November 5, 2023

Many of the state tournament brackets are winding down and we wanted to once again take a look at each one and share our final picks for each sectional. Many teams are done for the season at this point and can sit back and enjoy the matchups the rest of the way to determine group and state championships.

Central 1: We had Dayton and Hoboken matching up in the finals with Hoboken having the slightest of advantage according to the math. Our pick is the Redwings in 3 sets. 21-25, 25-22, 25-21

Central 2: The algorithm also picked this final matchup with Governor Livingston holding the advantage over Raritan in 2 sets. 25-20, 25-20

Central 3: NJP has Princeton rolling past Moorestown. We did not pick Moorestown to make the championship finals as they upset Woodbridge in the semi. Tigers 25-16, 25-17

Central 4: NJP picked the Monroe vs Old Bridge final. This one is an absolute coin toss between two very strong teams. The math says Monroe in 3 sets, 26-24, 23-25, 27-25.

Non-Public A: This bracket is going exactly as planned with semi-final groupings of IHA vs Union Catholic and Paul VI vs Donovan. The algorithm favors a big win by IHA and Paul VI in a tighter match with DC but victorious. The NJP Predictor prefers IHA over Paul VI but its close.

Non-Public B: NJP selected a St Mary’s vs Rutgers Prep final and both are alive in the semi-finals. NJP predicts St, Mary’s to prevail.;

North 1-1: NJP picked the final matchup of Kinnelon against Bogota despite neither team being a 1 or 2 seed. The math gives Kinnelon a slight edge.

North 1-2: Congrats to River Dell for pulling a massive upset with their win over Sparta. The math did not see that coming. NJP predicted Demarest making the final and we will stick with to take the sectional 25-22, 25-21.

North 1-3: NJP picked Morris Knolls to win this section. They made the finals and will face Northern Highlands who edged rival Ramapo. Knolls will be tested here and we expect a three set match. 25-22, 23-25, 25-22.

North 1-4: Undefeated Morristown is our selection in this bracket. They will face Livingston who we had at #2. 25-22. 25-21.

North 2-1: Cedar Grove will get a chance to destroy the algorithm when they take on NJP’s pick Verona in the final. Cedar Grove was ranked 6th in the bracket by NJP. 25-21, 25-21.

North 2-2: Hmmmm. NJP picked the #6 seed Montville (8-11) to win this section and they find themselves in the final against West Essex, This one will go three… Montville 21-25, 25-22, 25-20.

North 2-3: NJP selected Millburn to win this bracket. They have made the final and will face SPF. We expect this to be a win for the Millers 26-24, 25-21.

North 2-4: Westfield was picked by NJP to win this section. Elizabeth is solid and will make it close. 25-22, 25-23.

South 1: NJP picked the final between PPB and Delaware Valley. We like DV, the #2 seed to win this one. 25-21, 25-22.

South 2: Barnegat is NJP’s top pick and we expect them to defeat Pleasantville in straight sets, 25-22, 25-21.

South 3: NJP picked the final matchup between Mainland and Pinelands. We expect Mainland to prevail in a close two set match. 26-24, 25-22.

South 4: NJP picked the final between Williamstown and Southern. We have Williamstown winning this great matchup in 3 sets. 26-24, 22-25, 25-21.

Once all the winners are decided, we will start to evaluate the group matchups. In the meantime, enjoy the last few days of sectionals.