Shore Conference Tournament: Big Men to Watch
The seeding for the Shore Conference Tournament was released yesterday with Manasquan. The Warriors made the Tournament Final and are looking for their first Shore Conference Tournament title since 1957. Middletown South and Toms River North are Manasquan’s top competition,…
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Continue ReadingThe seeding for the Shore Conference Tournament was released yesterday with Manasquan. The Warriors made the Tournament Final and are looking for their first Shore Conference Tournament title since 1957. Middletown South and Toms River North are Manasquan’s top competition, while Holmdel and Marlboro are also talented squads. The Shore Conference is filled with talented guards, but there are also solid post players in the tournament. Here are the top big men to watch in the 2020 Shore Conference Tournament.
Alex Galvan, 6’7 PF Manasquan 2020
The Louisville baseball commit might be dealing with a shin injury, but he has been one of the top players in the Shore Conference over the last two season. The 6’7 senior has a soft touch around the basket and has a good mid-range game. Galvan is a tough rebounder down low and is a solid shot-blocker. His chemistry with sophomore Ben Roy is fantastic as both players play well off each other. Galvan is a walking double-double and is hoping to win his first ever Shore Conference Tournament title.
Najae Hallenback, 6’6 PF Toms River North 2020
Jakari Spence entered the season as the Mariners’ go-to scorer, but Hallenback has emerged as a dominant scorer down low. The 6’6 power forward understands how to get positioning down low as he buries opponents behind him. Hallenback has a soft touch around the basket and can even knock down shots from behind the arc. Toms River North has one of the best senior duos in the Shore Conference with Hallenback and Spence, who are looking to play in their first tournament final.
Kyle Rhoden, 6’9 C Ranney School 2021
Sophomores Elijah Perkins, Ryan Zan and Charles Anyichie have been the main forces for Ranney this season, but Rhoden is the X-factor for the Panthers’ success in the 2020 Shore Conference Tournament. The 6’9 junior has only played in four games this season, but he has impacted the game with his length and athleticism around the basket. Rhoden alters numerous shots around the rim and has a nice touch around the basket. Ranney is the two-time defending champion, but needs Kyle to be at his best to give the Panthers a shot at the three-peat
Kevin Bauman, 6’5 PF Red Bank Catholic 2020
The Notre Dame football commit might not have the same perimeter game as Boston College commit Charlie Gordinier, but he gives the Caseys a physical presence down low. Bauman is a rugged rebounder who loves to do the dirty work down low. The 6’5 power forward can finish around the basket and is good at passing out of the post. His court vision allows for Gordinier and Cyril Arvantis to spot up on the perimeter for open three-pointers. Bauman needs to bring his A-game as the Caseys are looking to improve upon their quarterfinals appearance from last season.
Ryan Savoy, 6’4 SF/PF Lakewood 2020
While Savoy may not be a true post player, he spends the majority of his playing time inside for the Piners. The 6’4 senior is a great athlete as he is one of the top shot-blockers in the Shore Conference. Savoy knows how to draw contact when he gets into the lane and can grab rebounds over bigger opponents. Lakewood has a tough opening round draw against Southern, but Savoy is capable of carrying the Piners to an opening round upset.
Other Players to Watch:
John Buekers, 6’6 C Matawan 2020
Jack Seidler, 6’5 SF/PF Marlboro 2022
Wyat Hasselbauer, 6’7 PF Manchester Township 2022
Phil Urban, 6’5 PF Mater Dei Prep 2021
Sam Young, 6’5 PF Point Pleasant Boro 2020