Games To Watch December 14,2024

As the season enters full swing this weekend, Garden State basketball fans will be treated to a number of high profile contests on Saturday.

JD Core Training North Jersey Game Of The Day

Immaculate Conception vs East Orange, 5PM at Paterson Kennedy

Immaculate Conception graduated some talent and then suffered a big loss when 6'6" guard Kole Grandison left New Jersey, but don't cry for Jimmy Salmon's crew. Myles Blackley is a D1 recruit and now driving the bus. This team is still very talented.

East Orange also suffered some graduation losses but their backcourt will remain strong with the return of sophomore prospect James Roberts, senior Carlyle Adams and the addition of sophomore Elijah Caldwell, who transferred in from Saint Mary's of Rutherford.

Saint Peter's Prep vs Colonia, 5:30 at Montgomery

The Marauders had a season to remember and come back even stronger. All State guard Nico Pena and his leadership will be tough to replace, but the pieces of the puzzle are there with players like Richie Rosa and Mason Santiago a year older and more experienced. The big move for Alex Mirabel was the addition of 7'1" center Keiner Asprilla, who transferred from Don Bosco Prep.

Colonia will be led by 6'6" guard Aiden Derkack, a high level D1 recruit with tremendous upside.

Freehold Boro vs CBA, 11:30

This one has big interest down the shore. A marquee matchup to start the season which could probably fill the Collins Arena at Brookdale to the brim.

Geoff Billet and the Colts have all the returnees a coach could possibly ask for and a host of college prospects, led by Kevin Pikiell, Charlie Marcoulier, Conor Andree and Middlebury commit Justin Fuerbacher. Toss in Will Grier, Gavin Marlin, big man David Buley and others and CBA has the depth to contend with the top teams in the state.

Freehold has the talent to match CBA player for player. Ben DiBiase led the Colonials to the Group III State Final last year and returns much of his firepower. Guard Brian Tassey will be tasked with leading the charge and he'll have help from Qua'mir Everett, Aidan Hamlin-Woolfolk and others.

Mendham vs Vernon, 6P

The Fighting Jim Baglins(+10 for any reader under 30 who recognizes that legendary name) welcome Vernon to town for a marquee Northwest Jersey tussle.

It'll be Kevin King leading Mendham's charge against Alex Fessel of Vernon in a battle of two of the top players in their respective counties. While it's slightly further afield and may not have the "glitz" factor of a top 10 clash, this game could prove to be one of the most competitive of the day.

Other Games To Watch

Manasquan vs Rutgers Prep, 12P at Montgomery

Mendham vs Vernon, 6P

Montgomery vs Hudson Catholic, 7P

Paterson Kennedy vs Ramapo,8P