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3/6/18 - 3/19/18

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Volume 24 Issue 535

JerseySportingNews.com

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Manasquan wins its fifth Shore Conference Tournament

RANNEY WINS ITS 1ST SCT TITLE

COVERAGE ON PAGE 9

Page 2 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18

3/6/18 - 3/19/18

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 3

MABREY’S EPIC GAME POWERS MANASQUAN TO SHORE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT TITLE

By Mike Ready

WEST LONG BRANCH – As a freshman, Dara Mabrey came off the bench to help Manasquan win its fourth Shore Conference Tournament title in program history while her older sister Marina – now a standout guard at Notre Dame – poured in a game-high 29 points.

It’s a tough job and I give them a lot of credit, they did fight hard. I was not backing down. After my first half and our lead, there was no way I was taking my foot off the gas.�

Manasquan (24-2) pushed its lead over the Lancers (242) to 15 points, 49-34, after three quarters as Marbrey and Masonius, who recently committed to the University of Maryland, scored 13 of the Warriors’ 18 thirdquarter points. Junior Lola Mullaney finished with 12 points, three boards, an assist, blocked shot and steal and added five points in the third, including a 3-pointer.

Three years later, Dara took center stage and put on a performance for the ages scoring a game-high 33 points – five points shy of her career high. Her herculean effort helped second-seeded Manasquan upset top-seeded Saint John Vianney, 70-52, to capture the Shore Conference Tournament championship – their fifth in program history and first since 2015.

With Bellamy now forced out of the paint to cover Mabrey, Masonius took advantage of her size and began to dominate underneath with 10 of her 14 rebounds and 15 of her 21 points coming in the second half.

Throughout her career, the 5-foot-7 Mabrey, the game’s MVP, has had some big shoes to fill and has had to endure constant comparisons to the 5-foot-11 Marina, the 2014-15 New Jersey girls basketball Gatorade Player of the Year, and older sister Michaela, who was a twoyear starter and captain during her senior year with the Fighting Irish. “Winning like this after so many people said that I couldn’t or that I wasn’t as good as my sisters makes it sweet,� said Mabrey of the comparisons. I’m calling Marina right when I’m done (interviewing) and telling her, ‘guess what, I won too.’�

Michaela reached the Shore Conference Tournament final twice, once as a freshman at SJV and then her senior year at Manasquan but both resulted in losses, while Marina, after losing her freshman year with Michaela, won the title in both her junior and senior years, so with Saturday’s win, Dara equaled Marina’s two SCT championships and three final appearances. “When we won this as a freshman I looked at my sister, Marina, and thought ‘I’m so happy, so I just can’t even imagine how you’re feeling right now,’� Mabrey said. “At the end of the game, I was so emotional and I ran over to hug coach (Lisa) Kukoda.�

Mabrey was virtually unstoppable from the get-go, leading the Warriors to an 18-12 first-quarter lead. She

MANASQUAN’S #13 FAITH MASONIUS hit the first basket of the game before scoring the final eight points of the quarter for Manasquan, including two three’s and went 4-for-4 from the field.

Junior forward Faith Masonius, whose 21 points and game-high 14 rebounds were overshadowed by Mabrey’s masterpiece, opened the second quarter with two baskets before Mabrey scored the Warriors’ final nine points of the quarter sending them into halftime with a 31-25 lead.

A Virginia Tech-commit, Mabrey was 7-of-11 from the field, including 2-of-3 from beyond the 3-point arc and 3-of-4 from the free-throw line for 19 points in the first half.

“Faith was huge and she takes pressure off me,� said Mabrey. “We use her as a post or forward but she can handle the ball so in the second half when they went to a face guard on me Faith came alive. She was drawing fouls a lot doing the right thing against the press so if you have another player who can do that and not just a point guard it’s huge. You’re dead in the water if you have a post breaking your press.�

Masonius scored 10 straight points for Manasquan in a span of two and half minutes in the fourth quarter including going a perfect 6-for-6 from the free-throw line expanding the Warriors lead to 66-49 with 1:42 remaining in the game.

Mabrey added her 32nd and 33rd points from the foul line and Mullaney finished off the Lancers with a bucket in the final seconds for the 70-52 final.

MANASQUAN SCT CHAMPIONS Saint John Vianney beat the Warriors in the 2016 SCT final and the Tournament of Champions title game so that made Saturday night’s win that much sweeter. “The win meant everything to me; we just beat Saint John Vianney by 18 points,� an ecstatic Mabrey said. “No one thought we were going to do it; every media outlet said that we were going to lose. And I love people to doubt me and doubt my team because every time someone says we can’t do something, we prove them wrong.�

Madison Doring finished with a team-high 17 points and Sajada Bonner added 15 points for Saint John Vianney.

When asked how long she’ll enjoy the win before focusing on the state tournament Mabrey didn’t hesitate when she said, “It’s back to work tomorrow.�

“She made it a goal of hers, she made it a goal of our team,� Kukoda said. “She made sure everyone was on board with what needed to be done to achieve this goal.

She’s a gamer and these are the moments that she loves, embraces and steps up in. There some people that can shy away from the spotlight, she wouldn’t want this any other way.�

The Lancers eventually turned to 6-foot-0 junior forward Brelynn Bellamy to cover Mabrey and try to slow her down in the second half but that plan failed, too.

On the first play of the second half, Mabrey beat Bellamy off the dribbles and slashed to the bucket for two points and Warriors were off and running.

MANASQUAN’S #10 DARA MABREY

“I knew they were going to do that,� said Mabrey of Bellamy guarding her. “I knew who they were going to put her on me and when they were going to do it. Every time someone face guards me, I’m going to make them work, whether it’s me scoring or getting to the paint.

SHORE CONFERENCE CHAMPS MANASQUAN GIRLS BASKETBALL Photos by: Tom Smith

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Page 4 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18

MANASQUAN/POINT PLEASANT BEACH UPSETS WALL IN DOWD CUP FINAL

By Mike Ready

Those timely goals Houli was talking about came from brothers Matt and Mike Franzoni with Matt finding Mike for the game’s opening score with 8:32 left in the first period. The Warriors then appeared to be on the verge of taking a 1-0 lead into the second period but with just fourtenths of a second remaining in the first period, the Knights’ Thomas Falletta snuck one past Gibilisco as the horn sounded to tie the game at one.

After the scoreless second period, MANASQUAN’S GOALIE STEVEN GIBILISCO Matt scored the go-ahead and evenPage 12 Jersey Sporting News • 3/8/16 - 3/21/16 MAKES THIS SAVE AND 33 OTHERS FOR THE WIN tual game-winner with 10:12 left in IN THE DOWD CUP CHAMPIONSHIP GAME the third period off assists from Luke WALL – Manasquan/Point Pleasant Beach junior goalie Steven Gibilisco stopped 17 shots in a decisive second period and held defending champion Wall to one goal as sixth-seeded Manasquan rode some timely scoring and Gibilisco’s unflappable goal tending to a 2-1 upset win over secondseeded Wall for their first Dowd Cup championship since 2008.

McNamara and his brother Mike.

The Franzoni brothers, sophomores that transferred from Saint John Vianney after their freshman years, have been a huge part of the Warriors success this season since taking the ice in January.

They each scored a goal and an assist in the Cup final giving Mike a team-leading 18 goals along with 11 assists for 29 points and Matt 10 goals and 10 assists.

Jersey Sporting News

Ranney Falls Short in Shore Conference Playoffs

“That’s how you win championships,” Manasquan head coach Adam Houli said. “You need a goalie who’s going to make those stops for you and you get timely goals. It really was a perfect example of a championship game. You get timely goals, you get timely saves, and everybody bought into it. It was an exciting time on the bench.”

By Michael Ward

The strategy paid off as the Warriors did what no other team had done in 22 previous games this season by keeping Wall’s top line without a single point.

“There were times when I wanted to go and change (the forecheck) but I didn’t want to prevent ourselves from winning by going into a prevent defense,” Houli said. “For us we just kept going and kept going; it’s what got us here; why change it now? “ Houli said his team – who was scheduled to play Wall earlier this season but had the game postponed on three separate occasions – wanted to MANASQUAN’S FRANZONI High School or College Students MATT wanted who make a statement against their rivals.

have a passion for journalism, photography or

“It’s amazing but it’s aschool credit tosports. our players, they key UPDATE: As conduct the second seed, Wall advanced high Cover games, really bought in this week,” Houli said. “We talked to the NJSIAA Public C semifinals before fallinterviews, high-action for an about the opportunity to make take a statement, and ingpictures to No. 3 seed Chatham, 6-1, while No. 11 experience that can propel your future career what better time to that than in a championship seed Manasquan was eliminated by sixth-seeded game against Wall.”

Mahwah, 5-0, in the second round of the same in journalism! bracket.

Contact JSN at JSNAttardi@msn.com today!

Gibilisco, who finished with 33 saves, added, “It feels amazing, I can’t believe it. There are no words.”

Long Branch Wrestlers Success On The Mat

“They’re spark plugs,” Houli said of the brothers.

“They have an offensive touch that not many people have in the state, let alone this county. For us to get them (is a blessing). They had timely goals for us and put the puck where it needed to be and buried it when we needed them to.”

By Michael Rogers

In their last regular season game, the team The Warriors (15-2-1) won the Shore Confaced a fierce competitor in Long Branch. ference Central with an 8-0-1 divisional Scottie LewisA converted two free-throws with seasonto give while Walla (20-3-2), 1.8record secondsthis remaining Ranney 5755who victory over Long Branch in A Long Branch. finished third in the North, dropped

The season for the Ranney Boys’ Basketball Team was a good one.

The team boasted an impressive 22-4 season record, but unfortunately fell short as they entered the playoffs. Within the quarterfinal round, Ranney was knocked out by Roselle Catholic with a score of 69-44.

The new coach and players Ranney were able to fold into the mix added significantly to their success throughout the season, but it appears as if those additions will be the building blocks for a more successful playoff drive next season.

Nathaniel Pierre Louis had 13 points for fifthseeded Roselle Catholic, in its 69-44 victory over fourth-seeded Ranney in the quarterfinal round of the South Jersey, Non-Public B tournament in Tinton Falls.

MANASQUAN’S CONOR MURRAY

Matt Bullock and Raheem Carter added 12 points each for Roselle Catholic, which led 3617 at halftime.

who finished with a 28 -5 record at 160 pounds and finished 6th in the region. Dan Mullin who finished 28-4 at 145 pounds and finished in the top 6 in the region. TJ Conlon who finished 27-5 and Mike Shohet who finished at 28-6 and was top 6 in the region.

from tenth in the state to 19th after the

Long Branch turned the ball over with 18 secloss. onds left in the fourth quarter, leading to the foul on Lewis, who finished with 13 points.

With 10:12 still aremaining in points the game Bryan Antoine added team-high 17 forfollowing Ranney andthe Chris Autino hadgoal 11. and Wall’s go-ahead

With 8 seniors to replace next year’s team has some work to do but Coach George is optimistic with the younger wrestlers having Warriors could’ve gone into a preventLONG BRANCH’S W 170 LBS success as the two middle schools Ranney trailed at halftime, but but used instead a defense to31-29 protect the lead, that feed into Long Branch both 17-9 third to quarter to swing the momentum.and try finished undefeated. As coach opted continue forechecking Long Branch wrestling has been successful George said, “We are looking to reload not to prevent Wall from breaking out of under head coach Danny George (this was In the Preliminary Round of Finals, Ranney his 26thDOWD season)CUP and this year was no MANASQUAN dif- rebuild”. Coach George wants to give a spetheir Brock own end whileand continuing to attack played Township came up big.

CHAMPIONS ferent as the Green Wave finished with a 16 cial thanks to his assistant coaches in Joe Keat their end.

Scottie Lewis finished with 20 points, 16 reand 4 record and finished ranked 6th in the agle, John Jasio, and Doug Cornell as coach bounds and seven assists to to lead eighthgroup 4 rankings with many wrestlers placing George missed considerable time this season seeded Ranney to a 75-51 victory over 25thin the top ten in the region. Head coach Dan while having a hip replaced.”Their contribuseeded Brick Township in the preliminary George summed up the season this way by tion was tremendous and I thank them for all round of the Shore Conference Tournament saying “we won two tournaments this season of their efforts”. in Ranney. and finished second in the district Ranney recorded the first SCT victory in behind only CBA while reaching school history. the state final against Jackson Memorial so we had a very exciting Bryan Antoine had 19 points, seven rebounds season”.

McDonald, Breener

top-scoring line of Zach Torantino, Ryan

Anthony Velazquez scored a game-high 18 Burns and Larry Hooper still searching points for Long Branch. Tyree Morris put up their first points of the game, the 10for points.

MANASQUAN'S HISTORIC SEASON CLAIMS FIRST-EVER STATE TITLE Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis paced Ranney with 14 points each.

In the first round of playoffs, Ranney faced off

against St. Rose.

By Lou Monaco

Scottie Lewis recorded 11 points, 10 rebounds,

assists and of two blocks fourth-seedmates – Luke and six assists for Ranney, which outscored This year’s fiveversion the to lead ed Ranney to ateam 74-45will victory over 13th-seeded Hinds and JohnBrick Valgenti – 50-30 claim through three quarters.

Manasquan boys swim Township St. Rose in the first round of the South Jersey, Alex had 12 points, while Joe Main Klatsky the 200 freealways be a Non-Public part of the history a first-place finish B tournament in Tinton Falls. honey chipped in with eight points and four books. style relay (1:33.03).

assists. James Geraghty finished with eight Ranney featured a balanced offensive attack points, six rebounds and four assists. as Alex Klatsky had 23 points and four steals Manasquan was so solid, it earned Five days prior to its first loss in its and Bryan Antoine added 10 points, five retwo of the top three finishes last meet of the season, a 134-36 Noah Buono in lednine the way for Brick Township bounds and nine assists. John Crowley scored with 11 points. Joe Destafano had 10 points. of the races overall. setback to Mainland inSt.the 11 points for Rose.NJ-

SIAA Public B semifinal on Feb. 21, Manasquan accomplished something no other swim team in school history could stake a claim to – a sectional state championship.

"We knew our first events were our strong ones," Desomma said to NJ.com after the race. "We needed to get ahead and keep our foot on the gas pedal. That’s exactly what the out surgical corrections we did and it worked perfectly."

Meet Dr. John Taylor, MD

Manasquan (14-1) took charge early, winning seven of its first eight events, to upend West Windsor-Plainsboro North, 98-72, to claim its first-ever NJSIAA Central Jersey Public B crown.

of cleft palates, leading

him to plastic surgery.

Manasquan headDr. Taylor coach Craigthe wonderful blend of art and has found science to heal the patient’s body as well as soul.

Murin agreed.

“My goal is to understand what you would like to achieve and create a plan together with you,” said

Some of the wrestlers who had success this season were Joe Jasio who finished with a record of 33-3 at 220 pounds and placed in the top 12 in the state. John Tomlinson who finished with a 22-3 record in the heavyweight division and finished fourth in the region while being a district champ. Lamont Reid

Photos by: Arielle Figueredo

Surgical procedures including breast augmentations/reductions/lifts, tummy tucks, thigh lifts, facelifts, rhinoplasty, liposuction, fat grafting and more can all be performed in his new state-ofthe-art surgery center in a very comfortable, private environment. “My practice offers a full spectrum of surgical and non-surgical procedures.

We have our own operating suite on site, Two Rivers Surgery Center, which I am very proud of.”

Non-surgical procedures are booming now that

Quickly gaining popularity are the non-surgical procedures such as Coolsculpting and Ultherapy.

Both men and women are enjoying absolutely no downtime as fat is eliminated in as little as a single one-hour Coolsculpting session. Ultherapy is the best solution to a non-surgical facelift and can be maintained with a treatment once every 2 years.

Dr. Taylor’s office also has a specialized skin care department run by medical aesthetician, Audrey

"We've been waiting all “This yearis to cosmetic enhancements are no longer hushFey. Some clients, particularly teenagers, come to Dr. Taylor. best done in a compassionate swim fast and I’ve been environment telling where you feel comfort- hush. Women and a growing number of men the office primarily for her personal, supervised and caring are taking advantage of the constantly evolving skin care regimen and treatments. However, discussing your needs. I have worked hard them all week thatable West Windsortreatments that preserve a youthful appearance. most men and women take advantage of both to develop that atmosphere here at Allure Plastic Plainsboro North Surgery is us but a little Senior DJ Desomma won two Facial fillers and injectables are used to revoluDr. Taylor and Audrey’s expertise to achieve opCenter.” mize the face and soften lines and jowls. There timal results. The office is conveniently located at bit County’s faster," Murin said to NJ.com. individual titles 200 one freestyle, Now– being of Monmouth most are many kinds, each suited for specific needs, 194 Hwy 35, Red Bank. has the unique ability to enhance a 1:46.89 andsought500 freestyle, camePlastic out surgery and swam after plastic surgeons, "These Dr. Taylorguys first dislasting anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. Dr. person’sit.self-confidence as others’ percepa love and science in adolescence EMAILas well amazing.

They deserve They did 4:53.02 (two covered seconds off of hisartperHEAD WRITER EDITOR Taylor spends a lot of time assessing his patients MANASQUAN tions of him/her. This is true for a patient undergo- CELEBRATES ITS FIRST STATE TITLE To learn more about Dr. Taylor and his practice and then went on to pursue his undergraduate jsnattardi@msn.com it in the water." ing breast reconstruction sonal best) and helped his teamand developing a plan to best achieve theirLaura devisit www.allurenj.com orTed call 732-483-1800. after a mastectomy or a Kaiser degrees in engineering and molecular biology at Ambrosio M.I.T. It was during those four years in Cambridge that he felt the need to care for and help people in his vocation and decided to pursue a career in medicine. He completed medical school at the University of Pennsylvania, residencies at Montefiore Medical Center and Albert Einstein College of Medicine and became particularly enthralled with

mother having a tummy tuck after childbirth as well PHONE as a man getting Botox to smooth his “angry lines” 732-610-1151 between his brows.

Whether you are dealing with a new diagnosis of breast or skin cancer or are just ready to address those undesirable changes in WEB your appearance,jerseysportingnews.com Dr. Taylor and his experienced jsnattardi@msn.com staff will deliver very personalized care to you.

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PHOTOGRAPHERS

BOTOX is probably the most popular injectable cosmetic enhancement, but it is a weak neuroFrancine Attardi toxin, not a filler. It temporarily paralyzes specific Eric muscles to smooth lines and wrinkles. It is often Braun Francesca Attardi used with fillers for Publisher a completely refreshed look.

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3/6/18 - 3/19/18

HOWELL WRESTLING REPEATS AS GROUP V CHAMPIONS; CLAIMS TOP PUBLIC SCHOOL RANKING IN NJ

By Pat Ralph

A 13th straight A North division title, a third straight district and state sectional championship, a programrecord 32 wins and undefeated season, and a second straight NJSIAA Group V state championship resulting in the highest ranking of any public school in New Jersey this season. Yes, it was a incredible season for the Howell wrestling team.

“It’s an amazing feeling for all of us”, Howell head coach John Gagliano said in reference to the Rebels’ second straight state championship. “These kids rallied together and worked hard. We knew it wouldn’t be easy with the teams we had to go through.”

It was anything but easy for the Rebels in the state final against Southern (19-3) at the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena in Toms River last month. At the 126-pound and 132-pound weight classes, sophomore Luke Rada (265) and junior Darby Diedrich (39-1) were two of Howell’s best wrestlers this season. However, both wrestlers were defeated in the opening two bouts of the championship match.

However, the senior leadership of Dan Esposito and Kyle Slendorn at the 138-pound and 145-pound weight classes turned the match in Howell’s favor for good despite the early setback. Behind wins from Esposito (364) and Slendorn (38-1), the Rebels would rattle off six straight victories to take control of the match against Southern.

After Southern won consecutive bouts at the 195-pound and 210-pound weight classes, the Rebels won three of the last four bouts in the match to defeat Southern, 33-15, and claim their second state championship in school history. Fittingly, it was the senior trio of Scott Prendergast (24-8), Jesse Liptzin (21-5), and Jerry Lleshi (27-5) who closed out the match and solidified an undefeated season for the Rebels. After winning their first state championship in 2017 and winning a program-record 30 matches in the process, the Rebels topped that with 32 wins, an undefeated season, and a second-straight state title.

Gagliano acknowledged that the feeling of repeating as state champions is a different feeling from winning a state championship for the first time in program history. But this match meant more than just completing the perfect season; it meant redemption for a team that has fallen short before on the biggest team stage in the sport.

In 2016, the Rebels captured their first of three straight state sectional championships. In the Group V state final, Howell would face none other than Southern. The only difference from their date in 2018 was the result; Southern defeated Howell, 27-24. The Rebels did not forget what happened two years, Gagliano said.

“We still have wrestlers from that 2016 team and they remembered that feeling of defeat,” Gagliano said.

“They really hoped they would have another chance to face them.”

As a result of their perfect season, the Rebels finished the year ranked No. 3 in the Garden State. But because the top two rankings are held by private schools, Howell owns the bragging rights of being the top public school wrestling team in New Jersey.

One of the reasons for Howell’s success this season has been its talented and deep senior class that will be leaving the program to graduation this spring. But the Rebels’ talented underclassmen should have no problem stepping up and becoming the program’s leaders next season.

“This team was extremely balanced,” Gagliano said.

“We had a lot of depth and they really believed from the start that they could win. They were always confident.”

Page 5

Middletown South’s Ryan Purcell Eclipses 1,000 Career Point Mark

By John Sorce

MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown South boys basketball program had not had a winning season in eight years before this season, which saw the Eagles finish 15-13.

gles with 515 points and 17.8 per game, eclipsing the 1,000 point mark against Shore Regional on Feb. 10.

Purcell is a player who can do it all offensively, but Anderson pointed out his prowess from the freethrow line.

Jim Anderson, who coached the program from 1995-2001, came back to lead the program to its first winning season in eight years. A big reason why was 6’2” shooting guard Ryan Purcell, who became just the sixth player in program history to eclipse the 1,000 career point mark and the first since Kyle Cancillieri in 2010.

“He’s a 3-point shooter and he’s an outstanding foul shooter,” Anderson said. “He is one of the top 10 free-throw shooters in the shore. He shot 80 percent from the line this year for us.”

“He’s a gym rat,” Anderson said. “He’s the kind of kid who would have a ball in his hand 24 hours a day. He’s that guy who is going to stay around after practice and work on his shot. He’s made himself a good player.”

Purcell made his debut on the varsity level as a sophomore, when he came off the bench against CBA midway through the season and scored 15 points.

“From that point on, he was in the starting lineup,” Anderson said.

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Purcell finished his sophomore year with 202 points and burst onto the scene as a junior, when he scored 410 points and averaged 17.1 per game. This season, he led the Ea-

Purcell will continue his basketball career at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh, NY in the fall. But he has certainly left his mark on the Middletown South program and will have his name on a banner one day.

“He’ll sorely be missed,” Anderson said.

“He’s a key part of the rebirth of the Middletown South basketball program and Ryan is a kid that loves the history of our school sports. They have been down for a while, but he belongs with the good players and teams that we’ve had at Middletown South for so many years. He’s going to be a part of that legacy. His name is going to be up on a banner as the sixth 1000-point scorer in boys basketball in the 42-year history of the school.”

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Page 6 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18

RARITAN WINS SECTIONAL TITLE BEFORE SUFFERING HEARTBREAKING LOSS IN STATE CHAMPIONSHIP FINAL

By Mike Ready

RARITAN’S WRESTLING TEAM HAZLET – Raritan won its third sectional title in program history and first since 2012, easily beating Holmdel, 56-12, to take home the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II title in somewhat of an anticlimactic match after they finally got by long-time nemesis Delaware Valley in the semifinals.

The Rockets had already beaten Holmdel, 58-13, in the regular season and just as they did in that match, Raritan won 11 of 14 bouts to advance.

the Terriers eliminated the Rockets in the sectional semifinals, then the past three years DelVal has beaten Raritan in the finals, including last season when the Terriers went on to win the Group II title.

With Raritan holding the No. 1 seed this year, the Terriers were forced to travel to Hazlet for their match and the Rockets made them pay with a resounding 50-9 victory in the semifinals.

Robert Taddeo (113), Mike Loonay (120), Russell Benson (132), George Burdick (182) and Ethan Wolf (220) won by fall, while A.J. Erven (138) and Nick Polaco (152) won by technical fall, and Justin Acevedo (195) won by major decision for the Rockets.

Entering the Group II tournament, No. 12 Raritan had to first get by No. 13 Hanover Park – ranked third right behind the Rockets in the NJ.com Group II rankings. The Rockets clinched that match in the second- to-last bout when Mike Loonay picked up a 7-5 decision over Dom Merola wrestling at 120 to give the Rockets a hard-fought 34-32 win.

Delaware Valley has been a roadblock to the Rockets in their path to a sectional title since 2012. In 2013

As thrilling as their win over Hanover Park was in the group semifinal, Raritan’s loss to eighth-ranked High

BARNEGAT'S STELLAR SWIM SEASON HIGHLIGHTED

BY CHERRY'S 100TH CAREER VICTORY

Point in the final was that much more disheartening.

The Rockets held leads of 21-3 and 25-6 entering the final six bouts of the match before allowing the NJSIAA Group II championship match to come down to the 14th and final “winner take all” bout after High Point won the previous five matches.

It was up to Erven to save the day in the final bout of the day, but after High Point’s Billy Talmadge got the first take down, Erven had to play catch-up and eventually lost the match, 5-3, ending Raritan’s dream season in crushing fashion.

High Point (24-1) closed out the season with 16 straight dual-meet wins after its only loss of the season.

The Rockets concluded the season with a 27-3 record while finishing 12th in the state and sent 10

wrestlers to the districts, who have won at least 20 matches. Wolf and Benson tied for the team lead with 33-2 records while Burdick ended at 32-3.

The post-season continued with Teddeo (113), Benson (132), Erven (138), Christian Sookdeo (145), Anthony Aquilano (160) and Wolf (220) all winning District 20 titles and advancing to the Regionals.

In Region 5, six Rockets advanced to the state tournament, as Benson (132) and Wolf (220) took home the gold while Erven (138) and Acevado (195) picked up the silver and Burdick (182) the bronze medal. Aquilano placed fourth and will also be making the trip to Atlantic City for the state tournament as the top four finishers advance.

Raritan last won a state championship in in 2012 when they beat Delsea, 30-28, in the Group II final.

Championship Rings...

By Lou Monaco

Jan. 11 was a historic day for the Barnegat boys/girls swimming team.

The day marked the 100th career victory, a 109-61 boys triumph over Toms River East, for Barnegat co-head coach Emily Cherry.

It was actually a double-win day for Cherry and Rebecca Kane, her co-head coach for the past three seasons, as Barnegat also outswam Toms River East on the girls side, giving Cherry 101 wins.

“Technically, we knew that the boys had won after the 200 free relay, so we knew about the milestone win first and then the girls won in the next event after the 100 backstroke,” said Cherry, who just completed her 13th season at the helm (106-114-1) and was previously the head coach at Somerville (2000-03) and Moanalua High School in Honolulu (2003-05). “In the middle of last season, someone asked me what my coaching record was, pointing out that I was probably close to 100. I had not thought of it before. I have all of the meet sheets from the past 18 years and I went back and counted. At that point, I needed 13 more wins. We won six of the remaining seven meets that season (we lost the State Sectional semifinal meet against Haddonfield), so that meant that at the beginning of this season I knew it was very possible to get the seven remaining wins to reach 100. After discussing it with Rebecca and John Germano (our athletic director), we decided to let the swimmers know at the beginning of the season.

They were really excited about it, and after each meet, they would count down. I am so proud of these swimmers and how hard they worked this season. This is a testament to all of my swimmers over the years and the hard work, enthusiasm and love of swimming that they bring to practice and meets day in and day out. I spend some time at the end of each season reflecting on the season, and thinking back to previous seasons. This year in particular, I thought of a lot of my former swimmers as they are all a part of this accomplishment.”

Reflecting on the boys’ performance this year, Cherry said, “This season has been a dream season! We were 10-2-1, with one of those losses being a 103-67 setback as a two-seed to Oakcrest in the South Jersey Public C final. We have a lot of depth on our team right now, which is the key to our success. While we

generally had a few first-place finishes, it was our 2-3-4 finishes that clinched many of our wins.

We swam a number of bigger schools, schools that are in Group A or B in the state and Shore Conference, and only lost to Oakcrest and Manasquan, along with tying St. Rose. All three of those teams have a few club swimmers, while none of our kids are club swimmers. That’s just amazing, if you look at how well we did, most people would expect there to be a number of club swimmers, or swimmers that qualified for Meet of Champions (none of our swimmers did). Some of our swimmers are in clinics and do summer league swim teams, but no one swims on a club team year round. We have a lot of young men who give it their all every day in the pool and are constantly improving. They look for ways to improve and they take what we tell them and apply it. They work well together and are supportive of each other. They are obviously competitive with each other (what high school athlete isn’t?), but they celebrate each other’s successes and the team’s success as much, if not more than their own individual successes. They understand that it is a team effort and everybody contributes.”

The SJ, Public C final was the furthest Barnegat has gotten in the state tournament, since a sectional semifinal showing last year as a fourth-seed.

Cherry also summed up the girls’ season by saying, “Our girls lost some key swimmers last year in some key events (individual medley, butterfly) and we were already a really small team last year. Luckily we had a good number of freshmen come out, so we are starting to rebuild. While our girls didn’t have a winning record, every meet they went in and gave it their all. They consistently improved; every meet had many personal bests. They broke three school records, one of which was from 2007. I think that having them win on the day of my 100th win, and therefore be a part of the success, just added to the celebratory feel for the team. There are few teams with as much heart as our girls have.”

Anna Sackett broke three school records this season in the 50 freestyle, 100 freestyle and 200 individual medley.

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3/6/18 - 3/19/18

TARANTINO GOES DOWN AS ONE OF WALL’S BEST

By John Sorce

WALL’S ZACH TARANTINO Photo by: Tom Smith WALL – In an 8-0 shutout victory over Verona in a Round of 16 game of the Public C NJSIAA tournament, Wall forward Zach Tarantino scored four goals, added two assists and reached 200 career points in the process.

The four-year varsity starter has enjoyed one of the most accomplished seasons for any New Jersey high school skater, leading the state with an absurd 94 points (43 goals, 51 assists) in a season that saw the Crimson Knights fall one goal shy of the Shore Conference’s Dowd Cup, and take a trip to the Public C NJSIAA semifinals, where it earned the second seed in the bracket.

Tarantino ends his high school career with 208 points, just two off Wall’s all-time leading mark. He scored 65 goals as a senior after scoring just 22 his first three years and became the first Crimson Knights skater to ever reach the 100 assist plateau earlier this year, ending his career with 143.

“He never really scored goals until this year. He had 100 assists before anything, and we’ve never had a player do that,” Wall head coach Mike Dianora said. “That’s part of why Zach is special. He can do it all, but he doesn’t look for the spotlight. As long as we are scoring, Zach doesn’t care. Sometimes you get a guy who can really only do one, but he’s an all-around player.”

Tarantino shares the first line offense for the Crimson Knights with stud seniors Larry Hooper and Ryan Burns, and having players like that on offense allows him to pile up the assists.

Dianora first saw Tarantino play when he was in eighth grade, and he knew then that he would be a special player.

“I take pride in knowing the sixth, seventh and eighth graders that are Wall kids and I knew Zach from eighth

grade,” Dianora said. “I used to be at the rink all the time and you saw then that he saw the ice really well and saw his teammates. During his freshman year, we were a pretty decent public school in the state and playing the level of the teams that we play, he was right up there going up against 17- and 18-year-old kids as a freshman.”

With so much going for him, Tarantino is also one of the more popular players amongst his teammates on and off the ice.

“He’s a great kid, not only for me to say, but from his teammates,” Dianora said. “He’s always smiling and happy off the ice, and is serious about the game on the ice. He’s been a pleasure to coach, too. He’s been a good leader this year as a captain, but for all four years he’s been a guy that I can rely on to get a message across to them or just to be there. The bond I have with him is special. I’ve been coaching high school hockey for 18 years and you develop good relationships with everybody, but with him it’s special because of who he is.”

Even with his high school career over, Tarantino enjoyed nothing more than putting on the Wall hockey sweater, and the program is better off because of him.

“Zach can play on any team at any place you want to put him,” Dianora said. “He’s a better kid than he is a hockey player, and that to me means more than anything. He will do what you ask him to do and what else is important is you have a lot of these travel teams that want kids to go to travel instead of high school, and Zach never once chose to do that. He wants to play high school because it’s important to him. He’s one of the kids to ever wear the “W” that’s put that first, and it means a lot to the program to have a guy like him in it.”

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Page 7

Elite Sports Training = HUGE RESULTS

Elite Sports Training is making a huge name for themselves in a short period of time. This newly opened indoor soccer training facility has brought about big results in the many athletes that have already begun training there. In just a few short months players and parents have hit the social media waves to rave about the improvements seen in both the physical and mental aspects of the game. EST has a signature “NO DAYS OFF” program, which also is their motto that can be seen branded on the gear that the athletes proudly wear. This program is a weekly 90-minute session that has a unique combination of soccer specific training, along with age appropriate core, speed and strength training. Their $100 per month membership fee is the most cost effective around and unheard of for such specific training by top coaches in their profession. EST preaches how top athletes find ways to train on days off from their regular team training to always keep them at the top of the depth chart. Their indoor climate controlled sessions are available all year long as trainers continue to work with athletes on areas of weakness to soon become strengths.

Aside from their weekly program, EST has quickly branched out to accommodate the many requests

coming in from athletes, parents and coaches. The newest program is a mini kickers and Future Stars program that starts children from the young age of 18 months through 10 years old. This program has been a huge success with those mini kickers who are looking to burn energy while they play as a group and gain basic motor skills, balance and coordination. The aptly named Future Stars program will teach young aspiring players individual balls skills and speed and agility. They will be introduced to many soccer drills as they ready themselves for the next level. These youngsters have enjoyed these programs so much that EST has even put together a birthday party package that has been a big hit already.

Many local soccer clubs have already begun to utilize Elite Sports Training as part of an in-season practice session to work hand in hand with coaches. It has allowed clubs to offer EST’s top trainers for their athletes to develop with the peace of mind of not being hamstrung with rainouts due to bad weather. The summer is also when EST will offer week-long air conditioned soccer camps for those looking to enhance their game while the competition kills time at the beach.

Do not be left in the dust as the athletes who train there take their game to unthinkable levels. Next time you see an Elite Sports Training car sticker proudly displayed all over the state, let that remind you to register at www.estredbank.com today to “UP YOUR GAME!”

Page 8 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18

SAINT JOHN VIANNEY SKATES PAST MIDDLETOWN SOUTH FOR HANDCHEN CUP CHAMPIONSHIP

By Mike Ready

WALL – Top-seeded Saint John Vianney scored seven unanswered goals after fourth-seeded Middletown South took a 2-0 lead with 6:40 left in the second period and the Lancers went on to beat the Eagles, 7-2, at the Jersey Shore Arena in Wall.

Middletown South’s Nick Lioudakis scored with 21 seconds left in the first period and Deven Ralph pushed the lead to 2-0 with 6:40 remaining in the second period before the roof fell in on the Eagles.

The win gave Saint John Vianney its second Handchen Cup championship in program history and first since they beat St. Rose in the 2013 final.

Finding themselves in a 2-0 hole despite mostly controlling play early, the Lancers stayed the course and it eventually paid off. Joe Zani got the Lancers rolling scoring a minute after Ralph’s goal with 5:23 left in the second period and John Gutt followed with his first goal 46 seconds later to tie the game at 2-2.

Last season as the No. 2 seed, Saint John Vianney lost to third-seeded Wall, 3-1, in the Dowd Cup championship game and that loss left them with an empty feeling that has given impetus to one of the most successful seasons the program has ever had.

“We lost to Wall in the Down Cup final 365 days ago, so that’s been stinging me and us for a long time,” said Lancers head coach Mike Messemer. “I really wanted this one. I was fortunate enough as a player to win two Handchen Cups, so this is my third and first as a coach. I told the guys, ‘If you’re going to do one thing for me, do this for me.’ We didn’t want to go to the championship game and lose two years in a row. Our goal is to win as many championships as possible.”

This is actually the second cup title of the season for the Lancers, after they beat No. 1 seed St. Joseph (Montvale), 3-1, as the second seed in the Eagan Cup.

Entering the third period, SJV now had all the momentum and it showed on the ice as they took complete control of the game and exploded for four goals in the first five minutes of the final frame for a commanding 6-2 lead with 10:06 remaining in the game.

A little over a minute into the third, junior John Gelatt broke the tie converting off assists from Gutt and John Kennedy. Senior Brett Schneider followed a minute later to push the score to 4-2 before Gelatt and Gutt each netted their second goals of game for a fourgoal lead, 6-2.

was a big momentum change. In the third, we just finally buried our chances, and that’s what it came down to, to help us win the game. Last year we lost in the Dowd Cup final so we had to get revenge this year. It feels great.”

Gutt ripped his third and final goal of the game completing his hat trick with 1:42 left scoring on a power play as both Schneider and Gallat picked up their fourth assist of the game on the play.

“After we got that first goal and then tied the game, that really helped us,” Gutt said. “That gave us momentum and we’ve been having great third periods all SAINT season long. Talking in the locker room before the third period, we just told everybody to play their game, and that was it.”

Saint John Vianney received 20 saves from Jeremy Connor as he went on to shut out Middletown South the final 23:20 of the game.

JOHN VIANNEY’S #28 JOHN GUTT UPDATE: After receiving a bye as the No. 8 seed in the NJSIAA Non-Public tournament, the Lancers were upset by ninth-seeded Pope John, 5-4, in the second round.

Meanwhile, fifth-seeded Middletown South advanced to the Public B quarterfinals before falling to fourth-seeded Livingston, 5-4, putting an end to both teams’ seasons.

“It was definitely momentum,” said Gelatt. “We had a lot of chances early; we just needed to bury them.

Once we started to relax and after we put that first one in by Joe and John scored the shift after there

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HANDCHEN CUP CHAMPIONS SAINT JOHN VIANNEY

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Page 9

DEFENSE LEADS RANNEY TO FIRST- EVER SHORE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT TITLE

By Mike Ready

It was Ranney’s third straight win over Mater Dei this season after beating them twice in the regular season to capture the Shore Conference B Central crown.

“We know those guys pretty well, obviously, this is our third time playing them (this season),” said Holden, who won an SCT title as a player in 1999 with Red Bank before going on to play at the University of Maryland. “I went back and watched the film from the first game and we had a pretty good defensive effort there.

I knew if we came out and contested shots and rebounded, they would have a tough time scoring on us.

And that proved to be the reason we won the game.”

Ranney’s stifling defense held Mater Dei (23-5) to just 4-for-28 shooting (14.3 %) from the field in their 10-point first half.

“We said before the game, if we come out defensively with a defensive mindset, we’re going to have a good opportunity to win this game,” Holden said. “And to give up only 28 points to a team that’s playing well is a great effort.”

“I honestly don’t even know (how we held Mater Dei to 10 first-half points),” said junior Bryan Antoine,

who finished with 10 points, two boards and three assists, steals and blocked shots. We were just focused on every possession. I found Savior (Akuwovo) for some layups, Ahmadu (Sarnor) came out and was getting to the rim. Scottie (Lewis) hit some tough shots and Alex (Klatsky) hit a three early. Everybody was doing their part and that got us going.”

Lewis, Antione, Klasky and Chris Autino entered Ranney as freshman three years ago with Sarnor transferring in from Pennsylvania last season as a sophomore and Akuwovo coming over from St. Anthony’s this season after it closed down.

Ranney is ranked fourth in the state and has been the No. 1 team in the Shore Conference since the preseason polls were released in early November. Everyone but Akuwovo from the ‘super six’ will be back next season and that team will most likely be ranked nationally before the season gets underway.

“We put ourselves in a position to be pretty good three years ago,” said Holden. “All things have to come together and we have to compete and win games, but we knew we could be pretty good. It’s been amazing to watch. They play together year-

RANNEY’S #1 BRYAN ANTONIE Photos by: Tom Smith

RANNEY’S #11 SCOTTIE LEWIS

WEST LONG BRANCH – Top-seeded Ranney held second-seed Mater Dei to five first-quarter points and 10 total first-half points behind a suffocating defense that led the way in a wire-to-wire 52-28 win over Mater Dei for the program’s first-ever Shore Conference Tournament championship at the Ocean First Bank Center.

round. When I watch them in the summer, I’m amazed how good they are and then I get them in the fall and I’m like, ’You guys have a lot of holes in your game.’ Now, we’ve fixed those holes and I have tried to let them be who they are on the court without giving them too much more to think about.”

The Panthers (26-4) shot a sizzling 7-for-10 (70%) from the field in the second quarter taking advantage of a 24-9 edge in rebounds that allowed them to unleash their fast-break offense on the way to a 22-point lead, 32-10, at the intermission.

Kenny Jones’ 10 third-quarter points helped Mater Dei outscore Ranney, 16-9, in the quarter whittling down the Ranney lead to 15 points, 41-26, but Panthers defense struck back in the fourth quarter limiting the Seraphs to just two fourth-quarter points.

“In practice yesterday and walk-through today coach (Ranney head coach Tahj Holden) emphasized defense,” said junior Scottie Lewis, who led the first-half barrage with 14 points and five rebounds. “The offense will take care of itself it we take care of defense.”

In all, Mater Dei shot just 11-for-52 (21.2% percent for the game) and 2-for-22 from 3-point range after shooting 63 % (10-for-16) from three in a their semifinal win against Rumson-Fair Haven.

SCT CHAMPIONS RANNEY’S BOYS BASKETBALL

continued on page 10

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Page 10 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18

HOTTEST SCHOLARSHIP IN NJ DEADLINE MARCH 17TH

DEFENSE LEADS RANNEY TO FIRST- EVER SHORE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT TITLE continued from page 9

Lewis (15 points) and Antoine (10 points), who are both being recruited by just about every major basketball program in the country, had unexceptional scoring nights compared to their norm, but Sarnor picked up the slack with 15 points after averaging 7.7 points a game this season.

The 6-foot-2 junior guard added nine rebounds, three assists, a block and a steal while shooting 75% from the field to take home the MVP honors.

“It’s a great feeling,” Sarnor said. “I’m so happy to be able to come out with this win. Last year, falling short, that gave us a chip on our shoulder this year to come out stronger and better than ever.”

NJHOF will also recognize the recipients of the third annual Arête Scholarship on stage at the Induction Ceremony.

Named for the Greek concept of "Arête" meaning the realization of one's highest potential, these $5,000 scholarships are awarded to New Jersey high school seniors to help them achieve their potential.

Sarnor epitomizes what team play is all about. He’s seen his scoring average cut in half from a year ago after being asked to take on a more of a playmaker role this season when he was moved to point guard.

“I’ve had to become more of a leader and point guard,” said Sarnor. “I want to get more people involved, because I don’t have to score 20 or 17 or

Winners will be invited to a private pre-event dinner with New Jersey's Governor Phil Murphy and First Lady Tammy Murphy, the inductees and presenters.

The winners will then appear onstage with our inductees at the gala induction ceremony.

“We waited to take those hoodies out all year,” said Lewis, who added a game-high 11 rebounds to go with his 15 points. “We asked coach and he said today was the game. That’s what we did. We unleashed chaos.”

Along with his 10 points, Antoine added three assists, blocks and steals and two boards while Akuwovo finished with eight points, six in the second half, and eight rebounds.

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“Ahmadu all year has been doing anything we needed to win games,” said Holden of Sarnor’s unselfish play. “Whether it’s scoring, defending, rebounding, running the point for us – he’s not a natural point, per se – but he gets us into our stuff and he’s a really tough guy to guard. There have been games where he’s scored only four points, but had 10 rebounds and 11 assists, so he’s been delivering for us all year.”

On Ranney’s white pre-game hoodies there were two words printed on the front, “Unleash chaos” and that’s exactly what their defense did Saturday night.

Students can apply for these generous scholarships online at https://njhalloffame.org/arete/ before the deadline on March 17, 2018. The NJHOF presents The Arête Scholarship in partnership with the New Jersey Education Association(NJEA).

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whatever number. We have other players who can score, too, so it’s important for me to play defense and do my job – get my teammates involved.”

“To be honest it’s a little bit of a relief (winning first SCT title), but it’s also a joyous moment,” said Holden, who took over the Ranney program three years ago with the arrival of Lewis and Antoine. “Taking a program that wasn’t even in the Shore Conference until six years ago, and pretty rapidly building it up to a program that can compete in the state, Shore Conference and even nationally, is a pretty impressive thing. It’s all done with a good group of guys.”

3/6/18 - 3/19/18

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 11

KYLE SLENDORN LEAVING LASTING LEGACY ON WRESTLING MAT AT HOWELL

By Pat Ralph

Known for being one of the best wrestling programs in the Shore Conference and New Jersey, Howell High School has produced its fair share of great wrestlers who have gone on to win district, region, and state championships. Over the last four years, another wrestler has earned himself a spot in the echelon of great Rebels wrestlers: Kyle Slendorn.

titles as a member of the Rebels. The first wrestler to win four straight District titles for Howell was Zac Cunliffe from 2000-2003.

This season, the Rebels would set a new program-record by going 32-0 and capturing a third straight District title and second-straight state championship. As a result, the Rebels earned the honor of being the highestranked public school team in the Garden State.

As a freshman, Slendorn wasted no time in establishing himself as a fixture in the Rebels’ lineup. At the 106-pound weight level, Slendorn captured his first of four District titles and finished third at Regions to complete a 37-3 record during his first year.

“He’s a great kid and has such a great attitude,” Howell head coach John Gagliano said. “He’s been a great leader and role model for our team. I can’t believe that he’s already a senior.”

In his sophomore season with the Rebels, Slendorn moved up to the 113-pound weight class and took his wrestling to another level as well.

Slendorn racked up another 37 wins on his way to capturing a secondstraight District title and a second place finish at Regions. Slendorn’s strong sophomore campaign helped Howell capture the District 21 team championship for the fourth time in five years and a state sectional championship.

For Slendorn and Howell, all they knew was winning in 2018, as neither had suffered defeat this season. That would all change at the Region 6 Tournament, where Slendorn was the heavy favorite to repeat as Region champion.

Had he won, Slendorn would have become the sixth wrestler in Howell history to win multiple Region titles. However, the 38-0 Slendorn suffered his first defeat of the season in the 132-pound Region final against Bryan Miraglia of Delran. Slendorn’s hopes of graduating as a Region champion were dashed.

Slendorn moved up to the 126-pound weight class in his junior year and continued his wrestling dominance by going 42-2 in his third season with the Rebels. It was during his junior year when Slendorn finally got over the hump at Regions and captured his first title. Along with winning a third straight District title, Slendorn finished second in his weight class at the state tournament in his third trip to Atlantic City. Slendorn’s team-high 42 wins helped the Rebels win the Shore Conference Tournament for the first time since 2014, repeat as District champions, and win their first state championship in school history. The Rebels won a program-record 30 bouts in 2017.

With 116 career victories entering his senior season, Slendorn had the opportunity to become the winningest wrestler in Howell High School. Having bumped up to the 132-pound weight class, Slendorn claimed that honor when he moved to 23-0 during the season. Then, Slendorn made history by becoming the second wrestler in Howell history to win four straight District

But despite the stunning defeat and dream of a perfect season being crushed, Gagliano says that the quick turnaround to the state tournament will help erase any bad memories from Slendorn’s mind of what happened in his last match.

“He doesn’t let these losses get the best of him,” Gagliano said. “He’s already moved on and he’s onto the next match. He’s so mature and always focused on what he has to do next.”

HOWELL’S KYLE SLENDORN Photos by: Fran Attardi

Slendorn will be one of nine Howell wrestlers, a record number for the Rebels, to compete in the final wrestling tournament of the season in Atlantic City. Despite the disappointing loss in the Region final, there would be no better way for Slendorn to finish off his high school career than by capturing his first state championship. But win or lose, Kyle Slendorn has already established his wrestling legacy for the Rebels.

Page 12 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH SWIMMING CAPTURES SHORE CONFERENCE TITLE

By John Sorce

MIDDLETOWN – The Middletown South girls swimming program won its first Shore Conference title since 1995 this season, and its depth is a big reason why.

The Eagles won despite not having any first-place finishes for any individual event, but they still put together plenty of impres-

sive results with a total of 11 top-six finishes. Having multiple swimmers place in events gave the team more points as opposed to a team having just one swimmer place first.

“It wasn’t until maybe after the fifth event that I felt we were going to win because

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we weren’t placing first in any event, but we were placing second, third and fourth,” Middletown South coach Denise Skinner said. “You could swim up to four girls in the individual events, and those four girls were placing (in the top six), whereas other schools only had one swimmer. Our depth is what carried us through the whole meet.”

The only events Middletown South did not have a top-six finish were the 100 meter backstroke and 100 meter breaststroke, but those events took place well after the Eagles had a firm grip on the top spot.

To qualify for the Shore Conference meet, teams know the times they need to qualify for certain events before the season starts and any swimmer who beats that mark during the season is able to compete in those particular events.

“The girls kind of know what goals they have to meet in order to be able to go,” Skinner said. “I was able to bring 12 girls who qualified in individual events. The good thing is a lot of them qualified for multiple events, but they can only swim in two events at the Shore Conference meet, so I got to talk to them and they got to pick what they wanted to compete in.”

Victoria Ireland (200 individual medley, 100 butterfly), Taylor Marjamaa (200 freestyle, 500 freestyle) and Caroline McGann (50 freestyle, 100 freestyle) all earned topsix finishes in two events. Ireland came the closest to finishing first in the 100 butterfly, missing out by .65 seconds.

Middletown South also excelled in the 200 medley relay with Skylar Shafritz, Ireland, Madalyn Piasecki and McGann combining to take second. Rachel Hannah, Ireland, Molly Applegate and Marjamaa took fourth in the 200 free relay, while Applegate, Marjamaa, Piasecki and McGann took second in the 400 free relay.

Two of the girls who attended the meet, Jessica Mazza and Karly Leiman, are seniors, and they are more than excited to go out having accomplished something that hasn’t been done at Middletown South in over 20 years.

“They have both seen this team evolve in the four years they’ve been here,” Skinner said. “Shore Conference has always been a difficult meet for us, but Karly had said to me that she knew this would be our year.

She told me the one thing she is grateful for is to end her swimming career with this title and to make history for her school.

Jess Mazza was feeling the same excitement. They knew what a big deal it was.”

DONOVAN CATHOLIC CONTINUES BANNER SEASON IN STATE TOURNAMENT

By Lou Monaco

Without two starters in the starting lineup due to injury, the Donovan Catholic girls basketball team opened up its state tournament campaign last week on a high note.

Senior guard and Stockton-bound Molly Collins tied a game-high with 22 points, including 11 free throws, and senior guard and Ithaca-bound Melissa Buxton added 10 with three 3-pointers to lead seventhseeded Donovan Catholic to a 50-46 triumph over 10th-seeded Mount St. Mary in the first round of the NJSIAA South Jersey, Non-Public A state tournament last Wednesday in Toms River.

With the win, Donovan Catholic (21-5) saw its twogame losing streak snapped after an 18-game win streak and advanced to the sectional quarterfinals.

The Griffins visited second-seeded Gloucester Catholic (23-3), No. 11 in the latest NJ.com Top 20 rankings, this past Saturday after the game was originally scheduled for the previous day, but was postponed due to severe inclement weather.

Sophomore guard Paige Slaven had nine points and sophomore guard Olivia Parlow posted seven for Donovan Catholic, which trailed by five points entering the fourth quarter but outscored its opponent,

19-10, to secure the win to improve to 12-0 at home and advance.

“We had two starters who were injured last Wednesday, but the team gave it a total team effort,” said Donovan Catholic head coach and alumnus Glenn Jansen, who is at the end of his first year at the helm after a four-year stint at Colts Neck. “We haven’t had any players foul out all season, but we had two starters foul out, so we won down the stretch with a combination of girls who don’t normally play a lot together.”

No matter what happens on the first Saturday in March, Donovan Catholic has had a banner season.

This is only the second season the Griffins have had 20-plus victories in the last 10 years and during the regular season, they clinched a co-Shore Conference (B South) crown.

Top statistical leaders for the Griffins entering last Saturday’s state quarterfinals matchup include Collins (13 points per game, 53 steals on season); the other senior and undecided on her college choice, Alyssa Hirschy (12 points per game, with 50 3-pointers; Buxton (8 points per game, 5.5 rebounds per game) and Slaven (8 points per game, 3 assists per game).

3/6/18 - 3/19/18

Page 13

MAKAYLA ANDREWS EMERGING AS NEXT SHORE CONFERENCE GIRLS BASKETBALL STAR

By Pat Ralph

“Do what you do best” is what Neptune girls basketball head coach John Brown tells all of his players. “If you’re a great rebounder, be a great rebounder,” Brown said. “If you’re a great defender, be a great defender. We try to encourage our players to do what they do best.”

For sophomore forward Makayla Andrews, that means being a great scorer. As a second-year starter for the Scarlet Fliers, Andrews is averaging 20.5 points per game and becoming one of the next girls basketball stars in the Shore Conference.

As a freshman, Andrews averaged only seven points per game on a veteran Neptune squad. According to Brown, Andrews’ breakout moment as a freshman was when she scored 14 points in the state group semifinals to help Neptune defeat Allentown, 69-61. It was then that Brown knew Andrews was ready to take the reins of the program. Because Andrews would be the only returning starter, Brown says that Andrews knew the responsibility to lead the team would fall on her.

“We lost six seniors and she was going to be the only returning starter so she had to be the leader for us this year,” Brown said.

DONOVAN CATHOLIC’S ALYSSA HIRSCHY CELEBRATES HER 1,000 POINT

• Jersey Sporting News

While Andrews’ offensive explosion this year can be pointed directly to an increased opportunity to score and have the ball in her hands, Brown says that Andrews’ preparation and work in the off-season was the key to helping her lead the Scarlet Fliers to a 1311 record. Along with her points per game average jump, Andrews has also become a more efficient scorer this season. Last year, Andrews connected on a third of her field goal attempts. This season, that number is up to 43 percent. Andrews has scored in double figures in every game this season for Neptune, including a career-high 40-point performance

in a 59-53 win over Manalapan on Jan. 9.

But Andrews is not just a great scorer; she is a great rebounder too. In her freshman year, she averaged seven rebounds per game. This season, Andrews is grabbing 12 rebounds per game and has posted 17 doubledoubles.

What may be most impressive about Andrews is her ability to score in the paint, draw contact, and get to the free-throw line. After shooting 33 percent on two-point field goals last season, Andrews is now shooting 44 percent from inside the perimeter. In Neptune’s 46-39 victory over Long Branch on Feb. 21, 20 of Andrews’ 24 points came from inside the perimeter. Over a third of her points this season have come at the free-throw line. This all comes at a time in the sport when players and teams are taking less 2-pointers and shooting more 3-pointers.

“Her toughness and ability to score around the basket are so impressive,” Brown said. “She’s a physical player and a great rebounder.”

Going forward into her junior year next season, Brown says that Andrews needs to work on her midrange and 3-point shooting. This year, Andrews is shooting only 26 percent from three. Developing that aspect of her game will make her a more effective offensive player, Brown says.

“It’s going to make it harder to defend her,” Brown said. “If she works on those things, she’s only going to get better.”

That is a pretty scary reality for Shore Conference teams tasked with trying to slow down Makayla Andrews next season.

Page 14 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18

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The NJHOF Unsung Hero Award recognizes New Jersey's local heroes, people who are game-changers but are not typically recognized for their work in improving the lives of people in our great state. Nominations are made by the general public, NJHOF chooses five finalists, and the winner will be selected by prior Unsung Hero recipients. Previous recipients include first responders injured in the line of duty, Holocaust educators and others who have overcome obstacles to accomplish great things and make a difference in their communities. The deadline for nominations is March 31, 2018.

The Unsung Hero Award was developed in 2009 to recognize a true American hero, Lieutenant Brian Brennan. Lt. Brennan, along with three other soldiers and a civilian, were the victims of two improvised explosive device (IED) attacks. Although he suffered from life-threatening injuries, Lt. Brennan miraculously awoke from his coma and has made an incredible recovery. The 2009 Unsung Hero award was presented to Lt. Brennan by General David T. Petraeus, a moment no-one in the audience will ever forget. The award has since recognized major influencers such as paralyzed former Rutgers football star Eric LeGrand, Expect to Win author Carla Harris, and Sue and Ed Goldstein, founders of The Valerie Fund.

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OUR PROGRAM

Salt Creek Grille Celebrates 20th Anniversary with Annual Wine & Martini Tasting Benefitting Covenant House NJ RUMSON – The Salt Creek Grille will celebrate its 20th anniversary with its Annual Wine & Martini Tasting Fundraiser, which this year will benefit Covenant House New Jersey. All proceeds from the event – 100 percent – will go to support Covenant House’s Asbury Park New “Rights of Passage Program.” Covenant House is a not-for-profit organization providing critical services to homeless, runaway and trafficked youth between the ages of 18 and21.

The Wine & Martini Tasting Fundraiser will take place on Thursday, April 12, from 7 to 10 pm at Salt Creek Grille, 4 Bingham Avenue, Rumson. Tickets FLAG PRESENTATION - STEVE BIDGOOD, CO-OWNER, SALT CREEK GRILLE; are $150. To purchase tickets, call or LIZ DEBEER; SUE MONTEIRO; NANCY INCREMONA; ALLYSON FORTE; MARIE email Marie Noglows at 732-778NOGLOWS; KEVIN RYAN, COVENANT HOUSE PRESIDENT; SAL MAITA; ROB 4597 or marie.noglows@comcast. net Or mail checks directly to Marie HABEL AND MARK SHOPENE, MANAGERS, SALT CREEK GRILLE. at 42 Grange Avenue, Fair Haven, NJ Education: 07704. For sponsorships call or email Sue Monteiro at • One in eight 18-24 year olds in NJ is a high school 973-286-3543 or smonteiro@covenanthouse.org. drop-out

Salt Creek Grille’s co-owner and philanthropist Steve BidCrime: good established the annual fundraiser during its fifth year • 18-24 year olds account for nearly one third of all anniversary. Over the next 14 years, the event has raised arrests in our state $1 million to support local charities serving children’s

needs. Covenant House is Salt Creek Grille’s 15th charity.

“My philanthropy is a tribute to my mother who showed

us the many rewards gained from volunteering,” exCovenant House strives to break the cycle of chronic plained Bidgood. “When it came time to celebrate Salt youth homelessness and bridge the gap of support in Creek Grille’s anniversary we decided to do our part by the lives of at-risk youth, Covenant House has developed using our facility, our expertise and our business relationthree core services known as the Continuum of Care: ships to support our local charities. There is no better way Street Outreach, Crisis Care, and Rights of Passage. In to celebrate 20 years,” said Bidgood.

1989, Covenant House began its work in New Jersey by

providing basic services to homeless youth on the streets The event is supported by donations from Salt Creek of Newark and Atlantic City. By 1992, the Community Grille and its vendors and local businesses that provide Service Centers opened in both Newark and Atlantic City. food, wine and other services. As in past years, several The first Asbury Park site was opened in March 2012. wine vendors will pour over 100 premium wines to taste Today there are 32 Covenant House locations across the and a spirits representative will concoct specialty martinis US, Canada and Latin America, and the organization for guests to sample. Guests are always impressed with reaches nearly 80,000 young people each year. the lavish amounts of delicious offerings including hors

d’oeuvres, pasta, carving stations, desserts and more by "Our Covenant House family in New Jersey is so grateSalt Creek Grille. In addition, local food businesses are ful to Steve and our friends at the Salt Creek Grille for represented including an artisanal cheese table donated celebrating the 20th Anniversary in this special way," said

by Sickles Market, Little Silver, and a raw bar provided Covenant House President and CEO Kevin Ryan, who is

by Lusty Lobster, Highlands. The Bobby Boyd Trio enteralso a Fair Haven resident. "By supporting our outreach tains the event’s attendees with live jazz music. A lively efforts in Asbury Park, they will stand side by side in spirit live auction is held featuring a local DJ entertainer and with our staff as we reach out to young people trying to NJ 101.5’s Big Joe Henry as auctioneer. survive on the streets. The funds raised will bring help and hope to kids just when they need it the most in their lives."

In addition to the event, and to further public awareness

about the charity’s mission, Salt Creek Grille raises a flag Here are just some of the alarming statistics regarding with the charity’s logo at the waterfront restaurant’s site at-risk youth in New Jersey: year round. A presentation of the flag was made to board members of Covenant House and volunteers in January.

Foster Care: Ryan appeared before Salt Creek Grille’s staff on that • The number of individuals aging out of foster care day to inform them about the history of Covenant House increased by 30% from 2001-2005 and its mission.

• 30% of the kids in our care have been in their state's

foster care system and left with nowhere to turn on Past charities that benefitted from the event are: 2017 180 Turning Lives Around; 2016 Michael’s Feat; 2015 their 18th birthdays Kortney Rose Foundation; 2014 Hope For Children FounAbuse and Neglect: dation; 2013 Big Brothers Big Sisters; 2012 Count Basie • 70% of kids living on the streets report a history of Performing Arts Academy; 2011 Community YMCA; physical or sexual abuse 2010 K. Hovnanian Children’s Hospital (Meridian); 2009 Parker Family Health Center; 2008 Kidz Kare (Monmouth Poverty: Medical Center); 2007 SPUR; 2006 COSAC; 2005 Ju• 12% of our state's 18-24 year-olds live in poverty venile Diabetes Research Foundation; 2004 Tuberous Sclerosis.

• Since 2002, the percentage of 18-24 year-olds liv-

ing in poverty has increased by 10%

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LUSTY LOBSTER’S RAW BAR

ONE OF THE FIVE WINE VENDORS POURING WINE TASTINGS AT THE EVENT.

3/6/18 - 3/19/18

Andrew Seager Notches 1,000 Career Points for Ocean Township

By John Sorce

OAKHURST – It all came together the last two years for Ocean Township’s Andrew Seager.

Seager became the first Ocean Township boys basketball player to reach the 1,000-point plateau since Scott Nelson in 2008-09.

“He was already playing at that level, and I think those three inches just gave him that boost and turned him into a different ballplayer,” Terlecsky said. “He was already headed there, but that was the additional perk needed.”

When asked if this was the best individual season he has seen from one of his players, Terlecsky agreed without hesitation.

Seager had a remarkable senior campaign, scoring 610 points – good for 21 per game – and 6.8 rebounds per game.

“We’re a program built on defense and a blue-collar mentality and we haven’t had a skill guy at Andrew’s level, especially at his size,” Terlecsky said. “For me it was a fun new challenge because we needed to create new ways to get him the ball the last two years.”

“He’s definitely the most talented player that I’ve coached since I’ve been here,” Ocean Township head coach John Terlecsky said, who just completed his tenth season leading the program. “He’s the team captain; he’s put the team on his back because every game teams are zoning in on him but he still finds a way to put the ball on the hoop. It’s really amazing that he put up the numbers that he did.”

Seager was also top 10 in the Shore Conference in scoring as a junior, averaging 16.5 points per game. He scored over 1,000 points during his junior and senior years, having only scored 60 points as a sophomore.

“He played JV as a freshman and he played for us a little bit as a sophomore,” Terlecsky said.

“That’s when we really noticed his talents.”

Seager played forward for Ocean Township, and shot 59 percent from inside the arc in both his junior and senior seasons. He grew three inches the summer leading up to his senior year, and standing at 6’7” certainly helped elevate his game.

• Jersey Sporting News

Page 15

100 Years Old and Still Going Strong Celebrating 100 years with Edith, a long-time resident of Red Bank.

Edith states that vitamins, hard work and physical therapy are her secrets to optimal health, as well as Dr. Romello and the many others at OrthoCenter Red Bank.

She attends physical therapy twice weekly with a smile and positive attitude. God bless Edith and may 100 be your best year ever!

Seager is still pondering his collegiate options, though Terlecsky did note he scored highly on the ACT, and there is some interest from Ivy League teams. There is also a possibility of him going the Division II route, but he is waiting for the right opportunity.

Regardless of where he goes next, he will forever be tied to the Ocean Township boys basketball program.

“Andrew is probably the most talented player to come through Ocean, even thinking back to when I was playing in the early 90s,” Terlecsky said. “He’s that unique of a player and he’s certainly going to be missed. I’m having to come to terms with that now because having a 6’7” kid on your team is a luxury, and one as dynamic a scorer as him just made it that much more fun as a coach to have that kind of player.”

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Page 16 Jersey Sporting News • 3/6/18 - 3/19/18