Group I State Recap

As the basketball season begins winding down, GSBR will take a look back at the lessons learned in each group throughout the season. Who got the job done? Who will look back and say "We underachieved"...Who makes All State? These questions and more are answered below.

Had A Job, Did The Job

College Achieve.

How'd they do it? By flattening each opponent like a pancake in the state playoffs. Dave Boff stepped into the charter school in Asbury Park this fall with a fantastic track record and a host of talented players following him to the school. They played a top tier schedule throughout the season which had them more than prepared to play in the Group I tournament. They were expected to smash right through Group I and did so.

If we wanted to, based on talent alone, make our post-season awards....College Achieve's first 7 could be Player Of The Year and the entire First Team All State selection for Group I. They have bench players, on talent alone, who would comprise the entire second team. They're that good.

While we will spread the love throughout the All State team, it would not be an unfair shout to list Rink, Hart, Mauro, Munro, Westry, Harris and the rest striaght down the line on the first two teams.

This is a BIG statement..but as long as Dave Boff is the head coach, they may never lose a Group I State Title.

The Hometown Heroes

Manville.

The Mustangs finished 16-13 on the season but made a spectacular run to the Central Jersey Group I Final by defeating both Brearley and Henry Hudson on the road prior to falling to College Achieve at Mater Dei on Saturday. Bill Rooney loses Tyler Kesolitz and Aidan Shimp from this squad but brings back a host of players who performed as underclassmen. They could be a team to watch next year in Somerset County.

Sailed Into History

Henry Hudson.

The Admirals had their best season in nearly 40 years and should be very proud of what was achieved at one of the smallest "traditional public schools" in New Jersey. They lost the semifinal at home to Manville, which will leave some sting for the off season, but bring back several key players, including Jack Fitzpatrick. The band will be tuning up for one more tour next winter.

The Team Of The Year

College Achieve.

Coach Of The Year

Bill Rooney, Manville

Rooney got his 17 man squad to buy in from day one this year and they had a successful 16-13 season. They scored several victories over teams who were in higher classifications, played a good Spotswood team close in defeat and made a run to the Central Jersey final. The only non-top-four seed to make a sectional semi and win it. There's a lot for the one mile wide town to be proud of this winter.

Group I All State Teams

Player Of The Year: Deuce Jones, College Achieve.

First Team Group I Sensational Seven

Eunique Rink, College Achieve

David Munro, College Achieve

Malcolm Bragg, Newark Tech

Jack Fitzpatrick, Henry Hudson

Tyler Kesolitz, Manville

Elijah Crispin, Pitman

Lamir Boxley, Hoboken

Ka'Juan Gee, Paterson Charter

Second Team Group I Sensational Seven

Jebron Harris, College Achieve

Anthony Mauro, College Achieve

Jalen Baker, Newark Tech

Junior Hans, Wildwood

DeAngelo Hibbert, Paterson Charter

Nick Petruzelli, Hoboken

Tahmir Dixon, Kipp Cooper Norcross

Third Team Group I Sensational Seven

Anthony Farmer, Salem

Marcus Bragg, Newark Tech

Alex George, Shore Regional

Luis Placido, New Milford

Maleake Kelly, Kipp Cooper Norcross

Jesus Koudou, West Caldwell Tech

Giovanny Figueroa, Paterson Charter