2011 Middlesex County College Summer League–Final Standings

• Perth Amboy Tech (10-2)
• East Brunswick (8-2)
• East Brunswick Tech (6-3)
• Roselle Park (7-4)
• Bishop Ahr (5-5)
• Timothy Christian (4-5)
• Sayreville (2-8)
• Dunellen (0-9)

GMC Hoops thanks Middlesex C.C. men’s basketball coach, Chris Tarver for his cooperation this summer.

South Brunswick Routs Edison, 50-24

The Edison Eagles got out to the early 1-0 lead when they drew a foul, but they missed the second free throw, and two subsequent layup attempts.  Meanwhile, South Brunswick took the lead with an offensive rebound and putback off a Mike Green miss, and then a drive through the Edison defense for a layup, and a 4-1 lead as the Eagles called for time at the 16:58 mark.

EHS scored the next four points including two free throws by Marcus Cudjoe, and then a basket by Qassim Bass-Ali for a 5-4 lead before SBHS drew a foul, and made two free throws for a 6-5 edge at the 11:31 mark.  The Vikings then added two breakaway layups including one off a steal from Jordan Westbrook at halfcourt for a 10-5 lead as the Eagles called for time at the 9:33 mark. 

The Vikings then took off on a 10-4 run over the next 9:08 for a 20-9 lead after two free throws with 25 seconds to go in the first half.  The Eagles then quickly got a score as Westbrook put back a miss by Dennis Amuzo.  Green replied with a one of two showing from the foul line in the waning moments of the half for a 21-11 lead at the intermission.

South Brunswick continued to stay in control as Green pulled up for a three pointer from the left side early on for a 24-11 lead.  The Vikings then outscored the Eagles by a 2-1 margin the rest of the way for a 50-24 victory.  SBHS outscored EHS by a 29-13 margin in the final 20 minutes.

Raiders Find A Way To Defeat Perth Amboy, 39-34

For the second night in a row, GMC Hoops got to watch Perth Amboy play, and the Panthers continued to impress even in defeat. North Brunswick had its hands full in this contest, particularly in the second half before finding a way to pull out a hard fought, 39-34 win. Amboy’s zone defense focused on clamping down on the Raider backcourt duo of Iverson Fleming and Dion Rogers while surrounding big man, Chance Gadsden.

The Raiders of North Brunswick had a 15-13 edge against a pesky and scrappy Perth Amboy team before Fleming hit two jumpers from the right side for a 19-13 lead as the Panthers called for time.  The Raiders pressure defense in the half court, especially from Fleming made it difficult for Amboy to establish its offense.

Perth Amboy would draw to within four again on a floater, but couldn’t cash in on a few other opportunities before NBTHS was able to draw a foul, and make two free throws for a 21-15 lead.  The Raiders then held out for a last second shot, and settled for a Shaliek Short jumper that hit the rim.  Gadsden got the offensive rebound, and put it back in, but the buzzer had sounded, and the points didn’t count.

The Panthers then opened the second half with a 4-2 run to close the gap to 23-19 with 15:15 to go in the game before Gadsden drew a foul, and made one of two from the line for a 24-19 lead.  Amboy then responded with two free throws to close the gap some more to 25-21.  On defense, the Panthers utilized a 2-3 zone to push the Raiders out onto the perimeter.

North Brunswick was able to break through though as Dion Rogers got into the act with a drive to his left through the key for a floater, and a 27-21 advantage as the Raiders called for time at the 12:20 mark.  Following the timeout, Amboy’s David Rogers connected on a short jumper in the paint to narrow the deficit to 27-23.  The Panthers then pulled to within a field goal at 27-25 on a putback of a David Rogers miss.

Perth Amboy capped a 6-0 run to tie the game at 27-27 with two free throws at the 10:43 mark.  NBTHS went back on top when Rogers scored a layup off a drive in from the left side at the 9:13 mark for a 29-27 lead.  Despite trailing, Amboy battled hard with tenacious defense out of the zone that seemed to have the Raiders paralyzed offensively.  The Panthers then tied things up at 29-29 with a steal off Short after he got a rebound in the Raider backcourt.

The Raiders took the lead again as Gadsden was fouled underneath, and made one of two free throws with 5:30 remaining for a 30-29 edge.  Perth Amboy had two chances to take the lead, but failed to score while North Brunswick continued to look tentative in its half court offense.  Dion Rogers tried to get the Raiders on the board again by pushing the ball into  the Raider frontcourt for a layin, but he missed it off the front of the rim at about the 4:30 mark.

Amboy finally went ahead after Short missed a three point attempt from the left wing, and the Panthers poked away a steal from Fleming for a layup, but Gadsden quickly put the Raiders ahead again at 32-31 with 2:45 remaining by throwing down a flush as he was fouled.  Perth Amboy had a chance to retake the lead, but they missed a couple of shot attempts including a follow by David Rogers.  North Brunswick went up by three as Short drew a foul, and made both free throws for a 34-31 advantage

The Panthers then lost a bit of composure when they were called for a backcourt violation, and a subsequent technical at the 0:59 second mark.  Dion Rogers made the technical free throw for a 35-31 Raiders lead.  On the next NBTHS possession, Short scored underneath for a 37-31 edge with 34 seconds to play as Amboy called for time.  After Amboy missed a three and a jumper on the follow, Dion Rogers finished the victory off with two free throws at the 15 second mark.  PAHS then hit a three from deep on the right wing as time was running out for the 39-34 NBTHS win.

Late Rally Lifts New Brunswick Over Cardinal McCarrick, 42-38

The Zebras and Eagles renewed their White Division rivalry in the off-season with a matchup in the E.B. Team Camp.  McCarrick, which is playing this summer at the Linden Summer League, was a last minute substitution, but was able to still put a team on the floor.  New Brunswick was able to jump out to a 4-3 lead with tough defense while the Eagles missed numerous layups.

Cardy Mac then got two transition layups from Jumanne McDaniel to take a 7-4 lead at the 17 minute mark.  The NBHS defense stayed tough though with a block on a Robert Nunez layup attempt.  Playing without Milton Pittman, who was on crutches, the Zebras took a 10-7 lead with a three pointer from the right wing before calling a timeout at the 13:48 mark.

The Zebras added a layup on a hard foul, and despite missing the bonus free throw, they had a 12-7 lead at the 13 minute mark.  NBHS added another transition layup at the 12:03 mark for a 14-7 advantage.  Showing tremendous tenacity on both sides of the ball, New Brunswick made it a 12-0 run over a span of 5:40 with another layup at the 11:20 mark for a 16-7 lead. Battling back, the Eagles closed out the first half of play with a 12-9 run to narrow the deficit to 25-19 at the half.

Over the first eleven minutes of the second half, the Eagles continued to surge with a 13-7 spurt for a 35-32 lead.  McCarrick capped the rally with a transition basket by Nunez off a dish by Mohammed Alli at the nine minute mark.  The Zebras drew within one on a steal off an errant pass by Alli for a layup, and a 35-34 score with five minutes to go.

McDaniel drew a foul, and made one of two from the line at the 4:30 mark for a 36-34 lead, but New Brunswick tied it up at 36-36 on its very next possession with a bank shot from the left side.  NBHS then came up with a nice stop on defense with a blocked shot.  The Eagles had trouble trying to get the ball into the low blocks for McDaniel, and when they attempted to get it to him, it was poked away by the Zebra defense.

New Brunswick wasn’t able to take advantage at the other end by missing a fast break layup attempt, and follow.  The ball got into the hands of Alli, who pushed the ball through traffic into the McCarrick frontcourt.  A short time later, the Eagles went on top again at 38-36 on a layup by Nunez with a little more than two minutes to play.  

Following a stop on the defensive end, the Zebras were able to tie the contest up at 38-38 with two free throws at the 1:28 mark.  New Brunswick then stepped up the intensity on defense with full court pressure, and forced McDaniel to turn the ball over in the Eagles frontcourt at the 1:06 mark.  With a chance to go ahead, New Brunswick missed a shot, but got the offensive rebound, and called timeout with 51 seconds left.

After the stoppage, NBHS went ahead with a bank shot at the 45 second mark, and then got a steal off McCarrick at the 39 second mark.  The Zebras missed the ensuing layup attempt, but put in the follow for a 42-38 lead as the Eagles called for time with 28 seconds to play.  Despite not hanging on to the basketball over the last half minute, New Brunswick was able to survive three point attempts by Alli and McDaniel for the four point victory.

First Half Surge Propels Kennedy To Victory Over Freehold Boro, 55-47

J.F. Kennedy was in action at the Hammarskjold Middle School on Thursday night with a nightcap game against Freehold Boro. Kennedy continues to look very good despite the losses suffered to graduation. By the time we came over to cover this game, the Mustangs had their starters including Josh Kamenas, Steve Alvarez, Shabas Clarke, and Vik Pawar on the bench.  JFK was leading by a 31-16 margin with 8:20 to go in the first half.

Kurt Lorentzen got Kennedy on the board with a drive to his left into the paint for a layup from the left side.  The Colonials of Freehold Boro responded with a three pointer from the right wing.  The starters returned for JFK, and got a defensive stop as Alvarez blocked a shot. A short time later, Pawar drained a three pointer from the top of the key for a 36-20 Mustang lead at the intermission.

J.F. Kennedy started the second half with a fine offensive possession capped by a feed from Alvarez to Kamenas for a bank shot from the left side, and a 38-20 lead.  After both teams were unable to score on their subsequent possessions, the Colonials got their first points of the second half on a floater to make the score 38-22.

The Mustangs got a layup underneath to go up by 18 again at 40-22, but Freehold Boro got an easy basket that compelled Kennedy to call for time with a 40-24 lead at the 17:38 mark.  Following the timeout, Shabas Clarke took a pass on the right side, dribbled down to baseline, and connected on a jumper.  The Colonials responded with a trey from the left wing, but Pawar replied with a trifecta of his own for a 45-27 lead.

Relaxing a bit, JFK eased up a bit on defense, and didn’t get back after missing shots at the offensive end.  The result was two breakaway scores by the Colonials to close the gap to 45-31 with 14:30 to go.   Freehold Boro then forced a 10 second violation for another turnover a short time later.  After an injury timeout, the Colonials continued to rally with a 16-10 run to pull within eight at 55-47 with 38 seconds to go.

Kennedy was content to spread the ball out, and take time off the clock.  Forced to foul, Freehold Boro fouled Lorentzen with 20 seconds left, and called a timeout.  However, the Shore Conference team wasn’t able to get the Mustangs to go the line, and JFK ran out the clock for the eight point win.

2011 East Brunswick Team Camp–Some Results–Day Four–June 23rd

• South Brunswick 50–Edison 24
• North Brunswick 39–Perth Amboy 34
• New Brunswick 42–Cardinal McCarrick 38
• J.F. Kennedy 55–Freehold Boro 47

GMC Hoops will be posting some articles from Thursday night action shortly.

Rogers Leads Amboy Past Matawan, 48-45

The summer is just getting underway, and already Perth Amboy basketball, which has made some great strides in the past few seasons, was hit hard not only by the graduation of talented players such as Kearny Canela, Victor Verdecia, Yoelbin Sanchez, and Chael Hernandez, but also by the sudden departures of standout sophomores Jonathan Rodriguez and Hamilton Cappellan.

However, the Panthers and their head coach, Edwin Santana aren’t feeling sorry for themselves, and are playing hard this so far this summer. Amboy has a squad that doesn’t have a player with varsity playing experience, but this has given Santana a chance to experiment with some of the younger players as well as give some JV talents such as David Rogers an opportunity to develop. Rogers didn’t disappoint in the Panthers came against Matawan.

Rogers was a force down low for the Panthers with a post play, and rebounding, but he and his teammates had their hands full with Matawan’s Larry Smith, a former transfer from South River. The Huskies, which are trying to get back on the map in the Shore Conference basketball picture has had the likes of Corey Soanes, who played at St. Anthony’s early on in his high school career. In a contest that saw neither team have a lead bigger than five points throughout, and there were at least eight lead changes and five ties.

Both teams had a tough time scoring early on, but Matawan got on the board first with a transition layup by Smith at the 18:15 mark, and then the Huskies added another layup from the left side at the 17:45 mark before Amboy got its first bucket of the game at the 17:05 mark on a putback by Rogers.  

The Panthers tied it up on a short jumper at the 16:30 mark, but then Matawan got another layup from Smith at the 15:05 mark for a 6-4 lead before the Panthers called for time at the 15:03 mark.  Amboy tied the contest up again at 6-6, but then Smith converted a three point play for a 9-6 lead.  The Panthers crept to within one at 9-8, but then Smith scored a layin off a steal at the 12:57 mark for an 11-8 lead.

Amboy actually took its first lead of the game at 12-11 with a 4-0 run including a layin by Rogers, but the Huskies took the lead back at  13-12 on a layup off a nice assist by Smith.  Matawan had a chance to go up by even more, but failed to finish after a steal.  PAHS went back out in front on a layup at the 8:57 mark.  Up to this point in the contest, there were three lead changes and three ties hile neither team had a lead bigger than four points.

The game continued to be a back and forth affair into the intermission with the score reading 20-17 in favor of the Huskies as they finished with a 7-3 run over the final 8:57.  The second half began with Amboy attacking thhe basket for a couple trips to the foul line that yielded four free throws to take a 21-20 lead at the 18:30 mark before Matawan went back out in front with a baseline jumper from the left side at the 18:22 mark for a 22-21 advantage.  Amboy went back in front at 23-22 a jumper from the left wing.

The lead went back and forth several times with the Panthers going ahead 26-24.  Matawan got one of two free throws by Smith at the 16 minute mark, and had other opportunities to score, but couldn’t convert.  Amboy then cashed in on an offensive rebound with a hook shot for a 28-25 lead.  The Panthers added another score underneath by Rogers before Smith connected on a trey from the right wing at the 13:13 mark for a 30-28 Amboy lead.  Up to this point, there were five lead changes in the half with the Panthers having the biggest lead at five points.

After Perth Amboy went on a 5-2 run to take a 35-30 lead, Matawan rallied to tie things up at 35-35 with five straight points including a three pointer from the right side, and then two free throws at the 9:57 mark.  Amboy would jump out in front again with a score only to have Matawan answer to knot the score again at 37-37.  The Panthers went on a 7-5 run over the next five minutess for a 44-42 lead.  Then after a timeout, Rogers put the Panthers up by four at 46-42 with a hook shot at the 2:34 mark.

The Huskies wouldn’t go away though as they forced a key turnover on Amboy after the Panthers got a stop at the defensive end.  The Huskies then converted a three point play with 1:51 remaining to close the gap to one at 46-45.  Matawan then tried to apply some halfcourt pressure with a trap, and the Panthers called for time with exactly 50 seconds to go.  Following the timeout, Matawan almost forced a steal at the 49 second mark, and had a steal at the 40 second mark only to have Rogers swipe a pass back at the 37 second mark.  Amboy then made two free throws with 26 seconds left for a 48-45 lead.

With a chance to tie the game, Matawan settled for a last second shot that came up short when Smith misfired on a three point attempt from the right wing that went out of bounds with a second to go.  Perth Amboy then inbounded to run out the clock for the 48-45 win.  

Freehold Township Rolls Past Shorthanded South Brunswick, 62-22

South Brunswick had their JV squad, and Freehold Township took advantage with a 27-10 lead over the first 17:50 before South Brunswick rang up a three pointer from the left wing for a 27-13 lead.  The Patriots then got a defensive stop that set up a transition opportunity finished off by a layup for a 29-13 lead at the 1:30 mark.  

Freehold Township then added a charge at the 57.3 second mark, and then  two free throws at the 29.3 second mark for a 31-13 lead.  The Pats had another chance to score when they drew a foul, and converted despite missing both free throws with a putback at the 19.1 second mark for a 33-13 lead at the intermission.

Freehold Township continued to pull way in the second half with a 21-7 surge over the first 14:35 for a 54-20 lead.  The Patriots then added a bucket and a pair of free throws for a 58-20 advantage at the four minute mark.  Freehold Township went on to cruise from there to a 62-22 victory.

Reserves Lead East Brunswick To Easy Win Over Undermanned Notre Dame, 65-22

With Notre Dame not having their varsity squad at EB on this day, Bears head coach, Bo Henning decided to give his reserves the start, and plenty of playing time in this one. It gave GMC Hoops an opportunity to take a better look at these youngsters, who were instrumental in the undefeated 21-0 season that the East Brunswick Junior Varsity had this past winter. Top players from that team included Garry Baumer, Jake Krantz, Avi Oren, and Ethan Folz. They joined up with soon to be sophomore Amir Bell to put on a clinic in the first half.

Baumer scored the first eight points of the game including a traditional three point play, a layup, and a three pointer while handing out an assist to help East Brunswick score 18 of the first 19 points of the contest by the midway point of the first half. The Bears cruised from there taking a 29-12 halftime lead, and then opening up the second half with a 28-6 explosion to take a commanding 57-18 lead en route to an easy 65-22 victory. Besides Baumer’s eight points, Folz added two points and three blocks, Oren chipped in with a basket while Bell swiped a steal for another layup to pace the 18-1 spurt over the game’s first ten minutes.

Baumer opened the game with a transition layup from the left side as he was fouled for a three point play, and a 3-0 lead at the 19:50 mark.  Folz then blocked a shot at the 18:12 mark, and Baumer picked up a steal for a layup.  Baumer then spotted up for a three from the left wing for eight straight points.  Notre Dame didn’t get on the board until they drew a foul on a fast break layup attempt, and make one of two from the line at the 17:41 mark.

The Bears, which were resting their starters at the beginning of the game, added another bucket for a 10-1 lead before Folz swatted away another block, and the Irish called for time at the 16:21 mark.  Folz had a chance to give EB an even bigger lead when he swiped a steal, but he couldn’t finish the ensuing layup attempt.  The Bears guard redeemed himself though with another block that Krantz rebounded and outletted to Baumer on the left side.  Baumer then drove in, and dished a no look pass for a layup and a 12-1 lead.

After a layin by Folz for his first points of the game, Bell got into the act with a steal at midcourt, and drive for a layup, and a 16-1 lead with 13:05 left. The Bears cooled off for a few minutes before they got another steal for a fast break opportunity that was cashed in by Oren at the 10:30 mark for a 18-1 lead.  Both teams then ended up with 11 points each the rest of the half as Notre Dame mustered up some offense for a 29-12 EB lead at the intermission.

Over the first 12 plus minutes of the second half, the Bears went right back to work with a 21-5 tear to take a commanding 50-17 advantage.  EB then scored seven of the next eight points over a 2:30 span including a three pointer from the right wing with under five minutes remaining for a 57-18 lead.  East Brunswick then added five more points including a three pointer and another basket while Notre Dame came up with two pairs of free throws to make it a 62-22 score before Folz closed out the game with a triple from the right wing for the 65-22 victory.

Salva And Kilgore Boost Trojans Past Freehold Boro, 66-44

Bishop Ahr did take a hit from graduation with the losses of Pat Widdoss, Rashad Kilgore, and Ryan Blakely, but the Trojans still look formidable with talented juniors Roger Kilgore, Kenny Virden, and Dillon Salva all returning. All three have been hitting the weight room not only for basketball, but also for the upcoming football season. Salva has been impressive on the AAU circuit this spring by competing very well against the likes of talented players such as Plainfield’s Justin Sears. Earlier in the day, BGA soundly defeated Notre Dame, 75-51.

The Trojans, which were playing without the services of Kenny Virden, were looking to come away with their second win of the night when they matched up against the Colonials of Freehold Boro.  BGA jumped out to a 36-23 lead.  The second half began with Dillon Salva taking a pass in the left high post, and driving through the middle for a layin.  The Trojans added another basket off a steal by Daniel Timi, and then Roger Kilgore drove the right baseline for a layup, and a 42-23 lead with 18:00 left in the game.

Freehold Boro didn’t get on the board until the 17:20 mark with a drive from the left wing for a 42-25 BGA lead.  Kilgore then put the Trojans back up by 19 with a drive through the middle for a layup, and a 44-25 score.  Bishop Ahr added another three points before calling a timeout at the 13:47 mark of the second half with a 47-25 lead.  After the stoppage, BGA worked the ball into Salva who scored on a layup as he was fouled, but missed the bonus free throw for a 49-25 lead with 13:13 left.

The Colonials scored their first points in a span of 4:37 with a putback from the left low block before calling for time at the 11:43 mark.  Salva then put back his own miss from the right low block for a 51-27 lead with 11:20 remaining.  Kilgore then followed with a steal in the BGA backcourt, and scooted his way for another layin at the 10:40 mark.  After another Trojans stop, Salva drove in from the right corner for another layup and a foul, but missed the bonus free throw for a 55-27 lead with 9:45 left.  Kilgore then fired in a three pointer from the right wing at the 9:20 mark for a 58-27 lead.

Freehold Boro ended the game with a 17-8 spurt, but BGA came away with the 66-44 victory.  GMC Hoops plans to be back out at EB to see action from Hammerskjold Middle School on Thursday night.

2011 East Brunswick Team Camp–Some Results–Day Three–June 22nd

• Bishop Ahr 75–Notre Dame 51
• Perth Amboy 48–Matawan 45
• Freehold Township 66–South Brunswick 22
• East Brunswick 65–Notre Dame 22
• Bishop Ahr 66–Freehold Boro 44

GMC Hoops will be posting some articles from Wednesday night action shortly.

2011 East Brunswick Team Camp–Some Results–Day Two–June 21st

• Bishop Ahr over Immaculata in OT

GMC Hoops will be posting some results from Wednesday night action shortly.

Day Three–June 22nd–East Brunswick High School

• 5:30 PM–Perth Amboy vs. Freehold Township–Main Gym
• 5:30 PM–South Brunswick vs. Matawan–Lower Gym
• 6:30 PM–Bishop Ahr vs. Notre Dame–Main Gym
• 6:30 PM–East Brunswick vs. Freehold Boro-Lower Gym
• 7:30 PM–Perth Amboy vs. Matawan–Main Gym
• 7:30 PM–South Brunswick vs. Freehold Township–Lower Gym
• 8:30 PM–East Brunswick vs. Notre Dame–Main Gym
• 8:30 PM–Bishop Ahr vs. Freehold Boro–Lower Gym

Day Three–June 22nd–Hammarskjold Middle School

• 5:30 PM–Rutgers Prep vs. New Brunswick–Court A
• 5:30 PM–Piscataway vs. J.F. Kennedy–Court B
• 6:30 PM–Edison vs. Sayreville–Court A
• 6:30 PM–North Brunswick vs. Immaculata–Court B
• 7:30 PM–Piscataway vs. New Brunswick–Court A
• 7:30 PM–Rutgers Prep vs. J.F. Kennedy–Court B
• 8:30 PM–North Brunswick vs. Sayreville–Court A
• 8:30 PM–Edison vs. Immaculata–Court B

Day Four–June 23rd–East Brunswick High School

• 5:30 PM–East Brunswick vs. Rutgers Prep–Main Gym
• 5:30 PM–Bishop Ahr vs. Piscataway–Lower Gym
• 6:30 PM–Sayreville vs. Freehold Township–Main Gym
• 6:30 PM–Immaculata vs. Matawan–Lower Gym
• 7:30 PM–East Brunswick vs. Piscataway–Main Gym
• 7:30 PM–Bishop Ahr vs. Rutgers Prep–Lower Gym
• 8:30 PM–Immaculata vs. Freehold Township–Main Gym
• 8:30 PM–Sayreville vs. Matawan–Lower Gym

Day Four–June 23rd–Hammarskjold Middle School

• 5:30 PM–North Brunswick vs. South Brunswick–Court A
• 5:30 PM–Edison vs. Perth Amboy–Court B
• 6:30 PM–Freehold Boro vs. New Brunswick–Court A
• 6:30 PM–Notre Dame vs. J.F. Kennedy–Court B
• 7:30 PM–Edison vs. South Brunswick–Court A
• 7:30 PM–North Brunswick vs. Perth Amboy–Court B
• 8:30 PM–Notre Dame vs. New Brunswick–Court A
• 8:30 PM–Freehold Boro vs. J.F. Kennedy–Court B

GMC Hoops will be covering games at this camp on Wednesday and Thursday.

• Greater Middlesex Conference
• Colonial Valley Conference
• Patriot Conference
• Shore Conference
• Skyland Conference

GMC Hoops plans to be over at the E.B. Team Camp on Wednesday and Thursday night. Special thanhks to E.B. boys basketball head coach, Bo Henning for providing information on this camp.

• East Brunswick
• Bishop Ahr
• Edison
• North Brunswick
• Perth Amboy
• South Brunswick
• Rutgers Prep
• Piscataway
• Sayreville
• Immaculata
• Freehold Boro
• Notre Dame
• New Brunswick
• J.F. Kennedy
• Freehold Township
• Matawan

GMC Hoops plans to be out over at the E.B. Team Camp on Wednesday and Thursday night.

However, at Hammarskjold Middle School, a more recent construction with air conditioning, it was much more comfortable. Nevertheless, much of the contests played at both sites over the two games were competitive. Nine of the ten contests seen by GMC Hoops were decided by twelve points or less. Of those nine games, seven of them were decided by single digits including five on the final day of competition. Bishop Ahr (3-0), East Brunswick (2-0), and Immaculata (2-1) were three teams that stood out to the site over the two days of coverage. The Trojans may have been the most impressive with a good deal of ball movement and teamwork. BGA might have slipped a bit toward the end of the season in 2009-10, but still have plenty of firepower coming back next season with the likes of Pat Widdoss, Ryan Blakely, Rashad Kilgore, Roger Kilgore, Kenny Virden, Anthony DiBella, and Drew Uszenski among others.

The Bears may have lost the likes of Mauro Tucci, Anthony Gudzak, Miles Colmon, Kevin Lantz, Kevin McHenry, and Chris Villanueva, but they will still have a good deal coming back including a talented group of juniors consisting of Anthony Guisti, John Genco, Dan Sclafani, Bobby Fullem, Carl Thomore, and Nick Gudzak along with solid underclassmen such as sophomores Joe Ross, Abanoub Bestawros, and Mike Summerer, and freshman Rob Ukawuba. Next season, the Bears should have plenty of depth again to contend in the GMC Red, and for its first conference tourney title since 1996. Bishop Ahr, which lost to Bloomfield Tech in overtime in the opening round of the Scarlet Shootout, won all three games seen by GMC Hoops including victories over J.P. Stevens (42-37), Perth Amboy (61-54), and J.F. Kennedy (44-38). The Trojans appear to have a very solid starting five returning. The question will be their bench, and who will step forward to contribute next season.

Other teams that competed over the two days the site was there were Cardinal McCarrick, Sayreville, Dunellen, New Brunswick, North Brunswick, Perth Amboy, J.F. Kennedy, and J.P. Stevens. The Hawks look to improve from last season’s 1-21 campaign, and there’s nowhere to go, but up. So far this summer, JPS is off to a solid start with victories in its first two games at MCC before losing on Tuesday night, and a close loss to Bishop Ahr before defeating J.F. Kennedy in triple overtime on Thursday night. Perth Amboy showed some positives in their loss to Bishop Ahr. The Panthers appeared to be on the verge of getting blown out, but rallied to pull within three in the second half. Yoelbin Sanchez was much more aggressive to the basket, and ended up 7 of 12 from the field in the loss to the Trojans. Amboy will need Sanchez to play that way in order to get better for this coming season.

Another player that impressed on Thursday night was J.F. Kennedy’s, Nick Spoganetz. Known more as a hustle player, who would do a lot of the little things to help his team win the past two seasons, has stepped up his game offensively. In the 44-38 loss to Bishop Ahr, Spoganetz netted 25 points on 8 of 13 shooting including a scintillating 6 of 9 from beyond the arc. His stepping up offensively along with more production from A.J. Pichalski will be key to complement Daishon Robinson if the Mustangs are going to fill the void left behind by Joe Marciano and Rasheed Howard. Josh Kamenas will also have to contribute more as well for JFK. Cardinal McCarrick along with Bishop Ahr and East Brunswick will be one of the teams to watch next year in the GMC. Without the likes of Dana Raysor and Mohammed Ali, the Eagles were still able to hang with EB thanks to the play of Jumanne McDaniel, who fought through the heat and humidity to turn in a good effort. Marques Townes looks to be a real good one for McCarrick. The freshman, who played for the Sayreville Stars in the Raritan Bay Summer League, shows no fear and plenty of poise for a player yet to step into high school.