I was at the RAC today and saw Linden defeat Atlantic City today 54-45 to win Group IV. I also saw Teaneck defeat Winslow 59-50 in Group III. Tonight West Side defeated Camden 83-81 in Group II and University defeated Paulsboro in Group I I think by 63-45. The Tournament of Champions begins on Tuesday in Toms River. Linden plays University and Teaneck plays West Side. St. Anthony is seeded #1 and St. Augustine is #2. Linden has been rated ahead of St. Augustine for every week of the season but as usual the parochials got the top 2 seeds. At least my alma mater won their 5th state championship under Phil Colicchio. Phil also got his 400th win today after 19 seasons at Linden. After all the losing at RU for so many years seeing Linden win so often at least gives me some good moments.
Linden, Teaneck, West Side & University win State Titles.
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Five of the six from North Jersey.
I've seen Teaneck any number of times and haven't been impressed. They got knocked off by Bosco in the Bergen Jamboree...semis I think it was. Linden is damn good. And St. Anthony's is St. Anthony's.
A guy I know has seen St. Augustine a few times and says not to sleep on them. I haven't seen them, but come on....they're from South Jersey. How good could they be ?
St. Augustine just beat Don Bosco by 31 points. They're playing lights-out. Their guard Nelson has been scoring 30 every game. Their 6'7" F Justyn Mitts should be one of the fastest rising juniors in the country, I would think. He threw down 7 dunks when I saw them destroy my CBA Colts. They deserve the 2-seed. They've really gotten better over the past couple months, they're at the top of their game. They might be able to go punch-for-punch w/ St. Anthony's, if they get a shot.
Linden = always tough. Great program. TOC is always a fun one.
I completely understand why a Linden fan would disappointed with the 2 seed based on where its been ranked the whole season.
That said, St. Augustine deserves it IMO. Yes, I know the reputation of South Jersey hoops, but this tournament they defeated "South" powers Union Catholic, CBA (by 33) and St. Joe's Metuchen before absolutely hammering Don Bosco on Saturday. Their only loss is to St. Anthony.
I know the perception about the Non-Public bias and firmly believe there have been instances of it in the past. I do not believe that to be the case this year.
That said, St. Augustine deserves it IMO. Yes, I know the reputation of South Jersey hoops, but this tournament they defeated "South" powers Union Catholic, CBA (by 33) and St. Joe's Metuchen before absolutely hammering Don Bosco on Saturday. Their only loss is to St. Anthony.
I know the perception about the Non-Public bias and firmly believe there have been instances of it in the past. I do not believe that to be the case this year.
Odd statement. St. Anthony's hasn't even been in the TOC since 2012. Great team, but they can be beat. Would take an awesome game from St. Augustine or possibly Linden.
St.Anthony will always be well coached by Hurley but talent wise not one of their best teams.
Since this is a Rutgers forum, I'm going to assume you meant uncommitted prospects. I don't know if there's a no doubt B1G level uncommitted prospects, but the top guys are
Justyn Mutts a very athletic 6-7 junior forward for St. Augustine
Jawaun Daniels, an athletic 6-6 junior forward with perimeter skills for Teaneck
Tavon Jones, a sophomore guard for Linden
These guys aren't quite on that level as prospects, but IMO are all excellent uncommitted guys, who should be D1 players:
Ja'Quaye James (Soph), an undersized, yet very quick sophomore guard for Teaneck, who can shoot.
Isiah Reyes (Senior), an extremely quick, scoring point guard for Newark West Side
R.J. Cole (Junior), a heady point guard, who can shoot from St. Anthony
Zamir Wright (Senior), a big, physical, slashing point guard for University
Juvaris Hayes (Senior), an in your face defender on the perimeter for St. Anthony.
The top committed prospects are St. Anthony's Jagan Mosely (Georgetown), St. Augustine's Sa'eed Nelson (American), St. Anthony's Asante Gist (Eastern Kentucky), St. Anthony's Shyquan Gibbs (NJIT) and forward Daniel Madding (Arizona State).
Madding is a junior, but is too old to play HS next year and is very, very raw. Nelson is having a State Player of the Year caliber season and was a heist for American IMO.
St. Anthony has a bunch of other prospects, but they are younger and aren't likely to play.
Thanks.
Was asking about all of them. Even the committed ones.
But thanks for the breakdown. Much appreciated.
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