News Summary

The New Jersey high school basketball season has ended with Plainfield and Bergen Catholic emerging as the top teams. Plainfield secured the Group 4 championship with an impressive win over Montgomery, showcasing standout players like Micah Gordon and NaJai Hines. Meanwhile, Bergen Catholic claimed the Non-Public A championship, highlighting their strong season despite tough competition. The season also featured remarkable performances from other teams and players, reflecting the resilience and talent prevalent in New Jersey high school basketball.

Plainfield and Bergen Catholic Steal the Spotlight in New Jersey High School Basketball

The excitement and thrill of high school basketball in New Jersey has drawn to a close with the release of the final Top 25 rankings. From gut-wrenching moments to electrifying plays, the 2024-2025 season has given fans a lot to talk about. Plainfield and Bergen Catholic have firmly established their dominance, leaving the competition trailing far behind.

Plainfield Strikes Gold

Plainfield has proven to be a team of champions, wrapping up their season by clinching the coveted Group 4 championship with a decisive victory over Montgomery, scoring 65-48. The standout player in the title game was none other than Micah Gordon, a talented 6-foot-3 sophomore guard who netted an impressive 24 points. Alongside him was NaJai Hines, a senior center towering at 6-foot-10 and weighing 255 pounds, who contributed with 18 points and snatched an impressive 16 rebounds.

This season, Hines has been nothing short of phenomenal, averaging a spectacular 18.8 points, 16.9 rebounds, and 3.5 blocks per game, with an astounding 26 double-doubles to his name. One of his most jaw-dropping performances was against Linden in the Section 2 Group 4 tournament, where he racked up an incredible 32 points alongside 30 rebounds, showcasing his talent and determination.

Micah Gordon’s numbers this season were also commendable. Averaging 16.7 points, 5.4 assists, and 3.8 steals, he has already marked his place in the history books with over 1,076 career points as a sophomore. Other pivotal players for Plainfield included Devin Thomas, who averaged 8.8 points per game, and Rashawn Williams with 8.7 points. With their triumph, Plainfield becomes just the second team to simultaneously win both the Union County Tournament and the Group state championship, joining the legendary team from the 2011-12 season.

A Grand Year for Bergen Catholic

Bergen Catholic is another impressive powerhouse this year, clinching the Non-Public A championship and the Bergen County Jamboree title. A huge contributor to their success has been Declan Wucherpfennig, a senior forward standing at 6-foot-7, whose knack for double-doubles has shaken up the competition. Alongside him, Jaden Brown has emerged as a key talent with a solid average of 17 points per game.

Even though they faced tough competition, including a rivalry with Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic has made their mark on the season, demonstrating their strength during high-stakes matchups. Don Bosco Prep did manage to split their regular season matchups with Bergen Catholic, but found themselves unable to keep up during the Jamboree and North Non-Public A final.

Other Teams in the Mix

In the Non-Public B championship, Roselle Catholic seized victory against St. Rose with a nail-biting score of 55-51, marking their third state title in four years. Trevon Lewis was the hero of the day, leading a resilient comeback for Roselle Catholic with 21 points despite the pressure.

St. Rose also had a strong showing this season, claiming the Shore Conference championship prior to their Non-Public B championship loss. Junior Jayden Hodge brought his talents to the court this year, becoming a standout player for the team.

On the bright side for Camden Catholic, their impressive postseason run was filled with excitement, although they faced a tough defeat against Manasquan in the state championship. Meanwhile, Thrive Charter made headlines by winning the Group 1 state championship in their inaugural year as a public school.

A Season of Triumph and Hardship

As a testament to the resilience of young athletes, Ridgewood’s Johnny Jackson showcased immense strength, scoring an astounding 30 points just after chemotherapy treatment while battling cancer. This just goes to prove how high school basketball transcends the game, becoming a platform for inspiring stories of perseverance and triumph.

As we look back at the rankings, standout teams like Gill St. Bernards, Rutgers Prep, and Montgomery are also noted for their remarkable seasons. Also memorable was the hype surrounding Elizabeth, the only public school capable of taking down Plainfield during the season.

As the dust settles on this exciting basketball season, it’s clear that high school basketball in New Jersey has once again captivated the hearts of fans, showcasing extraordinary talent and drama that will be remembered for years to come. Here’s to the next season, where more heroes will rise and unforgettable moments will unfold!

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