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