October 30, 2023
Huge schedule tomorrow of state playoff games. We will pick up where we left off on Friday and take you through the rest of the grids for North and South sectionals:
North 1, Group 1: Glen Rock is the number one seed in this bracket and NJP has them third behind both Kinnelon and Bogota. Park Ridge is close enough rating-wise to take the bracket as well. The math favors Kinnelon to make the finals and with the likelihood of a Bogota vs. Glen Rock semi, it sounds like a three setter will decide that one. The combination of Lillis and Pogodin should drive the Colts to a win.
North 1, Group 2: There is just so much talent in this sectional bracket. Hard to believe these are all group 2 teams. Sparta will likely have a strong test in the semi-final facing either Pascack Hills or River Dell. We love the chances of another Demarest vs. Old Tappan rivalry matchup in the other semi. The math indicates a Sparta vs. Demarest final which should be an awesome matchup. Saulys and Simpson against NJP’s top rated player Taylor Miller. Slight edge to the Spartans in three sets.
North 1, Group 3: Strong group of super even teams will highlight this bracket. According to the math, Ramapo holds the slightest (and I mean slightest .03) edge over their rival Northern Highland who they split league honors with. This has all the makings of extended three set thriller if they can both get there. Morris Knolls is our highest rated team in the bracket and we expect to see them in the final by getting past a strong Fort lee squad who has had a phenomenal year. NJP likes Knolls to win the bracket, especially after a emotional and draining semi-final on the other side of the bracket.
North 1, Group 4: Morristown has won over fans all over the state as they boast the only undefeated record in NJ. It’s been a magical season for the Colonials and they will have a couple of strong tests before reaching the final. Ridgewood and Fair Lawn/Hackensack will power the Big North’s presence in the bracket. We expect Livingston to prevail and make it to the finals although both “Tech” opponents will make it very close. It’s in the stars (and in the math) that Motown will continue on their quest for an overall state championship and perhaps face the monsters of the central and south (Southern, Williamstown, OB) to fulfill the dream.
North 2, Group 1: This was a disappointing power point seeding for us as we hoped to see a championship matchup between Secaucus and Verona. Both teams have the potential of making the final top 20 for 2023. But if they meet, it will be in the semi-final. We have the one seed Cedar Grove ranked 6th in the bracket. They have had a strong season and solid record, but schedule strength will be a defining category. Verona is the clear #1 in the NJP ratings with a 12 point differential over the top seeded team. The semi with Secauacus and Verona should be a blast with the winner eventually going on to win the bracket.
North 2, Group 2: NJP is turning this bracket and the seeds upside down. Our two highest rated teams got the #6 and the #10 seeds. Wow, that’s a big disparity. So far, both West Morris Central and Montville have made the final 8. West Essex gets the #1 seed. They have had a super strong season and math has not given them the recognition they may rightly deserve. But don’t be surprised to see WMC or Montville in the final as well. Good luck to the Knights and we will see if the SEC can hold up to the Morris County prowess.
North 2, Group 3: Another super interesting contrast between NJP ratings and the power point seeds. #1 seed Belleville is ranked 10th in the bracket by NJP. NJP sees this as a three way race between Millburn, North Hunterdon, and Mendham. North Hunterdon got the 10 seed and Mendham the 14th. Unfortunately, all three top NJP teams are in the same side of the bracket. We like SPF in the top half to get to the final but lose to whoever emerges from Mendham (who we expect to upset Summit), North Hunterdon or Millburn, with the latter two playing each other in the quarter-final.
North 2, Group 4: This bracket appears to be heavily favored to see a Westfield vs. Watchung Hills final. Elizabeth should give WH a good run in the semi. The Warriors have just 2 losses but the Blue Devils should prevail on strength of schedule and playing a higher class of teams.
South 1: NJP likes Delaware Valley in this bracket with a slight edge over Point Pleasant. We don’t think any other team is close to these two.
South 2: This looks like a three horse race between Barnegat, Jackson Liberty, and Pleasantville. They happened to be the top 3 seeds as well here. Liberty and Pleasantville are a dead heat in the rating so we expect that to be a 3 setter. But Barnegat appears to be the one to beat and is 2 full rating points ahead of the others.
South 3:: Mainland is a clear number one. They will have a tougher road to the finals having to play TRE. Pinelands should waltz to the championship game. The math says Mainland but we expect this will be very close.
South 4: The South 4 bracket has some of the best teams in NJ. Both Williamstown and Southern and part of the Sweet 7. And Washington Township, Cherry Hill East and Lenape are Top 30. Southern will find a way to get to the final. they always do. Williamstown is playing as good as any team in NJ this past month. NJP likes the Braves over the Rams in a must see event and surely three sets of fantastic girls volleyball.
End of year awards still coming once the season is complete so stay tuned…