Knights Remain Undefeated After Four Weeks Of Play In Division B
NEPTUNE, NJ–There are only three GMC teams competing in the Hoop Group Headquarters Fall League. It is no surprise that two of them: Cardinal McCarrick and East Brunswick are undefeated so far this season since both teams are expected to do great things in 2010-11. Each of those squads have a good nucleus returning, and in the case of McCarrick, had a key addition with Ahmid Williams transferring from Monroe. However, the third team, Old Bridge is also undefeated and tied for first place in their division. Now, it is true that the Knights are playing in the weaker Division B, but considering how the team finished last season, the losses to graduation, and some off the field distractions, they are doing very well.
Old Bridge is 4-0 and tied with Howell for first place in Division B. GMC Hoops has seen the Knights play in three of their four games, and although they have had some issues putting the ball in the basket, they have gradually improved. Both junior Isaiah Velez and sophomore Sultan Aminu have put up good numbers while the younger more inexperienced players are beginning to gain confidence. Whether or not it translates to success during the regular season in the revamped Red Division against the likes of EB, St. Joe’s, Piscataway, and new addition, Colonia remains to be seen, but this start is a very good first step for Old Bridge. There is still a lot of rough edges that need to be polished, but the Knights have plenty to feel good about.
In the three Old Bridge games GMC Hoops covered so far this fall, the Knights have won all three by a combined margin of 137-98. In two of those contests, the Knights have only shot a combined 37 of 92 for 40 percent including just 6 of 35 from three point range. However, Old Bridge has shot 22 of 30 from the foul line for 73 percent while limiting their opponents to 26 of 89 shooting for 29 percent including 10 of 38 from three point range. The Knights have also forced 32 turnovers in these two contests, scored 22 points off of those turnovers, grabbed 22 offensive rebounds, and scored 16 second chance points. Aminu has led the way with an average of 13 points and 8.5 rebounds in two of those contests. Velez has added 9 points and 6.5 rebounds per game in those same two games.
In the third victory over Ocean Township on Monday night, the Knights trailed 27-22 with 3:50 left, and 29-26 with 43 seconds to go, but after a timeout, the younger players stepped up to make contributions. The first came on a three pointer from the right wing to tie the score at 29-29 with 41 seconds left. Then, after forcing an Ocean Township turnover, the Knights took the lead for good on a drive from the left wing for a scoop shot layup with five seconds left, and the 31-29 victory. The second week of the season against Manasquan (60-46 win) the youngsters made 15 of 38 shots including 4 of 14 from three after going 2 of 10 against Freehold Township (46-23 win) to account for 70 percent of the offense.
The Knights have won three of their games with strong second half performances. On opening night, OBHS pulled away from a 12-11 halftime lead with a 34-12 surge for a 46-23 victory over Freehold Township. In week two, the Knights pulled away from a 29-29 halftime lead with a 31-18 surge in the second half to defeat Manasquan, 60-46. Then, on Monday night, Old Bridge outscored Ocean Township by a 21-15 margin in the final half to pull out the two point win. Old Bridge, which plays again at 9:00 PM next Monday night versus Brick Memorial, still has a long way to go, but is making progress. Most importantly, the Knights are putting in off-season work, which is critical to the development of the younger players, and to the overall improvement of the team.