What We Learned Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase

Saturday morning we drove down to Brookdale Community College for the Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase. We saw all three games that were played before the snowstorm forced the cancellation of the last two. We saw two of NJ teams top 5 teams as well as some of the top teams at the Shore.

WHAT WE LEARNED

PATRICK SCHOOL FLEXED THEIR MUSCLES TODAY

NJ Hoops #1 team, the Patrick School flexed their muscles today easily disposing of previously unbeaten and #5 Mater Dei 65-42. A 21-8 second quarter put the game away and it was never close thereafter. The size, defense and balanced of the Celtics was scary for anyone hoping to beat them this year in the state tournament. It was thought that Mater Dei with goods win in the Buc Classic and over Union Catholic may be able to give them a game. It wasn't so.

THE SHORE CONFERENCE TOURNAMENT WILL BE FUN

Mater Dei and Ranney are the prohibitive favorites for the Shore Conference Tournament but other teams that played today, Toms River North, Rumson, CBA and Marlboro all represented themselves well this afternoon. The Shore Conference fans came out to fill Brookdale despite the storm and I'm sure will again for the Tournament quarterfinals next month. It's always known for the great crowds and atmosphere as well as the basketball.

LOOK OUT FOR RUMSON & MARLBORO

Rumson and Marlboro opened up the day with a good close contest with Rumson pulling away late for a 49-44 win. Both teams are off to good starts despite missing their top players with injuries. Both 5-foot-11 Sr. PJ Ringel and 6-foot-7 Elijah McCallister are both expected back this month and will give their teams a huge lift.

CBA IS A TEAM TO WATCH FOR THE FUTURE

The Colts may not have their best team this year but the future is bright. Their three best players, 6-foot-5 Jr. PJ Ringel, 5-foot-11 So. Liam Kennedy and 6-foot-8 So. Josh Cohen will be back next season