Here's a look at the top 10 teams in New Jersey
By Metro Hoops Staff
1. St. Benedict's Prep, Newark (29-2):
Despite losing three of their top players -- Lance Thomas (Duke), David Cubillan
(Marquette) and Eugene Harvey (Seton Hall) -- St. Benedict's is still loaded,
led by senior guard Corey Stokes (Villanova).
Sarmardo Samuels is regarded as one of the top big men in the country. The
backcourt has been solidified by transfers 6''1 Sr. Zak Rosen and 5'11 Jr. Dwan
McMillan. Keep an eye out for super sophs 6'1 guard Tamir Jackson, and 6'9
Foward/Center Gregory Echenique.
2. St. Patrick, Elizabeth, N.J. (29-4)
Villanova bound Corey Fisher and crew have a great chance to repeat as TOC
champs. Also returning senior forward Jeff Robinson (Memphis) averaged 13.0
points, 8.5 rebounds and 4.5 assists will provide Corey with solid support.
Although St. Patrick's lost three starters from last year's team look for
super soph Dexter Strickland to have a breakout season. 6'5 sophomore
Parris Bennett, and 6'8 Jr. forward tranfer
Quintrell Thomas should provide needed support for the Celtics.
3. St.
Anthony's (26 - 3) : Look for
the Friars to pose a serious threat to St. Patrick for the parochial B title
this year. This year's team is deep. Returning Sr. Miles Beatty will
lead a crop of talented juniors which include 6'1 Travon Woodall, 6'2 Mike
Rosario, and 6'6 AJ Rodgers. There's no drop off in the talent when the
bench hits the floor, which is led by 5'9 point guard Gio Fontan. Also
look for big things from 6'5 Forward Dom Cheeks and 6'4 forward Andre Tucker.
4.
Linden High School (27-7): Coach Phil
Colicchio team is set to defend it's Group 4
title. The Gritty defensive squad returns 5'9 junior
point guard Desmond Wade who arguebly the best
defender in the state. The squad returns 6+
seniors including 5'8 sharpshooter Darryl
Lampley, 6'6 Muhammad Wilkerson and 6'2 Jerry
Jones. Look for 5'10 Jr. tranfer Jerell
Louis to be a big help this season.
5. Plainfield
High School (23-5):
Coach Pete Vasil team will challenge for the
group 4 state title again this year. All-Stater
6'1 Anthony Nelson returns this year to lead the
powerful Cardinals. The Cardinals also
return 5'11 Sacred Heart Bound guard Jerrell
Thomas. This year squad returns 5+
seniors. Can Plainfield win the big game
against Linden in their quest for the group 4
title?
6.
Blair Academy (16 - 13): Coach Joe Montegna
has one of his best teams since Luel Deng.
This year team has 3 division I players lead by
6'9 Texas bound senior forward Alex Wangmene.
Wangmene has help on the frontline from 6'7
forward Pat Hazel (Marquette). Look for
Blair to challenge St. Benedict's for the Prep
title.
7.
Hun School (17 - 9) : St. Joseph's bound
senior Idris Hilliard is set to help Hun
challenge for the Prep Championship. 6'7
Junior Lance Goulbourne sures up a solid
frontline with 6'9 PG Will Martell. Keep a
eye on Hun newcomer Jr. 6'0 point guard Doug
Davis.
8. Seton Hall Prep
(28 - 3): The prep should repeat as
Parochial A Champions. 6'1 junior guard
Ashton Gibbs has won 2 Parochial A championships
and 1 TOC title in the first two years of his
high school career. The also returns
senior guard Gary Wallace, Jr. Jordon Costner,
6'3 Jr. Alan Buzbee. Keep an out out for
Sophomore 5'10 guard Jimmy Burke.
9.
Bloomfield Tech (23-3): Despite
losing 3 starters Dasean Butler - (West Virgina
& Casiem Drummond - Villanova) from last
year's powerhouse team, Tech looks to maintain
control of group I again this year. They
will do it this year with speed and quickness
this year instead of size. Multi-deminsional
guard 6'3 Rashon Dwight will lead a talented
array of guards. Keep an eye on St.
Peter's bound shooting guard 6'2 Wes Jenkins -
will put up big number this year. The
Spartans should repeat as Group I champs.
10. Holy Spirit
(23 - 3): Holy Spirit is big and deep.
The squad is lead by 6'7 power forward Cliff
Spiller. Spiller will have a
little help from his friends, 6'8 Center Matt De
Souza, and 6'9 Jr. tranfer forward Ryan Brooks.
Expect big things from Holy Spirit this year.
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