Shore Conference: Season Preview
The Shore Conference took a huge step in New Jersey last season. They had some high Division I talent, the best team in the state, and some returning players who will continue the success. 2018-2019 Season Recap Ranney led the…
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Continue ReadingThe Shore Conference took a huge step in New Jersey last season. They had some high Division I talent, the best team in the state, and some returning players who will continue the success.
2018-2019 Season Recap
Ranney led the way last season and it was not close. They finished with a record of 31-3 led by Scottie Lewis and the conference’s all-time leading scorer Bryan Antoine. Ranney completed the sweep last season. They won the Shore Conference title, their state sectional title, and the Tournament of Champions title which officially crowned them as the best team in New Jersey.
Manasquan finished 29-3 last season. They reached the Shore Conference tournament final for the first time since 2005 and were in search of their first title since 1957. They came up just short against Ranney. Toms River North was a powerhouse in 2018 with a record of 24-5 and a 14-0 division record. Teams like Wall, Red Bank Catholic, CBA, and Freehold all finished with 20 or more wins.
The conference last season was decided early on when Ranney began to flex their muscles. Heading into this season with Lewis at Florida and Antoine at Villanova, the conference will be much more wide open.
2019-2020 Season Preview
Ranney lost two of the top players in the nation last season. Both Lewis and Antoine were ranked in the top-15 in ESPN’s Top 100. This does not mean that their season will be lost. Ranney will still be a force but they might not be the favorites.
Manasquan has to be the favorite in the conference to get their first title in over 60 years. One main reason is the return of Alex Galvan. The 6’6 forward will enter his senior season of a year where he averaged a double-double. Galvan landed on the All-Conference First-Team after he averaged 17.8 points and 10.3 rebounds per game. Manasquan won the Class A Central title last season but they could be in for an even bigger season in 2019.
Wall, Toms River North, and Red Bank Catholic will not be going anywhere either. They have built programs where players develop at a young age and play multiple years on the varsity level. Charlie Gordinier of Red Bank Catholic might be the best outside shooter in the conference. Quinn Calabrese of Wall and Jakari Spence Jr. of Toms River North both averaged over 18 points as a junior. There is elite scorers and shooters in the Shore Conference.
In 2019-2020, teams by the beach will be on display in New Jersey. The best team in New Jersey last season was from the Shore Conference so they will look to make it two in a row.