Picks and previews for the quarterfinal round of the public state tournament

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, November 5th 2025 at 10:38 GMT by NJ.com

Quarterfinal Countdown: NJ High School Public State Tournament Picks and Preview

The New Jersey Public High School Basketball Championship is on the brink of its most thrilling stage yet. The quarterfinal round—held this Sunday at the state‑wide “Towers of Power” arena in Newark—features the top eight public schools that earned their spots by navigating a gauntlet of district and sectional games. The latest preview, published by NJ.com on November 6, lays out the matchups, key players, coaching strategies, and a deep‑cut analysis that should help fans, parents, and the players themselves gauge the odds of victory. Below is a concise yet comprehensive rundown of the picks, predictions, and stories behind each of the four games.

1. North Brunswick vs. Princeton

North Brunswick – 9‑1, 7‑0 in Section 1, ranked 12th in the NJ.com state poll. Their offense has averaged 64 points per game, thanks largely to the dynamic duo of senior guard Eli Mendez (18.5 ppg, 5.2 apg) and junior forward Jaden Kearney (16.3 ppg, 9.0 rpg). Defensively, the Lions have a formidable 20‑shot defense, limiting opponents to 54 points per game.

Princeton – 8‑2, 6‑1 in Section 2, ranked 18th in the NJ.com state poll. The Tigers boast a balanced attack, with senior forward Marcus Thompson leading the way (15.1 ppg, 10.4 rpg) and guard Ariela Rivera adding 13.7 ppg and 4.8 apg. Princeton’s defense is anchored by a 5‑man zone that has forced 15 turnovers per game on average.

Preview
The Lions’ high‑energy offense will test Princeton’s defensive discipline. Mendez’s perimeter shooting will be key, while Kearney’s presence in the paint should offset Princeton’s inside defense. Princeton’s biggest challenge will be containing the Tigers’ dual threats. According to the preview, North Brunswick’s pick is 4–3. The article cites the Lions’ superior conditioning and a better head‑to‑head record from the regular season.

Additional context from the linked “North Brunswick Stats” page: The Lions have a 3‑0 record against Princeton in the last two seasons, and they have outscored Princeton by an average margin of 8.4 points. The “North Brunswick coaching profile” highlighted the coaching staff’s experience, with head coach Brian Hall leading the team to a conference title last year.

2. Trenton vs. West Windsor-Plainsboro

Trenton – 10‑0, 8‑0 in Section 3, ranked 9th in the NJ.com state poll. The Tigers are a well‑balanced unit, with senior guard Kevin “K-Dog” DeAngelis (19.3 ppg, 5.8 apg) and freshman center Rico Martinez (12.6 ppg, 8.5 rpg). Their defensive record boasts a 13‑shot defense and 1.4 turnovers per game.

West Windsor-Plainsboro – 9‑1, 7‑0 in Section 4, ranked 15th in the NJ.com state poll. The Bears feature a potent frontcourt with junior center Jared Thompson (17.4 ppg, 12.7 rpg) and senior guard Tiffany Nguyen (15.9 ppg, 6.2 apg). West Windsor has a top‑tier defense that limits opponents to 58 points per game.

Preview
Trenton’s high‑tempo offense is expected to outrun West Windsor’s stout defense. The preview’s pick is 5–4 for Trenton. The article underscores the advantage of Trenton’s experience in high‑pressure games, noting their flawless regular season record and a powerful bench that can sustain intensity.

Link evaluation: The “West Windsor‑Plainsboro team profile” linked in the article provided the full roster, highlight reel, and a brief coaching history of head coach Steven M. S. Harlow, who has a 7‑year tenure with the Bears. The site’s “West Windsor‑Plainsboro game highlights” segment displayed a 48‑32 win over a top‑ranked opponent earlier this season, reinforcing the team’s offensive potential.

3. Mount Olive vs. Princeton‑North

Mount Olive – 7‑3, 4‑1 in Section 5, ranked 22nd in the NJ.com state poll. The Patriots’ offense has been under‑utilized, with senior forward Landon King averaging 13.2 ppg and 7.5 rpg. They rely heavily on a zone defense that forces opponents into long‑range shots.

Princeton‑North – 6‑4, 3‑1 in Section 6, ranked 25th in the NJ.com state poll. The Knights, led by senior guard Zachary “Zach” Johnson (14.1 ppg, 4.4 apg), have struggled to maintain consistency. They have a defensive record that averages 64 points per game and a turnover average of 12.5 per game.

Preview
The preview predicts a close game but leans toward Mount Olive 6–5. The reasoning includes Mount Olive’s recent performance against top‑tier teams and the Knights’ lack of depth in the forward positions. The preview emphasizes Mount Olive’s aggressive defensive pressure and the Knights’ struggles to finish drives.

Evaluated link: The “Mount Olive stats” link provided a full statistical breakdown, indicating the Patriots’ improved field‑goal percentage (45.2%) during the last four games. The “Princeton‑North team overview” highlighted the Knights’ defensive lapses, especially in the third quarter, where they allowed an average of 12 points per game in that period.

4. Newark‑East vs. Trenton‑North

Newark‑East – 8‑2, 5‑1 in Section 7, ranked 18th in the NJ.com state poll. The Falcons have a balanced offensive attack, led by senior guard DeAndre McKenzie (17.6 ppg, 6.0 apg) and freshman center Khalil Brooks (10.3 ppg, 8.2 rpg). Their defense is noted for its ability to force fast breaks and create scoring opportunities.

Trenton‑North – 6‑4, 3‑1 in Section 8, ranked 23rd in the NJ.com state poll. The Lions’ offense is reliant on senior forward Brianna “Bri” Simmons (15.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg). The team’s defense has been criticized for its lack of aggression, allowing opponents 60 points per game.

Preview
The article’s pick is 6–5 in favor of Newark‑East. It argues that the Falcons’ disciplined offense and defensive rebounding edge will give them the upper hand. The preview cites the Falcons’ recent 10‑point victory over a top‑15 team as evidence of their capability to handle high‑stakes games.

Link evaluation: The “Newark‑East coaching staff” link showcased head coach Robert K. Martinez’s 12‑year tenure and his emphasis on conditioning. The “Trenton‑North roster” link detailed a roster that includes four freshmen, indicating a potential lack of experience in critical moments.

Key Takeaways for Fans

• Defensive prowess is a common thread among the top seeds. North Brunswick’s 20‑shot defense and Mount Olive’s aggressive zone will be crucial.
• Senior leadership will likely determine the outcome. Players like Eli Mendez, Kevin DeAngelis, and DeAndre McKenzie have already carried their teams through tight games.
• Coaching experience is a factor in the preview. Several head coaches, including Brian Hall (North Brunswick), Steven Harlow (West Windsor-Plainsboro), and Robert Martinez (Newark‑East), bring proven strategies and veteran leadership.
• Turnovers and offensive efficiency will be the tiebreakers in close matches. The preview points out that the teams with the lower turnover rates (Trenton, North Brunswick) have a slight edge.

Final Thoughts

The quarterfinals are set to be a showcase of high‑school talent, strategic depth, and the emotional stakes of New Jersey’s public school basketball scene. The picks made by NJ.com reflect a balance of statistical analysis and on‑court narrative. While upsets can never be ruled out—especially in high‑pressure games—these previews offer a roadmap for fans hoping to anticipate which programs will make the semifinals and ultimately compete for the state crown.

The article also provided direct links to each team’s full roster, recent game highlights, and a comprehensive statistical breakdown. Fans are encouraged to review these resources for a deeper dive into player performance trends and coaching philosophies.