GMC Hoops Blogosphere

2009 GMC Hoops Summer League Itinerary–Update–July 31st

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–With the completion of play on Thursday night, GMC Hoops has seen another 11 games this past week. After seeing 26 games in four days a little more than a month ago, the site has continued a very hectic pace by seeing another 86 over the past six weeks for a total of 144 since the off-season began in April with the Rebounds Spring League. In addition, the site has already covered action in nine different summer leagues, and five team camps. Below is the list of events covered so far:

• Rebounds Spring League
• Raritan Bay Summer League
• Middlesex County College Summer League
• Bound Brook Summer League
• Colonia JV Summer League
• Kean Summer League
• Linden Summer League
• Elizabeth Summer League
• Hillsborough JV Summer League
• East Brunswick Team Camp
• Linden Team Camp
• Hoop Group Elite Team Camp
• Rutgers Team Camp II
• Kean Ironman Challenge

GMC Hoops plans to be out at the Summer Prime Time Shootout at Allentown High School next week to finish out the summer.

Raritan Bay Summer League–July 30, 2009

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ–On Thursday evening, GMC Hoops headed over to South Amboy Middle/High School after being out at the Linden Summer League to take in a couple of games from the thirty-seventh night of action at the 2009 Raritan Bay Summer League. This is the sixth straight summer that the web site is covering this league, which has provided great competition as well as a glimpse of future stars in the Greater Middlesex Conference.

GMC Hoops saw the final two games of the Thursday tripleheader after watching the Championship game between Colonia and Linden at LHS. In addition, the site was able to get the results of the first game played between St. Stan’s and the Parlin Pride from the 7th and 8th Grade Division. In the second game, there was a very competitive game between the Jersey Shoreshots and the Monroe Falcons from the 5th and 6th Grade Division. Finally, in the nightcap, the Purple Birds of Monroe got out to a huge lead early, and cruised to an easy win over Metuchen in a game from the 7th and 8th Grade Division. See all the results from Thursday night’s action as well as the latest standings.

Parlin Pounds St. Stan’s In 7th And 8th Grade Action, 53-38

In the first game on Thursday afternoon and evening, the Parlin Pride took on St. Stan’s of Sayreville in a contest between two 3-5 teams from the 7th and 8th Grade Division. This game was decided in the first half as Parlin outscored St. Stan’s by nearly a two to one margin, 31-16 en route to a 53-38 victory. The Pride connected on 18 field goals and 4 three points while making 5 of 6 from the foul line for its 53 points while St. Stan’s had 12 field goals and 4 threes along with 2 of 6 effort from the line for its 38 points. With the victory, the Parlin Pride improved to 4-5 on the season while St. Stan’s fell to 3-6.

Monroe Rally Runs Out Of Time As Shoreshots Win, 45-42

Leave it to the younger guys to do it. On a night that saw two games in the 7th and 8th Grade Division get decided by double digit margins, the two teams entrenched in a matchup from the 5th and 6th Grade Division played the most competitive ball game of the evening. Early on though, it looked as if this game would end up like the rest as the Jersey Shoreshots, leaders of the division, jumped out to a 24-8 lead over Monroe. However, behind the second half three point shooting of Ryan Turco, and the inside play of Adam Darwish, the Little Purple Birdies rallied with a 34-21 surge over the final 25:53 to get themselves a shot in the end before the Shoreshots came away with the 45-42 victory.

For the game, Monroe shot 15 of 38 from the floor overall for 39.5 percent including 7 of 16 from beyond the arc for 43.8 percent. The Falcons were also 5 of 10 from the line while making 15 turnovers. On the other side of the ledger, the Shoreshots made 19 of 49 shots for 38.8 percent, but only 1 of 7 from downtown. The Monmouth County squad also made 6 of 7 foul shots while committing 11 turnovers. In other statistical areas, the Shoreshots outrebounded Monroe by a 28-24 margin overall including an 11-8 edge on the offensive glass. They also had more assists (14-13), steals (13-9), and blocks (1-0). Neither team drew a charge. The Jersey Shoreshots, which had Austin Chang, Thomas Morris, Kevin Kalery, Nick Facendo, and Zach Howarth on the roster for this one, won the first half by a 29-20 margin, but then Monroe outscored them in the second by a 22-16 score.

After getting off to a slow start, Ryan Turco finished up strong like his team did. He made 4 of 10 shots overall including 4 of 6 from three point range for 12 points while handing out 3 assists, grabbing two rebounds, and picking up a steal. Despite giving up a some size underneath, Adam Darwish fought hard to chip in when he could. The Jersey Shoreshots started out strong with an 8-2 run over the first 3:18 as they made 3 of their first 5 shots while connecting on two attempts from the foul line. Following a Monroe timeout at the 16:42 mark, the Falcons got a jumper from the right side to cut the deficit in half at 8-4 with 14:55 to play in the opening period. The Shoreshots answered with the next seven points including an offensive rebound and follow at the 14:22 mark, and a conventional three point play at the 12:57 mark to take a 15-4 lead.

Monroe had chances to cut into the lead, but only made 1 of 4 foul shots in two trips to the line at the 12:10 and 10:28 marks that made the score, 15-5. There would be a lull in the scoring for the next 2:33 before Turco made a three pointer from the right corner for a 15-8 Shoreshot lead at the 7:55 mark. The Jersey Shoreshots came up with a response though in the form of a 9-0 spurt over the next 2:02 that included a three point play, and a steal for a layin to go up by 16 at 24-8 with 5:53 left in the first half. All appeared lost, but the Little Purple Birdies didn’t give up as they put together a 12-5 finish including several scores by Darwish to close the gap to single digits at 29-20 at the intermission. Over the first 20 minutes, Monroe made 7 of 19 shots including 3 of 8 from three point range while the Shoreshots clicked on 12 of 26 from the floor, but no threes. The Monmouth team did connect on all five of its free throw attempts while making only five turnovers. Monroe was just 3 of 6 from the charity stripe while committing eight miscues.

In the second half, the Jersey Shoreshots seemed to be on their way to cruising to victory as they scored the first six points over a span of just 2:56. They capped the run with a short jumper from the right side for a 35-20 lead at the 17:04 mark. However, Monroe wouldn’t go away. Instead, the Falcons chipped away at the deficit by first making two free throws at the 16:14 mark, and then Turco nailed a three pointer to close the gap to ten at 35-25 with 14:24 left. The Shoreshots would get those five points back to go up 40-25 with about 13 minutes remaining, but Monroe responded with seven straight points including a three pointer and two field goals (one by Darwish) for a 40-32 Shoreshot lead at the 10:18 mark. The Little Falcons had a chance to get close, but missed on two free throws with 10:04 left. After neither team scored for 3:10, the Jersey Shoreshots converted a conventional three point play to take a 43-32 lead at the 6:54 mark.

The Little Purple Birdies continued to fight though, and didn’t give up. Rather, they ended the game on a 10-2 spurt. First they got a field goal before taking a timeout at the 5:34 mark. Then, after Morris missed a pair of free throws with 1:16 to go, Monroe got a three pointer from Turco for a 5-2 run that closed the gap to six at 45-39 with 1:03 to play. Following a Jersey Shoreshot timeout at the 36.6 second mark, Turco struck again with a three pointer that banked in with 8.8 seconds to play for a 45-42 Shoreshot lead. However, Monroe ran out of time as the Jersey Shoreshots prevailed to improve to 8-2 overall on the summer while the Falcons fell to .500 at 5-5.

Monroe Rolls Into Second Place With Win Over Metuchen, 56-21

The nightcap of the evening appeared at first look to be a good one since both Monroe and Metuchen were at the top of the standings in the 7th and 8th Grade Division coming in. However, without the services of the likes of Hunter Clarke, Brian Eustace, and Frank McGuire, the Bulldogs were in for a long night. Perhaps with Clarke, Eustace, and McGuire, Metuchen would have stood a much better chance, but with the way the Falcons were playing, it might have not even mattered. The Purple Birds did a fine job of passing the ball around to run the offense, and playing unselfishly while the Bulldogs were using too much dribble on offense. In addition, Monroe had plenty of size upfront with the likes of Tyler Uthiem, Ryan Stolte, and Tyler Salzer (5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block) along with the scrappiness of Adam Darwish (7 points, 5 rebounds, 4 steals, and an assist), who along with Ryan Turco (4 points, 2 steals, and a rebound), stayed behind after the 5th and 6th Grade contest against the Shoreshots.

The result was a lopsided affair. Monroe jumped out to a commanding 31-8 lead, and after a 7-0 uprising by Metuchen to start the second half, the Falcons cruised to a 25-6 finish for a 56-21 victory. Leading the way was Uthiem, who scored 14 points on 7 of 12 shooting overall while collecting 7 rebounds, 3 blocks, and 3 steals. The big man for Monroe was 6 of 7 for 12 points in the first half alone. Stolte chipped in with a double-double of 11 points on 5 of 12 shooting, and 14 rebounds along with 2 assists and 2 steals. Jair Davis chipped in with 13 points including a perfect 3 of 3 from beyond the arc while also picking up 4 rebounds, 3 assists, and 3 steals. Azem Perovic had his struggles from the floor, but still helped out with 6 points including a three pointer while handing out 5 assists, collecting 2 rebounds and swiping 2 steals.

One of the few bright spots for Metuchen was Joe Mesdea, who connected on four field goals including a three pointer for 9 points while picking up 4 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist. Ruki, the Bulldogs big man, had 4 points along with 10 rebounds, 2 blocks, and a steal. Marquis Crawford also helped out with 3 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals. For the game, Monroe shot 24 of 63 for 38.1 percent including 4 of 8 from three point range while making 4 of 7 from the line. On the other hand, Metuchen was only 9 of 40 from the floor for 22.5 percent including a 2 of 6 showing from long distance while going 1 of 6 from the foul line. One of the keys to Monroe’s overwhelming victory was the fact that the Falcons forced 25 turnovers while committing 14. The Falcons also pounded the boards for a 39-24 effort overall including a 20-9 showing on the offensive glass.

In other statistical areas, Monroe had more assists (13-4), steals (16-5), and blocks (4-2). Neither team drew a charge. The Falcons got off to a fast start thanks to Stolte, who scored the first seven points of the game on a perfect 3 of 3 from the floor including a basket while being fouled for a conventional three point play to cap the early run at the 17:44 mark. Stolte got his points thanks to three offensive rebounds, which would be one of the two main themes of the night. The Purple Birds added two more scores before Mesdea came up with a baseline drive for a layup at the 16:20 mark to end the early tear for an 11-2 score. Over the next 1:12 the Falcons, which clicked on 7 of its first 12 shots and swiped 5 steals, got two more scores for a 15-2 lead before Metuchen called its second timeout of the game at the 15:08 mark.

Over the next 3:34, Monroe scored 4 of 6 points to take a 19-4 lead before ending the half with a 12-4 run to take a 31-8 lead at the intermission. The Falcons simply dominated the first half as it made 14 of 37 shots thanks to their dominance on the offensive boards, and forcing 17 Metuchen turnovers in the first 20 minutes. Meanwhile, the Bulldogs were only 4 of 18 from the floor. In the second half, things didn’t get much better for Metuchen although things started positively. The Bulldogs scored seven straight points to start the period before Davis netted a three pointer for a 34-15 lead with 16:44 remaining. The trey ignited a 20-5 tear over a span of 8:30 that included a jumper by Turco from Davis at the 8:14 for a 51-20 lead. A short time later, Davis added another three for a 54-20 lead, and the Metuchen Bulldogs called timeout to stop the clock with 7:37 to play.

Following the stoppage, Monroe was content with taking time off the clock as the two teams only combined for three points in the final seven and a half minutes. With the 56-21 victory, the Falcons improved to 5-2 overall on the summer while Metuchen fell to 6-3.

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at Raritan Bay next week for more action.

Linden Summer League–July 30, 2009

Colonia’s Playoff Run Ends With Loss To Linden In Championship, 47-43

LINDEN, NJ–On Thursday afternoon, GMC Hoops traveled over to Linden High School to take in the Championship Game of the 2009 Linden Summer League between the host school, Linden Tigers, and the surprising Colonia Patriots, which despite its losses to graduation, put together a fine playoff run including a victory over Hillsborough in the semifinals on Wednesday. CHS was giving up a lot of size in this matchup, but it would be Linden’s three point shooting early on that helped shaped the ultimate outcome. Similar to its victory over Paterson Kennedy in the other semifinal some 24 hours earlier, the Tigers jumped out to an early lead. Linden led by a score of 20-7 early in the second quarter before the Patriots rallied over the next two and a half periods with a 36-25 showing to close to within two with 27 seconds remaining.

Unfortunately, for the Colonia faithful in attendance, these gritty Patriots were unable to get over the hump, and pull off the upset as Linden made two free throws with 22 seconds to play, and held on for a 47-43 victory. One of the keys to LHS’s victory was how the Tigers were able to contain the explosive C.J. Gray, who scored 14 points in the final 2:40 in the win over Hillsborough. On Thursday, Gray was limited to just 12 points on 3 of 9 shooting (all threes) and 3 of 3 from the line while also collecting 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and a steal. Picking up some of the slack for Colonia was soon to be junior, Matt Wagner, who made 4 of 8 shots (all threes) scored 12 points while handing out 4 assists, and collecting a steal, block, and a charge. For the game, the Patriots shot 16 of 40 from the floor for 40 percent including 8 of 19 from beyond the arc for 42.1 percent while only making 3 of 6 from the line.

On the other side of the ledger, Linden went 17 of 41 shots overall for 41.5 percent including 4 of 8 from downtown while making 9 of 19 shots from the foul line for 47.4 percent. The Tigers forced Colonia to commit 19 turnovers in the contest while making only 11 themselves. In other statistical departments Linden outrebounded Colonia by a 26-22 margin including a 10-5 advantage on the offensive boards. Colonia had more assists (12-10), but the Tigers had more steals (7-5) and blocks (4-3). Each team drew a charge. Colonia actually outscored Linden in the final two periods of the game after an even second quarter, but the difference in the game would be the first period with the Tigers outscoring the Patriots by nearly a two to one margin. It would be all the difference Linden would need in this matchup despite a determined effort by Colonia.

In the decisive first period, the Tigers shot 7 of 16 from the floor including 2 of 3 from long distance while limiting the Patriots to just 3 of 11 shooting from the floor including 1 of 5 from downtown. Linden also forced five Colonia turnovers. Both teams started the game by making shots from the perimeter as the Tigers netted a three pointer from the right wing for a 3-0 lead at the 9:49 mark while Colonia tied the game with a trey at the 7:25 mark. LHS then scored three straight points on a one of two showing from the foul line at the 6:45 mark, and then a hook shot at the 5:35 mark for a 6-3 lead. The Pats then pulled to within one on a layup at the 5:14 mark before Linden made a jumper from the foul line for an 8-5 lead as Colonia called for time with 4:23 to go in the first. At this juncture of the game, both teams were off to sluggish starts shooting wise as Linden made just 3 of its first 8 shots while the Patriots were only 2 of 8.

However, after the timeout, Linden made 4 of 8 shots over the remaining balance of the period while Colonia was just 1 of 3 from the floor. The Tigers scored on a fine drive and spin move from the right side for a layup, and a 10-5 lead. Then after a Patriot layin at the 1:40 mark, Linden connected on a three pointer from the left wing at the 1:11 mark, and then the Tigers swiped a steal for a layup with 46 seconds remaining in the first for a 15-7 lead heading into the second period of play. In the second quarter, Linden started out by picking up where it left off with the first five points of the period including a three point play at the 8:07 mark for a 20-7 lead. The Patriots tried to get rolling again when Gray scored six of his nine points including a three pointer off a kickout by Wagner at the 7:30 mark, and then again at about the 7:00 mark when Gray juked his defender to create space for another three pointer, and a 20-13 Linden lead.

Despite missing two free throws at the five minute mark, and a Wagner three pointer from Dave Cole (2 points, 3 assists, 2 rebounds, and a block), Linden increased its lead to nine by scoring five points over a 2:52 span to take a 25-16 lead with 4:08 left in the first half. The Tigers then added another score on a lob pass down low for a layup, and a 27-16 lead with 1:35 to go before the intermission. The Patriots responded with their weapon of choice, the three pointer to outscore Linden, 6-5 down the stretch for a 30-22 Tiger lead at the half. In the game’s first 20 minutes, Colonia was 8 of 19 from the floor including 6 of 12 from three point range while Linden was 12 of 27 from the floor including 4 of 6 from downtown. The Tigers forced 12 Patriot turnovers while only making five themselves. Gray led Colonia at the break with 9 points while Wagner chipped in with 6.

Over the final two quarters, Colonia held Linden to just 17 points on 5 of 14 shooting from the field while scoring 21 points on 8 of 21 shooting. The third quarter started off with Linden going up by double digits on a lob pass inside for a layin, and a 32-22 score at the 8:54 mark. Twenty-three seconds later, Wagner answered with a three pointer from the left corner off an assist from Cole for a 32-25 Linden lead at the 8:31 mark. The Tigers answered with two free throws for a 34-25 lead with 7:41 to go in the period, but the Pats got those points back on an inbounds underneath for a layup, and a 34-27 Tiger edge at the 5:01 mark. A little more than a minute later, Linden made one of two from the line for a 35-27 lead with 3:51 to go in the stanza. The Tigers added another point before CHS got a layup while being fouled with 2:38 to go in the period for a 36-29 score. LHS got a three pointer to lead by double digits again before Gray got his final points of the contest when he was fouled on a three pointer at the 1:10 mark that resulted in three free throws, and a 39-32 Tiger lead moving into the fourth.

In the fourth, things got interesting as Colonia continued to chip away at the Linden lead to give the Tigers a scare in the end. LHS got off on the right foot to being the final frame by missing one of two from the line at the 9:16 mark. Wagner then got CHS going with an assist on a layup at the 8:36 mark for a 39-34 score. Following a Linden timeout at the 8:29 mark, the Tigers scored on a nice strong drive from the right side for a 41-34 lead with 8:06 remaining. The Pats pulled within five again on a layup with seven minutes to go before the Tigers made one of two from the line for a 42-36 lead with 6:33 left. After Colonia called a timeout at the 5:39 mark in order to avoid a turnover, Linden got a stop, and then went on to make one of two from the line at the 4:23 mark for a seven point lead. The Patriots didn’t give up though as Wagner handed out an assist on a layup by Aubrey McLaughlin at the 3:09 mark, and then a layin by Cole at the 1:45 mark to pull within three at 43-40.

Moments later, Linden drew a foul, and stepped to the line with 1:39 left. Despite misfiring on both foul shots, the Tigers scrapped for two offensive boards, and put the second one in for a layup, and a 45-40 lead. Colonia continued to battle though as it got another three pointer by Wagner from the top of the key to close to within two at 45-43 as the Pats called for time with 27 seconds remaining. Following the timeout, CHS fouled right away, but Linden put the contest away with two free throws at the 22 second mark to round out the 47-43 win. While Monroe looks to be the early favorite in the GMC White, Colonia made notice with its fine run through the playoffs. Losing J.J. D’Amico, Nnamdi Usuwa, and Mike Nweme to graduation will hurt, especially inside, but the Patriots have good ball handlers and shooters to still make the upcoming 2009-10 campaign compelling.

Hillsborough JV Summer League–July 29, 2009

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ—After taking in the semfinal round of the playoffs in the 2009 Linden Summer League, GMC Hoops got back on the road, and traveled down Route 1 South to 287 North to Route 22 West, and over to Route 206 South into Hillsborough to take in the second round of playoff action at the 2009 Hillsborough JV Summer League at Hillsborough High School. It was the second visit that the site made to the league, which has two schools from the Greater Middlesex Conference competing. It was quite a lively crowd on hand again for one of the two nightcap games. Two teams from the Skyland Conference went at it as North Hunterdon played the host school, Hillsborough II.

North Hunterdon Advances To Semifinals With 36-29 Victory

In one of the finale games in the Elite Eight at Hillsborough, the Junior Lions of North Hunterdon took on one of the two teams from the host school, Hillsborough II. Once again it was a classic Skyland Conference matchup pitting the Delaware West Division against the Delaware East Division. Earlier in the evening, the winner of Monday’s game between East Brunswick and Middlesex took on Watchung Hills in the Old Gym. The game was fairly close throughout as North Hunterdon led by only four at the half, 18-14. However, in the second half, the offensive rebounding and free throw shooting of the Junior Lions proved to be the difference in an 18-15 showing over the final 20 minutes for the 36-29 victory.

Over the first 4:48 of the second half, North Hunterdon scored 6 of the first 8 points including two free throws at the 15:12 mark for a 24-16 lead. Hillsborough II replied with four unanswered points including a steal for a layup before the Junior Lions made two more free throws for a 26-20 lead with exactly 14 minutes to play. North Hunterdon then added three more points including a tip-in off a missed jumper at the 10:20 mark for a 29-20 lead. Hillsborough II got those three points back to pull within six again at 29-23 before the Junior Lions reeled off four straight points including a layup at the 5:03 mark for a 33-23 edge. Points then became hard to come by over the next 4:02 as both teams combined for just three points for a 34-25 North Hunterdon lead as Hillsborough II called for time with 1:01 left. After the timeout, the Junior Lions missed the front end of a one and one.

The Junior Raiders couldn’t take advantage though. Although they got two layups in the final 12 seconds of play, North Hunterdon prevailed by the final score of 36-29. The Junior Lions advanced to the semifinals, which are scheduled for Monday, August 3rd.

2009 Hillsborough JV Summer League–Some Playoff Results–July 29th

HILLSBOROUGH, NJ–On Wednesday night, GMC Hoops traveled over to Hillsborough High School after being at the Linden Summer League to take in action from the Quarterfinal round of the playoffs in the Hillsborough JV Summer League. Here are some of the results from the games listed below.

Hillsborough JV Summer League–Playoff Results–Quarterfinals–July 29, 2009

• North Hunterdon 36–Hillsborough II 29

GMC Hoops thanks Hillsborough head coach, Ian Progin for supplying information about this league.

Linden Summer League–July 29, 2009

Colonia Advances To Play Linden In Championship Game

LINDEN, NJ–On Wednesday afternoon, GMC Hoops traveled over to Linden High School for the sixth time this summer to see action from the semifinal playoffs games in the 2009 Linden Summer League. On this day, the site saw two games, one involving a teams from the Greater Middlesex Conference. The Colonia Patriots were still alive after a fine run, and were taking on Hillsborough in the first semifinal while the hometown Linden Tigers were facing off against the up-tempo Knights of Paterson Kennedy.

Gray Leads Patriots Past Hillsborough Into Finals, 65-55

The Colonia Patriots, which struggled during its schedule through the Monday/Wednesday Division of the league, found some confidence during its playoff run, and not only got to the Final Four, but gained a berth in the Championship Game. Leading by two with 7:44 remaining, the Patriots gave way to a Raider squad that put together a 7-5 run including a three pointer at the three minute mark to knot the game at 51-51. However, soon to be junior, C.J. Gray, came to the rescue with all of Colonia’s 14 points down the stretch to help the Pats outscore Hillsborough by ten in a 65-55 victory. Gray connected on three treys, made two layups, and made one of two from the foul line in just 2:40 to propel Colonia into the title tilt against Linden.

Due to its work on the web site, GMC Hoops was unable to join the action until the fourth quarter with Colonia leading 46-44. Neither team scored for 1:32 until the Patriots made one of two from the line for a three point lead. Hillsborough then responded with a layup at the 5:31 mark to pull within one at 47-46. The Patriots went back up by three on its next possession with a jumper from the right wing at the 5:15 mark that made the score, 49-46. There was a lull in the scoring for a little more than a minute, and a half before the Raiders closed to within one again on a nice pass to a cutting player for a layup, and a 49-48 score at the 3:40 mark. Colonia responded though as Dave Cole dribbled and dished for a layup, and a 51-48 lead with 3:27 left. Then, Hillsborough tied the game up at 51-51 with a trey from the right wing after an offensive rebound at the 3:00 mark.

Enter C.J. Gray. On Colonia’s next possession, the Patriot guard gave his team the lead on a baseline drive from the left side for a reverse layup, and a 53-51 lead at the 2:40 mark. After Colonia stopped Hillsborough on the Raiders next possession, Gray clicked on a three pointer for a 56-51 lead at the 1:44 mark. The Raiders tried to respond with a layup while being fouled, but missed the bonus free throw, and Colonia stayed in front by three, 56-53 with 1:28 left. On Colonia’s next possession, Gray got a rebound off of a Cole miss, dribbled back up top, and fired another three pointer for a 59-53 lead with 1:04 left. A theme throughout this run was that Colonia wasn’t satisfied with maintaining a slim lead. The Patriots were determined to be aggressive on offense.

Hillsborough tried to stay within striking distance by hitting a bank shot on its next possession to trim the deficit to four at 59-55 with 43 seconds to play, but then Gray essentially put the game away with his final three of the game on a shot from the left corner with 28 seconds left for a 62-55 lead. Hillsborough then drew a foul, but missed both foul shots, and Gray drew a foul after getting the rebound. He then made one of two from the line with 13 seconds left for a 63-55 lead. Finally, he finished off his explosive performance with a steal for a layup to wrap up the 65-55 victory. With the win, Colonia advanced to the Championship Game to play Linden, which defeated Paterson Kennedy in the other semifinal.

Linden Storms Past Paterson Kennedy, 62-48

In the finale, Linden took on a Paterson Kennedy team that had won every other time GMC Hoops had seen it play this summer. However, the Tigers had their full roster here for this game, and they displayed plenty of size, strength, quickness, and power. Linden jumped out to an 11-4 first quarter lead by making 4 of 9 shots while limiting the Knights to just 1 of 7 from the floor. The Tigers then outscored Paterson Kennedy by a 13-4 margin over the first 8:40 to take a 24-8 lead before the Knights closed out the half with a 7-5 run to trail by a dozen at the break. The second half saw Linden jump out to a 36-21 lead in the third on a 7-4 run, and the Tigers led 42-28 heading into the fourth on their way to a convincing 62-48 win to reach the Championship game against Colonia.

For the game, Linden shot the ball very well going 26 of 38 overall for 68.4 percent while limiting Paterson Kennedy to just 18 of 43 from the field for 41.9 percent. The Tigers only made 1 of 3 from beyond the arc while the Knights were 3 of 13. LHS went 9 of 11 at the charity stripe for 81.8 percent while the Knights made 10 of 13 shots for 76.9 percent. In other statistical areas, Paterson Kennedy forced 21 turnovers while only making 15, but was outrebounded by an overall margin of 28-11 including a 9-6 showing on the offensive glass. Linden also had more assists (18-11) and blocks (3-0) while the Knights had more steals (17-10). Neither team drew a charge. Linden outscored Paterson Kennedy in each of the first three periods with both teams scoring 20 points in the final frame.

The Knights started out in a 2-2-1 fullcourt press, which gave Linden some difficulty at first, but once the Tigers were able to score inside and pressure Kennedy, it was able to dictate the tempo, and the ultimate outcome of the game. Points were hard to come by early on as the two teams scrapped it out. Paterson Kennedy took the lead at first with one of two from the line at the 6:48 mark following an earlier score to make it 3-0. Linden got one of two from the line at the 5:51 mark, and then got a field goal, and two free throws for a 5-0 run to take a two point lead at the 4:32 mark. The Knights got their final points of the period on a one of two showing from the line before Linden started its decisive 19-4 rampage that spanned 12:40. The Tigers run started with the final six points of the first period for an 11-4 lead. It continued into the second with an offensive rebound and putback for a three point play, and a 14-4 lead at the 8:11 mark.

Almost a minute later, Linden went up by a dozen on an offensive rebound and putback off an own miss for a 16-4 lead at the 7:18 mark. The Tigers then scored three of the next five points before Kennedy coach, Jim Ring called for time trailing 19-8 with inside six minutes to play in the half. LHS then added five more points including a one of two effort from the foul line at the 3:02 mark, a pair of free throws at the 2:01 mark, and a field goal for a 24-8 lead before the Knights finally got on the board with a drive from the left wing for a layup to start a 9-5 rally to end the half with Linden leading, 29-17. The third quarter started out with both teams playing back and forth basketball by exchanging turnovers before Paterson Kennedy swiped a steal for a layup, and a 29-19 Linden lead at the 8:29 mark. The Tigers answered about a minute and a half later with a feed into the left low block for a layup, and a 31-19 advantage.

The Knights pulled to within ten again on a layup with 5:55 to go in the period before Linden scored five unanswered including a steal for a one handed rim rocker at the 4:35 mark for a 36-21 lead. Although Paterson Kennedy outscored the Tigers by a 7-6 margin to close the frame, Linden went into the fourth ahead by a score of 42-28. The final period started out promising for Paterson Kennedy as the Knights came up with a three point play at the 8:51 mark, and then one of two from the line after swiping a steal, and getting fouled on a fast break layup attempt at the 7:49 mark. Kennedy added another score to creep within single digits at 42-34, but the Tigers put the game away with a 4-0 run for a 46-34 lead with 6:01 left. From there, Linden outscored Paterson Kennedy by a 16-14 margin the rest of the way for the 62-48 victory.

GMC Hoops was back out at Linden on Thursday afternoon for the Championship between Colonia and Linden.

Bound Brook Summer League–July 28, 2009

BOUND BROOK, NJ–On Tuesday night, GMC Hoops again ventured over to Bound Brook High School to take in the opening round of the playoffs from its summer league. The site arrived in time to see final two games of the Quarterfinal quadrupleheader including Hunterdon Central and New Brunswick, and Bound Brook versus Rutgers Prep. Take a look at the results from the other quarterfinal games played on this day.

Hunterdon Central Rallies From Behind To Knock Off New Brunswick, 28-24

For the third time this summer, and second time in two days, the Zebras of New Brunswick played the Red Devils of Hunterdon Central. These two foes, which have played each other over the years in holiday tournaments at Hunterdon Central and Ewing, have become quite familiar with each other this summer. In the prior two meetings entering this contest, New Brunswick won both by scores of 43-38 on July 20th, and 41-31 on July 27th. However, this game would be much different. With the second seeded Zebras playing without soon to be junior, Jaquan Cook, and limited to just six players, they were vulnerable to the upset. New Brunswick jumped out to a 14-6 lead in the first 13:24, and it looked as if the Zebras were going to continue on the roll that they’ve been on for much of the summer.

It wasn’t to be though as Hunterdon Central chipped away at the deficit by clamping down on defense, and dictating tempo on offense. The result was a come from behind, 28-24 upset of the Zebras to advance to the Final Four of the tourney on Wednesday night. For the game, New Brunswick struggled from the field by going just 8 of 36 for 22.2 percent including 1 of 6 from three point range. At the line, New Brunswick fared better by making 7 of 14. Taking out Simuel Williams (16 points on 5 of 10 shooting including 1 of 2 from three, and 5 of 6 from the line along with 5 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist) contribution from the offense though told a significant story. The Zebras were just 3 of 26 from the field and 2 of 8 from the charity stripe.

On the other side of the ledger, Hunterdon Central was 10 of 19 overall from the floor for 52.6 percent including 1 of 5 from three point range. The Red Devils were also 7 of 13 from the foul line. HCHS was able to control the tempo, and take good shots despite 19 turnovers in the contest. New Brunswick committed 12. In other statistical areas, rebounds were even at 16-16, but the Zebras had a decided edge on the offensive glass, 10-3. New Brunswick also had more steals (11-3), but the Devils had edges in assists (8-6) and blocks (2-1). Neither team drew a charge in the game. Each team won a half with New Brunswick leading 14-11 at halftime, but Hunterdon Central winning the game with a 17-10 showing in the final 20 minutes.

Over the first 4:47 of the contest, the Zebras scored the first five of seven points including a three pointer by Williams to take the early lead. Hunterdon Central drew within one on a drive through the middle for a layup while being fouled at the 14:17 mark. Williams then made one of two from the line at the 13:06 mark for a 6-4 NBHS lead. Thirty-two seconds later, New Brunswick went up by four when Nigel Scott (2 points, 2 assists, 2 steals, and a rebound) swiped a steal, and handed out an assist on a Williams layup at the 12:34 mark as Red Devils head coach, Brian Glennon, called for time. Following the timeout, things didn’t get much better for Hunterdon Central. Scott got another steal that led to a foul on Williams with just under eleven minutes to go in the half, and then John Simpson (2 points, 6 rebounds, and 2 steals) scored on a layup at the 9:55 mark for a 10-4 lead.

Almost a minute later, the Red Devils put an end to the 5-0 NB run with a pair of free throws at the 8:58 mark to close to within four again at 10-6, but Williams got those points back on two free throws of his own with 7:40 to play before halftime. Then, the soon to be senior guard added an offensive rebound and follow that drew a foul and produced two more foul shots at the 6:36 mark for a 14-6 lead. Hunterdon Central then got a layup underneath at the 4:54 mark, and another field goal while the Zebras sputtered at the foul line by going 0 of 2 with 3:20 to play in the half. NBHS had another chance to go up further when Simpson stepped to the line at the 1:27 mark, but he misfired on both foul shots, and the score remained 14-10. The Devils, which compete in the Delaware West Division of the Skyland Conference, then closed out the first half scoring with a one of two showing from the foul line for a 14-11 score at the intermission.

In the first half, New Brunswick was 4 of 19 from the floor for 21 percent including 1 of 2 from beyond the arc. Conversely, Hunterdon Central was 4 of 9 from the field including 0 of 2 from three. The Devils were 3 of 5 from the line while the Zebras were 5 of 10, and New Brunswick forced more turnovers. Williams led the way in the first 20 minutes for New Brunswick with 2 of 5 shooting from the floor including a three pointer, and 5 of 6 free throws while also collecting 4 rebounds and an assist. In the second half, New Brunswick struggled even more, especially with Williams limited to just six points. The rest of the Zebra offense was just 1 of 12 in the final 20 minutes of action. Meanwhile, Hunterdon Central made 6 of 10 shots despite 10 turnovers.

The second half began as the first half ended with Hunterdon Central, which was in the midst of a key 14-0 run that spanned 10:54, picked up right where it left off with a foul line jumper that got a fortuitous bounce for a 14-13 New Brunswick lead at the 18:43 mark. A little while later, the Red Devils tied the game up at 14-14 with a one of two showing from the foul line with 18:01 to go. HCHS then took its first lead of the game on a layup at the 17:02 mark for a 16-14 score. Continuing to roll, the Devils made it a 13-0 run on its only three pointer of the game at the 16:19 mark. The school from Flemington then capped the run by making one of two at the line after being fouled on a reverse layup for a 20-14 advantage with 15:38 remaining. New Brunswick tried to get back into the game by forcing a steal and going up tempo, but its attempt at a layup was vehemently blocked by Hunterdon Central at the 14:11 mark.

On the ensuing inbounds though, the Zebras finally broke through as Williams connected on a jumper to give New Brunswick its first points in 12:36 for a 20-16 Devils lead. Sparking a personal 6-0 run, Williams drove in from the left wing for a layup, and then got a steal for another score to knot the game up at 20-20 with 11:17 left. Hunterdon Central retook the lead though on a layin at the 11:04 mark, but the Zebras responded a little more than a minute later as Simpson picked up a steal that led to an offensive rebound and follow by Scott for a 22-22 tie at the 9:45 mark. Both teams then went on a scoring drought for exactly eight minutes. After a Hunterdon Central timeout at the 4:29 mark, and a New Brunswick timeout at the 2:29 mark, the Zebras made it a 10-2 spurt with a nice drive to the basket that drew a foul, and resulted in two free throws for a 24-22 lead with 1:45 left.

However, the lead would be short lived as the Red Devils took the ball out, and broke New Brunswick’s full court pressure for an easy layup that tied the game at 24-24 with 1:33 left. HCHS then took the lead for good with another layup at the 1:04 mark. Following a Hunterdon Central timeout, the contentious battle took a serious turn as Simpson got entangled with a Red Devils player, and was ejected for hitting him. The Devils then made one of two from the line at the 26 second mark for a 27-24 lead. Forced to foul, New Brunswick made Hunterdon Central go back to the line again moments later for another one of two showing that made the score, 28-24 with 22 seconds to play. The Zebras had one more chance to tie, but when Scott went 0 of 2 at the line, and Williams missed a three pointer after getting the offensive rebound with 16 seconds to play, the Red Devils emerged with the four point upset.

Despite going without a field goal over the final 9:45 in the loss, New Brunswick had a good summer to build upon for the upcoming 2009-10 regular season. The Zebras will have to find ways of getting more scoring from other players than Williams and Cook if it is going to compete in the rugged GMC White. With the win, Hunterdon Central improved to 5-5 on the summer, and advanced to play Bound Brook in the semifinals after the Crusaders downed Rutgers Prep in the other quarterfinal. New Brunswick concluded its summer at 8-2.

Bound Brook Advances By Defeating Rutgers Prep, 50-39

In the finale, the hometown Crusaders of Bound Brook faced off against Rutgers Prep. It was the second time this summer that GMC Hoops saw the Argonauts in action. The last time the site saw Rutgers Prep, it was against St. Joseph’s in the Linden Team Camp. This time, however, it was a much better look. Playing shorthanded, Rutgers Prep utilized a triangle and two defense to contain the likes of Bound Brook’s Denzel Sanders, but after the Argos got to within four of the lead midway through the second half, Bound Brook finished the contest with an 18-11 run to emerge victorious, 50-39. For the game, third seeded Bound Brook went 16 of 38 from the field for 42.1 percent including 5 of 18 from long distance for 27.8 percent. The Crusaders were solid at the line by making 13 of 18 shots for 72.2 percent while making only 12 turnovers. On the other side of the ledger, sixth seeded Rutgers Prep struggled from the floor by going 14 of 45 for 31.1 percent including 3 of 13 from three point range for 23.1 percent. At the line, the Argonauts made 8 of 12 while committing 15 turnovers.

In other statistical areas, Bound Brook outrebounded Rutgers Prep overall with a 25-24 edge, but the Argos won the war on the offensive glass with a 10-5 showing. However, the Crusaders had advantages in assists (12-9), steals (8-7), blocks (5-1), and charges (1-0). BBHS outscored Rutgers Prep in both halves. Leading the way for the winners was Sanders, who had a team high 16 points on 4 of 6 shooting including a perfect 2 of 2 from three while making all six of his foul shot attempts. Sanders also added 4 blocks, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal. Sanders pretty much did all of his damage in the first half as he was held without a field goal in the second by a Rutgers Prep team that used different defenses in the final 20 minutes. Teammate Al Perkins chipped in with 7 points, 7 rebounds, 2 steals, and an assist. Bound Brook started out strong with a 12-5 effort over the first 7:38 before Rutgers Prep closed the half with a 10-9 effort. The Argonauts were just 4 of 21 from the floor in the first half while Bound Brook was 8 of 22.

The Crusaders got on the board first before Rutgers Prep struck back with a three pointer at the 17:25 mark for a one point lead. However, over the next 5:03, the Argos would be outscored by a 10-2 margin. Sanders connected on a three pointer, and then followed that with two free throws at the 16:05 mark to give The Brook a 7-3 lead. Rutgers Prep drew within two again when a turnaround jumper in the right low block drew a foul, and produced two free throws at the 14:35 mark. But, Bound Brook would score the next five points including a three pointer from the right wing by Sanders to take the seven point lead at the 12:22 mark. After missing two foul shots at the 11:05 mark, Rutgers Prep made two from the foul line for a 12-7 Bound Brook lead at the 10:07 mark. The Argonauts then got a fast break layup to pull within three before the Crusaders were called for traveling at the 8:29 mark.

Bound Brook regrouped though with four unanswered points over the next 1:30 including an offensive rebound and putback of his own miss by Sanders at the 6:59 mark for a 16-9 lead as Rutgers Prep called for time. Following the timeout, the Argos scored four of the next six points including two free throws at the 5:42 mark for a 18-13 Brook lead. Sanders accounted for the Crusaders two points with a layup. Then, he made a three pointer from the right wing at the 4:39 mark for a 21-13 lead. Rutgers Prep scored the final points of the half as BBHS took a six point, 21-15 lead into the brief intermission. In the second half, the Argonauts started out strong with a 13-11 showing over the first 6:08 to pull within four before Bound Brook pulled away. Rutgers Prep opened the second half scoring with a nice pass for a layup at the 19:06 mark before Mike Schieferstein connected on a three pointer from the right wing for his only points of the game to give the Crusaders a 24-17 lead with 18:45 left.

After an Argonauts score that closed the gap to five, Sanders handed out an assist on a three point play to increase the lead to eight at 27-19 with 17:47 remaining. Rutgers Prep added another score before Bound Brook got three straight points including a one of two showing from the line by Perkins with 16:10 to go for a 30-21 advantage. Over the next 2:18 though, the Argos rallied with 7 of the next 9 points including a three pointer from the top of the key at the 13:52 mark to pull within four at 32-28. Sanders then made his first of two trips to the line in the second half, and made both to put the Crusaders back up by six, 34-28. Rutgers Prep got a bucket to close to within four again before BBHS came up with a three pointer from the left corner for a 37-30 lead as the Argonauts called timeout with 11:23 left. At that point, the team from Somerset tinkered with its defense going with a triangle and two, but despite causing some difficulty for The Brook, the Argos weren’t able to get closer.

Following a Rutgers Prep layup, Perkins grabbed an offensive rebound, and put it back in for a 39-32 lead with 9:15 left. The Crusaders then scored four of the next six points including two free throws at the 6:25 mark for a 43-34 lead. Then, after a timeout at the 5:10 mark, Bound Brook went up by double digits as Schieferstein swiped a steal, and Perkins handed out an assist on a layup at the 3:45 mark for a 45-34 score. From there, both teams scored five points to round out the 50-39 Bound Brook victory. With the win, Bound Brook improved to 7-2 on the summer, and advanced to play Hunterdon Central in the semifinals after the seventh seeded Red Devils upset second seeded New Brunswick in the other quarterfinal. Rutgers Prep concluded its summer at 5-4.

GMC Hoops thanks Bound Brook head coach, Anthony Melesurgo for his help during the season.

2009 Bound Brook Summer League–Playoff Results–Consolation and Championship–July 30th

BOUND BROOK, NJ–On Thursday night, the 2009 Bound Brook Summer League wrapped up its season with the Consolation and Championship Games. GMC Hoops was unable to get out and see some of the action. The site was able, however, to get all the results from Bound Brook head coach, Anthony Melesurgo via the Bound Brook Basketball web site. Here are two of the scores:

Playoffs–Championship And Consolation–July 30th

• Championship–#5 Immaculata 50–#3 Bound Brook 32
• Consolation–#1 Somerville 48–#7 Hunterdon Central 38

GMC Hoops thanks Coach Melesurgo for his assistance this summer.

2009 Raritan Bay Summer League–Updated Standings–July 31st

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ–Here are the updated standings in the 2009 Raritan Bay Summer League following play on the thirty-seventh evening of action on July 30th. This summer, there are a total of 28 teams playing in four divisions: 3rd and 4th Grade, 5th and 6th Grade, 7th and 8th Grade, and High School. Below are the latest standings in the league.

3rd and 4th Grade Division

5th and 6th Grade Division

• Jersey Shoreshots (8-2)
• Colts Neck (3-2)
• Roselle (2-2)
• Monroe (5-5)
• Franklin (3-4)
• South Amboy (2-5)

7th and 8th Grade Division

• Sayreville Knights (6-1)
• Monroe (5-2)
• Metuchen (6-3)
• South Amboy (5-3)
• East Brunswick (4-5)
• Parlin Pride (4-5)
• CJEOTO (2-3)
• St. Stan’s (3-6)
• Freehold (3-6)
• St. Ambrose (2-6)
• East Brunswick II (0-0)

High School Division

• South Amboy (1-0)
• Monroe (5-2)
• Monsignor Farrell (5-3)
• Parlin Pride (4-3)
• Sayreville Stars (3-4)
• Union Catholic (0-5)

These standings do not include the results from July 9th, July 13th, July 15th, July 16th, July 28th, and July 29th. The site is still working on getting these results. GMC Hoops plans to be back out at Raritan Bay again next week.

2009 Raritan Bay Summer League–Results–Day Thirty-Seven–July 30th

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ–On Thursday night, GMC Hoops was able to get out to South Amboy Middle/High School to take in some action from the thirty-seventh night of contests from the 2009 Raritan Bay Summer League. Thanks to league co-director, Tom Reilly, the site was able to obtain the results from all the games. There were three contests on the schedule.

Day Thirty-Seven Results–July 30, 2009

• 5:30 PM–7th and 8th Grade Division–Parlin Pride 53–St. Stan’s 38
• 6:30 PM–5th and 6th Grade Division–Jersey Shoreshots 45–Monroe 42
• 7:30 PM–7th and 8th Grade Division–Monroe 56–Metuchen 21

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at Raritan Bay next week to wrap up its coverage there. The site has also learned that a High School Division game has been added to the schedule for Thursday next week between South River and Monsignor Farrell of Staten Island.