness and ball-handling on the perimeter. Dual-sport athletes Kyle Verriest Kyle Verriest 5'11" | PG St. John Vianney | 2023 State NJ and Dylan Seay Dylan Seay 6'5" | PF Camden | 2024 NJ give the Lancers additional toughness, along with athleticism. The addition of Ross Thomas Ross Thomas 6'3" | SG St. John Vianney | 2021 State NJ makes St. John Vianney a team to watch in the Shore Conference and in Non-Public A.
Non-Public B: St. Joseph Academy
The Wildcats have to replace Daniel Skillings, but they have more than enough talent to do so. Marcus Pierce Marcus Pierce 6'1" | CG Compass Prep | 2022 State NJ and Jordan Stafford Jordan Stafford 6'3" | PG St. Joseph Academy | 2021 State NJ return in the backcourt to form one of the top guard duos in the state. Rising sophomore Devon Theophile Devon Theophile 6'5" | PF St. Joseph Academy | 2023 State NJ is ready for an expanded role around the basket, while Arnaldo Rodriguez Arnaldo Rodriguez 6'1" | CG St. Joseph Academy | 2023 State NJ and Ja’Son Prevard Ja’Son Prevard 6'2" | CG St. Joseph Academy | 2022 State NJ provide the Wildcats with shooting and toughness. Newcomers Dom Thomas Dom Thomas 6'3" | SG St. Joseph Academy | 2021 State NJ and Daryl McGraw gives the Wildcats more scoring pop in the starting lineup. St. Joseph Academy is one of the top teams in South Jersey this season and has the potential to be a top 20 team in the state.