TOC Finals - preview....

When the season began back on December 21^st, this is where all 400+ schools in NJ wanted to be – The Tournament of Champions Finals.  Two teams are left standing with one being crowned The Champion of Champions tonight.

Newark Eastside has been 3 years in the making.  As young sophomores this team bowed out in a tough battle against TOC finalist Plainfield.  The young group learned a lot from that game as they quoted in a “Star Ledger” article.  They understood after that game what it would take to be a champion.  Now seniors Newark Eastside could be the first school from the City of Newark to win the Tournament of Champions.

St. Joseph still feels the sting of losing to Roselle Catholic last year.  St. Joseph has no inclination of being 0-2 in as many tries.

So whom will the Cardinal Fanatic pick for this game?  This should be a great game.  Match ups Match ups Match ups.  I think St. Joseph may be the better team but I think the match ups if played correctly will favor Newark Eastside.  Karl Anthony Towns will be a problem.  Newark Eastside will more than likely double team him with 6’8” Ishmael Sanogo and 6’9” Abdul Lewis.  If Newark Eastside big men stay out of foul trouble then the best player on the floor may be neutralized.  6’8” Taj Price may be a major factor for Newark Eastside in this game

The guard match ups will be where this game is won.  Akbar Hoffman is in-line to be another legendary guard from the states largest city.  But Hoffman is not alone as Jamar Gilbert is another lethal guard who can knock it down from deep or penetrate and flush it on an opponent.  If St. Joseph leaves Jibreel Ahmad alone, he is fully capable of making teams pay for focusing too much on Hoffman and Gilbert.

St. Joseph’s Wade Baldwin gave a great defensive effort to slow down the hot shooting Otis Livingston of Linden in the semi-finals that proved to be pivotal.  Baldwin will have to give another exemplary performance on the defensive side of the ball along with an offensive output that the Vanderbilt commit is capable of.  Marques Townes physical style of driving to the basket may be the crucial strategy to open Karl Townes for some rim-rocker baskets.  But the exceptionally talented high flying Breein Tyree maybe the most athletic player on the floor and is capable of staying with any of the multi talented guards of Newark Eastside. As with Jibreel Ahmad for Newark Eastside, if St. Joseph’s Raven Owen is left open he will knock down the long ball. 

WOW!  Who is going to win this game?  Newark Eastside big men will have to push the ball and out run Karl to have a chance.  If this is done, look for Newark Eastside to be the first public TOC champion since Dejuan Wagner and Camden.  Newark Eastside guards are streaky and are due for one of that lights out shooting exhibition.  But Marques, Wade and Breein will have a say in this.  If Karl gives a performance that is worthy of Parade All-American status, St. Joseph will win their first TOC.

TOC Semifinals 2014 - Newark Eastside vs Roselle Catholic

Video clips of game

Pre-Game
http://youtu.be/O6Gkvn8U1KU
http://youtu.be/kPDgTQ2UE6A

Period 1
http://youtu.be/TeMIAswCLic
http://youtu.be/_u7UsN11WFA
http://youtu.be/jYeLkMF1oW4
http://youtu.be/lv67YUrj0VA
http://youtu.be/7Qyt7rnD2mw
http://youtu.be/LRx3Hy_0YnE
http://youtu.be/_5BKAPIjmuk

Period 2
http://youtu.be/DWITdn11G1Y
http://youtu.be/zuDE-UqqW0o
http://youtu.be/N4FCt5tcTFk
http://youtu.be/RzjQ_PHUP1I
http://youtu.be/kMZkeslTDaY
http://youtu.be/YDoGzAsMuuA

Period 3
http://youtu.be/lUaZYoITHKk
http://youtu.be/Uga97nzjInA
http://youtu.be/5hDx7AusmlI
http://youtu.be/S4kkltZvM8E
http://youtu.be/XO0TBJZdIRk
http://youtu.be/5u0TQH1Fj_g

Period 4
http://youtu.be/Zz80Lqmb_9I
http://youtu.be/0mhxaRLeFrA
http://youtu.be/IBtwVRARvI4
http://youtu.be/DUN8Z_VEo7M
http://youtu.be/5NM2y_WlNHw
http://youtu.be/uevjadjFq3M
http://youtu.be/0nAWEDiRpCk
http://youtu.be/b6WmCpdUxqM
http://youtu.be/Wu3jCXzSD2M
http://youtu.be/SvQYdmaLCXw
http://youtu.be/Yb0dZwd548g
http://youtu.be/NZASNO5NSt4
http://youtu.be/BNogfVwSdug

TOC Semi's Preview

Come back tomorrow for video of the Semi-Finals of the Tournament of Champions.

The Cardinal Fanatic sentimental favorite is Newark Eastside.  Newark Eastside finished the season as the #1 team in the State but was awarded a second seed in the TOC.  My 2nd sentimental favorite is Linden.  Linden was awarded the 4th seed and will battle  #1 seed St. Joseph High School of Metuchen.

Karl Towns, the most recruited player in the state and Kentucky commit is the favorite to be player of the year in NJ.  Standing at 7'2" and one of the best 3-point shooters in the state, Karl has plenty of talent surrounding him.

Although, St. Joseph has had problems with teams with talented big men.  Linden has that in Quadri Moore. The Cincinnati bound Moore will have to play through pain as he is nursing a knee injury.  Moore is another big man with a very good stroke.  This may play more for Moore than Karl since both big men are actually more comfortable on the perimeter.  Linden's defense is excellent but St. Joseph starting five all can handle the ball and has the size advantage.  This is a tough game to pick.  You can never count Linden out and St. Joseph is the favorite to win the whole TOC.  Is some one going to slow down Otis Livingston?  The kid has been lights out.  I look for this game to be a toss up with the slight edge to St. Joseph but don't be surprise Linden pulls off the upset.  If Linden pulls off the upset, Moore could snatch the player of year out of Towns hands.

Newark Eastside and Roselle Catholic is going to be a delight.  Roselle Catholic is arguably the most talented team in the state.  But Roselle Catholic is also the most inconsistent team in the state.  When they are at their best, they are unbeatable, but when they are not on the same page, they can be taken down. Newark Eastside schedule was not as difficult as Roselle Catholic who is battle ready for this game.  But the kids from the Brick City knows about being battle ready.  Akbar Hoffman is very explosive.  The big men for Newark Eastside are both D-1 commits.  If Newark Eastside stays out of foul trouble, they can pull this game out.  Any hint of foul trouble for Newark Eastside, Roselle Catholic will win by double digits.

Let the games begin!!!

Plainfield vs Patrick School

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. Patrick School Game

Patrick School – 53

Plainfield - 45

What a brutal schedule!  Fresh off the upset victory over the defending Tournament of Champions, Roselle Catholic, Plainfield had no time for rest as the next state power, The Patrick School and 6’9” Seton Hall bound Angel Delgado paid a visit to the Queen City.  Plainfield put up a good battle but the outside touch was missing on this night as The Patrick School held off Plainfield for the 8-point victory.

Where did Plainfield win this game?

Three Point Shooting – Plainfield was –6 in this statistical category.  This equates to a18-point disadvantage for Plainfield.  Plainfield shot an ice block 16% from deep.

The Cardinal Fanatic Efficiency Players of the game

1)      Patrick School - Senior Angel Delgado 6’9” – {ER-23}

Angel was a stat stuffer in this game.  Delgado shot 67% from the field, 100% from the free throw line, grabbed a game high 13 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dished 1 assist and rejected a game high 2 shot attempts.

2)      Patrick School – Senior Danny Knight 6’5” – {ER-16}

The most tenure member of the Patrick school shot 100% from below the arc, grabbed 4 rebounds, picked up a game high 3 steals, dropped an assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Danny completed an Efficient night by committing only 1 turnover for the entire game.

3)      Patrick School – Senior Jalen Hungauz 6’4” – {ER-11}

The Paramus Catholic transfer was nearly lights out from the field.  Jalen shot 100% from below the arc and 67% from three-point land.  Jalen also grabbed 1 rebound and dropped 1 assist.  Jalen completed a very Efficient night by not committing any turnovers for the entire game.

4)      Plainfield – Senior Clarence Hoover 5’11” – {ER-10}

The offensive juggernaut scored a game high 16-points, grabbed 5 rebounds and dropped a game high 5 assists.

5)      Plainfield – Junior Jachai Simmons 6’7” – {ER-10}

Jachai shot 100% from the free-throw line and grabbed a team high 10 rebounds.

Other Notable Performances

Plainfield – Junior Ahmad Baker 6’8” – {ER-10}

Baker shot 50% from the field, grabbed 6 rebounds and picked up 2 steals.  Baker completed a very Efficient night by not committing any turnovers for the entire game.

The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.

North Group IV Championship - 2014

A Fanatic Summation of the Linden vs. Paterson Eastside Game

Paterson Eastside – 60

Linden - 76

Linden was looking to avoid what happen 3 years ago when Paterson East Side came to the Dunn Center and knocked off the favorite Tigers.  Looking for a repeat visit for the Group IV crown, Linden would have to take down the #2 team in the state and once defeated Paterson East Side.  Paterson East Side only lost was in an overtime buzzer shot by #1 Newark East Side.

Paterson came in with an impressive resume with victories over Hudson Catholic, St. Anthony’s, St. Peters and Teaneck of which all were top 20 teams.  Battle tested and ready to do battle was Paterson Eastside.  Linden also was familiar with being battle tested facing Roselle Catholic and The Patrick School 5 times in inter-conference play.  Linden finished 3-2 against 2 of the most dominant private schools in NJ.

Otis Livingston came out on fire and led Linden on a long range-bombing spree.  Livingston, Quinton Dixon, Juwan Jones and Quadri Moore combined for a Mercury hot 6 of 7 shooting (86%) from deep.  Asem Johnson 6 first period points kept Paterson Eastside in the game.  At the end of 1, Linden on fire on holding the momentum, 24-17.

Linden continued the hot shooting from deep. Juwan Dolbrice join in on the action connecting from deep and helping Linden shoot at a 50% clip.  Paterson Eastside would buckle down and stifle the remaining Tigers and use a 6-0 run to get within one.  Livingston would nail a trey at the buzzer to give Linden the 36-32 advantage going into the half. 

East Side started the 2^nd half more aggressive and clamped down on the hot shooting Tigers.  Livingston was not able to get off a field goal attempt.  Paterson used a 8-0 run to take the momentum and a 3-point lead.  Linden shot a sub par 30% from the field during the 3^rd stanza but connected on 8 of 8 free throws to keep the Tigers in the game.  James Julius was inserted and sparked an 8-1 run scoring 2 of the Linden 3 field goals in the period. Julius helps Linden retake the lead (50-47) going into the final 8 minutes of play.

In a moment of unconsciousness, Paterson Eastside started off the final period with 6 men on the floor.  Paterson was penalized with a technical foul.  This shifted the fragile momentum to Linden that they never gave back.  Quadri Moore put Linden on his back during the final 8-minutes scoring 11 4^th period points while Otis Livingston connected on 6 of 6 shooting from the free-throw line to help Linden pull away for the 76-60 victory.

Paterson Eastside	17	15	15	13	60
Linden	24	12	14	26	76

Spielberg I’m not but here is the video of the majority of the game

Shoot around
http://youtu.be/0C7e6FMDsPY
Player inroduction
http://youtu.be/QlidfWYlOv8
Pre game handshake
http://youtu.be/Qok6Bws4RF4
1st period
http://youtu.be/my8MZjN2qZo
1st period II
http://youtu.be/Wy4ZTy9z1zI
2nd period
http://youtu.be/EjP3n8ghYtk
2nd period ii
http://youtu.be/Dr6es8Rs7Ns
3rd period
http://youtu.be/FXTmi8_U_eI
3rd period ii
http://youtu.be/GfqMLwF7-v8
3rd period iii
http://youtu.be/xLCUYe8w_AY
4th period
http://youtu.be/QTCrA-eYFoY
4th period ii
http://youtu.be/DPrPS7RV3k4
4th period iii
http://youtu.be/uzWxYd25Ghg
4 th period iv
http://youtu.be/H7JwuyIDTUM
4th period v
http://youtu.be/N8NvnKRz9R0
4th period vi
http://youtu.be/RSVEceepH50

Plainfield vs Roselle Catholic

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. Roselle Catholic Game

Roselle Catholic – 81

Plainfield - 83

Plainfield down 15-points with 4:30 remaining made a remarkable comeback to pull out one of the most exciting comebacks in recent memory.  The only comeback that may surpass this one was when Plainfield was down 21 points and came back to defeat Paterson Eastside at the RAC for the North Group IV State Championship back in 1983.

Where did Plainfield win this game?

Block Shots – Plainfield was +5 in this category.  Plainfield rejected 7 shot attempts, which equates to 14 potential points for Roselle Catholic.  Ahmad Baker helped the cause with 2 rejections.

Rebounds – Plainfield was +6 in this category.  Plainfield grabbed a whopping 30 rebounds.  This was a total team effort.

Free Throws – Plainfield shot a solid 82% from the free-throw line that helped the Cardinals get a +4 advantage in this statistical category.

Points in the Paint – Amazingly against the taller Roselle Catholic, Plainfield had a 10-point advantage in this statistical category.  The Cards shot at a 60% clip below the arc.

The Cardinal Fanatic Efficiency Players of the game

1)      Plainfield - Senior Clarence Hoover 6’1” – {ER-41}

To get a 40+ Efficiency rating you have put yourself in an elite class.  DeAndre Bembry (St. Joseph University), Justin Sears (Yale University), Jerome Frink (Florida International University) and Kyrie Irving (Cleveland Cavaliers) are the only players in 4 years of record keeping to break the 40+ Efficiency Rating.  Hoover did just that with a miracle 14-point 3 steal 4^th period performance that was done in a 5-minute stretch.  This is comparable to Kenny Fields 21-point 4^th period outburst against Atlantic City back in 1980!  Jo Jo shot 73% from below the arc, 38% from 3-point land and 86% from the free throw line to score a game high 37-points.  Hoover stuffed the stat sheet by grabbing 5 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 4 steals (Roselle Catholic’s Asante Gist also with 4 steals) and dropped a team high 5 assists.

2)      Roselle Catholic – Junior Kameron David 5’11” – {ER-22}

KD scored 17-points on 50% shooting below the arc, a Planet Venus 80% from the 3-point line and 75% from the free throw line.  Kameron also grabbed 1 rebound and picked up 2 steals.  KD had an Efficiently impressive 2:0 assist to turnover ratio.

3)      Roselle Catholic – Junior Isaiah Briscoe 6’4” – {ER-21}

Arguably one of the best players in the state, Briscoe dropped a team high 27-points on 47% shooting below the arc. Briscoe also grabbed 7 rebounds, picked up 2 steals and dropped 3 assists.

4)      Roselle Catholic – Sophomore Asante Gist 5’11” – {ER-21}

Gist shot an Efficient 60% from below the arc, 50% from beyond the arc and 100% from the free throw line to score 16 points.  Asante also grabbed 1 rebound, picked up a game high tying 4 steals and dropped a game high 6 assists.

5)      Plainfield – Junior Jachai Simmons 6’7” – {ER-18}

“Slim Shady” Simmons dropped 16-points on 55% shooting from below the arc which included a couple of weak side ally-oops rim shakers.  Jachai also shot an Efficient 80% from the free throw line, grabbed 5 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped 4 assists and rejected 1 shot attempt.

Other Notable Performances

Roselle Catholic – Sophomore Matt Bullock 6’4” – {ER-14}

Bullock shot 75% from below the arc, grabbed 3 rebounds and picked up 3 steals.

Roselle Catholic – Junior Chris Silva 6’10” – {ER-13}

Silva was perfect shooting from below the arc, grabbed 5 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped 1 assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Silva did not commit any turnovers for the entire game.

Plainfield – Senior Jordan Sears 6’5” – {ER-12}

Sears overtime rejection was pivotal in giving Plainfield the victory.  Jordan shot 80% from the free throw line to score 10-points.  Sears also grabbed a team high 7 rebounds, dropped 1 assist and rejected a game high 3 shot attempts.

Plainfield – Senior Mike Kirkland 6’0” – {ER-12}

Kirkland was perfect shooting from below the arc.  Mike grabbed 3 rebounds, picked up 1 steal and dropped 1 assist.

Plainfield – Sophomore Jaleel Simmons 6’4” – {12}

Jaleel shot 100% from the free throw line, grabbed 4 rebounds, picked up 2 steals, dropped 2 assists and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Simmons only committed 1 turnover for the entire game.

Plainfield – Senior Christan Cook 6’2” – {11}

Cook shot 100% from below the arc, 100% from beyond the arc and grabbed 5 rebounds.

Roselle Catholic – Sophomore Ganlandou Cisse 6’8” – {ER-10}

Ganlandou shot 100% from below the arc, grabbed 4 rebounds and picked up 1 steal.  Cisse did not commit any turnovers for the entire game.

The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.

Union vs Plainfield

A Fanatic Summation of the Union vs. Plainfield Game

Plainfield – 37

Union - 36

Plainfield historically does not shoot well at the Lou Retino Gymnasium.  This game was no exception. But the Cardinals relied on an impressive defensive effort to pull out the victory.

Where did Plainfield win this game?

Turnovers – Plainfield was +7 in this category, which equates to 7 extra possessions and 14 potential points.  With Plainfield only winning by 1, this statistical category was a definitive factor in Plainfield pulling out the victory.

Block Shots – Plainfield rejected 8 shot attempts as a team.  This would equate to 16 potential points for Union.  Steve Jones led Plainfield with a game high tying 2 rejections (Jaleel Simmons also with 2 rejections).

Steals – Plainfield picked up 14 steals and was +4 over Union in this statistical category.

Rebounding – Plainfield would hold a +5 rebounding advantage.  This equates to 5 fewer possessions for Union and a potential 10-point difference in the game.

Points in the Paint – Although the difference was only +3 field goals made in the paint in favor of the Cardinals, in a 1-point margin of victory the +3 difference equated to 6 points difference.

The Cardinal Fanatic Efficiency Players of the game

1)      Plainfield - Senior Clarence Hoover 6’1” – {ER-19}

Hoover scored a game high 21-points by shooting 40% below the arc and 43 % from deep.  Hoover also grabbed a team high tying 7 rebounds (Jachai Simmons also with 7 rebounds), picked up 1 steal, dropped 1 assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.

2)      Union – Senior TJ McNair 6’5” – {ER-18}

TJ scored a team high 10-points on perfect shooting from below the arc and 40% shooting from beyond the arc.  McNair grabbed a game high 10 rebounds and picked up 3 steals.

3)      Union – Senior Diego Rios 6’2” – {ER-14}

Rios shot 75% from the free throw line, grabbed 9 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 4 steals (Plainfield’s Jachai Simmons also with 4 steals), dropped off a game high 3 assists and rejected 1 shot attempt.

4)      Plainfield – Junior Jachai Simmons 6’7” – {ER-10}

Jachai shot 50% from below the arc, grabbed a team high tying 7 rebounds, picked up a game high tying 4 steals, dropped an assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Jachai completed an Efficient night by committing only 1 turnover for the entire game.

5)      Plainfield – Sophomore Jaleel Simmons 6’4” – {ER-9}

Jaleel grabbed 5 rebounds, picked up 3 steals and rejected a game high tying 2 shot attempts.  Jaleel matched older brother Jachai by committing only 1 turnover for the entire game to complete an Efficient night.

The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.

Plainfield vs Elizabeth

A Fanatic Summation of the Plainfield vs. Elizabeth

Elizabeth – 45

Plainfield - 66

Plainfield and Elizabeth would battle in a classic NBA fashion home and away games in back to back days.  Plainfield won the first match up at Elizabeth in a game that Elizabeth should have won.  But in the friendly confines of the Rico Parenti Gymnasium Plainfield offense put it together to sweep the series.

Where did Plainfield win this game?

Assists – Plainfield dropped 13 assists as team.  Mike Kirkland led Plainfield with 4 assists.

Block Shots – Plainfield rejected 6 shot attempts as a team.  This would equate to 12 potential points for Elizabeth.

On the Ball Defense and Hustle – Mike Kirkland led the way as Plainfield’s on the ball man to man defense disrupted Elizabeth’s fluidity on the offensive side of the court.

Rebounding – Plainfield would hold a +5 rebounding advantage.  This equates to 5 fewer possessions for Elizabeth and a potential 10-point difference in the game.

Foul Shooting – Many games are lossed on free throws.  This was not the case in this game.  Plainfield shot an impressive 90% from the free throw line as a team. JaQue Wilson 3 of 4 shooting in the final period added to Plainfield’s advantage in this statistical category.

Points in the Paint – Plainfield shot an Efficient 62% below the arc.  All starters shot over 50% from below the arc.

The Cardinal Fanatic Efficiency Players of the game

1)      Plainfield - Senior Clarence Hoover 6’1” – {ER-34}

Hoover scored a game high 30 points on 75% shooting from below the arc and 100% shooting from the free throw line.  Hoover also grabbed 7 rebounds and picked up a game high tying 3 steals (Elizabeth’s Rich Wiafe also with 3 steals).  Hoover had a very Efficient night by committing only one turnover for the entire game.

2)      Plainfield – Junior Jachai Simmons 6’7” – {ER-21}

Jachai “Slim Shady” Simmons shot 71% from below the arc and 40% from three-point land to score 16 points.  Simmons grabbed 6 rebounds, picked up 1 steal, dropped 1 assist and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Simmons completed an excellent Efficient night by not committing a single turnover for the entire game.

3)      Elizabeth – Senior James Griffin 6’5” – {ER-19}

Griffin scored a team high 18-points on 64% shooting from below the arc.  James also grabbed a team high 7 rebounds, picked up 1 steal and dished 1 assist. Griffin completed a very Efficient night by committing only 1 turnover for the entire game.

4)      Plainfield – Sophomore Jaleel Simmons 6’4” – {ER-15}

Jaleel shot 50% from below the arc, grabbed a game high 8 rebounds, picked up a steal, dropped 1 assist and rejected a game high 3 shot attempts.  Simmons completed a very Efficient night by committing only 1 turnover for the entire game.

5)      Plainfield – Senior Christan Cook 6’2” – {ER-11}

Cook shot perfect from below the arc, 33% from beyond the arc, grabbed 2 rebounds, picked up 2 steals, dropped 2 assists and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Cook committed only 1 turnover to complete a very Efficient night.

Other note worthy performances

Plainfield – Senior Steve Jones 6’1” – {ER-11}

Jones Junior shot 67% from below the arc, 100% from 3-point land, picked up 1 steal, dropped 3 assists, and rejected 1 shot attempt.  Jones completed a very Efficient night by earning a 3:1 assist to turnover ratio for the game.

The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.