Basketball
JSZ’s Year in Review Series: 2021-22 Girls Basketball Season
The 2021-2022 New Jersey high school sports season is officially over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce on what was an incredible year. Jersey Sports Zone’s team of multimedia journalists had boots on the ground from August 2021 through June 2022 and covered over 1,000 games in over a dozen different sports during that timeframe. So, before we turn the page on the past year, our team gets together and looks back on their favorite moments in each sport. The 2021-22 Girls’ Basketball Season Jay Cook | North Jersey: Morris Catholic 63 Morristown 35; Feb. 25, 2022 “This Morris County Tournament championship game signified the beginning of a potential dynasty in New Jersey high school girls basketball. With freshman twin sister Mia and Mya Pauldo at the helm, Morris Catholic cruised by Morristown to win the county final. The duo combined for 30 points, 16 rebounds and 11 assists in the win, which was part of a 24-game win streak.” Rich Chrampanis | Central Jersey: Manasquan 62 Holmdel 59; Feb. 19, 2022 “A husband vs. wife coaching showdown was a story of ultimate respect between two partners in basketball and life. Holmdel principal Matt Kukoda returned to the sidelines mid-season. Lisa Kukoda has been one of New Jersey’s best girls basketball coaches. Both teams raised their level and the post-game interviews were special. Nery Rodriguez | Central Jersey: Westfield 69 Hillsborough 42; March 9, 2022 “It was one of the greatest atmospheres all season as Westfield led by former alumni, Liz McKeon brought home its first ever Girls Basketball Sectional Title in program history.” Mike Frankel | South Jersey: Mainland 54 Wildwood Catholic 38; February 26, 2022 “The Mustangs put the finishing touches on a Cape Atlantic League Tournament championship, cementing their place as the CAL’s best. The win also made it a clean sweep for the ‘Stangs, as the boys team also won the league title earlier in the day.” James Mooney | South Jersey: Cherokee 26 Shawnee 24; Feb. 20, 2022 “From a pre-game appearance from Miss New Jersey, to the late-game heroics by TCNJ-bound Katie Fricker, the SJIBT title game between Cherokee and Shawnee produced another instant classic from one of the top rivalries in South Jersey.
JSZ’s Year in Review Series: 2021-22 Boys’ Basketball Season
The 2021-2022 New Jersey high school sports season is officially over, but that doesn’t mean we can’t reminisce on what was an incredible year. Jersey Sports Zone’s team of multimedia journalists had boots on the ground from August 2021 through June 2022 and covered over 1,000 games in over a dozen different sports during that timeframe. So, before we turn the page on the past year, our team gets together and looks back on their favorite moments in each sport. The 2021-22 Boys’ Basketball Season Jay Cook | North Jersey: Roselle Catholic 61 Camden 58 (OT); March 20, 2022 “The last Tournament of Champions final in New Jersey history was one for the history books. Roselle Catholic and Camden went the distance and then some at Jersey Mike’s Arena on the campus at Rutgers University. Simeon Wilcher and D.J. Wagner led each of their teams into battle, but it was Braxton Jones’ go-ahead field goal late in overtime that put the Lions in front for good.” Rich Chrampanis | Central Jersey: Marlboro 63 Manasquan 46; Feb. 27, 2022 “The Shore Conference Tournament is a gauntlet and has proven that it’s as hard to win as a state championship. Marlboro left no doubt who was the best on the Jersey Shore and went on to win a sectional title.” Nery Rodriguez | Central Jersey: Gill St. Bernard’s 86 Watchung Hills 53; Jan. 20, 2022 “This regular season Skyland Conference matchup featured one of the best performances from Duke basketball commit Mackenzie Mgbako where the future Blue Devil dropped 36 points and collected 20 rebounds. Despite a large deficit, Watchung Hills senior Elijah Lewis put on a show of his own to finish with 39 points.” Mike Frankel | South Jersey: Gloucester 51 Salem 41; March 8, 2022 “It had been decades since either Gloucester or Salem had won a South Jersey hoops title. The blue-collar Lions helped cap off a magical season with their first championship since 1971.” James Mooney | South Jersey: Rutgers Prep 63 Red Bank Catholic 60; March 10, 2022 “Rutgers Prep and RBC left everything on the court at Lenape High School in the Non-Public A South title game. Ryan Pettit’s buzzer-beater to end the third quarter set the stage for an electric fourth quarter which saw the Argonauts bring home its first-ever sectional crown.”
The 2021-22 HS Sports Season Comes to a Close
After over 1,000 games and months of boots-on-the-ground reporting, the 2021-2022 high school sports season in New Jersey has come to a close for Jersey Sports Zone. This past scholastic year brought remarkable highs and moments that will live on for years to come. We also saw coaches, players and entire school communities battle through hardships and persevere despite tough times. So, in the best way we know how, we close out the year in our style. Check out the Top 10 Boys Plays of the Year and the Top 10 Girls Plays of the Year. Also, JSZ’s Jay Cook reviews the year in an impactful video essay that spans the highlights of this past year. 2021-22 In The Books: A Video Essay by Jay Cook Top 10 Boys Plays of the Year Top 10 Girls Plays of the Year Jersey Sports Zone is proudly sponsored by RWJ Barnabas Health!
Pettit Leaves His Legacy at Rutgers Prep
Jersey Sports Zone TV profiled the unique two-sport success of Rutgers Prep’s Ryan Pettit. Watch our story on the Division I basketball player who played his last game in lacrosse Ryan Pettit is set to begin his Division I basketball career at Lafayette College but before he put his entire focus on hoops, Pettit closed out his high school lacrosse career at Rutgers Prep with a state title. Pettit had 47 goals and 50 assists for the Argonauts in his secondary sport and finished his three-year lacrosse career with 198 career points. On the basketball court, Pettit was named to JSZ’s All-Zone team after leading the Argonauts to a sectional title and filling up the stat sheet with over 12 points, 5 rebounds, and 5 assists per game. But as we found out in our JSZ-TV feature, Pettit brought a whole lot more than statistics to two championship teams: Jersey Sports Zone TV is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health
Five-Star Naas Cunningham Leaves HS Ranks, Heads to Overtime Elite Pro League
After two impressive years at Gill St. Bernard’s, five-star Naas Cunningham is leaving the high school ranks to play in the Overtime Elite professional basketball league. Cunningham, the No. 1 nationally ranked player in the Class of 2024, is set to be the first player in the league to bypass a salary while maintaining his college eligibility. The news was first reported by ESPN this morning. Watch Highlights Naas Cunningham’s Sophomore Season “This is best place for me to develop as a player, while getting the right education to fall back on at the same time,” Cunningham told ESPN’s Jonathon Givony. “Overtime built a relationship with my family and I, which was a big factor in trusting them with my future. I want to be the best basketball player I can, a NBA draft lottery pick and hopefully one of the best in the league. Overtime is going to put me in position to become the best player I can.” This move is a first-of-its-kind for high school players. Since Overtime Elite began in 2021, players in the league were taking six-figure salaries and forgoing any college eligibility to play professional basketball with players their age. But, Cunningham will be able to complete his high school education while having no negative impact on his eligibility to play college basketball when that time arrives. He holds over a dozen offers from the elite college hoops programs in the country. Cunningham had a productive sophomore season with Gill St. Bernard’s, who went 20-7 and won the Somerset County Tournament. The 6-7 wing averaged 13.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game and was named to JSZ’s All-Zone team.
Cliff Omoruyi Gives Back to Hometown in Nigeria
When Cliff Omoruyi was a young man back in his home of Benin City, Nigeria, the opportunity to have shoes that actually fit were few and far between. Now, one of the most popular players on Rutgers men’s basketball’s team is giving back to his hometown. Omoruyi hosted a week-long shoe drive at Rutgers University this past week that brought in hundreds of pairs of shoes. The former Roselle Catholic star tells JSZ’s Jay Cook what fueled his desire to give back: Jersey Sports Zone is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health!
GSB’s Mackenzie Mgbako Commits to Duke
The Gill St. Bernard’s junior makes his pledge to play for new head coach Jon Scheyer and the Blue Devils. Check out his stellar JSZ highlight reel NOW! Mackenzie Mgbako is a five-star recruit and one of the best prospects in the class of 2023. The six-foot-seven wing forward has given a verbal commitment to play for Jon Scheyer and the Duke Blue Devils. Mgbako made the announcement prior to playing in the Nike Hoop Summit in Portland, Oregon where the native of Nigeria is playing with the World All-Stars. Mgbako chose Duke over Kentucky, Memphis, and Ohio State. Scheyer is taking over the reins of the Duke program following the retirement of Mike Krzyzewski following Duke’s run to the Final Four in the 2022 NCAA Tournament. Mgbako was outstanding in his junior season at Gill St. Bernard’s averaging 19.5 points, 10.6 points and 2.9 assists helping GSB win the Somerset County championship and a 20-7 record playing an elite schedule both in and out of New Jersey. Mackenzie was one of five finalists for JSZ’s Mister Hoop Zone award which went to Camden’s DJ Wagner. Check out Mgbako’s outstanding highlight reel from his junior season:
Vote now for the finals of JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness!
JSZ’s Dunk Madness is back for 2022! 32 of the best dunks captured by JSZ in a bracket-style tournament where YOU determine who had the Dunk of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Final Four polls are open now until 3PM on Friday (3/31). The winner will be announced tomorrow! Vote now for the Dunk of the Year matchup! Watch each player’s dunk and cast your vote below! Mark Armstrong (St. Peter’s Prep) vs. Elijah Brown (St. Augustine) JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness is powered by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Meet JSZ’s Entire 2022 All-Zone Basketball Team!
Jersey Sports Zone honors the 2021-22 high school basketball season with our annual All-Zone team. We announce the Mister and Miss Hoop Zone 2022 winner with extended features on two more great names to add to New Jersey high school basketball history! You can also find our entire All-Zone team below, which highlights the top public and non-public players on both the boys’ and girls’ sides. Wagner Repeats as JSZ’s Mister Hoop Zone Camden guard DJ Wagner is a two-time winner of Jersey Sports Zone’s Mister Hoop Zone award. The number one ranked recruit in the nation for the class of 2023 helped “The High” to a Group 2 state championship. He was on 35 first-place ballots in JSZ’s voting, done by high school head coaches and media members around the state. Roselle Catholic’s Simeon Wilcher, who led Roselle Catholic to a Tournament of Champions overtime win against Camden finished in second picking up 22 first-place votes. In the midst of all the attention not only in our state but across the nation, Wagner continues to be humble and has a team-first mentality. JSZ’s Mike Frankel profiles our two-time Mr. Hoop Zone winner: Thanks to the coaches and media members from every part of the state who cast their vote for 2022 Mister Hoop Zone: Tom Sheridan, Williamstown, Kyle Dhyne, Holy Spirit, Cameron Bell, Egg Harbor Twp., Dan Williams, Mainland, Eric Cassidy, Cherokee, Matt Bloom, Rutgers Prep, Dave Boff, Roselle Catholic, Billy Armstrong, Bergen Catholic, Tyler Schmelz, Red Bank Catholic, John Giraldo, Matawan, Alex Mirabel, St. Peter’s Prep, Kevin Diverio, Don Bosco, Mergin Sina, Gill St. Bernard’s, Dennis Caruano, Raritan, Andrew Bilodeau, Manasquan, Gene Allen, Atlantic City, John Rosser, Overbrook, Mike Nausedas, Marlboro, Justin Salton, Watchung Hills, Anthony Drejaj, Linden, Ryan McKeever, Immaculata, Rory Caswell, Toms River North, Lou Piccola, Colts Neck, Rich Buckheit, Mater Dei Prep, Mike Puorro, Barnegat, John Bruno, Ocean City, Nick Vier, Ramapo, Mike Clemente, Central, Chris Chavannes, Patrick School, Kris Grundy, Montgomery, Matt Talbot, Roselle Park, Tahj Holden, Ranney, Anthony Tavares, Newark East Side, A. Melesurgo, Bound Brook, Jeff Gumbs Jr., Perth Amboy, Rich Roche, Notre Dame, Chris Raba, Nottingham, Phil Colicchio, Elizabeth, Ben Gamble, Bayonne, Mark Bass, Trenton Catholic, Kevin Williams, Seton Hall Prep, Ryan Derry, Burlington Township, Don DeLeo, Hightstown, James McKeon, Westfield, Liam James, Gloucester, Kevin Minnick, NJ Advance Media, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Brandon Gould, NJ Advance Media, Tom Williams, Prime Events, Jon Jones, NJ Advance/Max Preps, Mike Pavlichko, Central Jersey Sports Radio, Dave’s Joint, Adam Zagoria, NY Times, Antonio Morales, NJ Athletics, Greg Machos, GMC Hoops, Matt Manley, Shore Sports Network, Jay Gomes, NJ Hoops, Rich Chrampanis, JSZ, James Mooney, JSZ, Jay Cook, JSZ, Nery Rodriguez, JSZ, Mike Frankel, JSZ SJV’s St. Rose Wins 2022 Miss Hoop Zone in Dominating Fashion St. John Vianney guard Madison St. Rose was a near-unanimous selection to win Jersey Sports Zone’s 2022 Miss Hoop Zone. The Princeton-bound senior was the leader of one of the best teams in New Jersey high school history going 32-1, winning the final Tournament of Champions. While St. Rose was snubbed from national all-star games, the coaches and media in New Jersey have given her proper due as one of the very best from our state to play the game. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis profiles the latest great athlete to join the Miss Hoop Zone list: Thanks to the coaches and media members around the state who cast their vote for JSZ’s Miss Hoop Zone; Billy Lovett, Morris Catholic, Joe Montano, Red Bank Catholic, Rachel Goodale, Jackson Memorial, Dave Callahan, Rumson-Fair Haven, Dave Beauchemin, Manchester Twp., William Wishart, Shore Regional, Michael Lazur, Ocean Township, Dawn Karpell, St. John Vianney, Steve DiPatri, Wildwood Catholic, Scott Betson, Mainland, Sandy Chiera, Colonia, Vin Vizzi, Spotswood, Jackie Siscone, ACIT, Ron Powell, Cherokee, Mary Klinger, Rutgers Prep, Steve Silver, IHA, Sandy Gordon, Ramapo, Justin McGhee, Middletown North, Chris Hernandez, Weehawkin, Jenna Marcus, Hightstown, Liz McKeon, Westfield, Travis Retzlaff, East Brunswick, Cap Pazdera, New Providence, Kristen Przybylski, Eastern, Audrey Taylor, Franklin, Derek Lynn, Montville, Felicia Oliver, Matawan, Brad Allen, Teaneck, Scott Meile, Oakcrest, Lisa Kukoda, Manasquan, Danny Brown, Saddle River Day, Brandon Pilgrim, Paterson Eastside, Jon Jones, NJ Advance/Max Preps, Mike McGarry, Press of Atlantic City, Mike Pavlichko, Central Jersey Sports Radio, Brian Deakyne, NJ Advance Media, Tom Williams, Prime Events, NYG Hoops, Antonio Morales, NJ Athletics, Prep Girls Hoops, Greg Machos, GMC Hoops, G Thing, Luis Torres, NJ Advance Media, James Mooney, JSZ, Nery Rodriguez, JSZ, Mike Frankel, JSZ, Jay Cook, JSZ, Rich Chrampanis, JSZ St. Benedict’s Johnson wins JSZ’s Prep Player of the Year St. Benedict’s Prep junior Ty-Laur Johnson was named Jersey Sports Zone’s Prep player of the year after leading the Gray Bees to a dominating 19-1 season and the New Jersey Prep “A” championship. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has more on a junior guard who shined against elite competition: Meet the 2022 JSZ All-Zone Boys Basketball Team This week, we’ll have video profiles of every player across the state that we honor as part of the 2022 Jersey Sports Zone All-Zone Basketball Team. Public BoysPublic BoysNon-Public BoysNon-Public BoysMr. Hoop Zone FinalistsPOY Winners Darius Adams, ManasquanEJ Matthews-Spratley, Cherry Hill EastAdam Silas, St. Thomas AquinasOtega Oweh, Blair AcademyMark Armstrong, St. Peter's PrepDJ Wagner, Camden, JSZ Mr. Hoop Zone 2022 Andrew Ball, ShawneeCian Medley, CamdenAkil Watson, Roselle CatholicRyan Pettit, Rutgers PrepMackenzie Mgbako, Gill St. Bernard'sTy-Laur Johnson, St. Benedict's Prep, JSZ Prep Player of the Year Aaron Bradshaw, CamdenSavon Myers, Manchester Twp.Brandon Benjamin, Bergen CatholicRyan Zan, Rutgers PrepWill Richardson, Bergen Catholic Tayvon Gaither, LenapeSavion Pressley, ColoniaDavid Mager, Dwight-EnglewoodTahaad Pettiford, Hudson CatholicSimeon Wilcher, Roselle Catholic Scott Gyimesi, Rumson-Fair HavenSebastian Robinson, ElizabethDeuce Jones, Trenton CatholicNaas Cunningham, Gill St. Bernard's Dasear Haskins, CamdenKeyshun Sanders, PaulsboroDylan Harper, Don BoscoDenver Anglin, Gill St. Bernard's Zoe Holman, Woodrow WilsonJack Seidler, MarlboroElijah Gertrude, Hudson CatholicAlex Bauman, Red Bank Catholic Asim Jones, Paterson CharterDerek Simpson, LenapeJackson Bleeker, Seton Hall PrepCJ Ruoff, Red Bank Catholic Elijah Lewis, Watchung HillsJon Spatola, MarlboroJadin Collins, Rutgers PrepIsaac Hester, Ranney Sean Logan, WestfieldDJ Thomson, KeyportJamarques Lawrence, Roselle CatholicNate Williams, St. John Vianney Carlos Lopez, Egg Harbor Twp.Julian Brown, Bergen Catholic Meet the 2022 JSZ All-Zone Girls Basketball Team Public GirlsPublic GirlsNon-Public GirlsNon-Public GirlsMiss Hoop Zone FinalistsMiss Hoop Zone Winner Amaya Burch, Timber CreekBrooke Hollawell, ManasquanIsabella Ascencio, IHAAshley O'Connor, St. John Vianney Zoe Brooks, St. John VianneyMadison St. Rose, St. John Vianney Destiny Bynum-Johnson, UniversityGrace Klag, WestfieldTyonna Bailey, Montclair ImmaculateFaith Pappas, Pope JohnHannah Hidalgo, Paul VI Kylie Capstraw, West OrangeMeghan Lamanna, New ProvidenceAntonia Bates, Rutgers PrepMia Pauldo, Morris CatholicPaulina Paris, Saddle River Day Julia Corsentino, Rumson-Fair HavenZoie Maffei, Jackson MemorialMikayla Blakes, Rutgers PrepMya Pauldo, Morris CatholicJustine Pissott, Red Bank Catholic Alexis Davis, WoodburyBrynn McCurry, SpartaMeg Cahalan, St. John VianneyKayla Perez, St. Thomas Aquinas Camryn Dirkes, MainlandChristina Midgette, FranklinAlly Carman, Red Ban CatholicAlana Robinson, Pope John Mary Elizabeth Donnelly, ManasquanGia Pissott, Toms River NorthGina Gaccione, IHAGabriella Ross, Donovan Catholic Rylee Drahos, Shore RegionalMadison Schiller, RamapoKatie Ledden, Rutgers PrepTayla Thomas, Montclair Immaculate Katie Fricker, CherokeeRhian Stokes, EwingSara McShea, Paul VIKassidy Thompson, Camden Catholic Kyla Glasser-Hyman, HightstownAlly Sweeney, SpartaKaci Mikulski, Wildwood CatholicFaith Williamson, Saddle River Day Georgia Heine, Manasquan Jersey Sports Zone’s All-Zone coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health!
Vote now for JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness Final Four!
JSZ’s Dunk Madness is back for 2022! 32 of the best dunks captured by JSZ in a bracket-style tournament where YOU determine who had the Dunk of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Final Four polls are open now until 3PM on Thursday (3/31). The finals will begin on Thursday at 4 PM! Vote now on the Final Four matchups! Click each player’s name to watch their dunk and cast your vote below! Zion Fowler (St. Peter’s Prep) vs. Mark Armstrong (St. Peter’s Prep) Rashee Bell (Wildwood Catholic) vs. Elijah Brown (St. Augustine) JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness is powered by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Vote now for JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness Elite Eight!
JSZ’s Dunk Madness is back for 2022! 32 of the best dunks captured by JSZ in a bracket-style tournament where YOU determine who had the Dunk of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Sweet 16 polls are open now until 3PM on Wednesday (3/30). The Final Four will begin on Wednesday at 4 PM! Vote now on the Elite Eight matchups! Click each player’s name to watch their dunk and cast your vote below! Zion Fowler (St. Peter’s Prep) vs. Simeon Wilcher (Roselle Catholic) Matt Solomon (Manasquan) vs. Mark Armstrong (St. Peter’s Prep) Rashee Bell (Wildwood Catholic) vs. Amar Lane (Burlington Twp.) Jameel Morris (Trenton Catholic) vs. Elijah Brown (St. Augustine) JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness is powered by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Vote now for JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness Sweet 16
JSZ’s Dunk Madness is back for 2022! 32 of the best dunks captured by JSZ in a bracket-style tournament where YOU determine who had the Dunk of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Sweet 16 polls are open now until 3PM on Tuesday (3/29). The Elite 8 will begin on Tuesday at 4 PM! Vote now on the Sweet 16 matchups! Click each player’s name to watch their dunk and cast your vote below! Zion Fowler (St. Peter’s Prep) vs. Dylan Harper (Don Bosco Prep) Rasheer Fleming (Camden) vs. Simeon Wilcher (Roselle Catholic) Matt Solomon (Manasquan) vs. Naas Cunningham (Gill St. Bernard’s) Mark Armstrong (St. Peter’s Prep) vs. Elijah Perkins (Camden) Rashee Bell (Wildwood Catholic) vs. Brandon Benjamin (Bergen Catholic) George Mitchell (Keyport) vs. Amar Lane (Burlington Twp.) Jameel Morris (Trenton Catholic) vs. Geancarlo Peguero (Gill St. Bernard’s) Ryan Zan (Rutgers Prep) vs. Elijah Brown (St. Augustine) JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness is powered by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Vote now for Round One of JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness!
JSZ’s Dunk Madness is back for 2022! 32 of the best dunks captured by JSZ in a bracket-style tournament where YOU determine who had the Dunk of the Year for the 2021-22 season. Polls are open now until 3PM on Monday (3/28). Round two will begin on Monday at 4 PM! Vote now on our 16 first round matchups! Click each player’s name to watch the dunk and cast your vote below! Zion Fowler (St. Peter’s Prep) vs. Andrew Ball (Shawnee) Will Richardson (Bergen Catholic) vs. Dylan Harper (Don Bosco Prep) Elijah Gertrude (Hudson Catholic) vs. Rasheer Fleming (Camden) Simeon Wilcher (Roselle Catholic) vs. Asim Jones (Paterson Charter) Joe White (CBA) vs. Matt Solomon (Manasquan) Otega Oweh (Blair) vs. Naas Cunningham (Gill St. Bernard’s) Mark Armstrong (St. Peter’s Prep) vs. Tahaad Pettiford (Hudson Catholic) Elijah Perkins (Camden) vs. Deuce Jones (Trenton Catholic) Aaron Bradshaw (Camden) vs. Rashee Bell (Wildwood Catholic Academy) Derek Simpson (Lenape) vs. Brandon Benjamin (Bergen Catholic) Jadin Collins (Rutgers Prep) vs. George Mitchell (Keyport) Gio Panzini (RBC) vs. Amar Lane (Burlington Twp.) Jameel Morris (Trenton Catholic) vs. Adam Silas (St. Thomas Aquinas) Geancarlo Peguero (Gill St. Bernard’s) vs. Akil Watson (Roselle Catholic) DJ Wagner (Camden) vs. Ryan Zan (Rutgers Prep) Rich Brisco (Roselle Catholic) vs. Elijah Brown (St. Augustine) JSZ’s 2022 Dunk Madness is powered by RWJ Barnabas Health.
JSZ’s 2022 Mr. and Miss Hoop Zone Award Finalists Announced!
The 2021-2022 high school basketball season has officially come to a close a close after an exciting three months on the hardwood. Now, we shift our focus over to our extensive postseason awards. By Rich Chrampanis, Jersey Sports Zone’s Chief Operating Officer Voting for the 2022 Mr. and Miss Hoop Zone has officially closed. Numerous coaches from conferences spanning the entire state – along with JSZ’s staff of MMJ’s and other reputable, credentialed media – have cast ballots for the top boys’ and girls’ player in the Garden State. Every ballot has a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place vote with three points awarded for 1st, two for 2nd, and one point for 3rd. The winners will be announced on March 27, first on JSZ-TV and then on social media. They’ll join a talented collection of players to bring home JSZ’s top annual basketball honor. In addition, we will present our JSZ All-Zone boys and girls basketball teams featuring 40 players from public and non-public basketball for each team. That coverage begins on Monday, March 28. Here are the JSZ Mr. and Miss Hoop Zone finalists, listed in alphabetical order. Meet the 2022 Mr. Hoop Zone Finalists Mark Armstrong, St. Peter’s Prep | Senior Armstrong, a Villanova signee, will likely go down as the greatest player in St. Peter’s Prep basketball history. He broke the school’s all-time scoring record near the end of the season and closed out his senior year with a career-high 648 points, good for 22.3 points per game. Armstrong’s 1,776 career points came in a multitude of ways from the talented athlete. Mackenzie Mgbako, Gill St. Bernard’s | Junior After virtually missing out on his entire sophomore season due to an injury, Mgbako made up for missed time and dominated throughout his breakout junior year. He averaged 19.5 PPG and 10.6 RPG and helped lead Gill St. Bernard’s to a 20-7 record and a Somerset County Tournament championship. Mgbako is uncommitted but remains a Top-10 nationally ranked player in the Class of 2023. Will Richardson, Bergen Catholic | Senior There’s no doubt that 2022 was an up and down season for Bergen Catholic, but when it mattered most, their top player delivered. Richardson became the Crusaders’ all-time leading scorer and was instrumental in Bergen Catholic winning the Bergen County Jamboree, the Non-Public A North sectional title and the Non-Public A state title. The Fordham commit averaged 19.5 points per game this season. He’s a two-time Mr. Hoop Zone finalist. D.J. Wagner, Camden | Junior The nation’s No. 1 overall ranked player in the Class of 2023 put together another masterful season with Camden. Wagner, the reigning 2021 Mr. Hoop Zone Award winner, racked up 634 points across 32 total games this season, good for 19.8 points per game. He is the face of Camden basketball and helped The High capture the programs’s elusive 12th state championship in Camden’s long, storied history. Wagner, still uncommitted, is the most-highly recruited player in the country. Simeon Wilcher, Roselle Catholic | Junior Simeon Wilcher might be the most improved player in the entire state this season. Roselle Catholic’s latest star player was an essential piece to the Lions capturing the last Tournament of Champions title in state history – he dropped a team-high 22 points in an overtime win over Camden. Wilcher, a North Carolina commit, is a do-it-all guard who averaged 16.3 points, 5.3 rebounds and 5.2 steals over a 30-game season. Meet the 2022 Miss Hoop Zone Finalists Zoe Brooks, St. John Vianney | Junior After transferring in from Trenton Catholic, Zoe Brooks continued to show why she’s one of the best underclass guards in America. Alongside fellow Miss Hoop Zone finalist Madison St. Rose, Brooks dropped 579 points (18.1 PPG) on one of the nation’s best teams. She’s uncommitted and has one more season left with the Lady Lancers. Brooks is a two-time Miss Hoop Zone finalist. Hannah Hidalgo, Paul VI | Junior Hidalgo is the top player from South Jersey this season and continues to dominate every time she steps onto the floor. Hidalgo notched eight separate 30-point games for the Eagles and finished with a 26.3 PPG average. She guided the 24-4 Eagles into the Non-Public A South sectional title game. Paulina Paris, Saddle River Day | Senior In only two years at Saddle River Day, Paulina Paris carved out a spot as one of the best players to ever suit up as a Rebel. She’s as dynamic a guard as there is in New Jersey and beyond. The North Carolina commit put up 619 points (22.9 points per game) and was integral to Saddle River Day winning its sixth straight Bergen County Tournament championship and its fourth straight sectional title. Justine Pissott, Red Bank Catholic | Senior Justine Pissott is the only New Jersey player to be selected to the 2022 McDonald’s All-American Game. The University of Tennessee commit averaged 17.4 PPG in her senior season and she eclipsed 1,000 career points in January. Madison St. Rose, St. John Vianney | Senior Madison St. Rose’s ended her immaculate high school basketball career at the top of the mountain. Her elite level of play was essential to St. John Vianney’s 32-1 season that included a Shore Conference Tournament title, a Non-Public A South sectional title, the Non-Public A state title and the last Tournament of Champions title in state history. The Princeton commit produced a career-best 693 points and averaged 21.7 and 5.1 rebounds per game. St. Rose is a three-time Miss Hoop Zone finalist. JSZ Mr. and Miss Hoop Zone Past Winners 2018: Naz Reid, Roselle Catholic (LSU/NBA – Minnesota T’Wolves) | Dara Mabrey, Manasquan (Notre Dame) 2019: Bryan Antoine, Ranney (Villanova) | Diamond Miller, Franklin (Maryland) 2020: Lance Ware, Camden (Kentucky) | Kylee Watson, Mainland (Oregon) 2021: D.J. Wagner, Camden | Destiny Adams, Manchester Twp. (North Carolina) Jersey Sports Zone’s full postseason coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Vote on the JSZ Best Clutch Plays of the Hoops Season!
The 2021/2022 season has come to a close, but not before JSZ captured plenty of clutch moments from all over the Garden State! We’re talking buzzer beaters, and big-time shots late in huge games. We’ve picked out the best 12 captured by our cameras. Watch the highlight reel, and then cast your votes now through Saturday at noon to decide the most clutch play of the season! Stay tuned for our March Madness JSZ Dunk Tournament! The voting for that one begins on Sunday. Jersey Sports Zone’s Winter Sports Plays of the Year is being brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health
Watch Sunday 3.20 JSZ Tournament of Champions Finals Highlights
The end of an era has, unfortunately, finally arrived. The last Tournament of Champions finals in New Jersey history featured programs with elite talent and teams that will forever have left a mark on Garden State basketball. Stay tuned throughout the night as the highlights come in from the boys’ and girls’ finals from Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway. Roselle Catholic 61 Camden 58 (OT) | Boys TOC Final This was an all-time great game that will likely forever be talked about as part of New Jersey’s storied Tournament of Champions history on the boys’ side. Roselle Catholic (29-2) erased a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter, forcing overtime against fellow nationally-ranked Camden (31-3). Braxton Jones came off the bench and hit a go-ahead shot with under 30 seconds left in overtime to give the Lions a lead they wouldn’t give up. North Carolina commit Simeon Wilcher hit for a team-high 22 points while D.J. Wagner paced Camden with a game-high 23 points. JSZ’s Jay Cook, Nery Rodriguez and Rich Chrampanis have the story: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Camden is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. St. John Vianney 72 Rutgers Prep 52 | Girls TOC Final Madison St. Rose scored 21 points in the final game of her tremendous high school career and St. John Vianney completed one of the most dominating seasons in New Jersey girls basketball history with a 20 point win over the Argonauts. SJV raced out to a 19-4 lead before Rutgers Prep made a great run in the second quarter to get within eight points at the half. But the Lancers amped up on defense and pulled away with its tremendous depth. Zoe Brooks had 14 and Julia Karpell added 11 for a Vianney team that finished 32-1 with its lone loss coming to the number one team in the country. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights of the last ever game in the T of C from Rutgers: Jersey Sports Zone’s full postseason coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health, a proven supporter of New Jersey high school sports.
Watch Friday 3.18 JSZ Tournament of Champions Highlights
It’s the girls TOC semifinals at RWJ Barnabas Health Arena in Toms River, with two spots in Sunday’s final up for grabs. Rutgers Prep 64 Manasquan 48 | Girls | Tournament of Champions Semifinal The third-seeded Argonauts controlled the game from start to finish to advance to the first TOC final in program history. Rutgers commit Antonia Bates led a balanced attack with 17 points. Leyla Castro added 13 points in the win for Rutgers Prep (29-2). Hope Masonius scored a team-high 14 points for the second-seeded Warriors (30-5) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction: St. John Vianney 75 Sparta 54 | Girls | Tournament of Champions Semifinal The top-seeded Lady Lancers led from wire-to-wire, knocking off the fourth-seeded Spartans to punch their ticket to the TOC title game. Zoe Brooks poured in a game-high 27 points for St. John Vianney (31-1). Princeton-commit Madison St. Rose chipped in with 21 in the win. Brynn McCurry scored a team-high 24 points in the loss for Sparta (27-4). JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction: Jersey Sports Zone’s TOC coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Watch Thursday 3.17 Tournament of Champions Semifinals Highlights
Jersey Sports Zone brings you to Rutgers for the Tournament of Champions boys semifinals. Watch how Roselle Catholic and Camden punch their ticket to the last ever T of C championship game! Camden 60 Elizabeth 50 | Tournament of Champions Boys Semifinal Star players have the ability to change the game with one play, and that’s exactly what D.J. Wagner did for The High. Wagner’s steal and slam with 4:10 to play in the fourth quarter sparked a late run for Camden (31-2) to seal a tough win. Wagner led all scorers with 30 points. Elizabeth (20-7) gave the Panthers everything they had in their arsenal and, in fact, held a 29-28 lead on Camden at the break – it was the first time since Opening Night that Camden trailed a New Jersey team at halftime. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Camden is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Roselle Catholic 76 Bergen Catholic 64 | Tournament of Champions Boys Semifinal Simeon Wilcher scored 20 of his 22 in the second half as the Lions used a 26-4 third quarter to wipe out a three-point halftime deficit and earn a spot in Sunday’s title game against Camden. JaMarques Lawrence added 18 points and 10 rebounds with Tarik Watson adding a double-double of his own with 14 points and 11 boards. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Rutgers: Jersey Sports Zone’s Tournament of Champions coverage is being brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health
Watch Wednesday 3.16 JSZ Tournament of Champions Highlights
The final Tournament of Champions is underway in NJ. Two teams punched their ticket to the semifinals in Toms River. Sparta 55 Westfield 47 | Girls | TOC Quarterfinal After a back and fourth first half that ended with Ally Sweeney draining a deep three before the buzzer, the Spartans controlled the second half and lead by as many as 14. Bailey Chapman was strong from start to finish as she scored 18 points in the win for Sparta, she was complimented by Brynn McCurry who came off the bench tonight and had 15 for the Spartans. Grace Klag had an 18 point 12 rebound double-double in the loss for Westfield. JSZ’s Ken Bradley has the highlights from Toms River: Rutgers Prep 68 University 56 | Girls | TOC Quarterfinal The Argonauts are still dancing after batting their way past the Phoenix to reach the TOC semifinals. Rhode Island-commit Katie Ledden scored a game-high 23 points for Non-Public B state champion Rutgers Prep (28-2). Mikayla Blakes chipped in with 18 points, as the Argonauts led by as many as 20 points in the second half. Destiny Bynum-Johnson knocked down six three-pointers on her way to a game-high 23 points in the loss for Group 1 state champion University (19-8). Rutgers Prep will face Manasquan in the semifinals on Friday. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights from Toms River: JSZ’s Tournament of Champions coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Watch JSZ Tournament of Champions Highlights
2022 is the final year for NJ’s Tournament of Champions. The boys action begins with a pair of quarterfinal games in Toms River. Elizabeth 50 Paterson Charter 41 | Boys | TOC Quarterfinal The Minutemen trailed 8-0 early and then trailed again by two with three minutes left in the game, but found a way to knock off the Lions and advance in the TOC. Sebastian Robinson led the way with 18 points for Group 4 state champion Elizabeth (20-6). Etienne Richelieu added 15 points in the victory. Asim Jones paced Group 1 state champion Charter (31-2) with 16 points, while Jamir Belfield added 14 points in the loss. The fourth-seeded Minutemen will face top-seeded Camden in the TOC semifinals in Thursday night at Rutgers. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights: Bergen Catholic 69 Woodrow Wilson 52 | Boys | TOC Quarterfinal Bergen Catholic defeated Woodrow Wilson 69-52 to advance to the Tournament of Champions Semifinals for the first time since 2019. The Crusaders led by only two after the first quarter, but would go ahead 30-17 at halftime behind senior Will Richardson. Richardson finished with 27 points as BC would extend the deficit to as many as 20 in the second half. Julian Brown ended the evening with 19 points. Bergen Catholic will face Roselle Catholic who beat them 85-70 in the regular season on 3/17 at Rutgers University. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights: JSZ’s Tournament of Champions coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Watch Sunday 3.13 JSZ State Championship Basketball Highlights
Boys and girls public state championships were up for grabs on Saturday. JSZ has complete coverage of all eight games from Jersey Mike’s Arena and RWJ Barnabas Health Arena. Check back throughout the day as the highlights come in. JSZ’s State Championship Coverage is brought to you by RWJ Barnabas Health! Camden 93 Newark Central 52 | Boys | Group 2 State Final Camden’s chase for the 12th state championship in program history is officially complete. The Panthers (30-2) dominated from the opening tip to the final whistle in a blowout win over the Blue Devils. D.J. Wagner led all scorers with 20 points, while chipping in nine rebounds. Aaron Bradshaw was dominant in the paint and finished with 14 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks. Newark Central (27-6), who was playing in its first title game since 2011, got 16 points and 10 rebounds from Jakai Irby. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Camden is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Woodrow Wilson 43 Ramapo 42 | Boys | Group 3 State Final James Proctor’s short jumper gave Woodrow Wilson the lead with 21 seconds to go and the Tigers made two key defensive stops to win the school’s first state championship since 1985 and a second state title for the city of Camden. Ramapo stormed back from an 11 point deficit late in the third quarter to take the lead in the fourth quarter on a Nate Burleson, Jr. three-pointer before Woodrow Wilson began its late comeback. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from a thrilling state championship game at Rutgers: Elizabeth 70 Marlboro 63 | Boys | Group 4 State Final Sebastian Robinson had 16 of his 22 points in the first half and London Carson scored all 21 of his points in the final two quarters to give the Minutemen their first state championship since 1991. Phil Colicchio, who won six state titles at Linden, gets his seventh title as a coach, the first at his alma mater. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Rutgers: Paterson Charter 91 Burlington City 67 | Boys | Group 1 State Final Paterson Charter won its first ever Group 1 State Title with a dominating 91-67 victory over Burlington City. The Lions took control of the match up early, going ahead 34-22 at halftime and extending the lead to as many as 30 in the fourth quarter. Senior Asim Jones led all scorers with 30 points. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights and postgame reaction from Rutgers: Sparta 62 Mainland 41 | Girls | Group 3 State Final The Spartans pulled away from the Mustangs in the second quarter and ever looked back, winning their first state crown since 2001. Richmond commit Ally Sweeney led the way with a game-high 17 points for Sparta (26-3). Bailey Chapman added 11 points, while Brynn McCurry scored ten points in the win. Ava Mazur led Mainland (28-3) with ten points in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction: Manasquan 65 Jefferson 36 | Girls | Group 2 State Final The Warriors led by just four at the half, but quickly put the game away in the third quarter to capture the state championship. Hope Masonius led all scorers with 16 points for Manasquan (30-4). Holy Cross commit Mary Donnelly and Dartmouth commit Brooke Hollawell added 12 points and ten points respectively. Amanda Nwankwo scored a team-high 12 points for the Falcons (26-5) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction: Westfield 43 Cherokee 37 | Girls | Group 4 State Final Westfield weathered an early storm from the Chiefs, but settled in to bring home the first state championship in program history. Annie Ryan scored ten of her team-high 16 points in the first half as the Blue Devils erased a 13-7 deficit after the first quarter. Paige Gorczyca chipped in with 14 points in the win for Westfield (28-5). TCNJ-commit Katie Fricker finished with a game-high 19 points in the loss for Cherokee (27-4). JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Toms River: Coverage of Westfield is brought to you by Senator Jon Bramnick. University 66 Shore Regional 33 | Girls | Group 1 State Final After overcoming a slight opening lead by Shore Regional, the University Phoenix regained the lead before the end of the first quarter and never looked back. Destiny Bynum-Johnson was on fire from start to finish as she compiled a double-double with 29 points and 14 rebounds while also nabbing 5 steals. Rylee Drahos lead Shore with 16 in the loss. JSZ’s Kenneth Bradley has highlights from Toms River: JSZ’s coverage of the New Jersey state basketball championships is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Watch Saturday 3.12 JSZ State Championship Basketball Highlights
Boys and girls non-public state championships were up for grabs on Saturday. JSZ has complete coverage of all four games from Jersey Mike’s Arena and RWJ Barnabas Health Arena. Roselle Catholic 74 Trenton Catholic 66 | Boys | Non-Public B State Final There’s officially more hardware coming back to Roselle as Lions weathered through an impassioned comeback attempt from Trenton Catholic (22-5) to secure the state championship. Roselle Catholic (27-2) led by as much as 14 points in the third quarter but watched that lead disappear as TCPA jumped in front 53-50 going into the fourth quarter. A 10-0 run put the game away for Roselle Catholic, who wins its first Non-Public B championship since 2018. Nebraska commit Jamarques Lawrence led the way for RC with 21 points and 10 rebounds. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Piscataway: Bergen Catholic 66 Rutgers Prep 54 | Boys | Non-Public A State Final Bergen Catholic defeated Rutgers Prep 66-54 for the Non-Public A Championship. The Crusaders trailed all but the opening minutes of the first quarter before staying in front the entire game. BC led 47-38 going into the fourth quarter thanks to a big effort from 6’7 sophomore Brandon Benjamin. Benjamin finished with 15 points and 14 rebounds while Julian Brown had 11 points, Terry Copeland had 13 points and 10 rebounds and Fordham commit Will Richardson finished with 14 points. Jadin Collins for Rutgers Prep led all scorers with 23 points and 10 rebounds. It’s the Crusaders first Group Title since 2019. After winning a Sectional Championship in 2020, Covid would end that season abruptly. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights and postgame reaction from Rutgers: Rutgers Prep 62 Saddle River Day 51 | Girls | Non-Public B State Final Rutgers Prep saw a 20-point lead disappear, but pulled away once again from Saddle River down down the stretch to win the state title. Mikayla Blakes poured in a game-high 27 points in the win for the Argonauts (27-2). Rhode Island commit Katie Ledden added 16 points for Rutgers Prep. North Carolina commit Paulina Paris scored a team-high 23 points for the Rebels (25-2) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Toms River: St. John Vianney 74 Immaculate Heart 36 | Girls | Non-Public A State Final The Lady Lancer left no doubt on Championship Saturday, powering past the Blue Eagles to win their first state title since 2016. Princeton-commit Madison St. Rose finished with a game-high 18 points in the win. Zoe Brooks chipped in with 16 points for St. John Vianney (30-1). Bella Asencio scored a team-high 12 points in the loss for IHA (24-6). JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from game two in Toms River: JSZ’s state championship hoops coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.
Watch Thursday 3.10 JSZ Playoff Basketball Highlights
The final tickets are punched to this weekend’s state championship games. Check back throughout the night as the highlights roll in! Woodrow Wilson 44 Manasquan 39 | Boys | Group 3 State Semifinal Zoe Holman had 14 points as Woodrow Wilson used a 9-2 run in the fourth quarter to earn a trip to the Group 3 state championship for the first time since 1991. Woodrow Wilson will take on Ramapo this Sunday at 2pm at Rutgers. The Tigers used an intense defense and stayed patient in their half-court offense as the formula for victory. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Brick Memorial High School: Burlington City 67 Gloucester 55 | Boys | Group 1 State Semifinal The Blue Devils pulled away down the stretch to book a spot in Sunday’s state final at Rutgers. Lovian Bell paced City (22-6) with a team-high 17 points. Izaiah Johnson added 15 points in the victory. Steven Bell and Liam Gorman scored 20 points and 19 points respectively for the Lions (21-10) in the loss. Burlington City will face Paterson Charter in the Group 1 championship. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Toms River: Westfield 46 Union City 31 | Girls | Group 4 State Semifinal Westfield defeated Union City 46-31 to advance to the program’s first-ever Girls Basketball Group 4 Final. Bucknell University commit Grace Klag with 6 points in the first quarter put Westfield ahead 12-8 after one. Klag also received two fouls that would sideline her for the second quarter as the Blue Devils led 17-14 heading into halftime. A buzzer-beating shot from Annie Ryan to end the third quarter started a 17-0 run from Westfield which would push the deficit to double digits late. Grace Klag finished with 14 points and 12 rebounds. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights and postgame reaction from Franklin High School: Thank you to the office of Jon Bramnick for sponsoring our Westfield coverage. Saddle River Day 75 Morris Catholic 51 | Girls | Non-Public B North Final North Carolina commit Paulina Paris exploded for a career-high 37 points and led the Rebels to their fourth consecutive sectional championship. Saddle River Day (25-1) trailed at the end of the first quarter but went on a 17-0 run to start the second, and they’d never look back. Faith Williamson had 16 points and Dakota Corey chipped in 10 points and nine rebounds. Morris Catholic (25-2) was led by freshman Mia Pauldo’s 35 points. Saddle River Day will face Rutgers Prep in the Non-Public B state final on Saturday at RWJ Barnabas Health Arena in Toms River. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from Wayne: JSZ’s state semifinal hoops coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health. Cherokee 34 Jackson Memorial 25 | Girls | Group 4 State Semifinal The Chiefs slowed down Jackson to book a return trip to the state finals after a two-year wait for a chance at another title. TCNJ-commit Katie Fricker poured in a game-high 23 points in the win for Cherokee (27-3). Zoie Maffei scored a team-high 12 points in the loss for Jackson Memorial (22-6). Cherokee will play Westfield for the Group 4 state championship on Sunday in Toms River. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Central Regional High School: JSZ’s state semifinal hoops coverage is brought to you by OceanFirst Bank.
Watch Wednesday 3.9 JSZ Playoff Basketball Highlights
The playoffs continue with non-public sectional finals, and public state semifinals. Check back often as the highlights come in! Roselle Catholic 68 Gill St. Bernard’s 62 | Boys | Non-Public B North Final One of the most anticipated basketball games of the season did not disappoint as the Lions won their ninth-straight sectional championship. Georgetown commit Denver Anglin hit 11 three-pointers, finished with a game-high 35 points and even helped Gill St. Bernard’s (20-7) reach a 10 point lead on Roselle Catholic (26-2) late in the third quarter. RC stormed back in with a 11-0 run, sparked by senior Braxton Jones, and they never looked back. The Lions will face Trenton Catholic in the Non-Public B final Saturday at Jersey Mike’s Arena on the campus of Rutgers University. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Franklin High School: Bergen Catholic 69 Don Bosco 57 | Boys | Non-Public A North Final Will Richardson scored 19 points to become Bergen Catholic’s all-time leading scorer and Julian Brown scored 12 of his 20 in the fourth quarter to give the Crusaders a third straight sectional championship. The Crusaders will face Rutgers Prep for the Non-Public “A” state championship on Saturday at Rutgers. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Franklin High School: Camden 77 Rumson-Fair Haven 43 | Boys | Group 2 State Semifinal Camden closed the first quarter on a 17-0 run and never looked back, punching a ticket to the Group 2 state final. Cian Medley led the way with a game-high 20 points for The High (29-2). Elijah Perkins added 12 points, while D.J. Wagner went for 11 points. Geoff Schroeder and Scott Gyimesi scored 11 points apiece for RFH (21-4) in the loss. The Panthers will face Newark Central for the title on Sunday, as Camden seeks its first state championship since 2000. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Egg Harbor Township: Coverage of Camden is made possible by Cooper University Health Care. Coverage of RFH is brought to you by Mario Venancio, Berkshire Hathaway, Fox & Roach Realtors. Marlboro 49 Lenape 47 | Boys | Group 4 State Semifinal The Mustangs trailed by as many as 13 points in the second quarter, but battled back to advance to the first state final in program history. Jack Seidler led the way with a game-high 24 points for Marlboro (28-2). Rutgers commit Derek Simpson scored a team-high 15 points for the Indians (27-4) in the loss. JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and reaction from Egg Harbor Township: State semifinal hoops coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health. Trenton Catholic Academy 70 Ranney 55 | Boys | Non-Public B South Final Trenton Catholic defeated Ranney 70-55 to capture the Non-Public B South title. Following a 13-13 tie after the first quarter, Trenton Catholic, led by sophomore Michael “Deuce” Jones, went ahead 34-26 at halftime. The Iron Mikes controlled the tempo of the game kept a 10 point lead throughout the fourth quarter. Jones finished with 22 points, while Erik Oliver-Bush had 16 points. TCPA claims its first sectional title since 2010. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the story and postgame reaction: Thank you to Princeton Orthopaedic Associates for sponsoring our Trenton Catholic coverage. Rutgers Prep 63 Red Bank Catholic 60 | Boys | Non-Public A South Final The Argonauts trailed by twelve late in the third quarter, and staged a thrilling comeback to win the first sectional title in program history. Jadin Collins scored early and often on his way to a career-high 33 points in the win for Rutgers Prep (26-3). Ryan Zan chipped in with 17 points to help the Argonauts avenge a loss to the Caseys earlier this season. C.J. Ruoff scored a team-high 18 points in the loss for RBC (24-5). Rutgers Prep will play Bergen Catholic for the Non-Public A state title on Saturday at Rutgers University. JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Lenape High School: JSZ’s championship basketball coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.