GMC Hoops Blogosphere

Karl Towns Jr. Generating A Lot Of Attention

Son Of Piscataway Tech Head Coach Continues To Get Bigger And Better

PISCATAWAY, NJ–Last week, I was out at both the East Brunswick and Rutgers Team Camps, and I had heard a little bit on Karl Towns Jr., the son of Piscataway Tech head coach, Karl Towns. Much of what I had heard was how big the younger Towns had become. I had a chance to see it myself when I saw Piscataway Tech in action against Holy Cross at Rutgers.

Karl Towns Jr. is about 6′8″ although he is listed at 6′10″ and 220 pounds. Towns Jr. also has tremendous skills for his size and age. Several years ago, he was among the top youngsters in the country for his age group. About that time, I remember seeing him doing conditioning drills while his father watched outside the gym at Piscataway Tech on a day the Raiders were scheduled to scrimmage Asbury Park, which had been cancelled. All these conditioning and basketball drills and hard work has paid off.

I happened to stumble on to a post in the basketball forums on nj.com, and it talked about how Karl Towns, Jr. has developed into a phenom. There were even links to videos on YouTube showing his skills on display both in practice, and in an AAU game. He has great ball handling ability for his size along with a great shooting touch at the line, and around the perimeter, especially from beyond the arc. Towns Jr. can hit the trey from several feet behind the three point line.

Most importantly though, Karl Towns, Jr. is a solid student. He has a GPA of 3.9 in school, and is considering a number of solid high schools to go to including St. Joseph’s, Pennington Prep, and Notre Dame of Lawrenceville. Wherever this kid goes, he will have a big impact for the next few years to come.

GMC Hoops Play-By-Play–Rahway Summer League–June 30, 2011–Dunellen vs. Edison

RAHWAY, NJ–On Thursday night, GMC Hoops traveled over to Rahway High School to see the fifth night of action from the 2011 Rahway Summer League. The site saw the final game of the night between Dunellen and Edison.

The Destroyers broke away from a 12-9 lead with less than eight minutes to go in the first half by going on a 13-0 run over a span of 6:08 to take a 25-9 lead, and ended up with a 16-2 tear for a 28-11 lead at the break.

Edison made a heck of a run with a 17-7 tear over the first 13 plus minutes of the second half to close within seven with just under seven minutes to play. The Eagles closed within seven on four occasions over the last 6:57, but couldn’t get any closer than that as Dunellen came away with a 45-36 win. Below is the play by play from the final 27:55 of the contest.

First Half

7:55–Arrive–Dunellen leads 12-9
7:30–DUN–basket for 14-9 lead.
7:19–DUN draws charge on Jordan Westbrook
5:19–DUN–Sean Gibney three point play for 17-9 lead.
2:58–DUN–Gibney three pointer for a 20-9 lead.
2:20–DUN–putback of missed jumper by Gibney for a 22-9 lead.
2:17–EHS–timeout.
1:47–DUN–three pointer from left corner for a 25-9 lead.
1:25–EHS–Jalen Jackson steal for layup, and foul, but misses bonus free throw for a 25-11 DUN lead.  Ends 13-0 DUN spurt.
1.5–DUN–Deon Brown drives and kicks right to Gibney for a three pointer from the right corner for a 28-11 lead at the intermission.

Gibney–9 points in final 7:55 of half on three field goals including two threes, and a free throw.

Second Half

19:50–EHS–banks one in for a 28-13 DUN lead.
19:23–DUN–Deon Brown gets offensive rebound off own miss, and kicks out for three pointer, and a 31-13 lead.
19:17–EHS–turnover.
19:14–DUN–Deon Brown drives left lane for layup, and a 33-13 lead.
19:01–EHS–Marcus Cudjoe–draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 33-14 DUN lead.
18:33–EHS–Kevin Luckenbach intercepts pass, drives up court, and dishes for a layup, and a 33-16 DUN lead.
17:27–EHS–Alphonso Ray fails to catch ball–goes out of bounds–turnover.
16:51–EHS–Luckenbach gets rebound, drives to middle, and kicks to Cudjoe for jumper, and a 33-18 DUN lead.
16:19–DUN–turnover.
15:37–EHS–kick violation.
15:10–EHS–Luckenbach steals.
14:45–EHS–Luckenbach gets offensive rebound off own miss, and hits jumper on follow for a 33-20 DUN lead….7-0 Eagles run.
13:56–DUN–draws charge on Luckenbach.
13:06–EHS–Jackson pokes away steal, and then takes lob pass from Luckenbach for layin, and a 33-22 DUN lead.
12:35–DUN–draws foul, but misses both free throws.
12:00–EHS–turnover.
11:41–DUN–Gibney travels.
11:17–DUN–Brown forces 5 second violation on Cudjoe.
10:30–EHS–timeout.
10:20–EHS–Westbrook tries to dribble through traffic, but turns it over.
9:55–DUN–nice entry pass to a cutting Gibney for layup, and a 35-22 lead.
9:21–EHS–Cudjoe scores on the floater for 35-24 DUN lead.
7:55–EHS–Nice pass to Luckenbach on the left low block for layup,and a 35-26 DUN lead.
7:27–DUN–offensive foul–turnover.
6:57–EHS–Luckenbach drives in from left side for layup, and a 35-28 DUN lead.
6:07–DUN–Brown drives in, and kisses one high off the glass for layup, and a 37-28 lead after DUN gets block at the defensive end.
5:40–EHS–offensive rebound and putback by Jackson for a 37-30 DUN lead.
5:14–DUN–Gibney dishes for layup, and a 39-30 lead.
4:40–EHS–Luckenbach draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 39-31 DUN lead.
3:16–DUN–tries to putback miss by Brown, but Jackson blocks shot for jump ball.
2:53–EHS–Jackson blocks shot.
2:38–EHS–Jackson swats away shot attempt by Brown.
2:31–EHS–Ray draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 39-32 DUN lead.
1:29–EHS–After Luckenbach gets steal, Cudjoe draws foul on shot attempt, but misses both FTs.
1:06–DUN–Brown draws foul from Cudjoe on the drive, and makes 2 FTs for a 41-32 lead.
58.3–EHS–Luckenbach puts back his own miss for a 41-34 DUN lead.
57.0–EHS–timeout.
45.4–DUN–Brown fouled on floor by Ray.
42.3–DUN–misses front end of one and one, but gets offensive rebound.
34.9–DUN–Brown fouled, and makes both FTs for a 43-34 lead.
21.8–EHS–Luckenbach misses layup on drive, and can’t put in follow..ball goes out of bounds to DUN.
20.4–DUN–Brown fouled in backcourt, and misses front end of bonus.
7.0–EHS–Ray feeds Luckenbach for layup, and a 43-36 DUN lead.
0.5–DUN–fouled on layup attempt, and makes both FTs for a 45-36 win.

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at the Rahway Summer League again soon.

GMC Hoops Play-By-Play–Linden Summer League–June 30, 2011–Rutgers Prep vs. Paterson Kennedy

LINDEN, NJ–On Thursday, GMC Hoops traveled over to the Linden Summer League at Linden High School for the fourth day of action overall, and the second day of play in the Tuesday/Thursday Division. The site saw all four games including a non-conference battle between Rutgers Prep and Paterson Kennedy. Former Edison standout, Greg Grippo stood tall for the Argonauts with a double-double of 22 points and 10 rebounds along with 4 blocked shots to lead RU Prep to a 62-56 victory over the Knights in overtime. Below is the play by play from the game:

First Quarter

9:47–PK–hits baseline jumper from left side for a 2-0 lead.
9:26–RP–draws foul, and makes both free throws for a 2-2 tie.
8:28–RP–Greg Grippo scores on layup in transition for a 4-2 lead.
7:56–RP–nice dish from baseline underneath for a layin, and 6-2 lead.
7:25–PK–scores breakaway layup off steal on errant pass by Grippo for a 6-4 RP lead.
6:56–RP–Grippo makes nice entry lob pass down low to another player, who is fouled, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 7-4 lead.
4:40–PK–drives baseline from right side for layup, and a 7-6 RP lead.
3:56–RP–timeout.
3:36–PK–blocks Grippo shot on drive from left side.
3:13–PK–turnover after missed shot.
3:01–PK–steal.
2:54–PK–loses ball out of bounds on fast break.
2:26–PK–fouled on layup attempt, and makes both FTs for an 8-7 lead.
1:31–RP–Grippo gets offensive rebound, and draws foul on putback.  Makes one of two free throws for an 8-8 tie.
0:28–PK–three pointer over outstretched hand of Grippo on the left side for an 11-8 lead.
0:14–RP–Grippo misses layup attempt.
0:00–neither team can score before buzzer.

Grippo–3 points and 5 rebounds in quarter.
Two lead changes and two ties in period.
RP–biggest lead was 4 points…PK biggest lead was 3 points.

Second Quarter

9:49–RP–traveling.
9:19–PK–steals pass on break by Grippo.
9:10–PK–turns it over again on break
8:56–RP–Mike Klinger–three pointer from left corner for an 11-11 tie.
8:26–PK–gets offensive rebound off miss on floater, draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 12-11 lead.
7:31–PK–gets another offensive rebound, and draws foul on floor.
6:42–PK–gets another offensive rebound off a missed jumper, and gets fouled once more on the floor.
6:17–PK–buries three pointer from left wing for a 15-11 lead.
5:33–PK–double teams Grippo for steal that leads to a breakaway layup, and a 17-11 lead.
5:10–PK–forces another turnover.
4:15–PK–gets another steal, but can’t finish again in transition.
3:46–RP–hits jump hook off inbounds for a 17-13 PK lead.
3:30–PK–throws ball away.
3:17–RP–draws foul on layup attempt on break, but misses both FTs.
2:30–PK–makes 1 of 2 FTs for an 18-13 lead.
2:08–PK–draws charge.
1:50–PK–draws foul on the drive, and makes two free throws for a 20-13 lead.
1:40–RP–Grippo scores on layup in transition for a 20-15 lead.
1:02–RP–illegal screen.
0:45–PK–layup for a 22-15 lead.
0:25–RP–converts steal by Grippo with layup for a 22-17 PK lead.
0:00–RP–hits iron on jumper from right side as time runs out.

Grippo–1 of 5 FGs in quarter along with a rebound and a steal.
Klinger–three rebounds…four rebounds in half.
PK–had an 11-4 run over a span of 8:11 to take a 22-15 lead.
RP–without a field goal for 5:10 in period.
Grippo–5 points, 6 rebounds, and a steal

Third Quarter

9:47–RP–blocks shot at one end, and scores layup in transition at the other for a 22-19 PK lead.
9:11–RP–turnover–stepped out of bounds.
8:30–PK–turnover.
8:05–PK–draws foul on floor.
7:39–RP–travels in its own backcourt.
7:14–PK–drives left lane for scoop shot layup, and a 24-19 lead.
6:56–RP–Grippo drives in from the left wing for layup, and foul, but misses bonus FT.  PK leads 24-21
6:22–RP–Grippo gets hand on loose ball, drives down left lane, and converts traditional three point play for a 24-24 tie.
5:43–PK–three pointer from left wing for a 27-24 lead.
5:30–RP–Grippo drives in for layup, and a 27-26 PK lead.
5:03–RP–Mike Klinger–swipes steal, and goes the rest of the way for layup, and a 28-27 lead.
4:22–PK–gets rebound over Grippo, and scores on follow for a 29-28 lead.
4:10–RP–Klinger–drives in, and banks in floater from left side for a 30-29 lead.
4:03–PK–draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 30-30 tie.
3:15–RP–Klinger–drives in for layup, and  a 32-30 lead.
2:58–PK–three pointer for a 33-32 lead.
2:23–PK–three pointer from right side for a 36-32 lead.
2:07–RP–Grippo to Klinger in left corner for a three pointer, and a 36-35 PK lead.
1:54–PK–drives in for layup, and 38-35 lead.
1:45–RP–Grippo throws ball away.
0:40–PK–after jumper goes in and out for RP, and shot blocked, PK scores layup for a 40-35 lead.

Grippo–7 points, a rebound, and an assist in quarter
Klinger–9 points in quarter, and another rebound.

Fourth Quarter

9:38–RP–Klinger–dishes for layup, and a 40-37 PK lead.
9:17–PK–over the back foul.
8:07–RP–Grippo grabs rebound, goes the length of the floor, but just misses layup.
7:41–RP–connects on short jumper for a 40-39 PK lead.
7:21–PK–scores basket on follow, and draws foul, but misses FT.
6:54–PK–swipes steal.
6:48–PK–gets offensive rebound off a block by Grippo, and scores on putback for a 44-39 lead.
6:20–RP–draws foul, makes one of two free throws for a 44-40 PK lead.
5:57–RP–timeout.
5:10–PK–called for over the back after missing jumper.
4:50–RP–Klinger–draws foul on floor.
4:22–RP–Joe Kacmarsky–gets offensive rebound off Grippo miss, and makes a nice dish for layup, and a 44-42 PK lead.
3:40–PK–gets steal off Grippo pass.
3:15–RP–Klinger–gets rebound, and hands out assist on shot that gets kind bounce for a 44-44 tie.
2:56–PK–makes jumper for a 46-44 lead.
2:26–PK–draws foul on the drive, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 47-44 lead.
1:43–PK–draws charge.
1:27–RP–forces steal that gets into the hands of Grippo, who passes to Mike #4, who then drives left baseline for layup, and a 47-46 PK lead.
1:25–timeout.
0:58–PK– loses control of the basketball, but hits it off an RP defeender out of bounds to keep possession.
0:40–PK–draws foul, and makes 2 fts for a 49-46 lead.
0:33–RP–Grippo gets rebound, drives length of the floor, draws foul, and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 49-47 PK lead.
0:26–RP–gets steal in PK backcourt for layup and a 49-49 tie.
0:18–RP–Grippo with block on layup attempt.
0:00–both teams unable to score, and we go to overtime.

Overtime

2:46–RP–Grippo drives left lane for layup, and a 51-49 lead.
2:15–RP–Grippo grabs rebound, and passes up court to teammate for layup, and a 53-49 lead.
1:50–RP–Grippo leads the break after getting outlet pass, drives in for layup, draws foul, and makes bonus FT for three point play, and a 56-49 lead.
1:40–PK–draws foul, and makes two FTs for a 56-51 RP lead.
1:33–PK–swipes steal, but Grippo blocks shot.
1:32–RP–fouled in backcourt, and makes two FTs for a 58-51 lead.
1:13–PK–drives in from left wing and hits floater for a 58-53 RP lead.
1:12–RP–timeout.
0:54–RP–Klinger–fouled on layup attempt, but misses both FTs.
0:42–PK–connects on three from left corner for a 58-56 RP lead.
0:17–RP–Grippo fouled on floor, and makes 2 FTs for a 60-56 lead.
0:12–RP–Grippo blocks shot.
0:06–RP-Grippo fouled on floor, and makes 2 FTs for a 62-56 lead.
0:04–PK–misses three attempt.
RP wins 62-56

Grippo ends up with 22 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 blocks.

Teams In The 2011 Hoop Group Headquarters Summer League

NEPTUNE, NJ–Recently, GMC Hoops received information on the 2011 Hoop Group Headquarters Summer League. There are only 20 teams in the league this year, and none are from the Greater Middlesex Conference. Below is the list of all the teams in this league:

• Freehold Township
• Marlboro
• Toms River South
• Barnegat
• Monmouth Regional
• St. Rose
• Manasquan
• Manchester
• Neptune
• Brick Memorial
• Jackson Memorial
• Howell
• Toms River North
• Lacey
• Ocean Township
• Asbury Park
• Holmdel
• Rumson Fair-Haven
• Lakewood
• Brick Township

GMC Hoops doesn’t plan to cover this league this summer.

GMC Hoops Itinerary–Update–June 30, 2011

SOUTH PLAINFIELD, NJ–Over the past week, GMC Hoops made more stops to a number of different team camps and summer leagues. Already, the site has covered action in eight different summer leagues as well as five different team camps or showcase events. Here’s what we’ve covered so far:

• Hoop Group Headquarters Spring League
• Kean Spring League
• Raritan Bay Summer League
• Middlesex County College Summer League
• Monroe Sports Center Summer League
• Bound Brook Summer League
• Linden Summer League
• Rahway Summer League
• Linden Team Camp
• Montgomery Team Camp
• Hoop Group Summer Showcase
• East Brunswick Team Camp
• Rutgers Team Camp I

Next week, the site plans to cover action from the Elizabeth Summer League, Mercer County CYO League, Rahway Summer League, and second Rutgers Team Camp.

Some Teams In The 2011 Rahway Summer League

RAHWAY, NJ–On Thursday night, GMC Hoops traveled over to Rahway High School for the first time this summer to see action from the 2011 Rahway Summer League. The site saw the final game of the night between Dunellen and Edison, which was won by the Destroyers, 45-39. Below is a list of some of the teams that are playing in this league.

• Dunellen
• Edison
• J.P. Stevens
• Perth Amboy
• Rahway
• South Plainfield
• Woodbridge

GMC Hoops plans to be back out again at the Rahway Summer League soon.

2011 Rahway Summer League–Some Results–Day Five–June 30th

RAHWAY, NJ–On Thursday, GMC Hoops saw some of the action from the fifth day overall at the 2011 Rahway Summer League at Rahway High School. The site saw the final game played on Thursday night between two GMC teams in the league, Edison and Dunellen. Below is the result from the contest:

2011 Rahway Summer League–Some Results–Day Five–June 30th

• Dunellen 45–Edison 36

GMC Hoops will be posting play-by-play as well as an article on this game shortly.

2011 Linden Summer League–Results–Tuesday/Thursday Division–Day Two–June 30th

LINDEN, NJ–On Thursday, GMC Hoops saw some of the action from the fourth day overall, and the second day of the Tuesday/Thursday Division of the 2011 Linden Summer League at Linden High School. The site saw all four games played on Wednesday including three match ups involving three of the four GMC teams in the league, Cardinal McCarrick, East Brunswick, and St. Joseph’s. Below are results from all four games:

2011 Linden Summer League–Results–Tuesday/Thursday Division–Day Two–June 30th

• Linden 35–Cardinal McCarrick 24
• East Brunswick 45–Hillsborough 28
• Rutgers Prep 62–Paterson Kennedy 56 OT
• St. Joseph’s 62–Hudson Catholic 44

GMC Hoops will be posting play-by-play, stats, and an article on all the action soon.

2011 Monroe Sports Center Summer League–Standings–Through Day Five

MONROE, NJ–On Thursday, GMC Hoops received all the scores from the first five days of action at the Monroe Sports Center thanks to Director of Basketball Operations, Steve Mate. Using these results, we have put together the standings through five days of play.

2011 Monroe Sports Center Summer League–Standings–Through Week One

• Colts Neck (5-0)
• Manalapan (3-1)
• Freehold (2-1)
• Steinert (3-2)
• Spotswood (3-2)
• Monroe (2-3)
• South River (1-4)
• South Amboy (1-4)
• Notre Dame (0-3)

GMC Hoops hopes to be back out at the MSC next week.

2011 Monroe Sports Center Summer League–Results–Day Five–June 28th

MONROE, NJ–On Thursday afternoon, GMC Hoops received the results from the fifth day of action at the MSC Summer League from Steve Mate of the Monroe Sports Center. There were four games that were played. Below are the results from all four games:

2011 Monroe Sports Center Summer League–Results–Day Five–June 28th

• Steinert 44–Spotswood 40
• Freehold 40–Monroe 32
• South River 54–South Amboy 39
• Colts Neck 71–Notre Dame 31

GMC Hoops plans to be back out at the Monroe Sports Center Summer League next week.