Must Watch Opening Weekend Match-ups
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The opening week of high school basketball is almost over with the weekend right around the corner. Games have been cancelled and rescheduled for numerous schools, but there are still plenty of thrilling match-ups to look forward to this weekend.…
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Continue ReadingThe opening week of high school basketball is almost over with the weekend right around the corner. Games have been cancelled and rescheduled for numerous schools, but there are still plenty of thrilling match-ups to look forward to this weekend. Here are the top must watch match-ups in the opening weekend of New Jersey basketball.
Robbinsville vs. Trenton: Brian Herbert and Ryan Smith Ryan Smith 6'5" | SF Robbinsville | 2021 State NJ vs. Antwann Bridgett, Davontay Hudson and Chris Wilson
This CVC match-up carries a lot of weight with the winner getting a nice early leg up on the competition. Robbinsville knocked off Nottingham to open the season with Herbert pouring in a career-high 25 points and five blocks. His ability to be a big-time scorer takes the pressure off of Smith, who proved capable of carrying the scoring load last season. The Tornadoes’ sophomore trio had a breakout performance against Steinert and they are here to prove that it wasn’t a fluke. If Bridgett, Hudson and Wilson can duplicate their performances from opening night, Robbinsville and Trenton will be a must watch game.
Eastern vs. Overbrook: Tazir Cantey Tazir Cantey 6'0" | PG Eastern | 2021 State NJ vs. Damian Rawls Damian Rawls 6'1" | CG Overbrook | 2021 State NJ
If you like big-time scoring guards, than this South Jersey match-up is the game for you. Cantey has put up over 1,600 points in his high school career and is capable of going for 25 on any given night. Rawls has been on a scoring tear to start the season as he is putting up 28 points per game to start the season. Both guards are capable of scoring points in bunches with their ability to get to the basket and finish through contact. Eastern and Overbrook should be an exciting match-up with two guards who can really score the basketball.
Immaculata vs. Somerville: Darren Tuck Darren Tuck 6'4" | SG St. Joe's Metuchen | 2022 State NJ vs. Kyle Rolon Kyle Rolon 6'3" | SG Somerville | 2021 State NJ
This Skyland Conference match-up is huge as both teams enter the game at 1-1. Tuck is coming off a bad game against Ridge and is looking to bounce back against Somerville. The lanky 6’4 guard can get to the basket off the bounce, draw contact and bury perimeter jumpers. Rolon has one of the sweetest shooting strokes in New Jersey and is capable of knocking down triples in bunches. The winner of this match-up is key as neither team wants to start the season 1-2.
Piscataway vs. St. Joe’s Metuchen: William Corley Jr. William Corley Jr. 5'11" | PG Piscataway | 2021 State NJ vs. Elijah Barlow Elijah Barlow 6'1" | CG St. Joe's Metuchen | 2021 State NJ
Both teams are looking to get a win in a GMC clash that should be entertaining. Corley Jr. is fresh off a 28-point performance against New Brunswick and is looking to build off that. The 5’11 guard is at his best attacking the basket and is a good finisher around the rim. Barlow is one of the better on-ball defenders in the class and is capable of running the offense in a pinch. If he is able to contain Corley Jr. in the half court, the Falcons should be able to open their GMC play with a win.
Morris Catholic vs. Mountain Lakes: Omarion Jett-Dobbs Omarion Jett-Dobbs 6'2" | CG St. Benedict's | 2022 State NJ and Lorenzo Perez Lorenzo Perez 5'10" | PG Perth Amboy | 2023 State NJ vs. Riley Albregts Riley Albregts 5'10" | PG Mountain Lakes | 2021 State NJ
This NJAC match-up should be entertaining with Morris Catholic breaking in its talented, new backcourt. Montclair transfer Jett-Dobbs is a tough, two-way guard who can finish through contact and makes plays on the defensive end. Perth Amboy transfer Perez has a good handle and rarely makes bad decisions with the ball in his hands. Albregts is fresh off a 23-point performance in the season opener and is ready to duplicate his success against Morris Catholic. This guard battle should be fun to watch with a lot on the line for both NJAC teams.