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!!!