By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
The St. Patrick (N.J.) Celtics return three starters from a Tournament of Champions winning team that finished 30-2 last year and was ranked sixth in the final MaxPreps National Rankings.
A trio of battle-tested returnees - 6-foot-7 Quintrell Thomas, 5-10 Jermel Jenkins, and 6-3 Dexter Strickland - will be instrumental in the Celtics' quest to win the New Jersey Parochial B state title for the third consecutive year.
Thomas, who had to sit out at the start of last season after transferring from Newark Science, provided the Celtics with some much needed strength in the post. He looks to do the same next year before playing for Bill Self at Kansas next fall.
Point guard responsibilities will be given to Jermel Jenkins. With the loss of Corey Fisher, who's now at Villanova, Jenkins' role looms even larger this season. In the tradition of St. Pat's guards, Jenkins is an extremely quick player who plays staunch defense.
Perhaps the biggest key to the success of the Celtics this year is rising junior guard Dexter Strickland. Strickland, one of the top players nationally in his class, should develop into the team's go-to weapon offensively. He has a sweet stroke from three point land, but excels at slashing toward the basket.
Not to mention, he's a lethal defender, never afraid to shadow the opposing team's leading scorer.
Kevin Boyle's squad will also get help from the influx of young talent arriving in Elizabeth this fall. Freshmen Shaquille Stokes and Michael Gilchrist could see varsity minutes this year.
Don't be surprised to see St. Patrick back in the title hunt this year and for years to come.