The Cardinal Fanatic - Union County Forecast 2012-2013

The Cardinal Fanatic Pre-Season Prediction

Plainfield lost 8 seniors whose athletic ability and leadership cannot be replaced.  But the youthful Cardinals (where have I heard that before) will go through their lumps this year.  The Cardinal Fanatic predicts this season will be a roller coaster with the Cardiac Cards giving a run in the state playoffs.

Union County Prediction

Where will Plainfield fall this year?  The Cardinals finished last year as the #1 team in the highly competitive Union County.  The Cardinals have the X on their back this season for the beat downs they gave their county rivals last year.  4 teams in particular return multiple varsity-experienced player.  Plainfield will have a tough going against the top teams in Union County.

#10 – New Providence
If they were just a couple of miles over, New Providence would be one of the top teams in Morris County.

#9 – Roselle
Filled with athletic talent but just missing that one big man to push them to the next level.  It does not help that many of their best talents play at other high schools.

#8 – Rahway
With the talented Kornegay gone to graduation who will be Rahway’s next leader.  While trying to find their next leader, Rahway will be competitive but in Union County the talent is deep.

#7 – St. Mary’s
They actually gave several of the Counties best team a great game but did not have enough dept to pull off any upsets.  St. Mary’s will not be an easy out with several talented players returning.

#6 – Westfield
My surprise team of Union County is Westfield. Union County top teams are too strong for Westfield to overcome.  Westfield may shock a team but will not have enough.

#5 – Plainfield
WHAT!!!  This is a disappointment for the Cardinal Fanatic but I have to call it as I see it.  This team is talented but will they put in the work that is needed?  Will they leave their egos at the door?  Will they put WE before I?  The Cardinal Fanatic predicts if the answer is yes to all the questions, look for another 3 years of fantastic ball!  Look for Denzel Christian to have a great season.

#4 – Linden
Collichio is the 2nd best coach in the County and one of the best overall coaches in the state.  Can his old style of in your face coaching get the Tigers to achieve?  Linden was very young last year.  They are now just young this year.  This team is one year away from getting back to the TOC! Quadri Moore will be looking for not only 1st team Union County honors but 1st team All-State is in reach for one of the states best underclassmen.

#3 – Patrick School
Too much unsettle business from last year, will that carry over to this year?  The closing of St. Patrick’s, Coach Boyle leaving, and multiple transfers are too much distractions even if it has been more than a year since many of these things happened.  DeAndre “DR. J” Bembry is probably the 2nd best overall player in the county.  The transfer of 6’6” sharp shooter Jared Nickens to Westtown High School in Pennsylvania is a major lost. The Patrick School will be looking to Elijah Davis to help Bembry guide the school down the port.

#2 – Roselle Catholic
Tyler Robertson is arguably the best player in the state.  Tyler has verbally committed to Syracuse University.  Roselle Catholic can be one of the best teams in the state if they can get quality play out of their talented point guard, Hakim Saintil.  Roselle Catholic lost a lot of talent to graduation. Warney, Gross, and Cherry were all 6’5 or bigger and were the best role players the Lions had.  Robertson and Saintil demand the ball and there is only one basketball in a game at a time.  The big plus is the transfer of former Trenton Catholic outstanding freshman Malachi Richardson.  If the two talented players understand who is their leader, look for Roselle Catholic to take the Counties.

#1 – Elizabeth
Fresh off a football state championship, Jahad Thomas stated, “Now its time to bring home a ring in basketball.”  Elizabeth fell one game short by losing to Atlantic City in the Group 4 State finals.  But the entire team will be back.  This is the fastest team in the state.  Speed makes up mistakes and speed makes up height.  Elizabeth’s biggest challenge is keeping their players on the court of basketball.  If they play as a team they will be a tough team to beat.  Look for Elizabeth to stumble out the blocks but finish the year strong.  Isaiah Davis will be looking to guide the Minutemen to the promise land.  By the way, did I mentioned that this team is fast!!!  Their pressure defense may be the best in the state!!

The Cardinal Fanatic Pre-Season Union County Top 10.
#1   Elizabeth
#2   Roselle Catholic
#3   Patrick School
#4   Linden
#5   Plainfield
#6   Westfield
#7   St. Mary’s
#8   Rahway
#9   Roselle
#10 New Providence


Under Construction:

Union County Top Players - The Cardinal Fanatic will predict the new look Cardinals starting 5! – North 2 Group 4 predictions – Group 4 predictions – Overall State predictions.