Non-Public B Preview
#1 undefeated St. Anthony's takes on a young Trenton Catholic team at 4:00 on Saturday at the Ritacco Center in Toms River in the Parochial B championship game.
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The Frontcourt
St. Anthony's really plays three guards but for comparison purposes we will include three starters as part of the frontcourt. 6-foot-6 St. Joes bound AJ Rogers has effectively battled bigger players all year long. 6-foot-6 Jr. Dom Cheek can score from three or getting to the rim as can high flyer 6-foot-3 Marquette bound Sr. Tyshawn Taylor. Trenton Catholic does not have huge size but they have some muscle and their frontcourt plays bigger. 6-foot-3 Jr. Daquan Basnight is the most experienced player, a three year starter. 6-foot-6 So. Marquise Tucker is a widebody who has started the second half of the season, and 6-foot-2 So. Frantz Massenant is the top perimeter threat.
The Edge
St. Anthony's
The Backcourt
#1 St. Anthony's is led by 6-foot-2 Sr. Rutgers bound All American Mike Rosario who can flat out shoot the rock. 6-foot Fordham bound Sr. Jio Fontan is a terrific leader and defender. 5-foot-8 So. Dondre Whitmore is an exciting young point guard for TCA who can also bury the three. 6-foot Fr. Khalid Lewis-El has had some big games and is also a threat from deep.
The Edge
St. Anthony's
The Bench
St. Anthony's has a Big East and an Atlantic 10 recruit coming off the bench in 6-foot Pitt bound Travon Woodall and 6-foot-2 Fordham bound Alberto Estwick. Woodall has adjusted superbly to his role and has made an impact every game upon checking in. 6-foot-8 Sr. Madut Bol and 6-foot-5 Jr. Jamee Jackson provide depth up front. 6-foot-5 Jr. Lafayette Smith provides frontcourt depth for TCA and 5-foot-9 Jr. Lorenzo Santos can shoot it.
The Edge
St. Anthony's
The Coaches/Intangibles
Generally recognized as the top high school Coach in the country, St. Anthony's leader Bob Hurley always has his team ready to play.
The Edge
St. Anthony's
The Pick
St. Anthony's has too much talent and experience. The sophomore class for TCA is exceptional with three 10th graders rated among the top 30 sophomores in the state by NJ Hoops. Sophomores, no matter how much potential, are not yet ready for the top team in the country.
St. Anthony's by 15.
NJ Hoops is published by a former NJ college coach and scout for the past 18 years whose full-time career for the past four years is covering NJ basketball.
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