Consequences Of Concussions in Sports Page 2 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
Concussions are the most common type of traumatic brain injury with a yearly incidence of 6/1,000 people. Over the past five years more emphasis has been made on diagnosing, treating and preventing concussions as we have become more aware of the long term complications associated with concussions. According to the Center for Disease Control there were over 400,000 reported concussions involving high school sports in the United States during 2008-2009. Concussions can cause a variety of physical, cognitive and emotional symptoms including headaches, dizziness, nausea, memory loss, poor academic performance and behavioral changes. There may or may not be a loss of consciousness associated with a concussion. It is important that coaches, trainers and parents are aware of the signs and symptoms of a concussion in order to obtain adequate treatment and to ensure that the injured player does not return to play too soon and potentially sustain another concussion which may have long term effects. The severity of concussions and their symptoms worsen with successive injury even if the subsequent injury occurs weeks or years after the initial concussion. A person who sustains three or more concussions in their lifetime has a five fold
greater risk of developing Alzheimer's disease earlier in life and a three fold greater risk of developing memory deficits. Having had a prior sport concussion is associated with a higher risk of sustaining a concussion in the future. Two devastating consequences of
Chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE) is a pathologic change in the brain which is secondary to repeated blows to the head. It is a progressive degenerative disease. CTE is the worst long term consequence of multiple concussions. It causes memory loss, depression, confusion,
1. Educating coaches, trainers and players to prevent under reporting of concussions. 2. Better equipment- Helmets with improved force protection. 3. Rule changes to protect the players. 4. Strict guidelines for returning players to the field after sustaining a concussion. 5. When in doubt keep them out.
concussions are the second impact syndrome and chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Second impact syndrome is seen in people who return to play too soon after sustaining a concussion, while still having symptoms, and receive a second blow to the head days or weeks after the initial concussion. In second impact syndrome the brain swells dangerously after a minor blow. This can lead to a sudden death on the field. Fortunately it is a rare condition. From 1980-1993 there were 32 football related cases of second impact syndrome reported.
aggression and dementia. CTE has been documented in several professional athletes at autopsy. On December 7, 2010 Governor Chris Christie signed into law a bill that requires coaches to remove any player from a game who shows signs of a concussion and a health professional must clear the student before he or she is allowed to compete again. All public and private schools in New Jersey are required to have policies for handling concussions by 2011-2012. Current recommendations include baseline Impact (Immediate Post-Concussion Assessment and Cognitive Testing)
testing which is the most widely used and scientifically validated computerized concussion evaluation system. The test is used in evaluating concussions in high school, college and professional sports. The test assesses a player's symptoms, measures verbal and visual memory, processing and cognitive ability. The test assists hi determining when an athlete can return to play. If a player sustains a concussion an Impact test can be administered and compared to the players' baseline study. Subsequent Impact testing is performed to assess a player for recovery. A player should not be allowed to return to play until he is symptom free and his impact testing returns to baseline. A player needs to be cleared by a health professional prior to returning to play. Preventative measures that can be taken in treating concussions include: 1. Educating coaches, trainers and players to prevent under reporting of concussions. 2. Better equipment- Helmets with improved force protection. 3. Rule changes to protect the players. 4. Strict guidelines for returning players to the field after sustaining a concussion. 5. When in doubt keep them out.
Elite Sports Performance Center Opens
Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20 Page 3
By Ted Kaiser TINTON FALLS — The brand new Elite Sports Performance Center has opened its doors and is having a grand opening on Saturday, March 10th from 1-4pm. It will be an open house format showcasing all the services available. Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Miles Austin and Indianapolis Colts running back Donald Brown will be on hand to sign autographs. The facility is a combination of athletic training and physical therapy on a level that has never been offered before at the Jersey Shore. Elite Sports Physical Therapy has been serving athletes for over eight years at various locations throughout the Shore area. Now, grouped together with Reach Your Potential Training (RYPT), the new Elite Sports Performance Center is set to provide a true prostyle atmosphere and training level. “It’s like a dream come true. It’s exactly what we have been dreaming about having someday,” explained Sharon Wentworth, Founder of Elite Sports Physical Therapy. “When I started, my mission was to have a specialty business and do rehab for primarily adolescents and sports injuries.
We’ve rehabbed over 1,200 Shore Conference athletes and we now have Stephen Bade, a second physical therapist on board.” Joining forces with Wentworth is her husband, Bobby Smith, a former Monmouth University football standout and an Olympic competitor in javelin. Smith is a certified strength and conditioning specialist who started RYPT. He has brought in Carolina Panthers assistant strength coach Adam Feit to be a part of the team. Feit trained NFL Rookie of the Year quarterback Cam Newton. Together, RYPT brings a big time college and professional experience to training. “Shore Conference athletes have never had access to this kind of facility,” stated Wentworth. “The facility is designed after the Olympic training facility in California. The whole experience and training offered is on another level and really a great continuum with the physical therapy services.” The Elite Sports Performance Center is located at 1540 West Park Ave. in the American Red Cross Building in Tinton Falls. For more The Elite Performance Center provides pro-style atmosphere and training information, please call 732-544-0011. level.
Scarlet Fliers Win Championships Page 4 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
By Jim Hintelmann WEST LONG BRANCH ¬ A good reason for the success of the Neptune boys’ basketball program over the years has been an explosive up tempo offense. Overlooked, though, was the fact that the Scarlet Fliers are historically strong on defense and that was on display in Friday’s Shore Conference championship game with Colts Neck. Shutting down a potent Colts Neck offense, the Scarlet Fliers outlasted the Cougars, 37-33, before a sellout crowd at Monmouth University. “This has been great series with them,” said Neptune Head Coach Ken O’Donnell. “It wasn’t the prettiest game, but we were able to force them out of their zone. We played great defense.” Neptune’s defense was at its best in the final two minutes of the game when it made three key stops to prevent Colts Neck from tying the score. The first came after Colts Neck had scored five straight points on a three-pointer by Brandon Federici and a drive from Lucas Lalima to narrow the deficit to 33-31. With two minutes remaining, the Cougars got the ball again, but Neptune’s Keith Kirkwood stole the ball and scored with 1:48 left to make it 35-31.Colts Neck’s Tim Vengalis dropped in two foul shots to make it a two-point game again, but Neptune’s Ikie Calderon missed the first of a one-and- one to give Colts Neck another chance, but once again they turned the ball over. Jaheem Woods of Neptune was fouled but he, too, missed the first of a one-andone with 30 seconds to go, giving Colts Neck one more opportunity.
PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN
Neptune’s Ikie Calderon (5) drives to the basket. With two championship rings, Calderon is now looking forward to the State Championships.
Colts Neck worked the ball down to 10 seconds and the ball was passed to Hunter Wysocki in the paint, but good defense by Kirkwood resulted in a miss with Fuguan McDonald grabbing the rebound. “We were going to go for either a three or get the ball to Hunter in the box,” said Colts Neck Head Coach Lou Piccola. “I thought
that he got PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN fouled but it Neptune’s Jaheem Woods (4) flies to the basket for two wasn’t called. p o i n t s . This was a very physical game, but both teams left hit 22.7 percent. Both teams had one long scoring streak in the first half. Colts Neck everything on the floor.” McDonald was fouled with five seconds scored nine straight points, five by Sean left and made both to clinch the win. “I’m O’Reilly to open up a 9-2 lead in the first a good foul shooter,” said McDonald. “I period. Colts Neck moved out to an 11-5 advanwas confident that I would make them. I tage early in the second quarter on just wanted to help my teammates. I felt Wysocki’s layup, but Neptune answered like I was in the gym by myself.” For Calderon, the championship was with 10 in a row capped by three-pointers his second of the year. He was a key play- from Kirkwood and Calderon. That made er for Neptune’s NJSIAA Central Jersey it 15-11. Neptune took the lead for good Group III champion football team last in the third quarter, 23-20, on a trey by fall. “I want to make it three rings now,” Calderon which started a 7-1 run by the said Calderon, in looking ahead to the Fliers. The title was a 22nd Shore Conference state tournament. The first half saw both teams finding a record win for the Scarlet Fliers who last lid on the basket with Neptune making on won the team title in 2008. It was also the 6 of 31 from the floor while Colts Neck fourth for O’Donnell in his 23 years as was 4 for 25. Overall Neptune shot 25 Head Coach for boys’ basketball. percent from the floor while Colts Neck
Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20 Page 5
DR. BADE ~ DR. JOHNSON ~ DR. TORPEY ~ DR. FOOS ~ DR. GENTILE ~ DR. GESELLS ~ DR. GABISAN ~ DR. SWICK
Monmouth University Men Surprising On The Court Page 6 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
B y Ted Kaiser WEST LONG BRANCH— By all accounts, few Northeast Conference basketball followers expected much from the Monmouth University Men’s’ team this year. Injuries and transfers left a somewhat depleted roster and with a new coach implementing an unfamiliar system, it seemed the Hawks would be in for an uphill battle. Indeed, things looked very bleak when they started off losing their first eight games of the season before defeating Navy on December 6th. Lost in the rough start
was the strong caliber of opponents and gradual improvement of the team as the early season progressed. Even the Northeast Conference schedule did not start well for the Hawks. A 20-point loss to Long Island University dropped them to 1-4 in conference play. But Monmouth never quit. First year Head Coach King Rice saw his players beginning to turn the corner in late January. Now about five weeks later, the Hawks avenged that LIU defeat with a 28-point
win and finished in sixth place in the conference at a resounding 10-8 record. “I believe Monmouth started to turn things around with the New Year's trip to North Carolina. The entire experience of the trip, from seeing the history of the UNC program up close to playing well for stretches in that game, proved to this team that if they buy inall the way to what the coaches are saying, then they can be successful,” explained Monmouth play-by-play announcer Ed Occhipinti of the Shore Sports Network. “Since coming back from Chapel Hill, the team has played with a renewed energy and passion, especially at home and they've been getting results. Right now they are a hot team that believes in themselves and that can be a scary thing for opposing teams." Point guard Jesse Steele has emerged as
the team’s leading scorer with 12.6 points per game and a team-high 4.2 assists. Dion Nesmith and Andrew Nicholas both average 9.0 points per game. Forward Ed Waite leads the Hawks with 5.5 rebounds per game and adds 6.9 points. Not many could have foreseen Monmouth’s turnaround coming, but the fans never gave up on the team. The atmosphere at the MAC has been supportive all season long and in recent weeks the crowds have grown. The student section was loud and enthusiastic during the home stand that included the LIU win and a thrilling come-from-behind victory over St. Francis (N.Y). The Hawks were the seeded sixth in the Northeast Conference Tournament and were set to take on third seeded Robert Morris last Thursday night.
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By Michael Rogers The Jackson Memorials girls’ basketball team is seeded as the number two seed in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV playoffs and the Jaguars (23-5) kept their championship hopes alive with two convincing wins. Against Manalapan (12-13) the number fifteen seed, Jackson Memorial used a fast 21-10 first quarter lead and an offense that just kept them rolling on their way to a 80 -70 victory. In the quarterfinals, the Jaguars defeated seventh seeded Freehold Township (17-10) by the score of 58 -45 to reach the semifinals for the third straight year. They will face number three seeded South Brunswick. Against Manalapan, the Jaguars’ Hannah
Missry led the way scoring a team high 33 points and 16 rebounds. Stephanie Mason also matched her career high in scoring with 25 points. Tiffany Montagne added 11 points while Shannon Evans added an additional seven points for her team. For Manalapan, Jasmine McCall led all scorers with 37 points. In the game against Freehold Township, Jackson Memorial got off to a fast start once again and then kept the pressure on the rest of the game on their way to a 58 45 victory. Montagne led the way in scoring with 20 points (15 in the first half) helping Jackson Memorial tie the school Continued on page 7
Controversial Ending To Handchen Cup
Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20 Page 7
By Eric Braun RED BANK — Most championship games have levels of high and low emotions, but unfortunately lately as a society we have put things in place where no one loses and everyone wins to make it fair. Trying explaining to both Middletown South and Brick Township ice hockey teams, their coaches and fans that after sixty minutes of regulation time and five minutes of overtime where the game still remains tied, that in the best interest of everyone you are declared co-champions. Both teams felt the same way but Head Coach Stan Gutt of Middletown South put it this way. "Our guys are down right now, they don't want a tie, and they want to keep on playing or go to a shootout and let the best team win." Unfortunately the Shore Conference and NJSIAAimplemented the co-champion rule and don't seem to understand the emotional side of the players and parties involved. The game itself started out with topseeded Middletown South coming out on fire in the first period and firing off three straight goals to go up 3-0 before Brick could get going. The Eagles got on the board when Brian Walsh scored on an assist from Chris Connor at the 7:44 mark
Jack Mem.
record for victories in a season with 23. They also reached the semifinals for Group IV for the third straight season. Stephanie Mason and Shannon Evans each scored 12 points while Missry
PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN
PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN
A glove save by Brick's goalie kept the Dragons in the Middletown South's Billy Murphy moves the puck up ice game late in the third period of the Handchen Cup. against Brick in the Handchen Cup finals.
and then Connor scored a minute later on a feed from James Burns. Dan Wojcik scored a minute and a half later on another assist from Connor. The Eagles seemed to have everything in hand going into the intermission but Brick would not go quietly as Ryan Price, on assist from David Kearns, would get the Dragons on the board to bring the score to 3-1. Continued from page 6
added 11 points. Jackson Memorial will now host the number three seed in South Brunswick in the semifinals. The Jaguars are trying to reach the first sectional final in school history.
Brick would flip the table on the Eagles in the second period when they scored two unassisted goals by Andrew Reiss and Tyler Martin while the Eagles got their lone goal from Zach England on an assist from Walsh. Going into the third period, the Eagles led on the scoreboard 4-3 but the feeling in the building was that Brick was ready to take control of this contest. The two teams played a hard hitting championship style match in the third period before the Dragons got the equalizer on a goal from Kearns on an assist from Murphy and Brendan Dowd. This was the third meeting this season between these two elite programs and they saved the best for last. Like this contest, the two teams battled twice to a tie with
Middletown getting the lone win 3-2. According to Head Coach Bob Auriemma "my boys are very upset with the outcome, but I told them you have to put it in perspective." He was referring to the 3-0 start the Eagles jumped out to and the missed penalty that should have given the Eagles a penalty shot late in the overtime period. The Dragons however, found ways throughout the night to battle back and at least come out of the championship game as co-champions. Even though neither team was in a celebratory mood after the game, they should take pride in the fact that they put on a classic Handchen Cup final and both are deserving champions.
Clark Leads Roses To Shore Conference Tournament Title Page 8 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
By Eric Braun WEST LONG BRANCH —This year’s St. Rose girls’ basketball team gave a fitting tribute for a senior class that has several times been the bridesmaid and never the bride. The senior players rose to the occasion against Manasquan in the champion’s game of the Shore Conference Tournament (SCT), by beating the previously undefeated Warriors 65-56. The win was the first SCT Championship since 1993 and sets the Purple Roses up for a potential number two seed in the Tournament of Champions (TOC) should they capture the NJSIAA Non Public A South Title. The win was a defining moment for Samantha Clark who finished the season with a game high 28 PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN points and 10 rebounds. In their St Rose was all smiles after their SCT finals winner over #1 PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN previous meeting against Manasquan. Senior guards Morgan Berry and Diana Malanga (center Casey Chambers (11) moves the ball down Manasquan back in early February, with trophy) kept Manasquan off balance all night. court for St. Rose in the SCT finals game. both teams were flying high but the Roses struggled with consismatchup seemed to ultimately lean in Hagaman for the majority of the the Shore, they have some work to do tency and fell to the Warriors. This time the favor of the Warriors on paper and in night thanks in part to her fellow team- still in order to send their seniors and Clark who admitted “I did not play well theory, but the players from St. Rose mates Sarah Kurtz, Morgan Berry, their program to the top of the NJSIAA the first time we played them, this time only cared about reality and the reality Casey Chambers and Diana Malanga. elite. Having garnered the number one I tried to have a good motor and finish was that they can play with anyone, The reliable perimeter play from the seed in the NJSIAA Non Public A South the game out on top”. She did just that anywhere. The Roses were the ones that Roses' guard play from and the inside tournament, the Purple Roses should by dominating with every facet of her looked the most comfortable in the sold out game of Clark seemed to have taken not face any trouble until they meet up game from posting up down low, hit- out MAC Center at Monmouth Manasquan by surprise as they were not with perennial powerhouse Bishop Ahr ting from outside the three-point line University, spreading the floor and run- able to match the intensity. Berry con- in the Non Public final on March 7th at and nailing down important free throws. ning their high powered offense. tinued her physical play, Chambers con- 6pm at Jackson Liberty High School. Most of the conversation leading into Clark, who was kept off balance and tinued her penetration and passing and Should they capture the Non Public the first game was the size of the St. off her rhythm in the first game with Malanga continued her defensive pres- South title, they will move on in hopes Rose gym and how it wasn’t going to be superb defense by Amanda Hagaman sure to help propel the Roses to the of playing for the TOC Championship big enough to accommodate the large from Manasquan, got her revenge when most impressive win of the season. to be held at the Izod Center in late crowd and open style offense that it mattered the most: championship While St. Rose has changed the out- March. Manasquan likes to run. The second time. Clark was able to dominate look of girls’ high school basketball at
NJ State Wrestling Championship Finals Recap Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20 Page 9
By Pat Ralph Over the weekend, New Jersey’s best high school wrestlers took their talents to Atlantic City to participate in the NJSIAA wrestling championship. The tournament got underway Friday night with the opening rounds and continued through Saturday into the finals on Sunday. Here’s a recap of the championship bouts from the finals on Sunday afternoon. The finals started with Alexander Richardson of St. Peter’s Prep pinning Ken Theobold of Toms River South in the 145lbs. bout. In the 152lbs. bout, Raamiah Bethea of Trenton scored a pin by taking down Sal Mastriani of Don Bosco Prep. Johnny Sebastian of Bergen Catholic, the top seed in the 160lbs. weight class, won by a 7-3 decision over Phillip Bakuckas of Hammonton. In a battle of undefeated wrestlers, Ryan Harrington of Mendham won by a 7-3 decision over Steve Nelson of Haddon in the 170lbs. bout. In the 182lbs. bout, Dallas Winston of Jackson, who had yet to surrender a point against himself in the tournament, won by a close decision of PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI 4-3 over Tevin Shaw of Piscataway. In Hayden Hrymack, CBA, 195 lbs. the 195lbs. bout, Razohnn Gross of Don Bosco Prep defeated Eric McMullen of North Bergen 5-3. In the 220lbs. DePaul 3-0. In the 120lbs. bout, Mike Magaldo bout, top seed Brandon Hull of Phillipsburg of Watchung Hills defeated Troy Heilmann of snapped Lex Knapp of Lacey’s perfect record by South Plainfield 5-1. Anthony Ashnault of South defeating him 7-2. In the heavyweight bout, Cody Plainfield, the top seed in the 126lbs. weight Melton of North Burlington defeated Jermaine class, defeated Gary Dinmore of Hunterdon Central 5-2. Scott DelVecchio of South Plainfield Eluemunor of Morris Knolls 3-1. After the big guys finished up, it was time for completed his undefeated season with a 3-1 win the smaller weight classes to compete. Anthony over Brandon Keller of Timber Creek. To close Cefolo of Hanover Park defeated Carl Buttitta of out the afternoon and the biggest weekend in New Iselin Kennedy 3-1 in the 106lbs. bout. Brenden Jersey high school wrestling, B.J. Clagon of Calas of Seton Hall Prep, the top seed in the Toms River South pinned Tyler Hunt of South 113lbs. weight class, shut out Dave McFadden of Plainfield to complete his undefeated season.
PROTECT YOUR ATHLETE’S TEETH LIKE THE PROFESSIONALS DO!!
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Dallas Winston, Jackson,, 195lbs.
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Joe Ghione, Brick Memorial, 160 lbs.
Region IV Invades Atlantic City
Page 10 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Dallas Winston of Jackson is congratulated by his coaches after taking first place.
Hayden Hrymack, CBA, 195 lbs.
Congratulations Congratulations
Coach of the Year Dan O’Cone Brick Memorial High School
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Jackson Liberty, 170 lbs.
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PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI Left: Toms River East’s Rich Lewis (left) and Manchester’s Jesse Meaney (right) 132 lbs.
Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20 Page 11
2012 State Wrestling Championship Individual Medal Winners 1st Place 138 lbs: (Jr) BJ Clagon - TR South 182 lbs: (Sr) Dallas Winston - Jackson Memorial
132 lbs: (Jr) Rich Lewis - TR East 195 lbs: (Sr) Hayden Hrymack - CBA
3rd Place 120 lbs: (Fr) Zach Hertling - Ocean Township
7th Place 195 lbs: (Jr) Matt Moore - Brick Memorial 220 lbs: (Sr) Colton Bigelow - Ocean Township Hwt: (Jr) John Appice - Manalapan 8th Place
6th Place 106 lbs: (So) Joe Ghione - Brick Memorial 132 lbs: (Sr) Jesse Meaney - Manchester 160 lbs: (Sr) Vin Favia - CBA 170 lbs: (Jr) Nick Zak - Jackson Liberty
2nd Place 145 lbs: (Sr) Ken Theobold - TR South 220 lbs: (Sr) Lex Knapp - Lacey
4th Place 126 lbs: (Jr) Brian Hamann - Jackson Memorial
5th Place 113 lbs: (Jr) Kevin Corrigan - TR South
126 lbs: (Sr) Jalen Ramos - Central Regional
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI Above: Brandon Russo, Colts Neck, 285 lbs.
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI Matt Moore, Brick Memorial, 195 lbs.
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI R i g h t : Vincent Favia, CBA, 160 lbs.
Sickles Hosts Third Annual “Girls Night Out” At this time of year, when the weather can be so fickle, we could all use a bit of cheering up. What better way then to gather your best girlfriends and head to Sickles Market for its 3rd annual “Girls Night Out,” co-sponsored by the Two River Times - an evening of food, fashion and fun that offers advice and exhibits on creating and maintaining a healthy lifestyle on Friday March 16, 2012 from 7-9 p.m. Tickets are $40 or $30 per person if you purchase by March 9. Call 732.741.9563 or purchase at shop.sicklesmarket.com. A portion of the proceeds will benefit the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Comprehensive Breast Center, Long Branch. Last year’s sold-out
Hours
Monday - Thursday: 9am - 8pm Saturday: 9am - 4pm Sunday: 9am - 2pm Friday: 9am - 7pm
event raised $4,000 for the center. Come see the latest in spring fashions while sipping premium wines and champagne donated by Rumson Wine & Spirits in our decked out greenhouse. Listen to advice from local health and beauty experts while enjoying delicious and nutritious selections from the Sickles kitchen in the beautiful greenhouse filled with colorful, lush flora and Last year, more than 200 women of all ages - girlfriends, sisters, mothers, daughters, aunts and nieces - enjoyed the sold-out affair while benefitting the Jacqueline M. Wilentz Center, so hurry and purchase your tickets today!
Participating vendors and services are below: • Co-Sponsor Two River Times – Red Carpet Style with Style Hunter Vicki Cohen • The Milagro Spa at The Atlantic Club – Spring Make-up Application & Mini Massages • Jon Lori Salon – Hair Tips & Techniques • Carolyn Roche Designs – Sea Beach Glass Jewelry • Flipping Fun! – Photo Books • Caldrea – Fresh and Fragrant candles • Lindsay Phillips – Spring Switch Flops • Sickles Market – How to Create a
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Athletic Needs • Splints • Braces • Air Casts
Terrarium • Sickles Market – An Herb Potagére
Food and beverage • Rumson Wine & Spirits • Alexian Pâte & Terrines • Booskerdoo Coffee • Daisy Chocolates • Deescakes • Fourth Creek Food Co. • The Scone Shoppe • Sickles Market In the Greenhouse at Sickles Market, One Harrison Avenue, Little Silver, NJ. Tickets required and must be 21 and over.
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Combine Report — NFL Scouting in Indianapolis Page 12 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
This article was written while attending the NFL Scouting Combines in Indianapolis, Indiana. I had the pleasure of traveling to Indianapolis with most of the New York Giants coaching staff including Head Coach Tom Coughlin. It was a small plane so we were able to talk. I had the opportunity to discuss how the year played out, from having the players on strike to overcoming a losing streak to making the playoffs and going to the Big Dance and winning. It was great to use this time to promote the possibility of some of my clients playing for the Giants next year. I was thoroughly impressed at the insight and work ethic illustrated by the coaching staff during our flight to Indianapolis. Obviously their work ethic paid off with a Super
Bowl Victory. That evening I joined friends and colleagues Brian Martin and Kevin Dunn of TEST Football Academy and Bill Parisi of Parisi Speed Schools to attend a very informative seminar given by "Inside the League". Speakers at this event included a wellknown sports psychologist who discussed the many factors affecting athlete's performances both on and off the field. The message was clear that preparation calms anxiety because it builds confidence and promotes clear judgment and decision making. Preparation as previously discussed, enables the athlete to perform at the highest potential. On Friday, I attended the annual
NFLPA Agent seminar. Executive Director De- Maurice Smith addressed the membership with words of gratitude and encouragement for the players association including their ability to compromise and bring forth a new collective bargaining agreement. Many new issues were discussed regarding the new collective bargaining agreement with emphasis on enhancing the game for players and fans. The weekend continued with the evaluation of some of the best college football players in the country. Most of the drills and skills tests were covered by NFL Network; however, what was not seen on television was the extensive intellectual
evaluation that occurs by each team prior to selection on Draft Day. Each team interviews players that they are interested in to evaluate them in a one- on -one setting. Written tests are administrated to evaluate character, work ethic and intellect. In the last article we addressed this. It is no more visible than at an event like the NFL Combines. This is one of the most lucrative and intense job fairs in the country. Whether being interviewed by an owner of an NFL team or a manager of a business, preparation and previous actions shine clearly. No matter what "combine" you may approach be prepared for its TESTS. It will pay off. Special congratulations to Dekota Marshall who's professional Football dreams came true last week in Indiana.
By Michael Rogers The Point Boro girls’ basketball team has reached the semifinals of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II. As the number four seed, the Panthers (20-8) defeated number13 seeded Middlesex by the score of 8338 before defeating number five seeded Rumson/ Fair Haven ( RFH) by the score of 56- 38 to reach the semifinals. Kelly Hughes, the Shore Conference’s leading scorer led Point Boro in scoring in both games with 20 points against Middlesex and 29
points against RFH. The Panthers will now move on to play a road game against Governor Livingston who only has one loss this season and is seeded number one in the tournament. In the game against Middlesex (1115), the Panthers had three players in double figures as Point Boro started the game off with a 30- 6 first quarter and a 22- 11 second quarter to lead 52 - 17 at halftime. Hughes scored nine of her game high 20 points in the first quarter. Her twin sister, Lauren
Hughes was second in scoring for the game with 19 points. Kelly Malleck was the third Panther with double figures totaling 13 points. Middlesex was led by Mikala Connery who scored 18 points and Kiera Biederman added eight points while Salina Pellios tacked on five points. In the game against RFH (19-8), the game started out dramatically different with the Panthers trailing 15- 9 after the first quarter and 22 - 17 at halftime. Point Boro needed something to change the momentum of the
game and a technical foul against Head Coach Dave Drews just into the third quarter seemed to spark the Panthers. Point Boro was trailing by ten points at the time of the technical foul but Kelly Hughes scored 15 points in an 18 - 0 run by the Panthers that sent them from trailing to being in control of the game. Hughes finished the game with 29 points while Lindsey Havens scored 10 points. According to Hughes, "When Coach got that technical foul that really fired us up".
Kelly Hughes Leads Panthers Over Middlesex, 83-38
Raritan Boys’ Fall To Spotswood In Quarterfinals Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20 Page 13
By Sean Simmons HAZLET—The brilliant high school career of Mike Aaman from Raritan came to an end during the quarterfinal round of the Central Jersey Group II state tournament. The Wagner College bound Aaman scored 16 points and also had 10 rebounds and four blocks, but it wasn’t enough as the sixth seeded Rockets fell to the third seeded Spotswood Chargers, 56-42. Tyler Gurczeski also had a strong game for the Rockets with 10 points and Connor Flynn and Cody Regueiro each added six points. The Chargers were led by Thomas Soulias, who poured in a
game-high 22 points. “Mike was a fouryear starter for us and you can’t replace a player like him,” said Raritan Head Coach Denis Caruano. The Rockets finished their season with a 17-8 record and won the A Central title for the fourth time in school history. Raritan advanced to the quarterfinals by knocking off the 11th seeded Governor Livingston Highlanders, 5137. With the Rockets holding onto a 3330 lead, Aaman erupted for 16 of his game-high 34 points during the fourth quarter. The Highlanders were led by Logan Kelley, who made six three-point-
ers and finished the evening with a teamhigh 25 points. According to Caruano, Kelley came into the game as the second leading scorer in New Jersey. During the game against Governor Livingston, Aaman, who is Raritan’s alltime leading scorer, broke the single-season school scoring record of 505 points set by John McDermott in the 1973-74 season. “Mike played really well for us and he scored all 11 of our points during the first quarter,” Caruano said. “Overall, I am happy with the way our season went.”
RBC Girls’ Roll To Easy Wins In Tournament Games By Jim Hintelmann RED BANK — The Red Bank Catholic (RBC) girls’ basketball team has just one senior starter; Morgan Arnott, but the Caseys are still enjoying a fine season and rolled to easy wins in its first two NJSIAA tournament games last week. RBC routed Monsignor Donovan, 55-34 and Immaculata of Somerville 62-33 using a tight defense and timely shooting. RBC was also helped by the return of Arnott in the Donovan game after being sidelined for two weeks with an injury. “It was great to get Morgan back,” said RBC Head Coach Joe Montano after the Donovan game. “She gives us another player that PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI you can put out there and she RBC’s Grace Fallon (13) muscles her way past a played great. Our defense was Neptune player. great and we were very unselfish
in passing the ball around and finding open people. I was pleased with our effort.” Against Monsignor Donovan, RBC took con- PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI Raritan’s Michael Aaman (34) forces his trol from the start by scor- way to the basket. ing the first nine points of the game and never looking back. The Griffins scored the played this year,” said Coach next four points, but RBC came Montano. “We’ve won 22 games back with 10 in a row on a layup and with the schedule we play, you by Mary Beth Caverly, three point- have to be pleased. We’re young ers by Alex Alfano and Caroline and have most of our kids coming Corcoran and a drive by Arnott for back. “The girls are getting experia 19-4 advantage. Donovan scored ence and I’m proud of them,” he the next five points, three by Dana added. RBC’s only losses were close Carbone alone, but RBC used another 10-point run to build the games to state powers Neptune, St lead to 30-9 and the Griffins never John Vianney and St. Rose, along got closer than the final score. with a loss to a Pennsylvania team “I’m happy with the way we in a Christmas Tournament.
Page 14 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
Huelbig Leads North Past Monroe Falcons By Sean Simmons MIDDLETOWN—Middletown North’s Jason Huelbig poured in a game-high 22 points and finished with 13 rebounds to help lead the third seeded Lions past the 11th seeded Monroe Falcons, 59-51 in a quarterfinal round game of the Central Jersey Group IV state tournament. “We knew coming into the game that Monroe had very good guards and we wanted to force them into taking difficult shots,” said Middletown North Head Coach Mike Iasparro. The Lions (23-5) roared out to a 2312 lead during the first quarter. “I thought that we played really well during the first quarter,” Iasparro said. The Falcons rallied back during the second quarter and went into the locker room at halftime trailing 35-30. North struck first during the third quarter with a basket by Huelbig and then Monroe narrowed the margin to four points with a three-pointer by Victor Sorrento. The Lions took a 39-33 lead when Will Boman drove to the hoop for a
layup, but the Falcons answered back with an 8-0 run to take a 41-39 lead. A basket by Huelbig tied the game at 4141 and four consecutive points by Tim Rhatigan, who had 11 points in the game, put the Lions in front 45-41. Monroe’s Ryan Genevieve then knocked down a shot to make the score 45-43 at the end of the third quarter. Genevieve led the Falcons with 14 points. “We hit the boards better during the third quarter and did a better job spreading the floor,” Iasparro said. North reeled off the first seven points of the fourth quarter to increase their lead to 52-43. A layup by Ryan Stolte pulled the Falcons to within seven points. The Lions then outscored the Falcons, 7-6 to make the final score 59-51 with the biggest highlight being a thunderous dunk by Huelbig. “Jason is our best player and he stepped up for us on both ends of the court,” PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI explained Iasparro. “The kids have Middletown North’s Tim Frawley (21) worked so hard and 23 wins is the looks to pass the ball. most in school history.”
PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI
Cody Thompson (2) makes an aggresive play to the basket.
CBA Gets Revenge On St. Rose
Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20 Page 15
By Eric Braun BELMAR- Back on February 2, the St. Rose Purple Roses walked into the home of Christian Brothers Academy (CBA) Colts and did something no St. Rose team has been able to do for 28 years: win. Trailing by 16 points at the half, the Roses continued to battle the entire game and then senior Mark Kukoda hit a jumper from the free throw line as time expired to give St. Rose a 47-46 regular season victory. Fast forward several weeks, in the opening round of the NJSIAA NonPublic A South and on the home court St. Rose, the two teams would square off in another thrilling matchup. The first quarter St. Rose had every opportunity to put the Colts on the ropes and take another one from their parochial counterpart, but they could not get their shots to fall. CBA withstood the early success the Roses’ offense was having and eventually took over the contest midway through PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN the first period. Heading into half- CBA had little problem driving to the basket against St. time, similar to their earlier contest, Rose in their NJSIAA matchup. CBA had a double digit lead and this more sharp shooter Evan Gordinier top-seeded St. PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN time led by 13 points. CBA would hit a pair of three-pointers to put the Josephs of CBA's big men are paying dividends for the Colts. extend the lead to as many as 17 Colts ahead for good. The two helped Metuchen for points and then a similar tide started stop the Roses’ 13-0 run to get back their fourth to roll into the gymnasium in Belmar, both the crowd and the game to with- meeting in a row in the state playoffs. The Colts suffered the similar fate as St. Rose began chipping away at in reach with a 10-0 run of their own The Colts did not have the magic they that St. Rose did on Wednesday night the Colts lead and at the end of the and they quieted the sell-out crowd. did against St. Rose as the Colts lost as they played exceptional defense third quarter they cut the deficit to 34The Roses would continue to battle to St. Joseph 47-32 on Friday night. but could not get their shots to fall 31. and got to within 44-35, but the Colts Hughes, who had been a big part of when they needed them the most. It That would be the closest St. Rose were just too much for them on this night. the Colts success over the past sever- was a valiant effort for the ninth seedwould get as the fourth quarter started With the win, CBA (14-9) now al years, ended his CBA career with a ed Colts going up against number one out with senior Kiernan Hughes hitmoved on to the second round against team high 12 points and 11 rebounds. seeded St. Joseph. ting a pair of free throws and sopho-
AAU Baseball Represents New Jersey With Teams From All Over Page 16 Jersey Sporting News • March 6 - March 20
By Ted Kaiser games in 100 degree heat MANASQUAN — New to qualify for the AAU Jersey youth baseball has Grand Nationals. The always shared some time in Rangers will compete in the national spotlight. the ESPN Wide World of Perhaps the biggest moment Sports at Disney in for New Jersey baseball was Orlando. They will be in 1998 when Toms River playing against teams won the Little League World from California, Texas, Series. Beyond that, New Florida, Puerto Rico and Jersey sometimes tends to be more from June 17th to considered behind 24th. “We are a 501c3 California, Texas, Florida charitable entity and we and other big baseball power have fundraisers to reduce states when in fact it should the costs for parents with be mentioned in the same all of the travel,” breath. The New Jersey explained Scott who is Rangers AAU team hopes to also the AAU Director of give the rest of the country a Baseball Operations in few more reasons to respect New Jersey. “We only ask New Jersey baseball. the parents to buy the uniThe Rangers are an AAU form and helmets and try program with four age to keep the costs as minigroups (8, 9, 10 and 11 years mal as possible. The parold). There are plans to add a ents are just as intense as 12 and 13 year old team next the kids and want them to year. The club is based out of succeed.” the Atlantic Club in The goal of AAU baseball Manasquan where they will in New Jersey is not to 2012 Monmouth County Inaugural U-10 Baseball Team. compete on a brand new start a league and compete field starting in May. The with Little League or Rangers play in various tournaments throughout example on the high school levels and you see that USABL, but to play some tournaments and display the area and nationwide. The Rangers try not to any given day, any team can beat anybody. At all the state’s great baseball talent. The Rangers are interfere with local township little league schedules levels there are very good programs all open to anyone and tryouts are held in late and USABL traveling teams. “New Jersey is a over the state.” August/early September. For more information on The Rangers are doing their part to showcase the the baseball rich state. We have kids from all over, Rangers please visit especially Monmouth County,” said New Jersey state’s talent. Last year the age U-9 team went 48- www.newjerseyrangers.com or email shorebaseRangers President Andrew Scott. “You look at for 15 and won the Colonial Open Tournament in ball44@yahoo.com. Yorktown, Virginia. They won three consecutive