State Tournament: Takeaways from the Semifinals
We are one step closer to taking a look at who will be crowned champions of the North 1, North 2, Central and South groups as the finals are set. The quality of play was on full-display with multiple three-set…
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Continue ReadingWe are one step closer to taking a look at who will be crowned champions of the North 1, North 2, Central and South groups as the finals are set. The quality of play was on full-display with multiple three-set thrillers. We had a monster upset while others went chalk. Let’s take a look at the biggest takeaway from each group.
North 1
Two Spectacular Semifinals went Chalk
Both semifinals did not disappoint as Fair Lawn and West Milford both advanced to the finals in three-set thrillers against Bergenfield and Jefferson respectively.
West Milford came out slow losing the first set but came out as a completely different squad in the second behind their dynamic duo of Ryan Thenell and Matthew Christ to storm back for a victory. Meanwhile, Fair Lawn had their own trouble as they had to storm back as well over Bergenfield. In the second set many thought Bergenfield would close it out but Fair Lawn showed true resolve to rally.
North 2
A Stunner in Scotch Plains!
Scotch Plains-Fanwood was one of the top squads all-year and were not beaten all season until yesterday as St. Peter’s Prep came into Scotch Plains-Fanwood and beat them convincedly 2-0. This St. Peter’s squad has finally found their groove and made quick work of Scotch Plains-Fanwood.
Aidan Apito led the way for St. Peter’s Prep with 7 kills and 12 digs. What else can one expect now in this group is who knows as they will take on Kearny in the final. St. Peter’s has gotten red-hot at the right time. As for Scotch Plains-Fanwood, the pursuit for perfection comes to a close in a disappointing semifinal defeat.
Central
The Predicted Old Bridge vs Christian Brothers Final is Set
Many thought that the Central was the easiest final to predict with two of the top four squads in the state all-season in it with Old Bridge and Christian Brothers. Both teams cruised to through their section to set up a much-anticipated rematch. Christian Brothers came out on top in the first matchup.
Neither squad has a dropped a set in the tournament so something has to give.
South
Jackson Memorial proves they were too Low of a Seed
As I anticipated from the start in this group, Jackson Memorial was completely disrespected given to be the sixth seed and they proved me right. As they have made it to the final as I predicted to match up with Southern.
Jackson Memorial took care of business taking down Kingsway in straight-sets. In a tough first set where Jackson Memorial prevailed, they left no doubt in the second cruising to victory. Now, they get Southern for the fourth and final time this season. Southern has three wins against Jackson Memorial which are Jackson Memorial’s only losses on the season. Can they finally get over this final obstacle?
Top Performers
Ryan Thenell (West Milford) 18 kills, 7 digs
Matthew Christ (West Milford) 15 kills, 3 digs
Gil Zyndorf (Fair Lawn) 4 kills, 11 digs, 34 assists
Jack Dooling (Christian Brothers) 15 kills, 7 digs
Santiago Lopez (Kearny) 12 kills, 9 digs