Ah, it’s that wonderful time of year again. There truly is nothing quite like the county tournament circuit in New Jersey High School sports. Sure, the glory of a state title is hard to beat, but there’s something a little more…personal about taking on players from your area. Bordering town rivalries, friends who grew up together clashing, top-20 matchups, you name it, the county tournaments have got it. Here are a few storylines to keep an eye on as we start round one today.

Four Top-20 Teams in the MCT

It’s no secret that Morris County is a hotbed for lacrosse talent, and one needs to look no further than the stacked field of the Morris County Tournament to see that. Defending champions, and ninth-ranked Delbarton lead the pack as the top seed with perennial powerhouse Mountain Lakes (#14), a loaded Chatham team (#13), and a one-loss Morris Knolls squad (#20) following as the two, three, and five seeds respectively. The road to the title won’t be easy though, with excellent programs such as Randolph (four seed), Jefferson (six seed), Kinnelon (seven seed), and West Morris Central (eight seed) standing in the way. Buckle up, this bracket is going to be a fun one!

Possible Revenge in the Bergen County Finals

If you’ve been following New Jersey Boys Lacrosse this season, the story of number one Ridgewood’s Kirst Cup title defense season has been a fun one. Through their first nine contest, they easily disposed of their adversaries with an average margin of victory on the precipice of eight goals. They were cruising..until Don Bosco (#3) punched them in the mouth. The Ironmen dominated their matchup 12-4, proving that no team is invincible in 2024. With how outstanding both teams have been this season, the Maroons and Ironmen have a good chance to meet again in the tournament finals, setting the stage for a game-of-the-year candidate.

Can Seton Hall Prep Make It 11-Straight?

There’s dominance and then there are dynasties, and that’s exactly what the Seton Hall Prep Pirates have been in Essex County for over a decade. Winners of the past ten Essex County Tournaments, the boys in West Orange are coming into this year’s bracket on a four-game winning streak, with all victories coming against top-20 teams. Still, resting on their laurels would be inadvisable as Caldwell (#11), and Montclair (#17) are no joke. Doing anything competitive eleven times in a row is never easy, and all eyes will be glued to Seton Hall to see if they can get it done.

Summit vs Westfield Round 12?

The UCC may have a small field, but what it lacks in quantity is more than compensated in quality. Scotch Plains-Fanwood (#15), Summit (#5), and Westfield (#2) comprise the three through one seeds respectively with 11-3 New Providence and 12-2 A.L. Johnson cracking the four and five spots. Summit and Westfield have already clinched spots in the semifinals, and have faced off in every single final since 2012 with Summit leading the series eight to three, including winning the last five. Though it’s no guarantee that they’ll meet again, in the finals, the Blue Devils and Hilltoppers are doing their best impression of the NBA’s Cleveland Cavaliers and Golden State Warriors of the mid-2010s, and it’ll be up to the rest of the field to stop them.

Can Wayne Valley Make it Three in Four Years?

There is a TON of parity in this year’s Passaic County Tournament, with tough schedules causing none of the top four seeds to have a winning record. Wayne Valley currently sits at number one in the field with a 4-8 record, but that goes out the window with their sights set on winning a third title in four seasons. The road will be far from easy though, with a first-round draw against number nine Pompton Lakes who upset Passaic Valley 8-6 in the Preliminary Round. From there, big players such as Lakeland (two seed), West Milford (three seed), rival Wayne Hills (four seed), and a PCTI squad (five seed) that are really coming into their own stand in the way. Expect plenty of upsets in Passaic County throughout the first half of May.

Can Anyone Stop Sparta?

We’re a little late to the game here thanks to an April start to the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex proceedings, and as of right now, it’s looking like Sparta is the team to beat. The Spartans and their 11-2 record look poised to capture their first HWS title since 2016, reaching the semifinals after a 12-1 thrashing of Newton in the quarterfinals. Only 2-8 Hunterdon Central (five seed), and the winner of the two/three game between Voorhees and Pope John currently stand in their way. Of those teams none have a victory against a ranked opponent while Sparta are 1-1 against Top-20 teams and were formerly on the list themselves. Still, anything can happen in tournament season, and the final stretch of this one should be a thrill to watch!

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