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Devils honor JSZ’s Top HS Hockey Goals from December
Jersey Sports Zone is back at the Rock to honor five awesome hockey goals captured by our cameras. Check out a recap of a special night featuring five players taking center stage in Newark! Jersey Sports Zone returns to the Prudential Center after a year away due to COVID-19. The New Jersey Devils are once again bringing a special experience to high school hockey players with JSZ’s popular Top Goals of the Month. The top 5 goals captured by JSZ cameras received tickets to the Devils/Stars game and saw their goals on display on the jumbotron during the first intermission. Prior to the game, Devils forward Nate Bastian watched all five goals and gave his thoughts. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis takes us to the Rock to bring great high school goals back to the NHL! A special thanks to the New Jersey Devils for honoring high school hockey in New Jersey. Coming up on February 24th, JSZ will return to the Prudential Center to feature five more great goals from January. We’ll post ten more nominees in the first week of February!
Watch Tuesday 1.25 JSZ Basketball Highlights
JSZ has three exciting games for you tonight, featuring some of the top players in the Garden State. Enjoy the highlights! Camden 100 Woodrow Wilson 54 | Boys The High hit triple digits for the second time this season, knocking off the crosstown rival Tigers. DJ Wagner once again led the way with a game-high […].....Read More »
Trenton Catholic pulls off fourth quarter comeback against Patrick School
No. 12 Trenton Catholic (8-3) picked up a fourth straight win following a 48-44 comeback victory over The Patrick School (12-4). Leading 25-21 at halftime, TPS went ahead 41-30 to end the third quarter. Jamaal Morris with an impressive fourth quarter helped Trenton Catholic claw their way back to not only tie the game, but […].....Read More »
Northern Highlands scores early and often in Monday night road win at Rumson-Fair Haven
The Highlanders make a long road trip to the Red Bank Armory to pick up win #14 on the season. Watch all the highlights of Northern Highlands and Rumson-Fair Haven at the Red Bank Armory Northern Highlands 6 Rumson-Fair Haven 3 Matt Gershengorn and Vincenzo Capano scored goals :47 seconds apart to cap off a […].....Read More »
Watch Monday 1.24 JSZ All-Access Basketball Highlights
JSZ has a pair of exciting games that went right down to the wire to begin the week, as Hudson Catholic faces St. Peter’s and Middle Township takes on Wildwood Catholic. Use your All-Access Pass to check out the highlights! Hudson Catholic 57 St. Peter’s Prep 53 | Boys After losing an early season matchup […] To access this post, you must purchase an All Access Pass. You can log in here or purchase an ….....Read More »
"JSZ Polls"
VOTE NOW FOR JSZ’S WEEK 3 GAME BALLS!
Vote Every Sunday – No Pass Needed!
Voting is Open to Everyone
You do not need an All Access Pass to vote!
Each week JSZ will bring you ten nominations, for current sports in different regions for our Game Ball Awards. These nominations are composed of athletes who had top, player of the week-worthy, performances across the State. You’ll be able to vote for your favorite athlete…the votes tallied, and the winners will be awarded a JSZ Game Ball & Game Ball Ceremony. (Polls closes every Tuesday at 3PM)
A sample of some polls are below.
Download our app to keep up to date with our latest news!
Reminder!
You can always nominate a deserving player for a Game Ball! Just email us (rich@jerseysportszone.com) with the following information:
- The player’s Name
- The player’s School
- The game/date played this week
- The player’s stats for that game
How our polls work
Every Vote Counts
Our voting polls work very simply…every vote for someone counts. You may vote as many times as you’d like, but you cannot use a bot to vote continuously or automatically…we have software that detects bots and then disqualifies those votes.
Don’t be alarmed…
Because the votes come in very fast and in large numbers, there are times when you vote for someone and you might see their percentage of the actual vote drop. This is due to the fact that during the voting period, thousands of votes can be registered in a matter of a few minutes, so if another athlete is receiving a larger number of votes, their percentage will increase, while the people with fewer votes will see their overall percentage decrease.
How the Voting Works
Voting is Open to Everyone
Our weekly polls are accessible to everyone. You do not need an All Access Pass!
Every Vote Counts
Our voting polls work very simply…every vote for someone counts. You may vote as many times as you’d like, but you cannot use a bot to vote continuously or automatically…we have software that detects bots and then disqualifies those votes.
Don’t be alarmed…
Because the votes come in very fast and in large numbers, there are times when you vote for someone and you might see their percentage of the actual vote drop. This is due to the fact that during the voting period, thousands of votes can be registered in a matter of a few minutes, so if another athlete is receiving a larger number of votes, their percentage will increase, while the people with fewer votes will see their overall percentage decrease.
All-Zone Team
Meet the 2021 JSZ Zoneman Trophy Finalists
Jersey Sports Zone is excited to formally announce the seven finalists for the 2021 Zoneman Trophy — JSZ’s high school football player of the year in New Jersey. The winner will be announced on Thursday, Dec. 16. Watch all seven features from our team of multimedia journalists to learn more about New Jersey’s top football honor! The History of the Zoneman Trophy By Rich Chrampanis, Jersey Sports Zone Chief Operating Officer In the year 2000, I received the great honor of a Heisman Trophy ballot as I started my tenure on television at WPDE-TV in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina. I was so excited to get the chance to weigh in on such a significant award and it got me thinking of bringing the same kind of excitement to our high school football coverage. So we built a trophy and instead of the Heisman, the Zoneman was born. During my 15 years, we were fortunate to have some outstanding winners of our award starting with former Pittsburgh Steelers and Miami Dolphins linebacker Lawrence Timmons, former Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson and current Las Vegas Raiders wide receivers Hunter Renfrow, who caught the game-winning TD pass for Clemson in the 2016 National Championship game along with Bryan Edwards. The Zoneman tradition is still going strong in South Carolina, began its New Jersey chapter on the Jersey Shore and is now a statewide honor. We’re excited to continue this tradition in New Jersey high school football as we will present the most outstanding player in the state with our Fifth Annual Zoneman Trophy. Previous Zoneman Trophy Winners: 2017: Ashante Worthy, Freehold Boro QB 2018: Jalahn Dabney, Somerville QB 2019: Fadil Diggs, Woodrow Wilson DL/WR | Texas A&M 2020: Audric Estime, St. Joe’s (Mont.) RB | Notre Dame The Zoneman Trophy Balloting The 2021 Zoneman Trophy will be voted on by coaches from each conference in the state (SFC, WJFL, NJIC, Big Central and Shore) as well as Jersey Sports Zone’s staff of multimedia journalists and other credentialed media around the state. Each ballot includes a first-place vote (three points), second place vote (two points) and a third place vote (one point). We are honored to announce the 2021 Zoneman Trophy Finalists in alphabetical order! Meet The 2021 Zoneman Trophy Finalists LeQuint Allen, Millville RB The face of Millville football boasted an incredible level of physicality and athleticism throughout the entire 2021 season. LeQuint Allen ran wild against defenses from the start of the year in Ocean City until the end at Rutgers University, where the Thunderbolts capped off a 12-1 season with a South Group 4 Regional Championship. He rushed for 1,901 yards on 229 carries and found the endzone 23 times. Allen is committed to Syracuse University. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the profile: Tommy Amankwaa, Hillsborough ATH Tommy Amankwaa was one of the most improved players in the entire state of New Jersey from his junior to senior seasons. Amankwaa was a true swiss army knife weapon for the Raiders. On offense, he tallied 99 total touches for 1,726 scrimmage yards and a combined 27 touchdowns as Hillsborough put together a perfect 13-0 season. His red-hot play this season earned him an offer from Rutgers – he verbally committed to the Scarlet Knights soon after. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the profile: Steve Angeli, Bergen Catholic QB Steve Angeli’s legacy at Bergen Catholic is undeniable after a historic season in Oradell. Angeli led the Crusaders to a perfect 12-0 season, a Non-Public A championship and a top-five national ranking in 2021. The Crusaders’ signal caller brought his game to a new level this season after throwing for 1,709 yards and 15 touchdowns in one of the toughest conferences in the entire country. Angeli, a natural leader and an Under Armour All-American, graduates high school in December and will be enrolled at Notre Dame after the New Year. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the profile: JoJo Bermudez, Cedar Creek WR A true speedster and the definition of a deep threat, JoJo Bermudez was a game-breaking talent for Cedar Creek in 2021. Bermudez hauled in an unsightly 91 catches for 1,662 yards and 14 touchdowns for the Pirates. Bermudez dominated defensive backfields all season long and helped Cedar Creek to a perfect 13-0 season. His blazing start to the regular season caught the eyes of coaches from Cincinnati, as he is now verbally committed to the Bearcats. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the profile: Alex Brown, Red Bank Catholic QB Alex Brown’s story throughout the 2021 postseason is well documented and will be talked about for years to come on Broad Street. Following the death of his mother, Brown delivered 12 touchdowns and no turnovers in the Caseys’ three-game playoff run to win the Non-Public B championship. The Bucknell commit ultimately threw for 1,817 yards and 22 touchdown passes with 519 rushing yards and 10 touchdown runs in his lone season at Red Bank Catholic. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the profile: Davison Igbinosun, Union ATH There’s no arguments here: Davison Igbinosun is one of the most dynamic players in the entire state of New Jersey. Igbinosun was a hawking defensive back and a devastating weapon on offense for the Farmers in his final high school year. He was the top reciever and rusher for the Farmers’ offense and notched 74 tackles and three interceptions on defense. Union’s season had an unceremonious ending, but that doesn’t take away from the impact he had in a 9-2 season in Union County. Q’yaier Price, DePaul Catholic DE One of the state’s most unblockable defensive forces finished off a senior season with some eye-popping numbers. Price compiled 35.5 tackles for loss and 14.5 sacks for the 9-3 Spartans in 2021. He led the way for a defense that didn’t allow a touchdown for a five-game stretch in the beginning of the season and who eventually made it to the Non-Public B title game. Price flipped commitments from Syracuse to Rutgers after emerging as one of New Jersey’s top edge defender talents during the 2021 season. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the profile:
Meet the 2021 JSZ All-Zone Basketball Teams
JSZ honored the top players in New Jersey from both girls and boys varsity basketball. Our week-long celebration of the 2021 season concluded with the presentation of JSZ’s Mr. and Miss Hoop Zone won by Camden’s DJ Wagner and Manchester Township’s Destiny Adams. Watch highlight videos of every one of our honorees across the state. Camden’s D.J. Wagner has been named Jersey Sports Zone’s Mr. Hoop Zone for 2021. The award is based on balloting from coaches and media from all over the state. JSZ’s Mike Frankel profiles Wagner’s remarkably fast rise to the top of the New Jersey high school hoops scene. JSZ Mr. Hoop Zone Balloting Thanks to the coaches and statewide media who casted their vote for JSZ’s Mr. Hoop Zone. Three points for a first place vote, two points for a second, and one point for third. Coaches: Don DeLeo, Hightstown, Matt Bloom, Rutgers Prep, Dave Boff, Roselle Catholic, Justin Salton, Watchung Hills, James Cranwell, Middletown South, Randy Holmes, Jackson Memorial, Ben DiBiase, Freehold Boro, Andrew Bilodeau, Manasquan, Mike Clemente, Central Regional, Cameron Bell, Egg Harbor Township, Gene Allen, Atlantic City, Richard Bolds, Timber Creek, Michael Nausedas, Marlboro, Michael Doherty, St. Joe-Montvale, Eric Cassidy, Cherokee, Paul Rodio, St. Augustine, Dennis Caruano, Raritan, Nicholas Famularo, Asbury Park, Billy Armstrong, Bergen Catholic, Kris Grundy, Montgomery, Anthony Tavares, Newark East Side, Chris Chavannes, Patrick School, Mike Puorro, Barnegat, Matt Talbot, Roselle Park, Liam James, Gloucester, Ben Gamble, Bayonne, Todd Powers, Gloucester Catholic, Alex Mirabel, St. Peter’s Prep, Anthony Drejaj, Linden, Julius David, Perth Amboy, John Rosser, Overbrook, Paddy McNamara, Haddon Township, Chris Garcia, JP Stevens, Phil Collicchio, Elizabeth, Chris Raba, Nottingham Media: Sean Miller, NJ Advance Media, John Jones, MaxPreps, Kevin Minnick, NJ Advance Media, Tom Williams, Prime Events, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Brandon Gould, NJ Advance Media, Adam Zagoria, ZagsBlog.com, Jay Gomes, NJHoops.com, Dave’s Joint, Mike Kinney, NJ Advance Media, Kyle Franco, Trentonian, Greg Johnson, Trentonian, Greg Machos, GMC Hoops, JSZ Staff The New Jersey high school basketball community made the most of a shortened 2021 high school basketball season. Even though there was a maximum of 15 games and no state playoffs, it didn’t stop great players from around the state to shine and make the most of their limited opportunities. Click on each player’s name to watch their JSZ highlight reel and congratulations to all of the players who made this year’s JSZ All-Zone team: It’s official, Destiny Adams of Manchester Township is Jersey Sports Zone’s Miss Hoop Zone for 2021. Winning McDonald’s All American honors, 6’3 Adams takes home the award based on balloting from statewide coaches and media after averaging 30 points and 18.7 this season. With just 15 games on the schedule, she scored 450 points to end her career with 2,010 points. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez sat down with the University of North Carolina-bound Senior. JSZ Miss Hoop Zone Balloting Thanks to the coaches and statewide media who casted their vote for JSZ’s Mr. Hoop Zone. Three points for a first place vote, two points for a second, and one point for third. Coaches Rachel Goodale, Jackson Memorial, Dave Beauchemin, Manchester Twp., Bob Fusik, Trenton Catholic, Sandy Gordon, Ramapo, Mary Klinger, Rutgers Prep, Steve Silver, IHA, Alaina Hearon, Jackson Liberty, Joe Montano, Red Bank Catholic, Mary Beth Chambers, Saint Rose, Mark Gnapp, Gill St. Bernard’s, Dawn Karpell, St. John Vianney, Darren Ault, Holmdel, Theresa Cuniff, Wildwood, Scott Beston, Mainland, Steve DiPatri, Wildwood Catholic, Paul Baruffi, Ocean City, Scott Meile, Oakcrest, Lisa Stelle, Paul VI, Pete Vincent, Hudson Catholic, Meg McGeehan, Warren Hills, Derek Lynn, Montville, Billy Lovett, Morris Catholic, Shannon Coyle, Long Branch, Brandon Pilgrim, Paterson East Side, Lashawn Williams, Newark Central, Glenn Jansen, Donovan Catholic, Sandi Chera, Colonia, Sean Pekarsky, Paramus Catholic, Kristen Przbylski, Eastern, JW Senft, Highland, Dave Callahan, Rumson-Fair Haven, Allyson Scerbo, Phillipsburg, Liz McKeon, Westfield, John Considine, Bishop Eustace, Lisa Kukoda, Manasquan, Justin McGhee, Middletown North, John Barbarise, Shore Regional, Jenna Marcus, Hightstown, Chris Hernandez, Weehawken, James Martinos, Notre Dame, Travis Retzlaff, East Brunswick, Audrey Taylor, Franklin, Brad Allen, Teaneck, Janet Cook, Sayreville, Dan Montferatt, Ewing, Matt Margon, Montgomery, Lauren Bowler, Matawan Media Sean Miller, NJ Advance Media, John Jones, MaxPreps, Greg Machos, GMC Hoops, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Tom Williams, Prime Events, Brian Deakyne, NJ Advance Media, Kyle Franco, Trentonian, Greg Johnson, Trentonian, Luis Torres, NJ Advance Media, Joe Fenelon, NYG Hoops, G Thing Basketball, Prep Girls Hoops New Jersey, JSZ Staff PUBLIC NON-PUBLIC Name SchoolName SchoolMr. HZ Finalists Antoine ArnettSterlingDenver AnglinGill St. Bernard'sCorey Floyd, Jr., Roselle Catholic Gannon BradyOcean CityMark ArmstrongSt. Peter's PrepSamson Johnson, Patrick School Jerome BrewerCamdenJayden BrownMontclair ImmaculateWill Richardson, Bergen Catholic Tazir CanteyEasternJulian BrownBergen CatholicBen Roy, Manasquan Christian CevisWest MorrisZion CruzPatrick SchoolDJ Wagner, Camden Jack CollinsManasquanMatt DelaneySt. Augustine Prep Al-Fatir ConnorElizabethRay FordSt. Peter's Prep Jordan DerkackColoniaNoah HarrisRutgers Prep Austin GreenTimber CreekIsaac HesterRanney Aidan KehoePascack HillsZach HicksCamden Catholic Elijah LewisWatchung HillsTristan JeffriesSt. Thomas Aquinas Carlos LopezEgg Harbor Twp.Amare MarshallRoselle Catholic Chad MartiniWatchung HillsKeith Mency Hudson Catholic Diante MilesWildwoodMarcus PierceSt. Joseph Academy Dave OlaniyiNewark East SideElijah PerkinsRanney Chris RubayoMontgomeryJosh RiveraSt. Thomas Aquinas Derek SimpsonLenapeWisler SanonPaul VI Jack SeidlerMarlboroAkil Watson Don Bosco Prep Jon SpatolaMarlboroSimeon WilcherRoselle Catholic TaQuan WoodleyCamdenZakai ZeiglerMontclair Immaculate PUBLIC NON-PUBLIC Name SchoolName SchoolMiss HZ Finalists Lauren AchterRamapoAbby AntognoliSaint RoseDestiny Adams, Manchester Township Nina BranchizioMonroeA'Nyah BarkerIHAZoe Brooks, Trenton Catholic Amaya BurchTimber CreekEmma BruenSt. John VianneyKatie Hill, St. John Vianney Kiley CapstrawWest OrangeMeg CahalanSt. John VianneyMadison St. Rose, St. John Vianney Rachel CapuaJackson MemorialSaniah CaldwellSaddle River DayAlexa Therien, Cherokee Julia CorsentinoRumson-Fair HavenAlly CarmanRed Bank Catholic Alexis DavisGlassboroChristina DalceRutgers Prep Mary Elizabeth DonnellyManasquanAaylah Del RosarioTrenton Catholic Keegan DouglasHaddonfieldElla FajardoGill St. Bernard's Kate HerlihyMiddle Twp.Hannah HidalgoPaul VI Brooke HollawellManasquanZanai JonesHudson Catholic Tara JohnsonUniversityMarianna PapazoglouWildwood Catholic Lexi Linton Jackson MemorialPaulina ParisSaddle River Day Brynn McCurrySpartaBelle PellecchiaRutgers Prep Colleen McQuillenCresskillJustine PissottRed Bank Catholic Grace MuntRumson-Fair HavenAlana RobinsonPope John Madison SchillerRamapoSophia SabinoRed Bank Catholic Ally SweeneySpartaAngelica VelezTrenton Catholic Chloe TeterRed Bank RegionalCaileigh WalshGill St. Bernard's Bella VitoMontvilleMia YanogacioRutgers Prep JSZ All-Zone Basketball Coverage Monday, March 15: JSZ All-Zone Girls Public Team (20 players) Tuesday, March 16: JSZ All-Zone Girls Non-Public Team (20 players) Wednesday, March 17: JSZ All-Zone Boys Public Team (20 players) Thursday, March 18: JSZ All-Zone Boys Non-Public Team (20 players) Friday, March 19: JSZ 2021 Mr. and Miss Hoop Zone announced
Meet the 2021 JSZ All-Zone Hockey Team
Jersey Sports Zone honors the top high school hockey players in New Jersey. We have selected the top players in the Garden State – check out all the highlight videos from a great 2021 season. JSZ’s All-Zone Hockey Team It might have been a shortened season, but New Jersey high school hockey delivered plenty of exciting moments and stellar play across the state. Jersey Sports Zone is proud to announce its 2021 All-Zone hockey team honoring the best players in the state. Click on each players name below to watch their highlight reel. GoaliesDefensemanForwardsForwardsPlayer of the Year Mack Alvino, Glen Rock Kareem Al-Azem, Morristown-BeardAntonio Arcaroli, Bergen CatholicMatteo Mancheno, WestfieldConnor Sedlak, Don Bosco Prep - 2021 JSZ POY Ben Kopacki, LakelandDrew Fortescue, Don Bosco PrepMichael Balzarotti, RidgeAram Minnetian, Bergen Catholic Zach McErlain, Gloucester CatholicColin Grable, CBANate Block, Middletown SouthAidan Niceberg, Madison Luke McManus, Morristown-BeardZach Johnson, Gloucester CatholicRyan Bunting, Gloucester CatholicTrip Pendy, Delbarton Lukas Klemm, Don Bosco PrepMitchell Ducalo, RobbinsvilleBrett Pritchard, Rumson-Fair Haven Griffen O'Shaughnessy, Mountain LakesAidan D'Urso, Seton Hall Prep Ryan Rodrigues, Seton Hall Prep Patrick Reilly, CBARyan Fine, Don Bosco PrepBilly Sheridan, Gloucester Catholic Connor Kaczmarek, St. Joe-MetuchenBrady Silverman, Governor Livingston Seth Kaplan, Morristown-BeardMick Thompson, Bergen Catholic Brian Kramer, Governor LivingstonZach Wagnon, CBA Ryan Kulaszewski, St. John VianneyBrendan Waivada, Seton Hall Prep Jason Kwestel, Morris Knolls Connor Sedlak Wins JSZ’s 2021 Hockey Player of the Year During a season shrouded in uncertainty, Don Bosco Prep senior Connor Sedlak put together a career year on the ice. Sedlak helped the Ironmen collect double-digit wins and the Gordon Cup championship after a Gordon Conference-best 28 points (18 G, 10 A) for the Ironmen. Sedlak, who also eclipsed 100 career points this season, was selected as the Gordon Conference MVP by the conference’s coaches. Sedlak is the third Don Bosco Prep player to win JSZ’s highest hockey award, following his older brother, Tyler Sedlak, in 2019, and Mickey Burns, in 2018. The Sedlak’s also now become the first siblings to both win a major Jersey Sports Zone end-of-year award. JSZ’s Jay Cook profiles Connor Sedlak after an unforgettable season:
Meet the 2020 JSZ All-Zone Football Team
JSZ honors a season unlike any other with our fourth annual JSZ All-Zone team. We’ve got the top players from New Jersey at every position and the announcement of our 4th Zoneman Trophy Winner The 2020 football season provided incredible memories in the midst of adversity. Despite teams losing games due to the pandemic, JSZ cameras were able to find the best of the best from New Jersey high school football. All this week, we will present the 2020 JSZ All-Zone football team. Audric Estime wins 2020 JSZ Zoneman The St. Joe-Montvale running back will always remember the day he won the Zoneman Trophy. That’s because he happened to make national headlines when he flipped his commitment from Michigan State to Notre Dame signing with the Irish shortly after accepting the JSZ Zoneman Trophy. Estime was a force topping 1800 yards and 22 ground scores in just eight games of action Watch JSZ’s Zoneman Trophy presentation and an extended interview with Audric during his signing day ceremony: Estime received 33 votes from JSZ’s 72 person voting panel of head coaches and statewide media: Thank you to the head coaches and statewide media who cast their vote for the 2020 Zoneman Coaches: Joe Wojechowski, Lenape, Sean Clancy, Notre Dame, Rich Hilliard, St. Joe-Metuchen, Joe LaSala, Woodbridge, Vin Mistretta, Jackson Memorial, Montrey Wright, Salem, Kenny Scott, Winslow, Kevin Smith, Ocean City, Pat Gallagher, Williamstown, Steve Scanlon, Clearview, Chris Sacco, Absegami, Tim Gushue, Shawnee, Pete Lancetta, St. Augustine, John Whitehead, Paramus Catholic, Vito Campanile, Bergen Catholic, John McKenna, DePaul Catholic, Dan Sabella, Don Bosco Prep, Darnell Grant, West Orange, Bill Fitzgerald, Seton Hall Prep, David Schuman, Red Bank Regional, Dan Curcione, Donovan Catholic, Jeff Rainess, Holmdel, Jim Raso, Hammonton, Rich Hansen, St. Peter’s Prep, Tony Grandinetti, Wall, Jim Sharples, Jackson Liberty, Dom Marangi, St. Joe-Montvale, Mike Lange, Red Bank Catholic, Don Klein, Ocean Township, Bryant Garvin, Newark East Side, Jason Acerra, Bayonne, Andrew Patterson, Robbinsville, Brian Bowers, Delbarton, Todd Smith, Hun, Chris Beagen, Sayreville, Dave Ellis, Freehold Boro, Al Chiola, Linden, Dallas Whitaker, Somerville, John Viotto, South Brunswick, John Emel, Penns Grove, Rob Davis, Barnegat, Brian Russo, Rahway, Lou Grasso, Union, Roger Kotlarz, Wayne Valley, Scott Bray, Bridgewater-Raritan, Kevin Kostibos, Summit, Len Zdanowicz, Brick Township Media: Rich Chrampanis, JSZ, Jay Cook, JSZ, Nery Rodriguez, JSZ, Mike Frankel, JSZ, Kenneth Bradley, JSZ, James Mooney, JSZ, Andrew Koob, NJ.com, Sean Miller, NJ.com, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Kevin Minnick, NJ.com, Tom Williams, Prime Events, Pat Lanni, NJ.com, Ryan Patti, Rivals.com, Dave McCarthy, McCarthy Report, Shawn Brown, 247 Sports, Chris Melvin, Asbury Park Press, Todderick Hunt, NJ.com, Mike Kinney, NJ.com, Joe Zedalis, NJ.com, Bob Badders, Shore Sports Network, Chris Gallagher, News 12 NJ, Sunil Sunder Raj, Gannett, Kyle Franco, NJ.com, John Jones, Max Preps, GMC Gridron 2020 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Offense (Click player’s name to watch their JSZ All-Zone profile!) QuarterbackRunning BackWide Receiver Tight EndOffensive LineZoneman Finalists Steve Angeli, Bergen CatholicRyan Butler, Bergen Catholic Naran Buntin, Mater Dei PrepAlex Bauman, Red Bank Catholic Chase Bisontis, Don Bosco Prep Tahj Bullock, St. Peter's Prep Andrew Butler, DePaul CatholicJahdir Loftland, Donovan Catholic Nick Dunneman, Seton Hall Prep Jack Larsen, Seton Hall PrepDominick Brogna, Bergen CatholicCookie Desiderio, Somerville Cole Freeman, DelbartonRickey "Pop" Spruill, Notre Dame Jayon Farrar, Donovan Catholic Nuccio Lisitano, DePaul CatholicCamron McNair, Donovan Catholic Audric Estime, St. Joe-Montvale Kanye Udoh, St. Augustine Prep Nasir Hill, St. Augustine Prep Justin McNulty, Holy SpiritCasey Larkin, Wall Najih Rahman, Red Bank Catholic Aidan Monteiro, St. Peter's Prep Patrick Smith, Holy Spirit Jaylan Sanchez, St. Peter's PrepGeno VanDeMark, St. Joe-Montvale 2020 JSZ All-Zone Non-Public Defense/Special Teams Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/Punter Dominick Giudice, Mater Dei PrepPJ Casale, Delbarton Jayden Bellamy, Bergen CatholicPatrick Ryan, Delbarton Keshon Griffin, St. Joseph Academy Timmy Hinspeter, Don Bosco Prep Jordan Campbell, St. Peter's PrepSebastien Tasko, St. Joe-Montvale Jake Louro, Red Bank Catholic Frankie Monte, St. Joe-MontvaleJaeden Gould, Bergen Catholic Qy'aeir Price, DePaul CatholicAi'Johnnie Rembert, Holy SpiritJahqir Haley, St. Joseph Academy Ethan Rodriguez, St. Peter's PrepAhmad Ross, St. Joseph AcademyJake Jarmolowich, Delbarton George Rooks, St. Peter's PrepA'Khoury Lyde, DePaul Catholic DJ Samuels, Bergen Catholic 2020 JSZ All-Zone Public Offense QuarterbackRunning BackWide ReceiverTight EndOffensive Line Joe Crifasi, BectonJaiden Abrams, HammontonJoJo Bermudez, Cedar CreekSean Clapp, RamapoMatthew Fries, Cranford Charles DePrima, RamapoAl-Jay Henderson, IrvingtonJaimen Bryant, SomervilleJordan Harris, Woodbridge Chad Martini, Watchung HillsAli Lee, Jr., WoodbridgeAlijah Clark, CamdenJustin Evans-Jenkins, Irvington Sha'Kim Shuler, Freehold BoroNasir Robinson, Penns GroveXavier Coleman, LenapeWinston Jordan, Highland Regional Demie Sumo, WillingboroTyler Davis, LenapeJoe Metzger, Delsea Will Towns, Jackson MemorialDesmond Igbinosun, UnionJoe Mancino, Holmdel Bhayshul Tuten, PaulsboroAnthony Johnson, Burlington Twp.Grant Puharic, Wall John Volker, Rumson-Fair HavenJake Schneider, Ocean CityBilly Searle, Nutley Josh Toner, Cherokee 2020 JSZ All-Zone Public Defense/Special Teams Defensive LineLinebackerDefensive BackKicker/PunterReturn Specialist Zaire Angoy, IrvingtonLeQuint Allen, MillvilleJayden Brown, Winslow Twp.Jai Patel, South BrunswickAl Shadee-Salaam, East Orange Jihaad Campbell, Timber CreekKharyi Banton, Newark West SideJalen Cheek, Winslow Twp. Donovan Ezeiruaku, WilliamstownLocksley Burke, East OrangeDarian "Duce" Chestnut, Camden Von Factor, Rumson-Fair HavenLuke Cole, LenapeBrody Colbert, Williamstown Luke Doerr-Fredrickson, West MorrisMikai Gbayor, IrvingtonLee Coleman, Salem Mike Jarvis, ShawneeJake Inserra, Ocean CityShaquan Loyal, Newark West Side AJ Pena, SomervilleEmeril Mitchell, Winslow Twp.Dorian Rawls, West Orange Jordan Thompson, Parsippany HillsCharlie Sasso, WallRyan Ruane, Rumson-Fair Haven John Testa, Wayne ValleyKeon Sabb, Williamstown Corey Walker, Newark West Side Meet the 2020 Zoneman Finalists Tahj Bullock, St. Peter’s Prep QB Before ever taking a snap at St. Peter’s Prep, fans and coaches on the St. Peter’s Prep stands and sidelines buzzed about a kid nicknamed “Ducee” who would take New Jersey by storm. Now Tahj Bullock’s illustrious high school career is over – and he’ll be discussed as one of the most impactful player to ever play for the Marauders. Bullock, a Virginia Tech commit, flashed in the six games St. Peter’s Prep played in this season. He completed 51 percent of his passes for 818 yards and a touchdown to interception ratio of 12:0. Ducee also accounted for 306 yards and six more touchdowns on the ground, bringing his career touchdown total to an impeccable 52 scores. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story on Bullock Cookie Desiderio, Somerville RB Players like Cookie Desiderio don’t come around very often – and the numbers he produced in 2020 were just as unique. The Somerville bruiser exceeded every and all exception in this wild season with 1,569 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns on only 152 carries. That comes out to 10.3 yards every single time Desiderio took a handoff. You know what makes those numbers so impressive? It’s the fact that Desiderio did it in only seven games and that he surpassed every single benchmark he previously set in his junior season. Desiderio becomes the second player in Somerville history to be nominated for the award (Jalahn Dabney, 2018.) The recognition is well-deserved. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the feature: Audric Estime, St. Joe’s (Mont.) RB Audric Estime put in an offseason for the ages to deliver one of the most dominant single season efforts anyone has ever seen in North Jersey. While playing in arguably one of the toughest divisions in the entire country, the St. Joe’s (Mont.) product ran roughshod over the competition for 190 carries, 1,857 yards and 22 touchdowns. All of those were career highs in only eight games played. The Michigan State commit was also the only player in the state to account for 2,000 scrimmage yards and finished 2020 with a total 2,042 yards and 24 touchdowns. The Big 10 better be ready for what’s coming. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story: Casey Larkin, Wall ATH Both the soul and heartbeat of Wall’s undefeated 2020 team is, without question, Casey Larkin. A starter on both sides of the ball for the Crimson Knights, Larkin shined in every game he played. At running back, he rushed for 870 yards and 13 touchdowns on only 97 carries. At defensive back, Larkin anchored the Crimson Knights defense with 32 tackles, five pass defenses and a fumble recovery. Wall won the unofficial Shore Conference championship this season and finished the year 7-0. Larkin delivered two standout performances in the semifinal and finals. Some in New Jersey consider Wall to be the state’s top-ranked team – if they indeed are, then Larkin had a major say in that decision. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the story: Patrick “Cheeks” Smith, Holy Spirit RB If you ask any high school football fanatic in South Jersey who the area’s top player was this season, the answer would be short and quick: Cheeks. Patrick Smith, the Holy Spirit standout, was an absolute force to be reckoned with every time the rock was in his hands. Smith concluded an unforgettable 2020 campaign with 1,719 rushing yards and 16 touchdowns on a workhorse-like 221 carries this season. Holy Spirit ended the season at 8-0 after becoming the unofficial South Jersey champions with a 21-7 win over Lenape in the WJFL Bracket A Final. Smith’s incredible top-end speed and vision helped drive the Spartans to the upper echelon on New Jersey high school football in a crazy season. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the feature: JSZ Plays of the Year The JSZ Football Plays of the Year will wrap up on December 21st with the six winners of each category vying for the top overall play of the year. We’ll interview the winner on December 23rd! Special Teams TD of the Year: Monday, Dec. 7th through Wednesday, Dec. 9th.TD Pass Play of the Year: Thursday, Dec. 10th through Saturday, Dec. 12th.Defensive TD of the Year: Sunday, Dec. 13th through Tuesday, Dec. 15th.TD Run of the Year: Wednesday, Dec. 16th through Friday. Dec. 18th.Sack of the Year: Saturday, Dec. 19th through Monday, Dec. 21st.2020 Overall Play of the Year (6 Plays of the Year winners): Monday, Dec. 21st through Wednesday, Dec. 23rd
Feature Stories
Devils honor JSZ’s Top HS Hockey Goals from December
Jersey Sports Zone is back at the Rock to honor five awesome hockey goals captured by our cameras. Check out a recap of a special night featuring five players taking center stage in Newark! Jersey Sports Zone returns to the Prudential Center after a year away due to COVID-19. The New Jersey Devils are once again bringing a special experience to high school hockey players with JSZ’s popular Top Goals of the Month. The top 5 goals captured by JSZ cameras received tickets to the Devils/Stars game and saw their goals on display on the jumbotron during the first intermission. Prior to the game, Devils forward Nate Bastian watched all five goals and gave his thoughts. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis takes us to the Rock to bring great high school goals back to the NHL! A special thanks to the New Jersey Devils for honoring high school hockey in New Jersey. Coming up on February 24th, JSZ will return to the Prudential Center to feature five more great goals from January. We’ll post ten more nominees in the first week of February!
Ridgewood’s Joe Grasso Wins First SFC Young Man of the Year Award
So many postseason awards are hyper-focused on achievements on the gridiron. But, the Super Football Conference’s newest honor shines a spotlight on the student athletes who are stars off the field, too. Of eight finalists up for the award, Ridgewood senior Joe Grasso was named the 2021-2022 Super Football Conference’s Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year. Grasso was honored with a plaque, a trophy and gift no one saw coming – a pair of tickets to Super Bowl 56, courtesy of the New York Jets. The day was also a celebration of Steve DiGregorio, a longtime institution around North Jersey football who passed away in October. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story from MetLife Stadium: Steve DiGregorio Young Man of the Year Award Finalists Joe Grasso, Ridgewood Michael McGuire, Madison Anthony Miller, Chatham Zach Cooper, Dover Michael Mastroeni, Hopatcong Zaheem Crawford-Patterson, Irvington Chris Corbo, West Essex Erik Perez, St. Peter’s Prep
Vote now for JSZ’s New Jersey Devils December Goal of the Month!
We’ve got the best 10 goals captured by JSZ cameras in December. Watch them all and cast your vote. The top 5 goals will be honored at an upcoming New Jersey Devils home game! The New Jersey Devils have partnered with Jersey Sports Zone once again to honor great high school hockey goals all season long! We’ve got the top ten goals captured by JSZ cameras in December and we’re asking you to cast your vote. The winner of our poll will secure one of the five slots for the NJ Devils HS Hockey goals of the month. The JSZ staff and Devils will choose the other four to create our top five goals of the month. The five goals of the month will be honored at a future Devils home game and receive tickets to the game! The polls are open now through Thursday at 3:00 pm. Cast your vote now and thanks to all ten of our nominees for giving us some awesome goals!
Is Bergen Catholic’s 2021 Team the Best Ever in NJ History?
It’s a question worth asking but ultimately never have a true answer: Are the 2021 Bergen Catholic Crusaders the greatest team in New Jersey history? Ask any of the leaders on this year’s team, and they’ll say they’re deserving of that honor. Bergen Catholic capped off its 12-0 season Saturday by winning the 2021 Non-Public A championship, but the work for this title began years ago and was brought to fruition by a larger-than-life head coach. JSZ’s Jay Cook covered Bergen Catholic all season long and provides an inside look at what made these Crusaders so special: Jersey Sports Zone’s season-long coverage of Bergen Catholic was made possible by Rothman Orthopaedics.
RBC QB goes viral after inspirational performance
Red Bank Catholic’s Alex Brown scored eight touchdowns last Friday night following the death of his mother. Red Bank Catholic’s Alex Brown threw six touchdown passes and ran for two more scores in the Caseys 58-34 win over Morris Catholic in the opening round of the Non-Public “B” state playoffs. The eight TD performance was special beyond the eye-popping statistics. Brown’s mother, Michelle, passed away the previous day following a 15-year battle with breast cancer. “As soon as I threw that first touchdown pass I could feel her presence,” Brown said. “I was locked in the whole day even though my head was spinning from all the stuff and playing in a playoff game. After that first touchdown pass, I looked up and said ‘thank you mama’ and I was ready to go from there.” Yesterday I lost my amazing mother. Today I scored 8 touchdowns, thank you for watching over me mama❤️ pic.twitter.com/gdg28FVbsA— Alex Brown QB (@AlexRayBrown2) November 13, 2021 Following the inspirational performance, Brown posted a video clip from one of his touchdown runs and posted By the end of the weekend, the post had gone viral with ESPN SportsCenter and others sharing the post over a million times. Tom Brady, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback was just one of the countless people around the world who showed support and love for the RBC quarterback. Since then, the Bucknell commit has done interviews for ESPN, Fox News and local television just to name a few. “It was a shock. I literally went to sleep just saying I love you Mom and I posted that,” Brown said. “I woke up in the morning with thousands of DMs and texts with stories about losing a parent and cancer. Then I got calls from Fox, CBS and Sports Illustrated. In my head, I’m thinking this has to be Mom. Something inspired people and something is inspiring the world. I think this is all from my mom and her doing. Even though I played a great game, this is her tribute.” Brown talked about his mother’s illness during JSZ’s All-Access Comeback Season preseason special. Sophomore Markus Brown, Alex’s younger brother, is a starting wide receiver on the Rumson-Fair Haven football team. Markus played the night after his mom’s passing as well when RFH topped Burlington Township 34-0. Both players have games this Friday night with Alex and RBC hosting St. Joseph Academy in a state semifinal and RFH hosting Woodrow Wilson in a sectional championship.
Beloved Ramapo Football Coach Drew Gibbs, 59, Passes Suddenly
Longtime Ramapo football Coach Drew Gibbs passed away Tuesday morning after emergency surgery following an aortic tear in his heart. Gibbs was 59 years old. According to various media reports, Gibbs experienced chest pains during Monday’s practice and was taken to Valley Hospital in Ridgewood. A subsequent CT scan found the tear. He passed Tuesday after complications. A true staple of the North Jersey high school football community, Gibbs was the face and lifeblood of Ramapo football for 21 seasons. During that time, he won seven sectional titles and a pair of North Group 3 regional championships. “Drew’s competitive spirit and determination to succeed never compromised his unmatched level of integrity,” said John Jacob, commissioner of the New Jersey Football Coaches Association, in a statement. Ramapo is 10-1 this season and is in the midst of preparing for the North 1 Group 4 sectional final against top-seeded and undefeated Northern Highlands on Friday. No announcements have been made about any changes to that game. Gibbs compiled an impressive career record of 183-51 as head coach at Ramapo. From 2018 to 2020, the Raiders won 27 consecutive games across a pair of 13-0 seasons. He’s helped send dozens of players to the college ranks and coached future NFL players such as Chris Hogan and Blake Costanzo. Remembering Ramapo’s Drew Gibbs | In Memoriam Tribute Drew Gibbs and Ramapo Football | JSZ Archives
Recruiting
NJ Football Stars Make it Official; JSZ 2021 Signing Day Coverage
Wednesday marks the start of the early signing period for HS seniors to sign their national letters of intent. JSZ has coverage from Irvington, plus updates from around the Garden State! Justin Evans-Jenkins Commits to Nebraska! With the way college recruiting goes nowadays, there are hardly any surprises left on Early Signing Day. However, that wasn’t the case in Irvington as two-way powerhouse Justin Evans-Jenkins made noise on Wednesday by announcing his commitment to the University of Nebraska. Evans-Jenkins was the leader for Irvington on and off the field during the championship season. He was a stalwart on the offensive and defensive lines, and is set be the first student in Irvington history to ever graduate high school early. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the story on Nebraska’s newest offensive line recruit: Denis Jaquez | St. Augustine | Syracuse Another future star from Jersey is headed to the 3️⃣1️⃣5️⃣.Welcome to your city, @jaquez_denis pic.twitter.com/HTQgij6FIA— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) December 15, 2021 Steve Angeli | Bergen Catholic | Notre Dame From Bergen Catholic High School to Notre Dame, here comes 𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗩𝗘 𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗘𝗟𝗜@SteveAngeli_125 | #IrishRising22 pic.twitter.com/XiY4SGdwK9— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 15, 2021 Devin Kargman | Woodrow Wilson | Kent State Keeping the QB tradition strong with this gunslinger from Jersey!💪 @DevinKargman#AlphaSquad22🐺 | #FlashFAST⚡️| #BeTheAlpha🦅 pic.twitter.com/42lAcCNyLs— Kent State Football (@KentStFootball) December 15, 2021 Q’Yaeir Price | DePaul Catholic | Rutgers The Big North ➡️ RUWelcome, @QyaeirPriceDp pic.twitter.com/ZR4PCotyc3— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) December 15, 2021 JoJo Bermudez | Cedar Creek | Cincinnati 🚨 🆂🅸🅶🅽🅴🅳 🚨JoJo Bermudez // @jojobermudez3▪️ Wide Receiver▪️ Egg Harbor City, NJ#Bearcats | #CinCityPride22 pic.twitter.com/e1im0D5mTC— Cincinnati Football (@GoBearcatsFB) December 15, 2021 LeQuint Allen | Millville | Syracuse The Gatorade Player of the Year from Jersey is officially h🍊me.Welcome to 'Cuse, @jrlequint pic.twitter.com/Do16bosDLg— Syracuse Football (@CuseFootball) December 15, 2021 Jacob Allen | The Hun School | Rutgers Jersey Tough 🪓 Welcome to the F.A.M.I.L.Y. Jacob‼️@JacobAllen_79 | #CHOP pic.twitter.com/7X3uSdFiqp— Rutgers Football (@RFootball) December 15, 2021 Jayden Bellamy | Bergen Catholic | Notre Dame From Bergen Catholic High School to Notre Dame, here comes 𝗝𝗔𝗬𝗗𝗘𝗡 𝗕𝗘𝗟𝗟𝗔𝗠𝗬@jaydenknows_ | #IrishRising22 pic.twitter.com/CO9Jc0b0zJ— Notre Dame Football (@NDFootball) December 15, 2021 Donovan Leary | Timber Creek | Illinois .@D_leary2, the No. 9 player in New Jersey is on his way. #Illini x #famILLy pic.twitter.com/TTlDSycZbV— Illinois Football (@IlliniFootball) December 15, 2021 Kenny Fletcher | Delran | Rutgers The best in NJ stay in NJ, as #Rutgers inks 4️⃣🌟 South Jersey DE Kenny Fletcher.@KennyFletcher20 | @CoachLucas74 | @DelranAthletics 🔗: https://t.co/UILupF54Jo pic.twitter.com/GLEyzqpSuw— Rutgers Scarlet Knights | TheKnightReport.Net (@RutgersRivals) December 15, 2021 Jaeden Gould | Bergen Catholic | Nebraska Roll the tape.@jaedengould5#GBRXXII pic.twitter.com/BDuUBe29ke— Nebraska Football (@HuskerFBNation) December 15, 2021 Turner Inge | Williamstown | Villanova Welcome to #NovaNation, @TurnerInge5‼️#TapTheRock #GoNova✌️ pic.twitter.com/JgveE89l5X— Villanova Football (@NovaFootball) December 15, 2021 Gavin Kennedy | St. Augustine | Bucknell Pork Roll 🐷 and Pancakes 🥞OL Gavin Kennedy (@gkennedy_72) is the #NextToBeHerd!#NSD22 | #rayBucknell pic.twitter.com/34nbIEk5nA— Bucknell Football (@Bucknell_FB) December 15, 2021 Charlie Sasso, Wall and Damir McCrary, Woodrow Wilson | Monmouth Continuing the trend of New Jersey standouts on the defensive side of the ball, up next is @MccraryDamir – the South Jersey Defensive Player of the Year WelcoⓂ️me to the nest! pic.twitter.com/9dHYZkxBUN— Monmouth Football (@MUHawksFB) December 15, 2021 Jaden Wimberly | St. Joe’s (Mont.) | Lehigh Welcome to the #AirShow! @wimberly_jaden is a playmaker!! Welcome to the family! #2FLY2GETHER #BeGreat pic.twitter.com/VU7Q6RcmZM— Lehigh Football (@LehighFootball) December 15, 2021
Bergen Catholic Star Jaeden Gould Picks Nebraska!
The world of college football recruiting can be harsh sometimes, and Jaeden Gould can say he knows that all too well. Gould, a four-star defensive back from Bergen Catholic, was committed to the University of Southern California. After the Trojans changed coaching staffs and brought in Lincoln Reilly to lead the program, Gould rescinded his committment. That led to a two-week gauntlet of being recruited again and that search ended with Gould committing to the University of Nebraska on the eve of Early Signing Day. Gould made switch from cornerback to safety for his senior year and ended the season with a career high four interceptions. He was a leader on a tenacious Crusaders team that went 12-0 season and won the Non-Public A State Championship. The 6’2, 190 pound defensive standout is now Lincoln-bound and joins a Cornhusker team with former NJ stars like Mikai Gbayor (Irvington) and Rahmir Johnson (Bergen Catholic) on the roster. Check out his senior season highlight reel below!
Five-Star Simeon Wilcher Commits to UNC!
One of the elite, ascending players in the New Jersey high school basketball world didn’t wasted any time in announcing his future home. Class of 2023 Roselle Catholic guard Simeon Wilcher gave a verbal commitment to the University of North Carolina on Friday night after an official visit last week. 10000% COMMITTED ! 🐏WASSUP TAR HEEL NATION! @UNC_Basketball pic.twitter.com/ADVelhC43w— Simeon Wilcher (@SimeonWilcher) October 16, 2021 In two seasons at Roselle Catholic, Wilcher blossomed into one of the top players in all of America. Every major scouting and recruiting service has Wilcher ranked as a five-star player and ESPN currently has him at No. 12 overall in the Class of 2023. Wilcher – a native of nearby Plainfield, New Jersey – was a Jersey Sports Zone Non-Public All-Zone team selection as a sophomore after averaging 12.3 points per game for the 12-3 Lions. His best performance came on January 25 when he recorded a 25 point, 11 rebound, 10 assist triple-double in a 101-75 win over St. Joseph (Met.). The 6-3, 175 pound point guard flashed some serious skill last season. He has range for the three-pointer and is athletic and strong enough to drive the lane, initiate contact and score in the paint. Wilcher played alongside current University of Connecticut guard Corey Floyd, Jr. at Roselle Catholic last season. Wilcher is the first 2023 player to commit to UNC and first year head coach Hubert Davis, who replaces legendary coach Roy Williams. Wilcher is also the first of New Jersey’s elite 2023 class to come off the board, too. The others are No. 1 ranked D.J. Wagner (Camden), No. 5 Mackenzie Mgbako (Gill St. Bernard’s), No. 20 Akil Watson (Roselle Catholic) and No. 22 Ahmad Bradshaw (Camden). Those rankings are courtesy of ESPN. Simeon Wilcher is the younger brother of C.J. Wilcher, a sharpshooting guard at the University of Nebraska. Watch Simeon Wilcher’s JSZ Sophomore Highlight Reel!
Bergen Catholic’s Will Richardson Makes College Choice!
When discussing the top returning seniors in the New Jersey high school basketball world for this upcoming season, Will Richardson’s name is among those at the top of the list. Richardson, a dynamic point guard at Bergen Catholic, has now announced his college choice. Taking to social media Sunday night, Richardson broke the news that he had given a verbal commitment to Fordham University. Richardson’s was impressive for Bergen Catholic during his junior year. In a COVID-19 shortened regular season, the 6-2, 160 pound guard led the Crusaders with 18.8 points per game and 2 steals per game. He also flashed an improved three-point shooting prowess and led his team in that category with 20 three-pointers. Bergen Catholic went 7-2 and secured wins over perennial powers Gill St. Bernard’s, The Patrick School and Montclair Immaculate. The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association did not hold a state playoff tournament that season. Watch Will Richardson’s JSZ Junior Year Highlight Reel! Richardson was selected by Jersey Sports Zone as a finalist for the “2021 Mr. Hoop Zone” Player of the Year award. He finished fourth in the voting behind Camden’s D.J. Wagner, Manasquan’s Ben Roy and Roselle Catholic’s Corey Floyd, Jr. Balloting was collected by high school coaches and credentialed media around the state. Fordham, who finished at 2-14 in the Atlantic-10 conference last season, is currently undergoing a facelift under new first year head coach Kyle Neptune. Bergen Catholic returns its entire starting five and a number of other pieces for the 2021-2022 season. They’ll be very much in the mix for titles in the Bergen County Jamboree and Non-Public A state tournament. Jersey Sports Zone’ coverage of Bergen Catholic is made possible by Rothman Orthopaedics!
Zion Cruz transfers to Kanye West’s Donda Academy
The Patrick School guard and JSZ All-Zone selection is making national headlines for joining Kanye West’s new California prep school. Check out Zion’s JSZ highlight reel! Patrick School 5-star recruit Zion Cruz is on his way to play prep basketball in California at Kanye West’s newly formed Donda Academy. Adam Zagoria confirmed that Cruz is leaving New Jersey to play on a team that features a number of high-profile recruits. Cruz started his high school basketball career at Hudson Catholic before moving to Oak Hill Prep and spent last year at the Patrick School. Cruz averaged 16.7 points per game for the Celtics in 12 games playing in the shortened 2021 New Jersey high school basketball season due to the pandemic. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Cruz from his one season with the Patrick School Cruz has 20 Division I basketball offers and is set to make a visit to Memphis October 13th.
Jacob Allen is ready for 2022 All-American Bowl
Hun offensive lineman Jacob Allen is expected to turn heads at Rutgers next season, but before lacing it up for the Scarlet Knights he will head to San Antonio, TX to represent New Jersey in the annual NBC All-American Bowl. Our cameras were there as Allen was being presented his jersey just before the Raider’s 40-7 win over MAPL rival Blair. He may be the Garden State’s lone representative for the game, however with relentless intensity and leadership to match, Jacob Allen is ready to showcase why he is NJ’s top ranked player. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the story from Princeton: Check out the game’s full roster Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Hun coverage.
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