A State Tourney with a New Look: The Breakdown
Unlike years past, the state tournament will have a much different look. Normally, it was broken down by 15-20 coaches at NJSIAA headquarters to create each group with a breakdown of Strength of Schedule, biggest win’s, overall record, etc. That…
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Continue ReadingUnlike years past, the state tournament will have a much different look. Normally, it was broken down by 15-20 coaches at NJSIAA headquarters to create each group with a breakdown of Strength of Schedule, biggest win’s, overall record, etc. That is no more. Let’s take a deep dive into the new rules
20 Sectional Tournaments
Sectional Tournaments will continue but this year it will be based on geography to ensure schools don’t travel as far. No team will being drive multiple hours for one match. The five groups (Group 1, 2, 3, 4 and Non-Public) are broken into four sections – North 1, North 2, Central, & South for Public Groups. The Non-Public will be North A, North B, South A, South B.
No Group Championships or Tournament of Champions
Despite each group crowning four sectional champions, there will not be a group final or a Tournament of Champions. This unfortunate but it would be virtually impossible to finish the season on time otherwise. Hopefully, it will return in the fall but remember April 24th is a hard deadline for the girls’ season. Therefore, it would be difficult to scramble together an extra tournament after the tournaments end April 20th.
Any Team that Wishes to Enter Can
Normally, teams needed to be above .500 to qualify for the tournament. That is no longer the case. If you would like to play just notify the NJSIAA. There are anywhere from 12-18 teams in each of the 20 sections this year.
Power Points determine Seeding
The top five matches of each team will be used to determine their power points and seeding. A team is unable to plead there case over someone else. The rankings are final and the point of this is to stay as objective as possible.
Cancellations
How a potential cancellation will be handled as follows. If a match is already decided, the losing team will not advance to the next round if the winner is forced to drop out. There upcoming opponent will just advance in a no-contest.
Schedule
Play-in games will take place this Friday with the first round taking place Monday. Groups 3, 4, and Non-Public B will all play on the same days and go every other day with the finals taking place on Monday, April 19th.
Groups 1, 2, and Non-Public A will do the same but there season will end on April 20th. So they will start a day after.
Where will Games be Played?
Each tournament game will be played at the higher seed’s gym. There has not been any information of neutral site games at the moment. Most schools have a livestream so one can watch. If you wish to attend a game, be sure to check with the school to see their COVID protocols.