Ramblers End Three Game Losing Streak With Win Over Dunellen
DUNELLEN, NJ–For the third time this season, GMC Hoops saw the Dunellen Destroyers in action. Each time, it has been against a team from another division of the GMC. This time, it was Carteret of the GMC White. Like the Owls of Highland Park did in the opening round of the 2009 Shello Santy Tournament over the holidays, the Ramblers jumped out to an early lead. The difference here was that CHS made sure it kept the Destroyers down and out. Carteret took a 20-4 first quarter lead, and then extended it with a 15-8 showing in the second for a 35-12 halftime advantage. From there, the Ramblers cruised to a 59-31 victory.
D.J. Hamlet led the way in victory for the Ramblers with 15 points while cousin Nasheed added 12. Shaquille Jackson and Ryan Joseph each chipped in with 8. Jonard Hall tied D.J. Hamlet for game high with 15 points for Dunellen. It was the tenth straight game Hall has scored in double figures to start the season. Carteret had been playing well for a bit to start the season with three wins in its first five games including victories over Cardinal McCarrick (57-53) on December 21st and Sayreville (50-47 in 2 OT) on January 4th. However, since that point, the Ramblers, which have had only one winning season since last claiming the GMCT in 2002, lost three straight games including a 49-39 defeat at home to South Plainfield. So, this was a much needed win for Carteret.
The Ramblers are athletic, and play great defense. They do struggle to score points on offense, but with a solid defense, and a solid work ethic, these Ramblers could still find a way into the state tournament. It won’t be easy though since they play in the rough and tumble GMC White. Meanwhile, you have to admire Bernie Buniak for playing up in his schedule. The Destroyers have been playing the likes of Carteret, Highland Park, J.F. Kennedy, and pretty soon Sayreville. That’s pretty tough for one of the smallest schools in the county. Add to that the fact that Dunellen has two sophomores and a freshman playing every night makes it even more admirable. DHS isn’t making any excuses, and while they have yet to win a crossover game, the tough schedule has paid off with a 5-0 first place mark in the GMC Gold.
While there are the likes of seniors Jonard Hall and Luke Francisco leading the young Destroyers this season, Dunellen also has a fine sophomore in Sean Gibney, who scored only five points in this game including the team’s only three pointer in the contest to close out the scoring. Dylan Hoski, who scored 4 points, is only a freshman, but he shows the tenacity and heart of a veteran. Both of these players have been going through their share of growing pains this season, but this experience will make them and the DHS team better by not only season’s end, but also for several years to come. Carteret is 2-0 in crossover games this season while the GMC White is 11-4 overall against other divisions in the conference. Dunellen is 0-3 in interdivisional contests while the Gold Division is 0-9. The Ramblers are 4-4 in conference play while Dunellen is 4-3.