5/8/25

Here is information related to the upcoming Union County tournament. The seeds and the NJP ranking algorithm are in perfect alignment. That does not happen very often.

The schedule is as follows: Play-in games are May 10th, Quarter-Final matches are May 12th, Semi-final matches are May 14th, and the Championship match will be held at Kean University (Harwood Arena) on May 16th.

SPF is an overwhelming favorite to win the tournament this season. Let’s take a look at the teams and players in more detail:

Scotch Plains-Fanwood (19-2, 7-1 UCC-Watchung)

Scotch Plains-Fanwood is dominating the county with an impressive 19-2 record. Their success is built around three standout players: Daniel Ennis (286 kills, 149 digs), Brody Balestrino (89 assists, 107 service points), and Andrew Sicinski (240 assists). The Raiders are peaking at the right time and just beat #1 Old Bridge, handing them their only loss on the season thus far.

The team’s only conference loss came against Elizabeth (1-2), but they avenged that defeat with a 2-0 win on May 2. They’ve swept Westfield twice and split with Elizabeth, giving them a strong position in the tournament. With the highest win percentage in the county and balanced contribution across their roster (695 total kills, 865 digs), they’re clear favorites to win the tournament.

Elizabeth (15-2, 7-1 UCC-Watchung)

Elizabeth has matched Scotch Plains-Fanwood’s conference record at 7-1, making them co-leaders in the Watchung Division. Their attack is led by Leo Fontaine (175 kills) and supported by Gabriel Perreira (64 kills, 147 digs).

The team’s offensive efficiency is evident in their 432 kills with excellent ball distribution from Daniel Estevez (350 assists). Their April 14 victory over Scotch Plains-Fanwood was a season highlight, though they lost the rematch on May 2. With strong defensive coverage (669 digs) and balanced scoring, they’re serious contenders to challenge for the county title.

Westfield (11-6, 3-4 UCC-Watchung)

Westfield has had an up-and-down season with an 11-6 overall record. Their offense runs through Benjamin Bukiet-Beker (103 kills, 92 digs) and Ethan Cha (80 kills), while Jack Graham (69 digs) anchors the defense.

They’ve struggled against the division leaders, being swept by Scotch Plains-Fanwood twice and splitting their matches with Elizabeth. Their setters Kueijiro Tanaka and Logan Welsh have combined for 241 assists, showing good distribution. With 348 kills and strong service (83 aces), they have the potential to make a tournament run if their offense clicks.

Union (10-7, 1-6 UCC-Watchung)

Union has struggled in conference play with a 1-6 record despite a respectable 10-7 overall mark. Evan Espino leads their offense with 158 kills and 31 aces, while Josiah Archelus has been exceptional defensively with 165 digs.

Their biggest challenge has been competing against the Watchung Division powers, losing twice to Elizabeth and twice to Scotch Plains-Fanwood. Ethan Ho provides leadership with 276 assists and solid all-around play. Their tournament success will depend on whether they can elevate their game against stronger opponents.

Summit (7-11, 1-7 UCC-Watchung)

Summit has struggled in the competitive Watchung Division with a 1-7 conference record. Jonathan Liang leads the team with 149 kills and 67 digs, while Max Eng (73 kills) and Michael Joseph (69 kills, 67 blocks) provide additional offensive support.

They’ve been competitive but ultimately unsuccessful against the division leaders, getting swept by both Elizabeth and Scotch Plains-Fanwood. The team lacks a dominant setter, which has hampered their offensive consistency. Their tournament hopes rely on Liang’s ability to carry the offensive load.

Plainfield (11-6, 9-1 UCC-Mountain)

Plainfield has dominated the Mountain Division with a 9-1 record. Their offense features a balanced attack led by Keiner Marrugo (124 kills, 111 digs) and John Messam (134 kills).

Sebastian Calispa orchestrates the offense with 349 assists, while Jon Villanueva contributes 168 digs defensively. They’ve struggled against Watchung Division teams, losing to both Elizabeth and Scotch Plains-Fanwood, which will be their biggest tournament challenge. Their Mountain Division dominance gives them confidence heading into tournament play.

Oratory (10-6, 8-0 share)

Oratory has been strong with a 10-6 overall record. Devon Fernandez leads their attack with 197 kills and 50 digs, while Jeremy Yeager (106 kills) and Noah Tockarshewsky (96 digs, 30 assists) provide secondary support.

They’ve been competitive against larger schools, winning multiple matches against Mountain Division teams. Their balanced offense (397 kills) and strong service game (111 aces) make them dangerous tournament opponents. Their May 5 win over Westfield demonstrates their ability to compete with Watchung Division teams.

Linden (6-12, 6-4 UCC-Mountain)

Linden has been competitive in the Mountain Division with a 6-4 record despite struggles overall. Rodrigo Lopez (66 kills, 67 digs) and Nicolas Chacon (67 kills, 70 digs) lead a balanced attack, while Nicolas Mendez distributes with 145 assists.

They’ve shown improvement throughout the season but struggle against Watchung Division opponents. Their offensive efficiency (367 kills on 414 digs) shows potential, but they’ll need to elevate their play to advance in tournament play.

Hillside (7-12, 3-6 UCC-Mountain)

Hillside has struggled to a 7-12 record this season. Gabriel Coelho (94 kills, 66 digs) and Aldy Alexandre (83 kills) lead their offense, while Jesus Diaz anchors the defense with 222 digs.

Ismael Fils-Aime runs the offense with 297 assists, but the team has lacked consistency. Their May 5 loss to Scotch Plains-Fanwood demonstrates the gap between divisions. Tournament success will require significant improvement against stronger opponents.

Roselle (4-12, 3-6 UCC-Mountain)

Roselle has struggled this season with a 4-12 record. Samuel Pomie (43 kills, 66 digs) and Justin Walters (44 kills, 57 digs) lead their limited offensive output.

They’ve shown occasional flashes against similar competition but have been overmatched against Watchung Division teams. Their relatively low offensive output (141 kills) and defensive struggles have contributed to their difficult season. Tournament advancement seems unlikely without dramatic improvement.