There is no one so far I have seen that can stop Irving. He is the best ball player in NJ. He can run the point, he can be the scorer, he can shoot from deep, or he can slash and spin it off the glass for 2 or worst yet, he will posterize you. His defense maybe his weak point but that’s just because I had to find something to criticize him about. He rarely gets in foul trouble, turnovers does not happen and he is the head of the Empire at the Port. I am a witness…
Although Irving is the head of the Empire, the emperor is Coach Boyle. Boyle has basketball knowledge second to none. He is a basketball junky who has to get his fix by being in the gym. This was how he was at Johnson Regional, leading them to the county championship and this is how he is as a coach. His passion for basketball is an addiction that he thrives for. Such dedication by Coach Boyle has been instilled into his players. The Celtics play the game with discipline, skill, and hustle.
Gilchrist is the man to lead St. Pat’s to the #1 ranking in the Nation. As a sophomore, he scored over 30 points against basketball factory Oak Hill Academy. With Strickland and Irving slowed down by the future NBA guards of Oak Hill, Gilchrist carried St. Pats and kept them in the game against the #2 team in the Nation. The competition he went against that day as a 15 year old, he will not see during NJSIAA play. Now 1 year older, faster, stronger, higher vertical, better handle, and now a consistent midrange stroke, the 6’7” junior is consider by many not only the best junior in the State but the best ball player in the Nation.
Plainfield locals – Chase Plummer and Derrick Gordon are the enforcers. Both play great defense and both are probably the strongest players on the team. Both take advantage of opportunities to score in bunches.
Boyle Jr. – he just gets on everybody nerves and gets teams to play outside of their game. And just when you are ready to kick him he hits a three in your face.
The Hungry Challenger: Paterson Catholic
This team has at least 15 players that are ranked in the top 50 in the state. This is no exaggeration. Their second five will beat any team ranked less than 5th in the State. Junior, Myles “Baby Face” Mack is a deadly shooter. Do not let the youthful look of Mack fool you, he sticks daggers in teams with his consistently clutch shooting.
Fuquan Edwin may be the 2nd best senior in the state. At 6’5” he has range and has excellent vertical ability. Kyle Anderson at 6’7” starts at the point, the sophomore can post smaller guards down low if you try to go man to man.
Off the bench “MAN CHILD” Trevor Clemmings (arguably the best football player in the state – heading to PITT as a defensive end), at 6’6” and 250 lbs, he enforces any threat to the Passaic County powerhouse. Wow – he is not even in the starting lineup!
Keeping a low profile: St. Anthony’s
First Coach Hurley demands perfection from his team. They may need it to defeat the previously mentioned teams. The Friars has the big men to compete with anyone. But are their guards battle tested as previous legendary St. Ant players? In fairness to the Friar’s 2 of their studs are currently out. When they arrive, only St. Pat’s and Paterson Catholic will beat them, and St. Peters giving them all they can handle.
St. Peter's Junior Sharp Shooter Myles Davis
Just not enough: St. Peters
Ronald Roberts has arguably the highest vertical in the state. At 6’7” he grabs rebounds near the top of the backboard. In the paint, he will dunk it on you. Plainfield local, Myles Davis has legendary range. He has to be defended by half court. Davis is a streaky shooter who can be lights out. Keith Lumpkin, at 6’9” 280 lbs, he is a load to get around. The top recruited junior in the state for football keeps team honest down low and opens the game up for Davis and Roberts. The Marauders have Kevin Walker and JJ Hadlick who are both high percentage 3 point specialists. If all are on they can pull the upset.
Outside looking in:
#5 Trenton Catholic
#6 Camden Catholic
#8 Seton Hall
#16 Christian Brothers
#18 St. Augustine
#20 St. Joseph (Metuchen)
Next up the Publics....
No comments:
Post a Comment