All You Want to Know About Acute Low Back Pain Page 2 Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24
B y Anil K Sharma, MD, DABPM Acute low back pain is defined as low back pain present for up to, but less than, six weeks. Low back pain may begin following a strenuous activity or trauma, but often is seemingly unrelated to a specific activity. The pain may begin suddenly or develop gradually. It may be experienced as aching, burning, stabbing, sharp or dull, well-defined, or vague. The intensity may range from mild to severe and may fluctuate. The pain may radiate into one or both buttocks or even into the thigh/hip area. Who can get acute low back pain? Anyone can experience low back pain. At least 85% of individuals will experience a significant episode of low back pain at some point in their lives. In a general survey at any point in time, 15% of individuals report that they are experiencing low back pain. What causes low back pain? The exact source of acute low back pain is often difficult to identify. In fact, there are numerous possible structures that can produce pain. These include muscles, connective/soft tissue, ligaments, joint capsules and cartilage, and blood vessels. These tissues may be pulled, strained, stretched or sprained. Additionally, annular tears (small tears that occur in the outer layer of the discs that are between each vertebra) can initiate severe pain. Even if the actual tissue damage is minor, and likely to repair quickly, the pain experienced may be quite severe. Numerous chemical substances are released in response to tissue irritation. Some of these chemicals trigger the process of inflammation, or swelling, which also contributes to pain. This inflammation may persist for days to weeks. As a result of injury, muscle spasm in the surrounding tissues may
occur. This can result in a decrease of the usual blood supply to the affected area, which reduces delivery of nutrients and oxygen and impairs removal of irritating byproducts of inflammation.
How long will acute low back pain last? The good news is that 50% of episodes of acute low back pain nearly completely resolve within two weeks, and 80% by six weeks. Unfortunately, the duration and severity of a single episode cannot be predicted based on the onset, location of pain, or even the initial severity. Excruciating initial pain may resolve within several days, while moderate or mild symptoms may persist for weeks. Is this pain serious? The seriousness of low back pain varies. The symptoms of acute low back pain are usually benign and self-limited. Even a ruptured disc has a chance of improving without surgery. Rarely, however, low back pain is caused by a more serious process such as a fracture, infection or cancer. This is more common in individuals over the age of 50, those with a history of cancer, those with severe pain at rest, pain associated with fever, and in persons with underlying medical problems such as diabetes, heavy alcohol or drug use, long time corticosteroid use, or osteoporosis. Pain in the legs, weakness, or difficulty with bowel or bladder control warrant prompt medical evaluation, as this may indicate a severe problem. How should acute low back pain be managed? Some of the best advice for treatment for acute low back pain is to continue to remain active “as tolerated”. Most individual’s natural inclination would be to stay in bed and avoid activity. Actually, activity keeps blood and nutrients flow-
ing to the affected area, which inhibits
inflammation and reduces muscular tension, so continuing to perform everyday activities is generally encouraged. Many individuals with low back pain find that they can perform controlled cardiovascular activities, such as walking, in spite of the pain and often feel better after the activity. More vigorous or uncontrolled activities such as weight lifting or competitive or contact sports are inadvisable while pain is severe. Stretching exercises for the back and legs may be done during an acute episode of low back pain, but stretching should not cause more severe pain. If pain is aggravated by a particular exercise or stretch, avoid that particular activity. Local application of heat or ice can temporarily reduce pain and heat may facilitate stretching, but does not necessarily speed long term recovery. Medication: Both acetaminophen and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are analgesics (pain relievers) which are known to provide effective reduction of acute low back pain. NSAIDs also inhibit the inflammatory process described earlier. These are usually the medications used initially for management of acute low back pain. They are available “over the counter” in lower dosages, or a higher dose may be prescribed. “Muscle relaxants” are medications that do not actually relax skeletal muscle. However, they work by sedating the central nervous system and can be useful to facilitate sleep and secondarily reduce contributing muscular tension in the setting of severe pain. Narcotics (also called opioids) are strong pain relievers and do reduce the symptoms of acute low back pain. Because narcotics are sedating, they can be useful to facilitate sleep during the
Anil K Sharma, MD, DABPM
first few nights of symptoms. Long term use of narcotics is associated with undesirable side effects including physical dependency, sedation, depression, constipation. Narcotics should only be used for a very short duration for severe low back pain. Other treatments: Physical therapy modalities such as ultrasound, electrical stimulation, traction, mobilization and chiropractic manipulation can provide temporary relief, but are not proven to improve long term recovery. Acute low back pain usually resolves spontaneously on its own and in most cases, as long as activity can be maintained, formal therapy may not be required. If the pain is severe, if participation in activities is impaired, or if motion is significantly restricted, a physical therapist can provide additional education and advice regarding strategies for restoring motion, resuming activities, preventing deconditioning and achieving a position of comfort during sleep. For those with persistent or recurrent low back pain, a medical evaluation is indicated. The goal should always be Continued on page 4
Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24 Page 3
Neptune Boys’ Basketball Begins To Click
By John Healy After a slow start to the season, the Neptune boys’ basketball team appears to be hitting their stride after its two recent victories over Colts Neck and Ocean. Junior forward Keith Kirkwood led a balanced attack during the January 4th game against the previously undefeated Cougars, recording a double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds. Senior guards Rasul Holland, Ikie Calderon and Jaheem Morris each added 10, nine and eight points, respectively. Calderon also chipped in with seven steals and five assists. “We’re giving a good team effort, there is not one standout scorer,” Head Coach Ken O’Donnell said. “Our style is pressing, running, and fast-break. Different games we’ll have different scorers.” This was evident in the following game against division rival Ocean on January 5th, where Morris led the scoring with a team-high 11 points in a 39-25 win. “The game against Ocean: we played really good defense,” O’Donnell said. “We only held them to 25 points so we’re starting to turn around.” The two wins improve the Scarlet Fliers record to 52 overall, 3-0 in their division. O’Donnell cited
Hours
the slow start to many players being on the football team (which reached the state championship) and key players, such as Kirkwood, returning from injuries. “With the football team’s success, they needed time to get into basketball shape,” O’Donnell said. “And with Kirkwood’s knee injury, it just took a while to come around as a team.” While the Scarlet Fliers have played consistently on both sides of the ball recently, O’Donnell expects the team to make improvements in order to achieve their goal as division champs and compete for a Shore Conference title. “We need to improve at the foul line, play more consistent defense and distribute the ball,” O’Donnell said. “Our goals are no different than they are any other year. We just have to keep working hard.” The Scarlet Fliers next highly anticipated match up will be against Raritan at Long Branch High School on Jan. 14 at 5 p.m. in the Battle of the Boardwalk. PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Right: Neptune’s Keith Kirk goes up against Colts Neck defense. On the front page Neptune’s Ikie Calderon fights off two Colts Neck jplayers.
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Better than Expected: Neptune 7-0 Page 4 Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24
B y Ted Kaiser NEPTUNE — Last spring the Neptune girls’ basketball team graduated its most storied class in school history. Syessence Davis and Shakena Richardson are both at Rutgers University and several other key players are no longer on the roster after dominating the Shore Conference. Yet despite the roster turnover, the Scarlet Fliers have extended their Shore Conference opponent winning streak which began the season at 59 straight games. Neptune enters this week of
play with a 7-0 record and a 3-0 mark in the Class B North Division. The Fliers flew past Ocean by a score of 57-16 last Thursday. Cydney Mooney poured in a game-high 24 points and Ivy Harrington added 10 points. The defense completely stifled the Spartans in holding them scoreless in the second quarter. Also last week, Neptune blasted Colts Neck for a 70-41 win. Mooney had 18 points including four three-point field goals. Harrington scored 14 and hauled down eight rebounds. Nahja
Low Back Pain towards developing and transitioning to a fully independent home or health club exercise regimen. Emphasis should be placed on optimizing trunk or “core” strength and improving general flexibility and cardiovascular endurance. Spinal injections: Spinal injections are generally not considered an appropriate treatment for acute, selflimited low back pain. There are several injection options for persistent or recurrent pain, including epidural steroid, facet joint and trigger point injections. The appropriateness of injections is determined following a comprehensive medical evaluation by a pain management specialist. These procedures should be performed under fluoroscopy or x-ray guidance. Surgery: The need for surgery is extremely rare in episodes of acute
Carter chipped in with 10 points. The competition will get more difficult for Neptune this coming weekend. They will play traditional power Rumson/Fair Haven in the girls’ opener of the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase on Sunday at noon at Long Branch High School. The Bulldogs are similarly rebuilding so the game will be an interesting test to see which of these powers is most ready to assert themselves as championship contenders.
Continued from page 2
low back pain. Instances where surgery would be indicated include significant nerve damage, weakness of legs which is progressively getting worse, bladder or bowel dysfunction due to compression of the spinal cord and from trauma when a fracture is unstable. Do I need any type of tests done? The majority of cases of acute low back pain do not require any type of testing. Diagnostic imaging tests may be advised in cases of pain associated with severe trauma, history of cancer, fever, diabetes, other medical problems, illicit IV drug use, age over 50, bowel or bladder dysfunction, nocturnal pain or osteoporosis. These tests include regular X-ray studies, bone scan, computed tomography (CT) scan and magnetic
resonance imaging (MRI). The choice of test depends on what medical condition your physician is suspecting. It is important to realize that the “final” diagnosis is based on a combination of history, physical examination and diagnostic testing, not imaging tests alone. Acute low back pain can be a very painful experience, but fortunately it usually resolves fairly quickly. In situations when the pain does not improve satisfactorily, prompt comprehensive medical attention should be sought. The primary goal is to resolve the acute episode as quickly as possible and secondarily to prevent future episodes through proper education, exercise and conditioning. Spine and Pain Centers of NJ and NY Spineandpain.com Drsharma@spineandpain.com
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Neptune’s Desire Moss (10) goes to the basket for two points.
Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24 Page 5
Manasquan Off To Fast Start Page 6 Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24
By Eric Braun MANASQUAN — Coming into this season the girls’ basketball team from Manasquan High School carried lofty goals set by both the media and their own expectations. The Warriors entered the season after a disappointing 2010-11 campaign where they were eliminated by St. John Vianney in the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament and eliminated by conference rival Pt. Boro in the semifinals of the NJSIAA South Jersey Group II Tournament. This season the Warriors have jumped out to an 8-0 record and number one ranking in both the Shore Conference and NJSIAA. Led by Notre Dame bound senior Michaela Mabrey, Manasquan is off to a hot start by averaging 65 points per game. Lately however, the Warriors have had a tough time putting their opponents away, winning their past three contests over Rumson/ Fair Haven (RFH) by nine, Jackson Memorial by 10 and Point Pleasant Boro by 12 points. Manasquan had a gritty performance in the semifinals of the WOBM Classic against RFH where it looked like the Warriors overlooked the younger Bulldog squad by coming out
sluggish and trailing at the half by six points. Led by Mabrey's 18 of 21 first half points, Manasquan was able to hang around and eventually wake up in the second half. They used a 21-12 run in the third period to take the lead for good. Manasquan would once again be challenged in the WOMB Classic this time in the finals against Jackson Memorial. It would be Mabrey who would lead the Warriors in this contest; however it would be younger sister Marina Mabrey this time caring the Warriors to victory. With Jackson taking Michaela out of the game and only allowing her 11 points for the contest, it was her younger sister along with sophomore sensation Katelyn Flaherty who would provide the offensive fire power. Once again the Warriors trailed at halftime and once again used a third quarter period to put their opponent away and capture the school's first ever WOBM Classic Championship, with Michaela Mabrey earning the tournament’s MVP honors averaging 20 points per game. The past couple of years Mabrey and company have had to listen to everyone talk about St. John Vianney and Neptune being the top girls’ basketball programs at
the Jersey Shore, but this year they are setting out to make their own mark. Manasquan has also had to deal with Point Boro over the past couple of years with the Panthers holding the edge on the Warriors, so far this season Manasquan has taken care of business with Point Boro beating them in their first contest 79-67. With one championship under their belts already, this year’s Manasquan girls’ basketball team has their sights set on a couple of
more titles, but will need to bring their "A" game every night. Key games in the upcoming weeks for the Warriors include Christ the King (NY) in the Boardwalk Showcase, Pt. Boro, St. Rose and the MECCA Tournament on Sunday February 12th. This competition should put Manasquan in position to gain experience and confidence heading into the NJSIAA tournament in late February.
By Michael Rogers Coming into this season, the Rumson/ Fair Haven (RFH) girls’ basketball team knew they would have to deal with a tough schedule. They would also have to deal with losing some important players due to graduation which meant some young players were going to have to step up early in the season. The Lady Bulldogs have gotten off to a good start (6-2) to the season and made a real strong showing in the WOBM Christmas Classic tournament. Head Coach George Sourlis said, "So far, so good. I am very happy with the way this team prepares and comes to play every day."
In the WOBM tournament the Lady Bulldogs reached the semifinals before losing to the top seeded Manasquan Warriors by the score of 59 to 50. RFH led 27 to 21 at halftime but the Warriors led by Michaela Mabrey's 35 points overcame the Lady Bulldogs who were led by Jess Harvey's 16 points. The Bulldogs showed their resolve by coming back the next day and defeating last season’s South Jersey Group III Champions Point Boro by the score of 62 to 50. In that game, RFH was led by a balanced attack with Harvey leading the way with 14 points. Claire Stefanelli added 11 points, while Emma Miller and Samantha Sabino each scored
10 points. The Lady Bulldogs also held last season’s fourth leading scorer in the Shore Conference in Kelly Hughes to just 20 points. The Lady Bulldogs returned after the holidays to face another Shore Conference power in Saint John Vianney. The Lancers who are ranked fourth in this year’s preseason poll also lost some key players to graduation but still have another strong team. RFH jumped out to a 27- 22 halftime lead behind some key baskets by Harvey and Miller. The Lady Lancers came out strong in the second half starting the half with a 16-1 run and the Lady Bulldogs just couldn’t
recover. RFH was led by Harvey's 12 points and Sabino's 10 points. RFH’s latest game had them in a rematch from the WOBM tournament with Point Boro (now ranked 8th) who was trying to end a three game losing streak. In a hard fought game the Lady Bulldogs just could not repeat the WOBM tournament victory as Point Boro ended their three game losing streak with a 61 to 57 victory over RFH. RFH will look to get back on the winning track with games coming up against Red Bank Regional on the road and at home against Neptune.
PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN
Manasquan’s Michaela Mabrey (23) drives past RFH’s Jess Harvey.
Young Lady Bulldogs Impressive So Far This Season
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Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24 Page 7
Local Professional Baseball Players Call Frozen Ropes Tinton Falls Home For The Off Season In 2006 Jayson Hernandez was an All Shore selection as a Catcher for St Rose of Belmar. With aspirations of being a professional player someday he embarked on a soon to be stellar college career. Hernandez honed his skills at Rutgers University helping the Scarlet Knights to a Big East Conference Tournament appearance in 2010. Selected by the Boston Red Sox in the 41st round of the 2010 First-Year Player Draft he began his professional career as a catcher in the Boston organization. Hernandez
Jayson Hernandez
Boardwalk Hoop Group Showcase Set For Next Weekend
B y Ted Kaiser LONG BRANCH — The 12th Annual Boardwalk Hoop Group Showcase will kick off next weekend on Saturday, January 14 and Sunday, January 15, 2012 with a ten game slate. This year’s event will be held at Long Branch High School. The first game tips off at noon each day with the last game scheduled for 6:40 PM. There will be five boys’ games on Saturday followed by five girls’ games on Sunday. The Boardwalk Hoop Group Boys Showcase features some exciting matchups. The boys’ schedule includes four teams ranked in NJ Hoops Top 25 in the state including Colts Neck (#17), Jackson Memorial (#18), Middletown North (#19) and Lakewood (#23). The girls schedule features Manasquan, the number one team in the state, as well as six teams in the top 20. The ranked teams in the state are Manasquan ( #1), St. Rose (#4), Red Bank Catholic (#6), St. John Vianney (#8), Jackson Memorial (#12) and Rumson/fair Haven (#14). New York national powers Christ the King and Blair are also on the
schedule. On the boys’ side, Lakewood, led by guard Tyrice Beverettte will take on Hunter Wysocki and Colts Neck in the opener. Brandon McDonnell and Jackson Memorial will face Middletown North. Point Beach takes on CBA in a rematch of last season’s epic Shore Conference Tournament (SCT) game won by the Garnet Gulls. Last year’s SCT champion Raritan and Player-of-the-Year Mike Aaman will battle Neptune. The final game will be Manasquan against Long Branch. For the girls’, Neptune will take on Rumson/Fair Haven in the opener. Blair (NY) faces St. John Vianney. Kelly Hughes and Point Boro return again to the showcase as they are set to play St. Rose who is led by center Samantha Clark. The top ranked team in New Jersey; Manasquan, will battle Christ the King, who is currently one of the top teams in New York. Jackson Memorial and Red Bank Catholic will square off in the final game of the weekend.
now spends his off season days at Frozen Ropes Tinton Falls getting prepared for Sox spring training, When not working on his personal goals he shares his knowledge with local youth players during the classes they attend at Frozen Ropes. Hernandez prides himself on hard work and along with Ryan Kalish Red Sox, Keith Cantwell Diamondbacks, Ryan Cuneo Cubs, JC Menna A’s and others they call Frozen Ropes home in the off season.
SJV Builds On Early Success Jackson Memorial Pinning The Competition
Page 8 Jersey Sports News • January 10 - January 24
By Eric Braun HOLMDEL — The Lancers from St. John Vianney (SJV) are off to a hot start this season with a record of 6-3-2 and look to continue their early success and push towards Shore Conference and NJSIAA titles. The Lancers have improved over the past couple of years with young talent that PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN have the program St. John Vianney’s James Ellis has been stellar between primed with tradition the pipes for the Lancer’s so far this season. and ready for success that their Non Public competition in CBA speed and production in the offensive and St. Rose have experienced over the zone. The Lancers have a chance to solidify years. SJV has been powered on offense this their spot in the ice hockey circles as a season with 39 goals as a team, with sen- team to contend with, with their fast and ior Nick Saporito tallying nine goals and physical style of play and offensive prothree assists. The Lancers have also been duction throughout the Shore Conference getting consistent play between the pipes and state levels, but need to take care of from James Ellis and Anthony Stoebling business when they face consistent powwho have continually gotten better and ers in St. Rose, Pope John XXII and look to be the leaders in the defensive zone Howell. Currently they sit just one game with their play and communication .SJV back of CBA (7th) and four games back of looks to take a step forward as a program St. Rose (3rd) in the NJSIAA Non Public this year and have already started that standings where SJV is ranked 9th. With process with impressive wins against the Shore Conference Tournament loomShore Conference powers Middletown ing in the wings, the Lancers have a South (3-2), Middletown North (6-4) and chance to rattle off several divisional wins Toms River South (7-2). They will con- to earn themselves a higher seed and give tinue to rely on the veteran leadership of themselves a chance at competing for the Saporito, Tim Gelatt and Chris Baker to title but will have to go through Brick push their offensive lines and look Twp. and CBA at some point in the tourtowards freshman Matt Kidney to add nament to take the cup.
By Eric Braun JACKSON — New year, same results. The Jackson Memorial Wrestling program is ranked among the top three programs in the State and Shore Conference. Last season the Jaguars finished as A South, NJSIAA Group IV and District 21 Champions, but the one title that eluded them was a Shore Conference Championship which they lost to Southern Regional by one point. That seems to be the extra motivation that has this squad eager and working harder than last season. With the loss of their 20- plus match winners, Jackson looks to rely on the returning letterman that include 40- PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN match winner Dallas Winston, 21- match Jackson Memorial’s Mike Lopez escapes from Brick winner Randy Royle, 18- match winner Memorial’s Tyler Poling. Brian Hamann and 28- match winner Alec Huxford. With a younger roster, the goals of this capture the A South, Shore Conference, District, program have not changed and they are still pushed to Sectional, Group and Individual Titles. Once again it
will be their middle to upper weights that will carry the Jags and they will look to get extra production from their lower weight classes. Their middle weight classes present probably the best lineup in the state with Hamann, Royle, Spencer Young, Dylan McLaughlin and Randy Royle, with whom Jackson returns a combined 194 plus wins and eight district titles. Jackson will look towards junior Huxford at 106 pounds to push and motivate the lower weight wrestlers and make this lineup a formidable one from top to bottom. First year Head Coach Aaron Gottesman takes over for Doug Withstandley who has had to step down but will stay on board as Gottesman's assistant. Outside of this change the Jags look to reclaim their Shore Conference Title from Southern Regional and head back to the NJSIAA tournament to defend their team and individual titles. Wrestlers to watch this season for Jackson will be Alec Huxford (106), Brian Hamann (126) and Brad Royle (132). All three had outstanding 2010-11 campaigns and look to be the vocal and production leaders for Coach Gottesman's squad this season.
St. Rose Girls’ Basketball Off To 8-0 Start By Ted Kaiser BELMAR— The St. Rose girls’ basketball team is expected to be one of the contenders for the Shore Conference Tournament (SCT) title this winter. So far, they look like they are living up to that billing. The Purple Roses are off to an 8-0 start heading into this week’s schedule which will be capped by the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase this weekend. St. Rose powered their way to two victories last week. Last Wednesday, the Roses proved to be far too powerful for divisional foe Keyport in the Class B Central opener. Cindy Napolitano
poured in a game-high 26 points including four three-pointers in an 82-22 demolition. Senior center Samantha Clark, a Fordham commit, was the only other St. Rose player in doublefigures with 13 points. The rest of the Roses scored in a well-rounded team effort that saw the bench play extended minutes due to the score. St. Rose moved to 2-0 in the division on Thursday with a 54-25 victory over Henry Hudson. The Roses held the Admirals to just two points in the first half in a remarkable
defensive effort. Sarah Kurtz led the team with nine points and a pair of shots from three-point range. Guard Kasey Chambers, who is a Monmouth University recruit, added eight in the win. The Roses will play Point Boro in the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase on Sunday at 3:20pm in the third game of the day at Long Branch High School. The match-up will feature two of the top teams in the Shore Conference who could very well meet down the road in the SCT later this winter.
PROTECT YOUR ATHLETES’ TEETH LIKE THE PROFESSIONALS DO!!
Caseys Off To Strong Start
Jersey Sports News • January 10 - January 24 Page 9
By Mike Rogers The Red Bank Catholic (RBC) girls’ basketball team started the season ranked number five in the Shore Conference and the Caseys have lived up to their ranking. They have started the season with a 7 - 1 record and also reached the finals of their holiday tournament; The Diamond State Classic. RBC returns a solid nucleus of players to a team that went 21- 7 last season under Head Coach Joe Montano. After starting the season with a 4 - 0 record that included wins by an average of 30 points, the Caseys made it to the finals of their holiday tournament. In their first game they defeated St. Marks (Delaware) by the PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI score of 53- 38. Caroline A l e x Alfano (33) brings the ball downcourt for Corcoran led the way with 19 the RBC girls’ basketball team. points as she hit five threepointers along the way. Alex Alfano added 10 points and Megan Arnott added nine points. In the finals of the tournament RBC came up just short, losing to Council Rock South (Pennsylvania) by the score of 44- 39. Corcoran once again led the way with 19 points while Arnott added 10 points. The Caseys returned to their winning ways in the New Year with victories over Ocean (43 - 26) and Monmouth (48 - 38) to improve their record to 7-1. In the win against Ocean, Corcoran led the way in a balanced scoring attack with 12 points. Arnott finished with seven points, Mary Balocco had six points and Mary Kate Caverly added five points. In the win over Monmouth, Corcoran once again led the way scoring 14 points while Grace Fallon added 12 points and Caverly contributed nine points. The Caseys kept their winning ways going with a road victory at Howell winning easily 60- 24 to improve their record to 8- 1. Leading the Caseys in scoring was Alfano who led a balanced scoring attack with 12 points. Arnott, Corcoran and Fallon each finished with 10 points. RBC will try and continue their winning ways with games at Freehold Boro and at St. Rose before a home game on January 15th against Jackson Memorial.
Page 10 Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24
Middletown North Battles Through Injuries
that freshman Craig Evans and senior capBy John Healy Injuries to two upperclassmen for the tain Frank Rodriguez have been impact Middletown North boys’ ice hockey team players for the team this year. “Evans has has made this season a bit of a struggle for had a couple of big goals for us. He had the Lions. Head Coach Matthew Clemente two in a game over Freehold Township and has relied on underclassmen, mainly fresh- another against Monsignor Donovan,” men, to fill the void on the ice, which has Clemente said. “Rodriguez is a great resulted into a 3-5-1 record. “We’ve been locker room guy. He gets the team ready to struggling a little,” Clemente said. “We have a young, inexperienced lineup, a lot of freshmen, so we’re learning as we go. There have been some good things, but we’ve also made mistakes due to inexperience.” During a game against St. John Vianney on Jan. 4th, the Lions showed the PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN good and the bad of Connor Hall brings the puck across the ice for having a young team. Middletown North. They jumped to a quick 1-0 lead, but quickly saw it erased in the second period as play and brings a great attitude and intensithe Lancers tallied three unanswered goals ty.” and eventually defeated the Lions, 6-3. As the season progresses, Clemente Scott Huber finished the game with two expects the younger players to become goals, while senior Joe Dickinson finished accustomed to the speed of the varsity with a goal and an assist for the Lions. “I level. “The more games we play the more think that game showed we can play with they’ll get used to the speed,” Clemente everyone,” Clemente said. “It’s tough to said. “Once they get caught up to the time bounce back from those three goals in the and pace, its one extra step to catching up second period.” to the play.” Along with Dickinson, Clemente notes
Green Wave Tops Raiders In Hoops
Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24 Page 11
B y Ted Kaiser LONG BRANCH— Next weekend will be a busy time at Long Branch High School. The Green Wave will host the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase for the first time in the 12 years of the event. The Long Branch boys’ basketball team will be among the participants when they play Manasquan (6-3, 1-2) in the final game on Saturday scheduled for 6:40pm. The Green Wave are off to a 2-5 overall start and are 1-2 in the division, but have shown flashes of being a playoff-caliber squad. In a tune-up last week, Long Branch hosted Toms River East (3-4) in a non-divisional contest. After holding a slim
three-point lead at halftime, the Green Wave turned up the intensity in the second half. They outscored the Raiders 198 in the third quarter to take a commanding lead. The fourth quarter saw Long Branch employ a stifling defense that held Toms River East to just four points en route to a 53-32 victory. Dwight Clark scored a game-high 18 points and Hassan Foster added 16 points. Terrell Cox also hit doublefigures with 10 points. The Green Wave also faced Class B North power and divisional opponent Colts Neck last week. The Cougars proved too powerful in a 71-35 win. Cox scored a team-high 13 points and Clark added another 12 points for Long Branch.
Cougars Bounce Back After Loss
B y Ted Kaiser COLTS NECK— An undefeated Colts Neck boys’ basketball team rolled into last week’s divisional tilt against Neptune. But the Scarlet Fliers handed the Cougars their first defeat of the season. Colts Neck made sure they bounced back quickly though. On Thursday, they came out strong against Long Branch and cruised to a 71-35 victory. The Cougars won every quarter in a dominating bounceback effort. Sean O’Reilly scored a game-high 25 points including three bombs from long range. Senior forward Hunter Wysocki added 13 points. In all, eight players entered the scoring column of the box score for Colts Neck. The defense limited the Green Wave to single-digit point totals in each of the first two quarters. In the loss to Neptune, the Cougars trailed by only two points at halftime. The Fliers pulled away in the second half behind 11 points from swingman Keith Kirkwood. Wysocki led Colts Neck with a game-high 15 points and five rebounds. The Cougars head into this week with a 7-1 record. They will play Lakewood in the opening game of the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase next Saturday at noon at Long Branch High School.
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI Colts Neck goes to the basket aginst Neptune. Neptune topped the Cougars 71-35.
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI Long Branch’s Dwight Clark (5) ends up on the back of his opponent while going to the basket.
Set Your Goals
Page 12 Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24
By Mike Celli Welcome to Aggressive Sports: This is a new section for 2012, that will address a plethora of issues concerning athletes and their families. As this is a New Year, lets address setting Goals. Every athlete and their families should be aware of realistic goals to achieve this new year. These goals should fulfill a purpose in life, that we all have. The element of achieving this purpose in life is setting goals and reaching them. Developing a plan is essential in fulfilling goals. Maximum success comes from clear cut goals and an action plan for achievement. Goals may differ based upon age, yet the power to achieve goals is within and ageless. Now is the time to plan and set goals in some of the following categories; Family, Education, Health, Wellness, Religion, Physical Fitness and Career. A goal is nothing more than a look into the future at what you would realistically like to be or accom-
plish within a specific time period. Make your goal specific as to what and when. Desiring to accomplish or achieve something without parameters is not a goal. Doing something you are currently able to do is not a goal. Striving to reach a certain level in a certain time frame is a goal. This time frame must be measurable and realistic. Take a "time out" in the beginning of your day to think about your goals. It is best to review your goals when you are rested and focused. This will help you be more optimistic in your approach to achieving your goals with a positive attitude. For each goal you set you must determine what must happen to achieve that goal. Will it require specific training? Will it require specific time set aside? Will it require practice? Will it require some physical or financial sacrifice on your part? Periodically, take the time to track
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your goals. This is easier if your goals have been put in writing, use a notebook, it can be as simple as a recording on your phone or P.C.. You can itemize the things you have accomplished toward reaching your goals and also write a to-do list of action steps which must be taken. Believe in your goals. Dream about them. Believe in yourself. Visualize the horizon of success in the future. Make your goals important to you and develop the habit of achieving short term goals for future success. This should be the driving force behind your daily activities towards the advancement of your goals. The achievement of long term goals will require a stairway of steps to the advancement of accomplishing larger goals. It's a great feeling to recognize where you started, where your at and where you want to be. This evaluation is helpful to contribute to a more positive mental attitude, to enhance your achievement of your goals. Some times the advancement of your
goals may require the assistance of other people. Your teachers, coaches, advisors, family members and professionals can all play an instrumental part of achieving harmony in your success. Recognize their value and appreciate their assistance. Be realistic with yourself and everyone to avoid frustration and conflict. Understanding there can be satisfaction in having made an effort to move forward which is the ultimate objective of your goal. Goals should be reflective of objectives which you can exercise some control or at least have the ability to be a major influence on the result. Objectives based on luck, or chance are not factors to achieving goals. 1. 2. 3. 4.
SET YOUR GOALS MAKE A PLAN EXECUTE THE PLAN ACHIEVE THE GOAL
Lets Go, it's a New Year. Every Day is a new gift to try again. Welcome to Aggressive Sports!
St. Rose Struggling For Consistent Play
Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24 Page 13
By Eric Braun BELMAR — Senior Mark Kukoda continues to be the main consistent player for Coach Dennis Devaney as the Purple Roses struggle for consistency this season. A roller coaster season so far has St. Rose sitting at 5-3 and sitting in third place in the South Jersey Non Public B Division behind St. Josephs at 6-1, Cardinal McCarrick 6-1 and Timothy Christian at 5-1. The good part for Kukoda and the rest of the Purple Roses is that they are getting great experience and depth from underclassmen that
should help them in their pursuit towards the NJSIAA tournament in late February. Kukoda currently averages 17 points, steals and three assists per game while leading the team in scoring but more importantly, it is his leadership away from scoring that is keeping St. Rose in contention. Along with Kukoda, Coach Devaney is getting plenty of defensive production from junior center Sean Maguire who has a team high five blocks and Dean Devaney with 38 rebounds. St. Rose has the talent and leader
ship to still make some noise in the Shore Conference and NJSIAA tournaments, but it must start now as they hit the heart of their schedule. With a strong showing at the WOBM Classic where they advanced to the semifinals before losing to host school Toms River North, the Purple Roses look to build on that momentum as they have rattled off two wins in a row since the tournament. St. Rose looks to build on that success with upcoming key games at Monsignor Donovan, Point Beach and CBA.
Ocean Wrestling Looks Elite
By Josh Lashley Prior to the start of the season, the Ocean Township High School wrestling team was billed as an elite program not only in the Shore Conference, but across the entire state. Thus far, the Spartans have done nothing to hinder those lofty pre-season accolades. Before taking a look ahead to what awaits Ocean in the upcoming weeks, let’s take a glance back at just how they built the momentum that they currently carry. After capturing the season opening Neptune Classic team title with four champions: Zach Hertling (120), Jason DaCruz (126), Colton
Bigelow (220) and Kyle Gora (heavyweight), the Spartans toppled Marlboro, 64-9. Max Rollo (106) and Nick Pappayliou (145) placed second, while Sam Sottile (195) was third at the Neptune Classic. From there, it was off to the always challenging Brick Memorial Mustang Classic, where Bigelow (220) and Gora (heavyweight) were crowned champions. In four straight dual meets after the Mustang Classic, Ocean went 4-0 with the victories over Toms River North, Christians Brothers Academy, Manalapan and Neptune. The combined margin of victory for the
Spartans in those meets was nearly 37 points. Now a difficult stretch in the dual meet season is about to take place for Ocean and it all starts with a road match at Long Branch on Wednesday, January 11, followed by a quad meet at Montville with Roxbury and Wayne Valley. They will face a very good Howell team as part of a quad meet on January 21 and close out the month by traveling to traditionally strong Roselle Park for a quad meet with Warren Hills and Ramsey.
PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN
S t . R o s e ’s Mark Kukoda goes in for a layup against Toms River East.
Dealerships Support Local Community and Athletics Page 14 Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24
B y Ted Kaiser EATONTOWN— When a business has been open for over 50 years, it becomes a part of the surrounding community. Galaxy Toyota in Eatontown and Honda Universe in Lakewood are third generation automobile businesses. Both dealerships continually show their support for the local community and in particular for local athletics. While they are new advertisers to Jersey Sporting News, Galaxy Toyota and Honda Universe have been involved in the Jersey Shore athletic scene for years. “We like to support the local community and if there is any area to
really support, the kids are where it’s at,” said General Manager Bobby Ciasulli. Galaxy Toyota is one of the headline sponsors for Monmouth University athletics, especially for basketball, baseball, football and soccer. The dealership also sponsors the Central Jersey Hitmen; a competitive youth travel baseball team who played in seven out-of-state tournaments in 2011. “It’s a great program,” explained Galaxy Toyota General Sales Manager Carmen Catena. “We have children and families in New Jersey so we figure why not give something back
starting with kids and going all the way up to the university level.” Honda Universe is also involved in athletics near its location in Lakewood. General Sales Manager James Frederick says they are regular sponsors of Holy Family School and Lakewood High School. In addition, both dealerships participate in local events and causes such as the Oyster Fest in Asbury Park, Count Basie Theater in Red Bank, turkey giveaways at Thanksgiving, Toys for Tots and the local D.A.R.E. programs.
Missry and Montagne Leading The Way For Jackson
By Eric Braun JACKSON- It seems that this year’s title of underdog is off the dribble. More importantly for Coach Goodale, going to go to the Jackson Memorial girls’ basketball these two athletes bring more than just their drive to win team. With Manasquan getting the hype throughout the on and off the court; they also bring a calming effect to State and Shore Conference and Pt. Boro falling in right the rest of the team. Watching them as they interact with behind the Warriors, the Jaguars have quietly put togeth- their teammates in warm-ups, before games and after er an impressive 7-1 record. But Jackson was quick to games, they are both years ahead in maturity. You would crash the party as they ruined everyone's anticipated not be able to tell during their pre-game warm-ups WOMB final between Manasquan and Pt. Boro, with a against Pt. Boro or Manasquan that they were about to play some of the best competition in the state, as they 51-46 victory over Pt. Boro in the semifinals. Riding the great one-two punch of sophomore Hannah both had smiles on their faces and joked around with Missry and junior Tiffany Montagne, the Jaguars are their teammates, keeping everything loose. This type of building early momentum that will pay dividends for veteran leadership, especially from underclassmen, will them heading back into the NJSIAA tournament where continue to help them throughout this season and seathey were eliminated last season in the semifinals by sons to come. When the season started, Jackson was not even ranked Trenton. The young Jackson Memorial squad is loaded with young talent that has only one senior on this year’s in the top 25 in the state, but since their great run in the roster and has Coach Rachel Goodale sitting in a great WOBM Classic they have jumped up to #12 in the state and look to build on that with their upcoming schedule. position to put Jackson Memorial on the map. Hannah Missry is by far one of the clutch three- point Ahead for Jackson are contests against Rumson/Fair shooters in the Shore Conference this season and has Haven, Boardwalk Showcase at Long Branch High lead the Jaguars in scoring with an average of 14 points School against Red Bank Catholic and St. Rose. per game while her scoring counter-part Tiffany Montagne is averaging 13 points per game and continu- PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN Jackson Memorial’s Ti ffany Montagne goes in for ing to be a nightmare for opposing coaches to control an easy layup against Pt. Boro.
General Manager Bobby Ciasulli
Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24 Page 15
Page 16 Jersey Sporting News • January 10 - January 24