By Christian Mordi - @mordi_thecomeup on Twitter / @thecomeupradio on IG
Team: Hackensack
Ranking: 18
Record Last season: 21-9, 8-2 in conference play
Key players: Atiba Taylor, junior;Razeyah Surrell, junior
Potential emerging stars: BJ Salibah Jr. , junior
Team analysis: “Da Sack” was one of New Jersey’s best surprises last year. “Fab-Five” member Atiba Taylor transferred to Hackensack from Pope John mid-season and gave the team a strong push in the 2nd half of the year.
Despite the loss of all-group guard MJ Richardson to graduation, Hackensack still is position to make a lot of noise in NJ this year. Atiba Taylor is back and will be running the offense this year. The division-one prospect is a savvy ball handler and excellent finisher. Most importantly, he’s a willing passer who will make his teammates better. Razeyah Surrell and BJ Salibah return as strong options on the offensive end. Both are also high energy guys who hit the glass relentlessly.
Hackensack ran into TOC runner up Linden last year, but if they were in a different group may have had the talent to make an even deeper run. This year they have a more seasoned lineup and can make a push. The Comets have the potential to be one of the most exciting teams to watch in New Jersey in the 2016-2017 season.
Stat to know: With a slight jump of 2 points and one rebound extra per game, BJ and Razeyah will average a double double in 2017.