New Jersey High School Basketball Tournament Of Champions
The New Jersey High School Basketball Tournament of Champions (TOC) is one of the most prestigious high school basketball events in the country. This tournament features the top teams in the state of New Jersey, playing in a single-elimination format to determine the best high school basketball team in the state. The tournament has been held annually since 1989, and has seen some of the best high school basketball players in the country compete.
The History of the TOC
The Tournament of Champions was created in 1989 as a way to crown a true state champion in high school basketball. Prior to that, each of the state's five groups (A, B, C, D, and Non-Public) held their own state championship tournament. However, there was no way to determine which team was truly the best in the state. The TOC was created to solve this problem.
The first TOC was held in 1989, and featured the top teams from each of the state's five groups. St. Anthony High School, a small school in Jersey City, won the first TOC, and would go on to win three more titles in the tournament's early years. Over the years, the tournament has grown in popularity, and has become a can't-miss event for high school basketball fans in New Jersey.
How the Tournament Works
The TOC features the champions of each of New Jersey's six boys basketball groups: North Group 1, North Group 2, North Group 3, North Group 4, South Group 1/2, and Non-Public. These six teams then compete in a single-elimination tournament to determine the overall state champion.
Each team is seeded based on their overall record and strength of schedule. The top two seeds receive a first-round bye. The other four teams play in the first round, with the winners advancing to the semifinals. The semifinals and finals are held at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway, New Jersey.
The TOC is a highly competitive tournament, and features some of the best high school basketball players in the country. It is a true test of a team's ability to perform under pressure, and winning the TOC is considered one of the highest honors in New Jersey high school basketball.
Famous Players Who Played in the TOC
Over the years, the TOC has featured some of the best high school basketball players in the country. Many of these players have gone on to have successful careers in college and the NBA. Here are just a few of the most famous players who have competed in the TOC:
- Kyrie Irving - Irving led St. Patrick High School to the TOC title in 2010. He went on to play at Duke University, and is now a six-time NBA All-Star.
- R.J. Barrett - Barrett led Montverde Academy (Florida) to the 2018 TOC title in his senior season. He went on to play at Duke University, and was selected third overall in the 2019 NBA Draft.
- Kyle Anderson - Anderson led St. Anthony High School to four TOC titles from 2010-2013. He went on to play at UCLA, and is now a member of the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Importance of the TOC
The TOC is an important event for high school basketball in New Jersey. It provides a true test of a team's ability, and allows fans to see the best teams and players in the state compete against each other. It is also an opportunity for players to showcase their skills in front of college scouts and coaches.
For the winning team, the TOC is a major accomplishment. Winning the tournament is a testament to a team's hard work and dedication, and is something that they will remember for the rest of their lives.
Conclusion
The New Jersey High School Basketball Tournament of Champions is an event like no other. It features the best high school basketball teams in the state competing for the ultimate prize: the title of state champion. With a long history and a prestigious reputation, the TOC is a must-see event for any high school basketball fan in New Jersey.