Boys basketball Greater Middlesex Conference, southern Union County notebook
As the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament tips off, the league’s divisional races were wrapped up last week.
The St. Joseph of Metuchen High School boys basketball team officially clinched the Red Division title on Jan. 11, while Calvary Christian captured its first outright Gold Division crown the same day, after sharing honors with Highland Park last year. Woodbridge and Spotswood avenged early season losses to create ties for the crown atop the White and Blue Divisions, respectively.
In GMCT play, Gold Division schools recorded two upsets in Saturday’s play-in round, both on last-second baskets. Piscataway Magnet won at Metuchen, while Joel Cruz hit a late 3-pointer as Dunellen rallied to defeat New Brunswick.
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3 STARS
Matthew Cook, J.F. Kennedy: The senior guard returned to the Mustangs on Jan. 22 after missing the first 13 games due to a fractured pinkie incurred while playing volleyball. Cook and Marcus Bullock, who has yet to play this season, were being counted on lead the youthful squad. Sophomore Grant Lorentzen has stepped in admirably, averaging 14.7 points, and is already etched on next year’s players to watch list.
Chris Moronta, New Brunswick: The junior guard delivered half of his team’s points in a 45-44, last-second GMCT loss to Dunellen on Saturday. Those 22 points fell one shy of his season high and began with a nine-point showing in the opening quarter.
Daniel Swirad, South Brunswick: The senior forward erupted for 32 points, his third 30-point outing of the season in the Vikings GMCT victory over Kennedy. The lone returning veteran from last year’s GMCT finalists is averaging 20.8 points per game despite drawing extra attention every time he steps on the court.
ON THE MOVE
Wardlaw-Hartridge (1-19) presented Utah transplant Cory Clemetson with his first coaching victory in New Jersey with a 38-23 triumph over winless Asbury Park (0-20) on Friday.
For a team with an 8-13 record, East Brunswick certainly has some impressive victories, with No. 5 Old Bridge, No. 7. South Plainfield and No. 9 Woodbridge among its victims.
South Amboy (14-7), which was disqualified from competing in both the GMC and state tournaments, responded by running off a four-game winning streak before falling to North Warren on Saturday.
GAMES OF THE WEEK
Rahway at Hillside, 4 p.m., Tuesday (Union County Tournament preliminary round): When these teams meet it will mark their third meeting in just 11 days, each side winning on the other’s court. Expect a close encounter for the third time.
South River at East Brunswick, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday (GMCT preliminary round): Looking for a potential upset this round? Look no further, as explosive Alex Grospe (30.0) gives the Rams a puncher’s chance against anyone. East Brunswick has won three of its last four and is seeking its second three-game winning streak of the campaign.
Carteret at North Plainfield, 5:30 p.m., Tuesday (GMCT preliminary round): A very interesting matchup as one might expect when seed No. 16 hosts No. 17. North Plainfield received a bye but the Ramblers may have benefited from the extra game, which extended its winning streak to five games. Perhaps North Plainfield, with just one victory in its last six outings, could have used the boost in confidence and momentum.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ Boys basketball Greater Middlesex Conf., Union County notebook
