NJSIAA Group 2 Sectional Tournament Preview
As we step into the second round of the Group 2 Sectional Tournament, excitement mounts for what is expected to be a plethora of thrilling showdowns. Each matchup holds its own narratives, standout players, and athletes poised to leave their mark in history. This preview delves into the pivotal clashes, top contenders, and individuals who could shape the journey towards the title. With the conclusion of the regular season, the platform is primed for a sequence of contests that will challenge the resilience of Group 2's elite.
Central Jersey: Central Jersey Group 2 features some top teams from the Shore Conference, representing the top 3 seeds. #1 Manasquan has exceeded expectations this season as they lost 2 of their premiere players at the start of the season, Ryan Frauenheim due to injury and Darius Adams to transferring. Squan still managed to stay tough all season and compiled a 19-6 record against a strong schedule.
#2 Holmdel did a full 180 from last year, as they improved from 10-13 to 19-3 this season. Holmdel had their 10 game win streak broken in the Shore Conference Tournament, losing a tough game against Manasquan. With a senior trio of Nick Seeloch, James Vallillo, and Ben Kipnis, Holmdel is coming into this tournament with vengeance.
#3 Rumson-Fair Haven has put together another great season. With the loss of their leading scorer Luke Schorr due to transfer, RFH had some big shoes to fill. The rest of the team answered the call and had multiple players step up. Among the top scorers are Nick Rigby, Luke Cruz, and Andrew Goodes.
Although the top seeds in this tournament are set to be the ones to take it all, be on the look out for #4 Deleware Valley, as they have one of the best scorers in the tournament in senior Francis Denvir, who is averaging over 19 PPG.
South: Middle Township leads the bracket as the #1 seed. Middle Township has been a Top 20 program all season, recently being featured in the Top 10. The Panthers have racked up solid wins this year, taking down Lenape, St. Thomas Aquinas, Mainland, and Colonia to name a few. Middle Twp. is led by a trio of offensive talent, Anthony Trombetta (14.5 PPG), Jamir McNeil (12.2 PPG), and Bubba McNeil (11.5 PPG). The Panthers own a 26-1 record and are looking to prove why they are one of the top programs in the state.
#2 seeded Camden comes into the SJG2 tournament with a perfect in-state record of 25-0. The Panthers are ranked #3 in the state in our Top 20 rankings, not only for their perfect record, but quality of wins. They racked up wins from top programs such as Eastern, Hudson Catholic, Roselle Catholic and many more. Camden is led by Kentucky commit, Billy Richomond. The #22 ranked recruit in the nation is averaging an impressive 18.4 PPG against some of the states toughest competition. Teron Murray (12.5 PPG) and Emmanuel Joe-Samuel (10.9 PPG) also provide depth that is so pivotal for this Camden squad. Look for them to make a serious run at winning it all.
#3 seeded Cinnaminson has had an impressive season, coming into the postseason with a 21-5 record. The Pirates enter the tournament winning 4 out of their last 5 and are looking to continue that momentum to make a run at the championship. Cinnaminson plays true team basketball, having 5 players that average north of 9 PPG. Drew Harvey (14.7 PPG) and Sody Gantt (13.7 PPG) are the teams top scorers, displaying their talent by combining for 50 points in the first round. The Pirates may not be ranked in the state as the teams seeded above them, but they should not be slept on, as they are primed to make a deep run in this tournament.
#4 Haddonfield is also a team to look out for as they come into the tournament 25-2. The Bulldogs started the season an astounding 20-0 before they suffered their first loss. Leading the pack for Haddonfield is senior guard Sam Narducci, who’s 17.3 PPG has been pivotal for this offense. Look for Haddonfield to make some noise, having the potential to upset any team in this tournament.
North Jersey, Section 1: #1 seeded Ramsey has had an up and down season. The Rams started off the season with a 10 game win streak, but ended the season going 9-7 the rest of the way. In terms of momentum, the Rams finished the regular season off strong, winning 8 of their last 10 games. The big-man duo of Michael Bernius (11.5 PPG & 7 REB/G) and Logan Bahn (11.6 PPG & 7.6 REB/G) have been a force for the Rams all season and contribute much to their success.
#2 Seeded Glen Rock enters the tournament with a 19-8 record. They are coming off of a solid win in the first round, taking down Manchester Regional 58-40. Leading the offense is junior guard Mason Mangione, who averages 16.8 PPG. Mangione has been a bucket all year for Glen Rock, having multiple 30 point games under his belt. Glen Rock has the potential to avenge their loss against #1 Ramsey, if both teams make it to the final.
#3 seeded Vernon has been on a roll of late. The Vikings are currently on a 8 game win streak, winning the HWS County Tournament in the process. Alex Fessel has been Vernon’s top scoring option, averaging 17.5 PPG. Fessel had a 29 point outing in the HWS Finals to secure them the title. Vernon has a strong shot at extending their win streak and getting themselves into the Group Tournament.
North Jersey, Section 2: #1 seeded Arts has been a top team in the state all season. They had an absolute gauntlet of a schedule, facing Top 20 opposition throughout the season. They hold wins over programs such as Rutgers Prep, Bergen Catholic, and East Orange. Arts is coming off of a dominating performance in the first round, defeating Parsippany 93-36. The Jaguars play all around great team ball, by lead of top scorer Shelton Colwell (11.7 PPG). Anthony Akande (8.6 PPG) and Savon Godwin (8.6 PPG) also contribute immensely. Arts has been battle tested and is ready to show what they can do in big games.
#2 seed Newark Collegiate comes into the tournament with a 21-6 record and went 13-0 in SEC matchups. Newark Collegiate has a trio of players who provide them with a bulk of their scoring. Najee Graham (15.7 PPG), Beck'i Camara (14.5 PPG), and Ja'Quis Davis (12.9 PPG) provides the scoring that this team does so effectively. Look for Newark Collegiate to show what they can do, proving that they are ranked highly for a reason.
#3 New Providence enters the tournament with a 16-8 record. They have been having success as of late, winning 8 of their last 10 games. The Pioneers are led by Corey Rust on the offensive end, leading the team in scoring with 14.6 PPG. Jackson Zarinko (11 PPG) and Peyton Pazdera (11.3 PPG) provide great support for New Providence as well. The Pioneers will look to keep the ball rolling, after a first round 88-79 victory over Becton.