Union County Tournament: Quarterfinal Round Preview
The Union County Tournament is down to their final eight teams. The top five seeds are still alive and fighting for the title. There is also one double-digit seed remaining trying to pull off the ultimate upset. Here is a…
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Continue ReadingThe Union County Tournament is down to their final eight teams. The top five seeds are still alive and fighting for the title. There is also one double-digit seed remaining trying to pull off the ultimate upset. Here is a full preview of the quarterfinal round and a quick recap of what happened in the crazy second round on Tuesday.
1- Westfield vs. 9- Johnson
Westfield comes into this round having won 13 in a row. The top-seed took down Dayton in the first round 59-30. Westfield had 10 different players score in the game led by Caroline Dwyer with 23 points. Chloe Kreusser took a backseat in this one with 10 points and six rebounds. She is a dynamic player who has been a leader for Westfield all season long. It is no surprise that Westfield is the team to beat. They are extremely well-rounded when it comes to their guard play and forwards. Faith Dobosiewicz led the team with 10 rebounds.
What a game it was when Johnson faced Elizabeth in the first round. Johnson trailed by three heading into the fourth quarter and outscored Elizabeth 12-7 to steal the victory. Katie Ledden led Johnson with 16 points and nine rebounds. Johnson has players that know their role and can contribute in many ways. Dominka Kosiek did not score in the game but grabbed 10 rebounds and had four steals. Ashley Samsel finished with just two points but had five rebounds and six assists. This is the production they will need if they want to take down Westfield.
4- Oak Knoll vs. 5- Summit
Oak Knoll jumped out to a 47-19 lead over Plainfield at halftime in round one. It was an easy victory and now they will prepare to take on Summit. Paige Morton has been one of the top scorers in the state this season. She continued her prowess with 25 points in the opening game of the tournament. Morton and Elizabeth Archer will be a lot to handle throughout this tournament.
Summit allowed just 24 points in their round one victory over Scotch Plains. This is the type of defensive effort they need if they want to slow down Morton and Oak Knoll. This matchup will come down to which team will be able to stop the other’s stars. Sylvie Goudreau and Sarah Maldonado have the ability to get hot throughout the course of a game. Summit will have to come up with a strong game plan to slow down Morton on the offensive end.
3- Union Catholic vs. 11- Roselle Catholic
Union Catholic has won four of their last five games by 16 or more points. They picked up a blowout victory over Roselle Catholic early in the season and this will be a rematch. Roselle Catholic snapped a four game losing streak and picked up an upset victory over Cranford just to make it to the quarterfinals. Shauntia Alexander finished with 15 points and 12 rebounds. Janelle McNeill led the way with 18 points while Nia Clemons also had 15.
The Lions will have to play a perfect game if they want to upset Union Catholic. Madison Johnson has the offense running smoothly for Union Catholic. They allowed just 24 points in their first round matchup against Kent Place. The first meeting between these two teams was a 61-26 victory for Union Catholic. It is hard to imagine that Roselle Catholic will go on the road and pick up another upset victory.
2- New Providence vs. 7- Gov. Livingston
New Providence is 21-2 this season. Their two losses have come against Union Catholic and Westfield. this has the chance to be a very interesting tournament down the stretch. Before we get there, New Providence will have to handle Gov. Livingston after they made quick work of Roselle. Three players finihsed in double-figures led by Meghan Lamanna with 18 points. Eight different players scored for New Providence. This is how it has been all season thanks to their balanced offensive attack.
Gov. Livingston is getting hot at the right time. They have won eight in a row and 13 of their last 14 games. They picked up an 18-point win over Hillside in round one. Skylar Dowling turned in another monstrous performance with 29 points. Paige Phillips was second on the team with 17. Gov. Livingston has all the makings of an upset. They are playing well and have the star power to get it done. This could turn out to be the most intriguing quarterfinal game on Friday.