SHORE CONFERENCE HARDWOOD HIGHLIGHTS
BOYS BASKETBALL RECAP
By Alan Brehme, Toms River North, JSN Intern
Manasquan (22-2 overall, 13-1 A Central)
The Manasquan Warriors entered this season with high hopes led by seniors Quinn Galvin (24 points, 18 rebounds, 3 steals), Jack Heenan (17 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists), Xander Korolik (145 points, 118 rebounds, 16 assists, 15 steals), Brad McCabe (354 points, 177 rebounds, 36 assists), and Tim Wheat (11 points, 9 rebounds, 2 steals). The Warriors’ last two matchups were wins against Wall (71-63) and division-rival Shore Regional (73-52). Junior Alex Galvan was a powerhouse against Wall, tallying 19 points, which was only second to fellow junior Quinn Calabrese who had 25 points and four rebounds. Manasquan’s first tournament game kicks off against Johnson on Feb. 25.
Toms River North (18-3 overall, 14-0 A South)
The Mariners came into the season with four seniors and five juniors on the roster. The top three players include Jakari Spence (396 points, 61 rebounds, 86 assists, 44 steals), Najae Hallenback (288 points, 235 rebounds, 10 assists, 21 steals) and Nick Duncsak (231 points, 124 rebounds, 13 assists, 19 steals). Toms River North's last game was a 67-55 win over Jackson Memorial, who, despite leading, 25-24 at the half, fell short. Hallenback accounted for 24 points and 10 rebounds. Toms River North plays Middletown North on Feb. 19.
Wall Township (15-6 overall, 12-2 B North)
With only two seniors on the Crimson Knights this season, they were destined be an average Wall team, but all the sophomores and juniors have stepped up, as well as one freshman. Freshman Colin Ackerman (139 points, 63 rebounds, 35 assists, 28 steals) has made a name for himself by racking up the numbers. 6-3 junior Quinn Calabrese’s career stats include 740 points, 233 rebounds, 107 assists, 21 blocks, and 64 steals. Calabrese leads the team in with 52 three-point shots, 68 field goals, and is tied for games played with 21. Wall defeated Matawan, 46-45, on Feb. 7, led by sophomore Pat Lacey’s 18 points.
Christian Brothers Academy (18-4 overall, 13-1 A North)
Christian Brothers Academy won their division over Freehold Township by one game. Top players include Stephen Braunstein (358 points, 7 rebounds, 5 assists), Josh Cohen (443 points, 45 rebounds, 2 assists) and Mike White (122 points, 1 rebound, 3 assists). CBA downed Freehold Boro, 78-47, with a huge game from Cohen. They then lost to Elizabeth, 54-55, on a last-second three-pointer. CBA’s next game is Feb. 28 against Camden Catholic.
Ranney (20-3 overall, 10-0 B Central)
Ranney was a powerhouse this season, going undefeated in conference play and dropping only three games in their rigorous schedule. Bryan Antoine (516 points, 63 rebounds, 43 assists, 42 steals) was a huge part of their season and averaged almost 23 points a game. Others include Scottie Lewis (331 points, 94 rebounds, 71 assists, 33 steals), Alex Klatsky (224 points, 33 rebounds, 31 steals), and Phillip Wheeler (116 points, 48 rebounds, 7 steals). Ranney's last games were wins against Asbury Park (72-47) and Mater Dei Prep (103-43). Ranney is scheduled to play Timothy Christian in the tournament on Feb. 27.
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