Boys Basketball: Union County basketball this week, Jan. 15

PLAYER TO WATCH Linden was dangerous enough with Cairo Brown at guard and Quadri Moore patrolling the paint. But the No. 8 team in the state got even more dangerous on Sunday when Cardinal McCarrick transfer Alonzo Hamilton made his debut for Linden.

The 6-4 junior averaged 10.8 points and 6.5 rebounds per game last year before making the move to his hometown team. He had 12 points in his debut as Linden defeated Union Catholic in the Investors Games at Kean University. With more reps under his belt, he'll be even more of an asset.

Coach Phil Colicchio praised him after the game, and he sees the potential there for an impact player, whether he's starting or coming off the bench. He won't have to be the primary option, which should make him that much more dangerous. With him in the rotation, Linden will be that much deeper and harder to beat.

TEAM TO WATCH
It was clear early in the season that The Patrick School was going to be one of the best teams in the state. But last Thursday against Linden, the No. 3 team in the state made it abundantly clear it might be in the elite class of squads.

Beating Linden? Impressive. Doing it in Linden's gym? Even more impressive. But to win by nearly 20 points? One of the most resounding victories of the early season.

De'Andre Bembry went off for 28 points, including 11 first quarter points to jump out to a massive lead. But even as he went scoreless in the second quarter, the rest of the team thrived around him.

With Roselle Catholic falling to Elizabeth on Saturday, The Patrick School took over the top spot in Union County. With the way its playing right now, it will be interesting to see how much farther it goes up the ranks.

GAME TO WATCH
Union is fresh off a big win over Roselle. Elizabeth is fresh off a stunning upset of then-No. 2 Roselle Catholic. But one team's momentum will be broken when the two squads face off in Union on Thursday at 4 p.m.

Several players are still getting into the swing of basketball after playing football for Elizabeth. Meanwhile Jaleel Chain is the main offensive option for Union.

Email Jeremy Schneider at jschneider@njschoolsports.com

?Download the High School Sports app

Source: http://www.nj.com/hssports/blog/boysbasketball/index.ssf/2013/01/boys_basketball_union_county_basketball_this_week_jan_15.html

super bowl coin toss madonna super bowl halftime kelly clarkson super bowl giants super bowl 2012 half time show halftime show 2012 kelly clarkson super bowl 2012