Group 2
Immaculata (5-4) at St. Joe’s (Hammonton (8-2)
Immaculata won their first four, then lost four straight and the losses were not competitive, losing by a collective score of 143-7.
St. Joe’s (Hammonton) had a couple of losses in the middle of the year, but appear to be on track, winning their last three.
I don’t see St. Joe’s having any problems in this game.
Hudson Catholic (6-4) at Holy Spirit (6-3)
Hudson Catholic is a solid team, but their highest quality win came against Hackensack.
Holy Spirit has been a top team in this group, but has no recent championship. Their losses have been competitive to St. Joe’s (Hammonton), St. Augustine, and 8-2 Mount St. Joseph in Maryland.
I see Holy Spirit winning this game.
Group 3
Pope John (2-8) at Red Bank Catholic (8-0)
Pope John may be 2-8, but they have played a very tough schedule and I don’t think Red Bank Catholic would be much better if they played the same schedule. The optimist would say Pope John has won its last two and have a chance to win, although it is a small one.
Red Bank Catholic has some very good players going to Power-5 schools, but their schedule is not as tough as the one Pope John plays. I think they are the better team, but this game is not a slam dunk.
Mater Dei (9-1) at DePaul (7-3)
Mater Dei is a very talented squad with good athletes, but they have not played the schedule DePaul has. That being said, this is still an interesting matchup.
DePaul was beaten up by both Bergan Catholic and Don Bosco before coasting to an easy win last week. The fact DePaul allowed 101 points in those two losses is a red flag. They are also without one of their top two players in Ronnie Hickman.
If I were a betting man, I would put the money on DePaul, but I wouldn’t be shocked if Mater Dei found a way to win.
Group 4
The only game that I possibly see being close is Don Bosco against Delbarton and that is a big “if.” Seton Hall Prep at Bergen Catholic, St. Joe’s (Metuchen) at St. Peter’s Prep, and St. Augustine at St. Joe’s (Montvale) are all games the home team should win comfortably.