SJ Group IV

Washington Twp. and TR East have byes in a bracket that looks empty relative to CJ IV. Washington beat TR North in the first round in a shootout last year and TR East lost to Eastern in the sectional finals after drawing the number one seed. I don't know much about these South Jersey teams except that they beat each other up for most of the year (much like A South) and its reflected in the records. Here's how the other two Toms River schools look in the first round.

#12 Toms River North at #5 Oakcrest

TR North looked like a team with a nice mix of experience and young talented, but this year they have just looked young. They have a lot of skill, they are healthier than they were when they really struggled in the middle of the year. I find it hard to believe they'll beat Oakcrest after losing to Manasquan in the SCT, but that's the way the Mariners have been this year. I wouldn't be surprised to see their season end Tuesday, but I woldn't be surprised to see them in the semis.

#11 Cherry Hill East at #6 Toms River South

I mentioned it in the notebook this week and it's hard to ignore when you break it down:

TR South at home: 9-0
TR South on the road: 3-6

That's good news for Tuesday's game against CHE, but bad news for a game against if #3 Lenape beats #14 Cherokee. The talented Indians have a lot of upside, but it's hard to win a sectional title if you can't win on the road. Unless of course, nobody else can win at home.