Shore Conference Tournament Quarterfinals: Biggest Winners
The quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament was filled with excitement. Toms River North poured in over 100 points, Red Bank Catholic survived late against Mater Dei and a rematch of last year’s final highlighted the quarterfinals. The games were…
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Continue ReadingThe quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament was filled with excitement. Toms River North poured in over 100 points, Red Bank Catholic survived late against Mater Dei and a rematch of last year’s final highlighted the quarterfinals. The games were full of high level play as numerous players eclipsed 20 points during the course of the day. Here are the biggest winners from the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals.
Ben Roy, 6’0 PG Manasquan 2022
The Warriors entered the quarterfinal game against Ranney without Louisville baseball commit Alex Galvan. Roy stepped up for Manasquan as he scored a game-high 17 points in a 59-43 win in a rematch of the 2019 final. The sophomore guard controlled the pace of the game and set up junior Jack Collins for open shots on the perimeter. Roy took the ball to the basket strong and played solid perimeter defense alongside senior Kieren Flanagan. He has been playing at a high level all season and is definitely a contender for Shore Conference Player of the Year.
Najae Hallenback, 6’6 PF Toms River North 2020
The Mariners’ senior duo of Hallenback and Jakari Spence have been dominant all season, which was highlighted in a 114-85 win over Marlboro. The latter ran the offense to perfection as he finished off with 21 points and 17 assists. Hallenback was dominant down low as he had 29 points and 15 rebounds as the Mustangs couldn’t stop him from scoring down low. The 6’6 power forward showed off his soft touch around the basket and his ability to knock down jump shots away from the basket.
Alex Baker, 6’5 C Holmdel 2021
Baker has been one of the more underrated post players in the Shore Conference this season and showcased it in a 61-48 win over Wall. The 6’5 junior was force down low as the Crimson Knights could not stop him from scoring down low. Baker was tough on the boards and played good help defense on Quinn Calabrese. The Hornets have a tough matchup against Manasquan in the semifinals, but Baker has proven to be up for the challenge against the Warriors.
Kevin Bauman, 6’5 PF Red Bank Catholic 2020
The Caseys were playing without Boston College football commit Charlie Gordinier, so Bauman needed to step up on the interior. The Notre Dame football commit answered with 17 points and 13 rebounds as Mater Dei struggled to stop him down low. Bauman put himself in great position to score down low and took on double teams to free up sophomore Cyril Arvantis on the perimeter. His clutch free throw shooting was the difference as he knocked down a pair to ice the game. Bauman showed that he can be a focal point of the offense, which the Caseys will need in the semifinals.
Alex Ratner, 6’0 PG Marlboro 2020
The Mustangs may have given up 114 points to Toms River North, but that does not take away from Ratner’s performance. The 6’0 senior scored a quarterfinal-high 35 points against the Mariners as he tried his best to keep Marlboro in the game. Ratner knocked down three-pointers, attacked the basket strong and was effective in the mid-range. His ability to score 30 on any given night is a good sign for a Marlboro team with aspirations for a deep run in Central Jersey Group 4.
Other Names to Know:
Jakari Spence, 5’10 PG Toms River North 2020
Peter Gorman, 5’10 PG Mater Dei 2020
Cyril Arvantis, 6’0 PG Red Bank Catholic 2022
Pat Lacey, 6’1 SG Wall 2021