NORTH 1, GROUP 2 FINAL

Tuesday, Feb. 27

2-Elmwood Park (22-5) at 1-Ramsey (22-4), 7 p.m.

How they got here: Elmwood Park is playing in its first sectional final since 2007 after a 50-31 win over 11th-seeded Glen Rock on Saturday. This squad kicked things off in the playoffs with a close 45-39 win over 15th-seeded Lenape Valley. Elmwood Park also had to grind it out in the quarterfinals with a 61-55 win over seventh-seeded Pascack Hills.

Players to Watch

Elmwood Park – Essam Assaf, Sr.; DeWayne Carter, Sr.; Ivan Corcino Mejia, Sr.; David Forzani, Sr.; Alex Picinich, Sr.

Elmwood Park wins if: Elmwood Park lost a game earlier to Ramsey this season and it was not close, 44-25. This team needs to learn from that game and come out and accentuate its strengths to pull off an upset. Senior Essam Assaf is a 1,000-point scorer and he has bounce. Elmwood Park needs him to get this offense going in the championship game. Senior guard David Forzani has been dynamic as well this year and although senior DeWayne Carter is known for defense, he led the team in scoring in the semis. Senior forward Ivan Corcino Mejia has size and strength, and he will need to control the paint in this game. Senior Alex Picinich rounds out the starting lineup and is part of a veteran team that has been tough to beat. Elmwood Park made it to the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference Tournament final, but fell short in the title game. This team is looking to avoid the same fate in the state playoffs.

Brandon Gould can be reached at bgould@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @BrandonGouldHS.