GMC Hoops Blogosphere

A Look Back…and Forward–North Brunswick Hoops After The Holidays

    As 2007 comes to a close, the Norh Brunswick Raiders look to keep striving in the right direction. After a 1-3 start, Ed Breheney and crew have bounced back to even things at 3-3 with two holiday tournament wins over Rutgers Prep and Perth Amboy, winning two of the three tournament games that they played.

     Now, even at 1-3, I wasn’t set to call for panic, based on the fact that this team was 2-3 last season. After that, they went on to win 8 of the next 9 games, and make the state playoffs. So, now that the Raiders are back at .500, it’s once again time to make their run in 2008.

    First, the last two games of the Len Sepanak Memorial Tournament. Battling against Rutgers Prep to an 84-78 win, and then toppling Perth Amboy, 67-42, after losing to them in the tournament’s opening round by one. It would seem the more remarkable of the two was the Rutgers Prep game. C.J. Brathwaite and Jeff Ashamole both put in career performances, with 22 and 20 points, respectively. Aside from that, North Brunswick survived the onslaught of Rutgers Prep junior Jordan Robinson, a familiar face from last year’s opening round state tourney win at West Windsor-Planisboro South, who scored 40 points off the Raider defense. Outslugging the opponent was the recipe for success, but the Raiders shouldn’t count on that moving forward.

    Speaking of going forward, Brathwaite and Ashamole have begun to establish their leadership on the floor, leading by example. As for the complimentary pieces, Justin Morgan and freshman Tait Pirkle will be important, as the team goes into the meat of its schedule.

    As I do segue into the schedule, South Plainfield (1-5) is up next. Then, New Brunswick (1-4) and Woodbridge (1-4) loom in the horizon. That’s a combined 3-13 record from the opposition for the next 3 games. That means games that this team should win.

    My strong advice would be not to get trapped in any of those games, because assuming that they do win them, North Brunswick’s next 3 games following those are just the opposite - brutually tough. Their opponents, you ask? J.P. Stevens (6-1), Monroe (5-2) and Sayreville (4-1). That’s a combined 15-4 record. Throw in Carteret (3-3) and undefeated Colonia (7-0) after that, and the Raiders are looking at a two and a half week stretch where they will be facing the best that the GMC White division (and J.P. Stevens) has to offer.

    So, the road to the states will not be an easy one. Can they do it? Yes. Obviously, what they can do, and what they will do are not always the same. For this North Brunswick Raiders team, they would like to see history repeat itself, because that means getting into the state playoffs just one more time.

South River vs. Henry Hudson–South Amboy Tournament–December 28, 2007

Enigmatic Rams Leave Its Fans Bewildered In Loss To Previously Winless Henry Hudson, 48-37

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ–Will the real South River Rams please stand up! The same team that had won three straight games after losing its season opener to Middlesex, and caused problems for a Metuchen team that won their holiday tournament at Roselle Park by defeating previously unbeaten Secaucus in the Championship, failed to win a game here at the South Amboy Christmas Tournament. Perhaps deflated by the heartbreaking loss to Keansburg in the opening round on Thursday, 56-55, the South River Rams dropped a 48-37 decision to a Henry Hudson team that won its first game of 2007-08 after making the state tournament three straight year.

For the die-hard loyal fans that traveled to South Amboy on Thursday afternoon with the full expectation to see an easy win for the Rams against the previously winless Admirals of Henry Hudson, the performance by their hometown team left them disappointed and bewildered. Shooting consistently from the perimeter, and consistently getting the same result most of the time, South River shot approximately 4 of 30 from long distance for 13.3 percent. Consequently, the Rams, which were still without standout player Eddie Dumas, who was injured in the loss to Metuchen on Decmeber 22, only managed to get 12 points in the entire first half as it trailed 22-12 at the break.

Perhaps the Grinch didn’t steal Christmas. Maybe it was determined to deny the Rams any wins in this holiday tournament. Take for instance, a sequence of plays at the end of the third quarter. After South River had managed to claw its way back into the contest with a 15-8 spurt over the first to pull within three at 30-27 with 1:05 left in the third, senior Eric Seawright swiped a steal at mid-court on the sideline opposite the two teams benches, and went in for a layup, but missed. Shawn Fenton was there to grab the rare offensive rebound (the Rams were usually one and done on each offensive possession), but failed to put in the follow as the period ended with the Rams still trailing by three. 

Perhaps it was the arrival of GMC Hoops at the game that gave South River bad karma. After the web site arrived at the very end of the third, Seawright and Fenton failed to score, and then Henry Hudson outscored the Rams by an 18-10 margin in the fourth for the 48-37 victory. Things do not get easier for South River when the regular season resumes on January 4th - they face McCarrick away that night, Perth Amboy Tech on January 5th, and then Bishop Ahr at home on January 7th.

NJTAC Tourney Championship at Perth Amboy Tech–December 28, 2007

Perth Amboy Tech Wins Championship Game 63-50

PERTH AMBOY, NJ–Amboy Tech scored the last 11 points in the 1st period to tie the game at 11-11. The second stanza belonged to the Patriots as they pressured the the Raiders and closed out the quarter with a 23-9 finish for a 34-9 halftime lead at the 2007 NJTAC Holiday Tournament. Anthony Patterson led the attack with 10 of his game high 18 points in the 2nd period. Joey Castro also added 6 of his 14 points in the period. However, it was the energy off the bench that set the tone. Wilson Lopez, Kurt Grothusen and Alex Sanz ignited the surge with pressure and aggressiveness. The trio combined for 12 points 4 rebounds 8 assists 4 steals and 4 deflections.

Soph Anthony Vidal pressured the Piscataway Tech ball handlers all game. He finished up with 8 points 3 steals and 2 deflections.

Patterson grabbed 10 rebounds and 5 steals on the day. Anthony Rodriguez finished with 6 points 6 boards 4 steals and 2 assists.

With the victory, Perth Amboy Tech moves up to 3-2 overall, and 3-1 in conference play while Piscataway Tech drops to 1-3 overall and 0-3 in the GMC. Earlier in the day, East Brunswick Tech avenged a one point loss at home on December 19th by defeating Warren Tech in the Consolation, 53-48. Take a look at the All Tournament Team.

All Tournament Team

• Corey Ragland–East Brunswick Tech
• Ryan Babbitt–Warren Tech
• Mohamed Conteh–Piscataway Tech
• Justin Braxton–Piscataway Tech
• Joey Castro–Perth Amboy Tech
• Anthony Patterson–Perth Amboy Tech
• Anthony Rodriguez–Perth Amboy Tech

Princeton Day Vs. Dunellen–Shello/Santy Tournament–December 27, 2007

Destroyers Fall On Last Second Shot, 69-68

DUNELLEN, NJ–Dunellen (1-4), the home team, and three time defending champion of this tournament went up against the undefeated Princeton Day Panthers at 7-0.  The hometown Destroyers hoping for a rematch with Middlesex, which won earlier, for the fourth consecutive time, raced out to an early lead en route to winning the first quarter 22-10.  Princeton Day looked sloppy and unbalanced as nearly all of the points came from guard Joe Rogers and center C.J. Martino.

Princeton Day would start on the long road back with help from streaky shooter Kenny Hokmammer and AJ Robens good fundamental play.  Nevertheless Dunellen took a 6 point advantage and momentum into halftime with Mundy being virtually unstoppable in the low post and Wenzel showing good size and power.

The third quarter would see Day whittle the lead from six to zero and briefly take the lead after a Mike Shimkin three.  But Dunellen would take most of the momentum heading into the forth quarter where it stayed 51-51 until the third minute where the Destroyers pushed ahead to a 55-51 lead.  Both teams traded scores with Dunellen’s mostly from the post and Princeton Day scoring mostly from the perimeter and their transition game.  When the score was 66-64, Eric Orellana was intentionally fouled by Hokmammer with less then a minute to go.  Orellana missed the first shot and made the second which still kept it a one possession game with Princeton Day inbounding the ball off a timeout used.

Robens sent it in to Farina who gave it back to Robens near but beyond the mid-court line.  Rogers then recieved the pass from Robens and drained an off balance three while being fouled by Eric Orellana which tied the game at 67-67.  Rogers hit the free throw that completed the four point play and sent the PDS cheering fans into an euphoria.  That would be short lived as T.J. Wenzel bounced a pass into the paint that Mundy would convert with about 15 seconds left.  Day brought the ball up and Hokmanner forced it into Rogers and he tried to advance it closer to the basket, finally settling for a fade-away that hit the twine with about a second left.  After a discussion that had the game clock moved up to 2.5 left Wenzel inbounded the ball up to Moncada who sent it along to Nick Francisco, whose hail mary half court shot missed by millimeters as it rimmed out.

With the victory, Princeton Day improved to 8-0 overall, and advanced to the Championship Game against Middlesex while Dunellen falls to 1-5, and will face Manville in the Consolation on Saturday. Take a look at the box score, three stars of the game, and team statistics.

Scorecard

Three Stars of The Game

Joe Rogers - Pretty much kept Princeton Day on life support in the first half and was calm, cool and clutch in the final half minute of the game scoring 6 points and turning two deficits into advantages.

Brock Mundy - One man wrecking crew down low led all with thirty points including the basket that gave Dunellen a 68-67 lead.  However ill-fated, Mundy played with passion and used his strength advanatge to overpower the P/T who couldnt match up with him.

T.J. Wenzel - Day seemed to have no answer form him.  With 18 points and 11 rebounds and 6 assists plus 2 steals he had a very good all around game.  The DHS football quarterback did a good job spreading the ball around and feeding Mundy in good position in the post

Team Statistics

Manville Vs. #10 Middlesex–Shello/Santy Tournament–December 27, 2007

Jays Jump Out Big, Stave Off Sluggish Second Half For A 70-46 Win

DUNELLEN, NJ–With the Blue Jays center and resident high-flyer Nick Fariella injured, the team that could pretty much consider this a home game; within walking distance of MHS had to replace his leaping and rebounding ability and overall senior leadership.  Enter Billy Lester, a player many pegged to be holding Coach Feath’s water bottle with 5 returning starters, or so it seemed.  With Justin Rojas disciplined for attendance issues, it was Lester’s time to shine.  After getting into significantally better shape over the past four years he was now one to lead a fast break rather then sitting behind it.  He took the starting job and ran with it, improving himself and becoming a major asset in the selflessness philosophy that is Middlesex basketball.  Lester had 6 of the first 8 points, stealing the ball consistantly from Manville guard Billy Fisher and putting it in the other way (think of a pick-6 in football).

The Jays closed the first quarter leading 26-8 with the two guards Lester and junior Mike Perone comprimising most of the scoring.  The second quarter saw much of the same with the Jays blowing by the Mustangs in the transition game.  With center Ryan Farley and foward Sparky Stockton leading the rebounding effort and getting the ball up to Perone, Lester and John Stockton who would find the open man for an easy lay-up.  With about 3 minutes left Manville was being shut out 6-0.  Manville mounted a mini run to close the quarter at 12-9 led by Anthony Palovick with four and Brian Rock with three.

The second half saw the starters come out but with much less intensity, a sloppy pass here and a blown defense here and Manville was on the cusp of making it a respectable game down by only fifteen.  But the Jays were resiliant and fought back laziness to tie the third quarter 16-16.  MHS fan favorite Kyle Paul Adams in the game to give Perone a rest stole the ball and headed for an easy lay-up before getting plowed by Manville’s Brian Rock on a hard but clean foul.  His shot then proceeded to travel about 70% of the distance required to enter the hoop.  The fourth quarter saw a much more crisper Middlesex team, one that put a major hurting on the Mustangs in the first quarter. With the game out of reach, both teams rested the Varsity en favor of JV. With the victory, Middlesex moves up to 4-0 overall while Manville drops to 0-5. See the box score, Middlesex game stats, and three stars of the game.

Finally, kudos to Greg Machos who made the trip to Faber Elementary School during an unscheduled visit to see the Jays play.  Stay tuned to see his summary and statistics which make mine look rather feeble

Scorecard

Three Stars of the Game

Billy Lester - Proceded to explode the opening of the game and was able to keep his high level of play throughout the game.

Sparky Stockton - What is there to say about a guy who averages 15-5 and gets 18-9 except to say its another day at the office.

Anthony Palovick - No matter how hopeless the score nor how bleak a play looked, Palovick gave it his all and he was rewarded with fourteen points and four rebounds.  This is the kind of play that the pro’s should look at when they say they cant feed their family on only ten million a year.

Vo-Tech Tourney at Perth Amboy Tech–December 27, 2007

Patriots Tame Tigers 78-45 To Advance To Championship

PERTH AMBOY, NJ–The Perth Amboy Tech Patriots came out firing on all cylinders in the first period, scoring 30 points. The barrage was led by a swarming defense and the scoring of the Anthonys (Patterson, Rodriguez, and Vidal). Captain Joey Castro dished out 5 assists during the half while also scoring 8 points.

The Amboy Tech bench led by Junior Alex Sanz scoring 15 points and dishing out 5 assists. Kurt Grothusen 5 rebounds 3 assists, Wilson Lopez, Jon Aquije, Jordan Cardenas and Angel Gomez all added energy and pressure to the victory.

Junior Anthony Patterson finished the game with 18 points, 9 rebounds,and 3 assists. Soph Anthony Rodriguez tallied 11 points, 5 boards and 2 steals. Anthony Vidal led the D with 2 steals and 3 deflections. He also contibuted 14 points. Ruben Plata added five rebounds and anchored the middle of the defense.

Corey Ragland led East Brunswick Tech with 21 Points.

Piscataway Tech won the 1st game 57-53 over Warren Tech on the strenghth of a 2nd half rally.

East Brunswick Tech will play Warren Tech at 1:30 Friday in the Consolation game.

Piscataway Tech will face Perth Amboy Tech in the Final at 3:00, in Perth Amboy.

GMC Hoops Journey To The Ritacco Center–December 23, 2007

Good morning everyone. Hope everyone is enjoying there Christmas. Well, the Holiday Season is upon us, and besides Yule Logs, Egg Nog, Santa Claus, Gift Giving, and Get Togethers, there are always the Holiday Basketball Tournaments. A couple of them got underway in the waning days of the first full week of the GMC Boys Basketball Season as on Thursday, Morris Tech traveled over to East Brunswick Tech for an opening round matchup in the 2007 NJTAC Holiday Tournament, and then on Sunday, Old Bridge battled Toms River North in the opening round of the 2007 WOBM Classic in Toms River. GMC Hoops covered this game as well, and traveled to the relatively brand new Ritacco Center on the campus of Toms River North High School for the first time ever in order to do it. For those who think I’m crazy for doing this, I actually had traveled down to Toms River before to cover the WOBM Classic. Five years ago, in December 2002, Old Bridge was playing Point Pleasant Boro in the Semifinals of the tournament at Ocean County College, the old venue for this tournament before the Ritacco Center opened several years ago. That season, Old Bridge had the likes of Sean Williams, Spencer Corbett, and Steve Barella as well as Fichel Cuffy, who joined the team later that season, and helped the Knights reach the Championship Game of the 2003 Central Jersey Group IV Tournament versus Trenton at Hunterdon Central High School.

In that 2002 WOBM Classic semifinal game, Old Bridge lost to Point Boro by a 33-29 count. The Panthers advanced to play Raritan of Hazlet in the Championship, and won 48-38. The MVP of that year’s tournament was Kelly Trippanara. One of the things that I like to do in terms of the web site, is do things that haven’t been done before. For example, in the second season of the web site’s existence, a goal was to try to go to a home game for every GMC team. Now, while that goal wasn’t accomplished until several games into the next season, it was still done. Another idea was to try and see each team in the conference at least once during the season. Again, it always doesn’t work out that way, but over the last two or three seasons, I’ve been able to do that, and actually see most teams more than once. So, since I had never been to Ritacco, hadn’t covered this particular tournament in five seasons, and the fact that this game was on a Sunday when no other GMC teams were playing, I thought it would be a good idea to take the hour long trip down to this facility. And, boy did a pick a great day to go. A couple days before, my WeatherBug software alerted me to the possibility of some wicked weather on Sunday. Then, Saturday night, a Wind Advisory had been issued. Consequently, I was a bit apprehensive about making the trip, but it was during the middle of the day, which made things easier.

For those, who have not gone down to Ritacco before, its actually a very simple trip if you take either Route 9, or the Parkway South. On the Garden State Parkway, it is off Exit 83 for Route 9 North. Getting on Route 9 North, you take that to Ocean County Road 571, and make a right. Follow that road down to the next light, and make another right onto Old Freehold Road, which takes you up to Toms River North High School, and its accompanying Ritacco Center on the left. Obviously, if you take Route 9 South, you’d follow it until you get to Ocean County Road 571, and make a left. Then, follow the road down to the next light, make a right, and the school and arena are on the left. I left the house, I bit later that I had wanted to, but I needed to do some things on the site before I left so I didn’t depart until about 1:50 PM for the 2:45 PM tip-off. However, I didn’t miss much. Despite missing the exit (somehow I didn’t see it), I arrived at the game with still a few seconds to play in the opening period. Overall, the trip wasn’t that bad although the weather was picking up. The winds definitely make a bigger impact on the Parkway since the road is in an area of open space with no buildings, or a lot of trees to obstruct the wind. I actually could feel the wind try to push the car around a bit, and it actually slowed it down. On the way back from the game, I decided to take Route 9 North since it was better lit, and that made it easier to see, which helped a lot as the weather got worse later in the day.

Arriving at the Ritacco Center, I was fascinated to see that it was actually a part of the school itself. Imagine taking a smaller version of the RAC, and attaching to one of the high schools in the Greater Middlesex Conference, and that is what you get with the Ritacco Center. Poland Spring is the official sponsor of the site, and you’ll see their logo on the side of the building as you drive up to it. Entering the facility, it has a bit of a Rutgers Athletic Center feel to it with the concession stands, electronic message boards, flat screen television displays, and stuff. Poland Springs Arena was right to the left of where I walked in, but Old Bridge and Toms River North, weren’t playing there. Rather, I believe it was Point Boro and Wall Township ready to tip off for a 3:15 start. After inquiring about where the Old Bridge game was being played, I found that it was going on in the Toms River North gym, which you could get to by making a right, and then a left from the corridor outside the Poland Spring Arena gym.

The folks at Ritacco that were helping with running the WOBM Tournament, were very nice and helpful, and I got an official 2007 WOBM Christmas Classic game program for free. Although Old Bridge lost, the Knights gave a good fight as well so the trip was overall a pretty good one.

2007 Mike Shello/Clem Santy Tournament Preview

Later this week, four teams including two from the Greater Middlesex Conference will compete in the 2007 Mike Shello Tournament over at the Faber Gymnasium in Dunellen. Over the past several years, Dunellen has dominated the tournament with Championships in 2004, 2005, and 2006, but this may be the year that the Middlesex Blue Jays finally break through. Let’s take a look at what I think will happen:

#166* Princeton Day (4-0) vs. #334* Dunellen (1-4)

Not sure what to make of this one. On the one hand it seems like Princeton Day has pretty much played a cupcake schedule on its way to a 4-0 record.  Dunellen has compiled a 1-4 record by losing several close games to Union Catholic to JFK-Iselin (54-50) and Hackettstown.  The home field advantage will pull through this time.

Prediction: Dunellen

#337 Manville (0-4) vs. #144*  Middlesex (3-0)

With Bound Brook pulling out of the tournament to host their own Crusader Classic for the first time since the 2001 season, Manville shifts over to play the Jays in the semifinals.  Manville has yet to win while Middlesex has yet to lose which should send the Blue Jays to the all too familiar Middlesex/Dunellen final.

Prediction: Middlesex

Finals: Middlesex (4-0) vs. Dunellen (2-5)

The Jays and Destroyers only play once a year per say as they come from different divisions with Middlesex in the Blue and Dunellen from the Gold of the GMC.  Every year though they play in the finals of the Mike Shello tournament with Dunellen prevailing the past three years.  The Destroyers led by TJ Wenzel and Jim Schleppenbach will be hard pressed to stop the Stockton brothers and center Nick Fariella.  Not because of the talent of Dunellen but that this is a rivalry game will make this all the more important as the Jays march towards clinching a playoff spot and the fact that its Dunellen in their tracks makes this victory so much sweeter.

Prediction: Middlesex

Consolation: Princeton Day (4-1) vs. Manville (0-5)

Brian Rock, brother of four year starter and 2007 graduee Tom Rock leads Manville against Princeton Day.  These teams have no history against each other.

Prediction: Princeton Day
 

* In order to compare teams from different conferences MaxPreps rankings for all 394 NJ schools was used

South Brunswick @ Piscataway–December 20, 2007

Chiefs Outlast Vikings In Triple Overtime Thriller, 80-70

PISCATAWAY, NJ–If not the Game of the Year for 2007-08, this latest edition in the ongoing rivalry between South Brunswick and Piscataway will certainly be a GMC Hoops Game of the Week for the first full week of the season. The game was unbelievable three overtimes! In the end though, the top ranked Piscataway Chiefs took it with a final score of 80-70. The tightly played contest saw many lead changes from both sides. It was also a very phsyical game, and that is why Piscataway is so good because of the size and athleticism they bring to the table. Arman Wilson had a game high 30 points on of 11 for 22 shooting including a very clutch three point field goal. With the Vikings trailing 65-61 at the 14.8 second mark in the second overtime, Wilson hit a three to make it a one point game.

Piscataway started things off by taking an 11-6 lead after the first period. The second quarter was very fast paced, and it appeared that Piscataway was about to break open the game, when the Chiefs took a 23-15 lead with four minutes to play in the first half. However, South Brunswick came back with a few foul shots from Jordan Teicher, and some tough drives from Wilson to knot the game at the intermission, 25-25. The third quarter was also impressive. The Vikings went up 31-29 on a follow from Teicher when Wilson made a fearless take to the basket for a layup and the foul. The senior then hit the bonus free throw to put South Brunswick up by five at 34-29 at the 5:15 mark, but the visitors didn’t score for the rest of the third period as the Chiefs embarked on a 10-0 run to close the quarter. In the fourth quarter though, South Brunswick staged a strong comback as Sean Lease scored 7 of his 11 points in the period. Each team would match each other basket for basket, before South Brunswick was presented with an opportunity to win with a tie score, and 8.9 seconds to play in regulation. A tie-up gave the ball back over to P-Way, and that set up a James White shot at the buzzer, which fell of the rim as the two teams headed to overtime.

In all three of the overtime periods Tristian Benjamin, who had 25 points, and J.D. Griggs with 19, really were a big part, with offensive rebounds numerous times, for second chance points. The end of the first overtime Wilson’s shot just missed falling in for a banking 15 footer, so it was on to the second overtime. All you need to know was it was a 63-61 game with 20 tics, and Griggs had a tip in to make it 65-61, and then Wilson hit a quick three, so it was 65-64. A quick foul from SBHS put Benjamin and the line where he missed both. Wilson then dribbled down the court and got fouled with five seconds. He calmly hit the first, and the second went in and out. Bryan Waluk who had eight points, had a wide open straight away three at the buzzer that hit off the front of the rim, and we headed to a third OT! By then, Troy Confessore who had 12 points had fouled out, and so did Sean Lease. Jordan Teicher tried helping as much as possible in the third extra period, by hitting a three and later making two foul shots, which he had 11 points and 9 boards but then he fouled out. So it was too much for Wilson to handle by himself, and SB dropped the game to P-Way 80-70. With the victory, Piscataway remains undefeated both overall, and in GMC Red play at 3-0 while South Brunswick falls to 1-2 in both those areas.

Metuchen @ #10 Middlesex–December 20, 2007

Blue Jays Clutch As #10 Middlesex Moves To 3-0, Gets Bulldog Sized Monkey Off Back With OT Win

Sparky Stockton scored the first 6 points for Middlesex and John hit a pair of free throws to seal it later and lead Middlesex to its first win over Metuchen since freshman year three earth rotations ago.

Middlesex raced out to an early 13-8 first quarter victory 13-8 and seemed to be poised for a blowout if not for Metuchen center DeJuan Miller’s 7 points in the frame.  The packed house allowed for endless noise from the Jays bleachers and seemed to rattle Coach Stoner’s team at times.

The second and third quarter were the momentum shifters that would allow Metuchen to claw its way back into the game.  With Middlesex center Nick Fariella in foul trouble because of a hand-check violation and its subsequent technical for slamming the ball, it had backups Ryan Farley and Mike Fincher guarding Miller.  Both did admirable jobs denying Metuchen the straight pass into the paint and making just about all of his points off of rebounds or drives that started beyond the key.

Claw back is what Metuchen did though, with good offensive rebounding by Miller and Preston the Bulldogs were able to tie the game with about a minute to go.

With 34.1 seconds left Fariella clunked two key free throws with the score tied at 43 to give Metuchen a chance at victory.  Miller drove the lane, initiated contact and drew a foul with about 20 seconds left.  Lo-and-behold, karma was on the Jays side as Miller missed both with Oklahoma chants raining down at him from the rowdy crowd.  Middlesex then had a pass deflected and the referee awarded the ball to the Bulldogs with 14.4 left.  Carberry passed it in to Miller who swung it around left to Preston with about 9 left on the clock.  Preston drove to the right side of the court inside the 3 point line and fumbled with the ball while Middlesex guard Billy Lester kept it away from him long enough to sound the horn.

In the overtime it was all Blue Jays with Sparky Stockton recieving a dish from Lester, converting 2 free throws and making another backet before the rest of the Jays joined in with Lester making both of his foul shots and Perone making 1 of 2. With the hard fought overtime victory, Middlesex moves up to 3-0 overall and in GMC Blue play while Metuchen lost its second straight after winning its opener at Spotswood, and drops to 1-2. See the box score, three stars of the game, and team statistics in the contest.

Scorecard

3 Stars of the Game

DeJuan Miller - While being guarded tightly, he still managed a game high 22 points plus 10 rebounds.  Pretty much a total mismatch when it comes to jump balls and his leaping ability plus his rebounding prowess led him to be a worry anywhere near the ball whether it be on offense or defense. His game picked up big time in the second half.

Stockton Brothers - As much as a cliche as it is that they always seem to be on the top 3, they always rise to the occasion and are vital to the team.  Its hard to say who preformed better for the winning team, while John led Middlesex in scoring Sparky led them in rebounding started off by a whopping 7 in the first quarter helping to compensate for Fariella’s foul trouble.

Billy Lester - If Metuchen has won, this spot might be occupied by Cody Preston or Evan Carberry.  One of the big reasons Metuchen didnt win was the hustle and play of senior guard Billy Lester.  His final line was an unalluring 2 points but his 5 rebounds from the guard spot and his 5 assists helped tremendously in the transition game.  Also in overtime the trigger shy Lester hit his only shots for the game as he nailed both clutch free throws to turn the game from a possibility at 6 points to an ending at 8 points.

Team Statistics

* Player Injured
** Player Disqualified