Central Jersey Group 2 Semi-Final: Every Team’s Dynamic Duo
We are just three games away from crowning a champion in the Central Jersey Group 2 bracket. The top-two seeds have moved on while No. 5 and 6 picked up wins in the quarterfinal round. The four teams left are…
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Continue ReadingWe are just three games away from crowning a champion in the Central Jersey Group 2 bracket. The top-two seeds have moved on while No. 5 and 6 picked up wins in the quarterfinal round. The four teams left are very deep and feature some crazy talented duos. Here are the ones that will have the biggest impact.
No. 1 Manasquan
Ben Roy Ben Roy 6'2" | PG Manasquan | 2022 State #218 Nation NJ (2022) & Alex Galvan Alex Galvan 6'7" | PF Manasquan | 2020 State NJ (2020)
There’s nothing quite like an elite point guard and forward combination. This particular duo has led Manasquan to a 29-1 record, a Shore Conference Tournament title, and now a state semi-final. Roy scored a game-high 22 points in the win over Rumson-Fair Haven. Galvan was right behind him with 16 points, 13 rebounds, and four blocks. Manasquan is a heavy favorite to win this bracket. Their only loss this season came against Roselle Catholic at the buzzer.
Roy has quickly turned into one of the best guards in the state. He is a talented scorer who can shoot and get to the rim whenever he wants. For Galvan, this is his final season of basketball. He is committed to play baseball at Louisville next year. He is looking to add a state title and possible TOC over the next few weeks.
No. 2 Holmdel
Jack Giamanco Jack Giamanco 5'9" | PG Holmdel | 2020 State NJ (2020) & Alex Baker (2021)
Picking two players from Holmdel was a difficult decision. They are a 22-win team with many similar players who know their role. Doug Chan was in consideration after his 15-point performance against Roselle in the quarterfinal. Ultimately, Giamanco and Baker have been their leaders all season long. Holmdel gave Manasquan a run in the Shore Conference Tournament but came up just short.
Baker has caught fire as of late. The junior is beginning to fully come into his own and that includes a game-high 19 points against Roselle. Baker is a talented player on the post and on the boards. Giamanco has been their senior leader all season. He is a big time shooter and is effective running the point. Each team needs a guy who can control the tempo of the game and that is Giamanco for Holmdel.
No. 5 Bordentown
Jordan Martin Jordan Martin 6'2" | PG Bordentown | 2020 State NJ (2020) & Gavin Shiver Gavin Shiver 6'0" | SG Bordentown | 2020 State NJ (2020)
Any duo beginning with Martin is a good one. He scored 27 points and hit six three’s to lead Bordentown past No. 4 Robbinsville. This has been nothing new. Martin has been an elite scorer all season long. He is one of the best unsigned seniors in the state. This was his fourth straight game in double-figures. He has scored 10 or more in all but two games this season including two 36-point games. Martin has knocked down 66 three’s this season. The list goes on-and-on.
As good as Martin has been, Shiver has been just as good of late. He has been in double-figures in all but three games with three 30-point performances of his own. Shiver scored 16 points against Robbinsville. He has also been an elite shooter with 57 three’s on the season. It is impossible to win a state title alone. Teams need multiple players who can take over and lead. Bordentown certainly has two in Martin and Shiver.
No. 6 Lincoln
Toriano Munford Toriano Munford 6'5" | SF Lincoln | 2021 State NJ (2021) & Wendell Moreland (2022)
Munford and Moreland have Lincoln set up well for next season but they are not done in 2020. It was a route when they took the floor against Hillside. Lincoln picked up a 75-46 win to move on in the tournament. Munford and Moreland both filled up the stat sheet. Munford finished with 22 points, eight rebounds, five assists, and four blocks. Moreland had 23 points, three rebounds, five assists, and four steals.
The 6’5 Munford has scored 20 or more points in three straight games. Moreland has dished out five or more assists in three straight and seven of the last 11 games. These are two players with extremely wide skill sets. As a sophomore, Moreland has complete control of not only his game, but the entire game being played on the court. Munford has turned into one of the more dominant player in the bracket right before our eyes. Lincoln will take on Holmdel in the semi-final and they have a chance because of this pair. Holmdel will struggle containing Munford down low.