Big Runs By Roselle Catholic Proved To Be Too Much For Falcons
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ROSELLE, NJ–Monday night’s scrimmage against Roselle Catholic was going to be a very tough challenge for the Monroe Falcons coming in. Â With the likes of Tyler Roberson transferring in from Union as well as the likes of Jameel Varney, Chris Gross, and Nikko Velez returning, Roselle Catholic is looking to be a major player in New Jersey High School Basketball this coming season. Â However, the Purple Birds didn’t back down from the challenge. Â Leading the way were seniors Ryan Genevieve and Victor Sorrento. Â The two combined for 41 of the team’s 55 points, and all ten three pointers made.
Genevieve pumped in 31 points including 16 in the second and 9 in the fourth. Genevieve netted 8 of his team’s 10 three pointers.  Monroe actually outscored Roselle Catholic by a 30-27 margin from beyond the arc as both teams combined for 19 threes in the exhibition.  The problem was that the Lions had too much size, talent, and depth to overcome.  RCHS had five dunks in the game including four in just the first period alone.  Despite that, Monroe was competitive for much of the first, all of the second and fourth, and for the final portion of the third.  Roselle Catholic only edged the Falcons in the second  with two free throws at the one second mark, and by two in the final frame.
Leading by only one  midway through the first period, the Lions went on a decisive 11-0 tear to take a 20-8 lead with 3:15 to go in the period.  During the run, the Union County school had a three pointer, and two conventional three point plays.  The third period started with Genevieve connecting from long distance, but then Roselle Catholic went on a 13-0 spurt en route to a 19-9 edge in the period.  RCHS jumped out to a 14-5 lead in the second period, but the Falcons, led by Genevieve, rallied with a 13-4 spurt to tie the game in the final minute of the period.  The final period was the most competitive with two lead changes and two ties.  Roselle Catholic went on a 9-0 run over a span of 2:09 to take the largest lead of the quarter.
In each quarter, the Lions were able to put together a big run that made things difficult for the Falcons to overcome. Â Roselle Catholic outscored Monroe by a 47-5 margin over a span of just 10:11 when you put all four of the spurts together. Â The rest of the game (21:49) was much more competitive as Monroe actually outscored RC by a margin of 50-38. Â If the Falcons can stay focused for 32 minutes, they can be competitive. Â MTHS had some trouble with turnovers, which Roselle Catholic was more than happy to cash in on. Â Minimizing mistakes will definitely help the Falcons prevent opponents from getting big runs. Â The Falcons open up against North Brunswick, and are playing in the Anthony Cotoia Holiday Tournament at South Plainfield.
It will be tough for the Falcons to compete in the seemingly always rugged GMC White Division. Â However, this team plays hard, and has players with county and state tournament experience. Â Sorrento is a 5’10” or 5’11” player that plays like he is 6’4″ or 6’5″. Â Genevieve and Sorrento can both hurt you from the perimeter. Â If the Purple Birds can stay focused for 32 minutes, and not let teams put together big runs, they may surprise people this season.