Basketball
Patrick School’s Al-Amir Dawes Commits to Clemson
Patrick School four-start point guard Al-Amir Dawes made his college choice official Thursday afternoon, officially choosing to attend Clemson University after his graduation in 2019. Dawes is currently ranked No. 95 nationally by ESPN.com for the Class of 2019 rankings. He scored 11.8 points per game for Patrick School last year en route to a 14-11 record. Watch JSZ’s feature about Dawe’s college decision: Dawes brings speed, tenacity and leadership to a Clemson squad on the rise. The Tigers went 25-10 last year and played into the NCAA Tournament’s Sweet Sixteen round. Clemson also finished third place in the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC). He joins an elite class of recruits from the Garden State who’ve committed prior to the start of their senior seasons. Roselle Catholic’s Kahlil Whitney will attend the University of Kentucky, while top-flight Ranney School recruits Bryan Antoine (Villanova) and Scottie Lewis (Florida) have made their decisions. Want to see highlights from Dawes’ junior season? JSZ has them right here:
The Decision is IN: Scottie Lewis to Florida
The Scottie Lewis sweepstakes is over. The five-star, super-athletic Ranney School small forward has given a verbal commitment to play for the Florida Gators upon his graduation in 2019. Lewis had narrowed his college choices down to Kentucky and Florida in the past weeks. He made the decision Tuesday night via his various social media channels. Jersey Sports Zone gives fans across basketball a glimpse of what’s to come in college basketball and beyond with Scottie’s highlight reel captured by our cameras: Lewis and Ranney teammate Bryan Antoine have been two of the most high profile recruits in America over the last four years — Antoine gave his verbal commitment to defending national champion Villanova in September. Antoine and Lewis are respectively ranked the No. 13 and 14 players in the Class of 2019, according to ESPN. In 2015, Lewis and Antoine arrived to the Tinton Falls private school which didn’t have much of a basketball reputation. That quickly changed as Ranney became Shore Conference champions in their junior season and reached the Non-Public “B” state championship game in a matchup against the eventual Tournament of Champions winner, Roselle Catholic. Lewis and Antoine — along with University of Florida commit Alex Klatsky and Division I prospect Ahmadu Sarnor — are considered the favorites to be New Jersey’s top team in high school basketball for the 2018-19 season. Lewis, however, has also made it clear he has aspirations beyond basketball. Before his junior season, Lewis held his first annual Hoops for Homeless fundraiser that helped raise awareness for Lunch Break, a Red Bank-based non-profit organization. Jersey Sports Zone has chronicled the high school careers of Lewis and Antoine over the last three years. Watch some of our videos below to see not only incredible highlights but a glimpse of the high character that Scottie is bringing to Gainesville and the national basketball scene:
Bonnies Bound: Justin Winston commits to St. Bonaventure
Justin Winston, who played his high school basketball at Montclair Immaculate, has made a verbal commitment to play Division I basketball in the Atlantic 10 for Saint Bonaventure University. Winston will play the 2018-19 season at Putnam Academy Science in Connecticut, the winners of the 2018 National Prep School championship. The 6-foot-7 power forward averaged 15.3 points per game for an ICHS team that upset Hudson Catholic and reached the state semifinals in New Jersey’s Non-Public “B” division. Ranked the #47 power forward in the class of 2019, Winston had 11 Division I offers, choosing the Bonnies over UConn, Pitt, and Seton Hall among others. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Justin Winston’s junior season: Saint Bonaventure went 26-8 in 2017-18 under head coach Mark Schmidt, beating UCLA in the play-in game of the NCAA Tournament before falling to the Florida Gators. St. Bonaventure has two New Jersey natives on the current roster who went to Putnam Science Academy before arriving in Western New York. Kyle Lofton (Union Catholic) and Osun Osunnyi (Mainland) will begin their college basketball careers this winter. Winston was honored by Jersey Sports Zone at its All-State basketball banquet last March. GO BONNIES!!!🔥🔥🔥 pic.twitter.com/jjllG7zUDh — J_DOT35 (@BBM__Justin) September 17, 2018
Alexander Rice commits to Bucknell
Former Mater Dei Prep guard Alexander Rice has committed to play Division I basketball in the Patriot League for the Bucknell Bison. Rice, who began his high school career at St. Anthony’s in Jersey City playing under legendary coach Bob Hurley, moved on to Mater Dei Prep for his junior season after the Jersey City school closed its doors. With the sudden departure of Ben Gamble, Rice elected to transfer to the Patrick School for his senior campaign. Rice will team with to Al-Amir Dawes to form one of the most dynamic backcourt duos in New Jersey high school basketball in 2018-19. Alexander’s father, King Rice, was a star at the University of North Carolina and is the current head coach at Monmouth University. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Rice from his junior season at Mater Dei Prep:
Ranney’s Klatsky commits to Florida Gators
Ranney guard Alex Klatsky has made his college choice. The sharpshooting guard will join the Florida Gators basketball program as a preferred walk-on. Klatsky averaged 9.2 points per game for the Panthers and drained 66 three-pointers, good for 2.4 a game. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of the SEC-bound marksman: Klatsky made his commitment following a visit to Gainesville with Ranney teammate Scottie Lewis. Lewis, one of the top recruits in the nation, has Florida among his finalists and is still mulling his options. Bryan Antoine committed to defending NCAA champ Villanova earlier this month. It’s great to be a Florida Gator 🐊 pic.twitter.com/Ou6aQIRGU5 — Alex Klatsky (@AlexKlatsky4) September 11, 2018
Roselle Catholic’s Pierre-Louis is Vegas bound
Roselle Catholic guard Josh Pierre-Louis has given a verbal commitment to play Division I basketball for the UNLV Runnin Rebels. Watch his JSZ highlight reel from his junior season that saw him run the floor for New Jersey’s Tournament of Champions winner Pierre-Louis averaged 8.8 points and 2 points per game for the Lions playing alongside Naz Reid (LSU), Alanzo Frink (South Carolina), Ithiel Horton (Delaware) and Kahlil Whitney (Kentucky). Whitney and Pierre-Louis are back for their senior season at Roselle Catholic as they look to defend their T of C title. The Roselle Catholic point guard chose UNLV over Georgia and Oklahoma State. Adam Zagoria of Zags Blog was the first to report the commitment: pic.twitter.com/fQjDAllbPo — Josh Pierre-Louis (@mvojet1) September 9, 2018
Ranney’s Antoine commits to Villanova
Ranney five-star recruit Bryan Antoine has given a verbal commitment to play for coach Jay Wright and the Villanova Wildcats. Antoine is considered one of the top 10 prospects in the country. He made the official announcement on Tuesday morning after informing coach Wright on Monday night on his decision to join the Wildcats. Teammate Scottie Lewis has not announced his college choice yet and has Villanova in his final five along with Stanford, Duke, Kentucky and Florida. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of the newest member of Villnova:
X marks the spot for Bergen Catholic’s Freemantle
Bergen Catholic four-star forward Zach Freemantle has made a verbal commitment to play Division I basketball at Xavier. Freemantle blossomed into an offensive force for the 23 win Bergen Catholic Crusaders in 2018. The 6 foot 8 junior poured in 20 points a game, playing physical and above the rim in the post, but also able to step back and knock down a jumper when needed. Zach exploded for 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 6 blocks in the Crusader’s Bergen County Jamboree Semi-Final win over Ramapo. Watch JSZ’s junior mixtape from the newest member of the Xavier Musketeers: Zach was named to JSZ’s All-Zone boys basketball team for his junior season and will be one of the top big men in the rugged North Jersey basketball scene heading into his senior campaign. Blessed to announce that I have commited to Xavier University! ⚔️ pic.twitter.com/KtRWY3u4H4 — Zach Freemantle (@zachfreemantle) August 21, 2018 Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Bergen Catholic is made possible by the support of Equinox Fitness Clubs. Equinox is the reason we can bring you great highlights of all the Crusaders!
Kahlil Whitney commits to Kentucky
One of New Jersey’s mega-recruits from the class of 2019 has made his choice. Roselle Catholic forward Kahlil Whitney has given a verbal commitment to play in the SEC for coach John Calipari and the Kentucky Wildcats. Whitney chose the Wildcats over Illinois, Oregon and Georgetown. Whitney was part of a Roselle Catholic squad that won New Jersey’s Tournament of Champions. Watch Jersey Sports Zone’s junior year mix-tape of the newest member of Big Blue Nation:
Teams Reuniting at Summer Shootout 2018
The 2018 Summer Shootout at Trenton Catholic Academy came to a close Sunday. Players from various programs in the tri state area have taken a break from AAU ball to reunite with their high school teammates before the start of a new year. Each day features a schedule of new schools with every team playing four games. It’s a good opportunity for young players to get more adjusted to the high schools level and gives teams the chance to play schools they might not see in the regular season.
Watch the Ultimate Mix Tapes of Ranney’s Antoine and Lewis
The Ranney School broke through in 2017-18 with its first-ever Shore Conference championship and a spot in the state finals and an epic battle with eventual Tournament of Champions winner Roselle Catholic. The Panthers will be a contender to be New Jersey’s top basketball team in 2018-19 thanks to the senior duo of Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis. As they head into their senior season, Antoine and Lewis are ranked #9 and #10 in ESPN’s top national recruits in the class of 2019. Both players wrapped up their AAU careers with Team Rio and have one more chapter to write in high school. With both players expected to make their college choice in the fall, JSZ broke down every game we shot of the Panthers and compiled two amazing mixtapes that showcase the incredible talent of these two players. SCOTTIE LEWIS Final Seven Schools (in alphabetical order): Duke, Florida, Harvard, Kentucky, Saint John’s, Stanford, Villanova BRYAN ANTOINE Final Five Schools (in alphabetical order): Duke, Florida, Kansas, Kentucky, Villanova
More Than Just Hoops at the South Jersey Basketball Academy
The South Jersey Basketball Academy hosted by St. Mary’s of the Lakes in Medford, NJ is a great opportunity for girls and boys ages 7-15 to work on their skills during summer break. Organized by Co-Directors Kevin Hagan and Rowan University Men’s Basketball Coach, Brian Bouchard, SJBA is out to teach important life lessons to its camp goers in addition to improving their physical skills. Current and former college players looking to coach also see it as an opportunity to gain experience for their careers. The South Jersey Basketball Academy will be starting a 3 on 3 league set to take place this Fall, you can click here for more sign up information. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the story:
Ranney duo adds their names to rich history of JSBL
It’s the heart of the AAU basketball season and Team Rio is traveling the country playing in Under Armour’s top showcases. With a team that is comprised of three Ranney starters and some of the top college prospects in the Tri-State area, Team Rio made a stop in the famed JSBL for a one-game exhibition. The JSBL is in its 48th year on the Jersey Shore with numerous college basketball standouts and former NBA players giving the league a reputation as one of the best summer leagues in the country. Team Rio took on the unique challenge of facing a team that is comprised of players with Division I college basketball experience. Doughboys saw a number of former Shore Conference standouts who are now playing college ball. Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis shined in front of a packed gym, but it was the Doughboys outlasting the high school AAU squad in a 130-123 victory. JSZ has the highlights and post-game reaction from an entertaining showcase on a Tuesday night at Saint Rose High School: Meet the Irish Hulk! Thank you to all the schools that have put in energy, time and effort in recruiting me thus far. However from now on I will be focusing on these 10 schools. I WILL BE COMMITTING TO… #Blessed pic.twitter.com/yJl3jQh8m9 — Aidan Harris Igiehon (@Big_harris22) June 26, 2018 6-foot-10 Team Rio power forward Aidan Harris Igiehon plays his high school ball in Brooklyn, but hails from Ireland. Dubbed “The Irish Hulk”, Igiehon is a five-star recruit who’s final 10 schools include Louisville, Saint John’s and Oregon. Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of Igiehon more than holding his own against an experienced team of Division I players: Lewis and Antoine Step up Against College Vets Scottie Lewis poured in 28 points and Bryan Antoine had 29 in their JSBL debut. JSZ has the highlight reels of the Ranney duo from Belmar:
Trevon Duval Fighting for Spot in NBA
Trevon Duval has certainly learned a valuable life lesson over the last few months: A lot can change in one year. 12 months ago the 6 foot 3 Duval arrived at Duke University as the No. 1 Ranked Point Guard in the Class of 2017 according to ESPN, and a lottery pick lock on a number of NBA mock drafts. Now, the 19 year old Duval is fighting and clawing for a spot on the Houston Rockets’ roster after a one-and-done season at Duke that saw him put up 10.3 points and 5.6 assists per game, followed by going un-drafted in June’s 2018 NBA Draft. In a recent interview with AZCentral.com Duval stated “Everybody has different roads, different paths, My path is different and I’m going to make the best out of it.” Trevon has for sure taken a different path, his young but storied career has been marked by inconsistency but also flashes of brilliance. Duval played two years of high school basketball at St. Benedict’s Prep in Newark, NJ, followed by pit stops at API in Texas and IMG Academy in Florida where he became an internet sensation and the top point guard in the country, thanks to his lightning quick crossover and jaw dropping dunks. While leaving Duke University and entering the draft after his freshman season was a highly debated decision, Duval immediately made a splash on the NBA scene in Summer League play. Trevon’s rookie debut in Las Vegas saw him score 20 points in a win over the Indiana Pacers, followed by averaging 10 ppg in a 5 game stretch helping The Rockets finish Summer League with a 4-1 record. The question now stands: What’s next for Trevon Duval? Will his summer league success be convincing enough for the Rockets to sign him, or will there be another stop along Duval’s “different path”? JSZ looks back at Trevon Duval’s High School Highlights in New Jersey.
Matawan raises awareness with Ball For Life fundraiser
As just a sophomore Darell Rogers Jr. quickly rose through the ranks of Matawan basketball. The 16 year old point guard went from a bench player to one of the Huskies go to scorers this past season. During a morning practice in May for his AAU team Darell suddenly collapsed while running a lay up drill. He suffered a heart attack, thankfully his coaches acted quickly and performed CPR. He was then airlifted to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital and eventually to the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia where he is currently making his recovery. Friends, family, teammates and the Matawan community with the help of Immediate Care of Hazlet banned together to organize “Ball for Life”. The fundraiser was to help spread awareness on getting athletes proper heart screenings before sporting seasons and also raise enough money to help the Rogers family cover his medical expenses. You can donate to his GOFundMe by clicking the link. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez was there for the event:
St. Benedict’s Achiwua Can Do it All – Watch Junior Season Highlights
At 6 foot 9 200 lbs, Precious Achiwua of St. Benedict’s Prep is a sight to see on the basketball court. The No. 1 ranked Small Forward in the Class of 2019 is a rare 5-Star recruit and brings a variety of weapons to the game. Achiwua has the ability to soar through the air for jaw dropping dunks, but also the handle and shooting ability to excel out on the perimeter. After a stellar junior season that saw Achiwua lead St. Benedict’s to a Prep-A State Championship, his recruiting has ramped up, holding offers from 14 Division-1 programs. Precious is set to return to Newark for a much anticipated senior season with St. Benedict’s Prep. As his college decision awaits, JSZ brings you full highlights of Precious Achiwua’s junior season with the Grey Bees! St. Benedict’s Prep’s 5-⭐️ Recruit @PreciousAchiuwa Can Do it All! Watch Junior Season Highlights of the No. 1 SF in the Class of 2019 on JSZ: https://t.co/Eq1CLFataS #njhoops pic.twitter.com/CLgs09xUEu — Jersey Sports Zone (@JSZ_Sports) July 9, 2018
JSZ Year in Review: Top Girls Basketball Games of 2017-18
Jersey Sports Zone shot hundreds of high school basketball games in 2017-18. When it came to the most viewed games from this past season, the Tournament of Champions winner dominated our Top 10 list. The Manasquan Warriors are in 9 of the 10 slots on our look back of a great season of New Jersey girls high school basketball: #10: Manasquan 80 Saddle River Day 67 – Tournament of Champions Semifinals The Warriors “Big Three” combination of Faith Masonius, Dara Mabrey, and Lola Mullaney combined for 71 points and 30 rebounds at Pine Belt Arena in Toms River: #9: Manasquan 55 Red Bank Catholic 37 -Shore Conference Tournament Semifinals Senior point guard Dara Mabrey came into the Warriors semifinal game against RBC with an injured left hand, but it did not slow down the future Virginia Tech Hokie. Mabrey scored a game high 18 points, leading Manasquan to a convincing 55-37 win over rival Red Bank Catholic. Lola Mullaney added 16 points, while Faith Masonius recorded 13 points & 10 rebounds for a double-double. #8: Saint John Vianney 63 Franklin 55 – Lancy Lancers Winter Showcase Junior Point Guard Sarah Karpell led the Lancers with 16 points and some great defensive play, as St. John Vianney took down the defending TOC Champions of Franklin at the Lady Lancers Winter Showcase. Vianney will now play another challenging game against Rutgers Prep on Thursday. Franklin’s Diamond Miller scored 24 in the loss. Watch Full Highlights and postgame reaction from SJV vs Franklin below! #7: Manasquan 77 Middletown North 35 Junior Faith Masonius reached the 1000 point mark in her illustrious career. JSZ’s Jay Cook was there and has the highlights: #6: Manasquan 60 Red Bank Catholic 37 Dara Mabrey and Faith Masonius scored 20 points apiece in this December win and the start of a trilogy of battles against the Caseys: #5: Manasquan 50 Saint Rose 44 (OT) Manasquan and Saint Rose have established quite a tradition by closing out the regular season every year with one of the best rivalries in New Jersey girls basketball. Annie Mako hit a huge three-pointer to start the Warriors in overtime and Faith Masonius leads the way with 23 points and 8 rebounds. Watch the highlights of a terrific game that set the stage for Manasquan’s post-season run: #4: Red Bank Catholic 62 Manasquan 57 RBC was the only New Jersey team to beat Manasquan and it happened in Red Bank. Sophia Sabino led the Caseys with 20 points and Katie Rice was sensational in a 16 point, 10 rebound performance that showcased incredible defense by the Lehigh signee. Watch one of the best regular season games of 2017-18 along with post-game reaction: #3: Manasquan 95 Newark Tech 79 – Group 2 NJSIAA State Championship The Splash Sisters have made Pine Belt Arena in Toms River a second home. Dara Mabrey, Faith Masonius and Lola Mullaney combine for 82 points in a 4th straight state championship: #2: Manasquan 70 Saint John Vianney 52 – Shore Conference Tournament Finals Dara Mabrey’s legacy was cemented as one of the all-time greats at Manasquan thanks to a gutsy 33 point performance at Monmouth University. Watch the Warriors SCT championship win along with emotional post-game reaction: #1: Manasquan 72 Franklin 60 – Tournament of Champions Final Dara Mabrey’s high school career comes to a close with 30 points as the Warriors outlasted defending champ Diamond Miller and Franklin. Watch two teams who showed why New Jersey high school girls basketball is among the best in America: Dara Mabrey wins 2018 JSZ Miss Hoop Zone Manasquan’s Dara Mabrey won our Player of the Year honors following her incredible senior season. Click HERE to watch full coverage of JSZ’s Basketball Banquet featuring highlight videos of the top girls basketball players in the state and profiles of our Miss Hoop Zone Finalists
Former Roselle Catholic Star Isaiah Briscoe Signs with Orlando Magic
It’s been three years since Isaiah Briscoe was terrorizing Union County competition guiding Roselle Catholic to a State Championship and scoring over 2,000 career points along the way. Those three years have been quite the journey for the 6 foot 3 point guard. Two seasons playing under John Calipari at The University of Kentucky saw Briscoe average 12.5 points and 4.5 assists per game, while going undrafted in the 2017 NBA Draft. Following brief stints with the Sixers and Blazers in the 2017 Pre-Season, Briscoe was waived by the NBA. The No. 1 Ranked Point Guard in the Class of 2015 found himself playing professionally in Estonia, where it seems his career has taken a turn for the best. At 22 years old, Briscoe averaged 18.5 PPG while leading BC Kalev/Cramo to a League Championship in 2017-18. Isaiah was also named Russian Young Player of the Year, and MVP of the Estonia All-Star Game after scoring 50 points. Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN reported on Thursday that Briscoe is back on the NBA scene and has signed a deal with The Orlando Magic. The move shows the confidence the Magic have in Briscoe’s ability as Orlando’s Summer League session has yet to begin, which is set to tip off Friday in Las Vegas, Nevada. Free agent guard Isaiah Briscoe has agreed to a deal with the Orlando Magic, league sources tell ESPN. Briscoe, 22, impressed in a team mini-camp recently. He worked way back onto NBA radar after an outstanding season in Estonia. — Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) July 5, 2018 Watch Highlights of Isaiah Briscoe’s High School Days at Roselle Catholic! Former @RC_Basketball Star Isaiah Briscoe has Signed a Deal with The Orlando Magic! 💫 Watch High School Highlights of @ZayBriscoe & Read the Story on JSZ: https://t.co/w7st273Fpo #njhoops pic.twitter.com/49WNML4r1T — Jersey Sports Zone (@JSZ_Sports) July 5, 2018
JSZ Year in Review: Top 10 Boys Basketball Games from 2017-18
Jersey Sports Zone’s high school basketball coverage produced hundreds of thousands of views during the 2017-18 season. It’s no surprise to see the elite teams from New Jersey dominate our top 10 most watched games. Look back on an amazing season and check out our top dunks from this past season and our profiles of the top talent honored at the JSZ basketball banquet #10: Ranney 59 Mater Dei Prep 45 Junior guard Scottie Lewis led the Panthers with 23 points, including the 1,000th of his career, as The Ranney School captured a 59-45 win over their arch rival Mater Dei Prep. Savior Akuwovo chipped in 13 points, 14 rebounds and 2 blocks for Ranney, as Kenny Jones and Alexander Rice scored 12 points each for the Seraphs in the loss. Watch Highlights and postgame reaction from Ranney vs Mater Dei, including Scottie Lewis’ 1,000th point. #9: Montclair Immaculate 60 Hudson Catholic 49 – NJSIAA Non-Public “B” North State Playoffs Only in the world of Non-Public B North could a team with multiple division-1 prospects be considered an underdog story, but that’s exactly what Montclair Immaculate has become. After defeated the defending TOC Champions Patrick School in the opening round, The Lions then traveled to Jersey City and took down the star-studded lineup of Hudson Catholic. Syracuse bound Jalen Carey scored 13 of his 18 points in the 2nd Half, and Zion Bethea added a game-high 21, as Montclair Immaculate shocked the state with a 60-49 win. #8: Roselle Catholic 65 Linden 45 Naz Reid celebrated being named a McDonald’s All-American with a 10 point, 19 rebound performance as the Lions snapped a three-game losing streak to Linden. JSZ’s Alex Lorenzo was there to capture one of the great rivalries in NJ high school hoops: #7: Ranney 71 Trenton Catholic 56 – Non-Public “B” South Finals Ranney’s electric Class of 2019 duo Bryan Antoine (30 points) and Scottie Lewis(20 points) combined for 50 points and 17 rebounds as The Panthers made history, capturing their 1st ever Sectional Title. The 71-56 win over Trenton Catholic is the 2nd historic victory of the season for Ranney, after bringing home their 1st ever Shore Conference Tournament Championship in February. #6: Hudson Catholic 83 Archbishop Malloy 64 – SNY Invitational Jahvon Quinerly had one of the most electrifying performances of his high school career dropping 37 points at the SNY Invitational in Harlem. Luther Muhammad added 23. JSZ’s Alex Lorenzo went across state lines for the highlights of a tremendous showcase game: #5: Roselle Catholic 57 Gill St. Bernards 40 – NJSIAA Non-Public “B” North Finals Roselle Catholic has not so quietly become New Jersey’s premier boys basketball program in recent years. On Thursday night at Rutgers, the Lions added yet another sectional title to an impressive trophy case with a 57-40 win over Gill St. Bernard’s. Junior Kahlil Whitney scored a game-high 19 points in the win, including the 1,000th of his career while Paul Mulcahy scored 15 in the loss for the Knights. #4: Roselle Catholic 75 Ranney 49 – Jersey Shore Challenge At Brookdale Community College, Naz Reid scored his 1000th career point and the Lions dominated a depleted Ranney squad at the Jersey Shore Challenge. Ranney played without Scottie Lewis, who was hampered by an ankle injury. It was the first of two meetings between these two teams (see #1 for our game of the year!) #3: Roselle Catholic 61 Don Bosco Prep 54 – Tournament of Champions Final Naz Reid closed out his high school career with 22 points as the Lions held off Don Bosco Prep to claim their third T of C title. Watch the highlights and post-game reaction from the final game of the 2017-18 season: #2: Roselle Catholic 92 Montclair Immaculate 63 – NJSIAA Non-Public “B” North Playoffs Montclair Immaculate’s amazing run through the Non-Public B North playoffs came to a halt on Saturday thanks to New Jersey’s No. 1 ranked team. Roselle Catholic used a high flying aerial attack and hellacious defense to shut down Montclair Immaculate, and advance to the sectional championship on Wednesday at Rutgers University. Khalil Whitney poured in 29 points and grabbed 7 rebounds, while Joshua Pierre-Louis added 18. Syracuse bound Jalen Carey scored 20 in the loss for Immaculate. #1: Roselle Catholic 63 Ranney 61 – NJSIAA Non-Public “B” State Championship Naz Reid blocked a game-winning shot attempt and raced up the floor to slam down an alley-oop pass from Ithiel Horton with under 10 seconds left to give the Lions a state championship. Roselle Catholic overcame a seven-point deficit with three minutes to go in the fourth quarter in an amazing come from behind win. Reid finished the game with 22 points and 9 rebounds and led the comeback in crunch time. Ranney played inspired basketball against New Jersey’s #1 ranked team. The Panthers had four players in double digits led by Ahmadu Sarnor’s 16 points. Scottie Lewis had 12 points, 9 rebounds + 8 assists. This game was an instant classic! JSZ has multiple angles of the play that won the state title and a full breakdown along with post-game reaction in Toms River: Naz Reid Named JSZ Mr. Hoop Zone for 2018 Jersey Sports Zone capped off the season with a celebration of the best players across the state. CLICK HERE for full coverage of the JSZ Basketball Banquet including profiles of our Player of the Year finalists and highlights of every player honored at the event. JSZ Dunks of the Year!!! Thanks to the hoopsters from every part of the state for giving us countless highlights and memories. Our Dunks of the Year reel shows why New Jersey high school basketball has a stellar reputation across the country
Roselle Catholic’s Whitney Climbs Recruiting Rankings After Breakout Year – Watch Highlights
Kahlil Whitney made the move from Chicago, Illinois to Roselle, New Jersey in 2016, and it has been a steady ascent to the top of the recruiting rankings ever since. The 6 foot 6 small forward entered his first season with the Lions as a raw but extremely athletic sophomore in 2016-2017, wowing crowds and showing signs of what would come in the future. As a junior in 2018, Whitney took his game to another level, adding an accurate outside jumper to go along with an already established finishing ability at the rim. After a junior season that saw Whitney guide Roselle Catholic to a Union County, Non-Public B, and TOC Title, Kahlil has become one of New Jersey and America’s top prospects in the class of 2019. Rising to No. 14 overall in the National Rankings and garnering 5-Star status according to The ESPN Top 100. With recruiting ramping up this summer before a big senior season at Roselle Catholic, Kahlil currently holds offers from over 20 Division-1 schools including the likes of; Kansas, Syracuse, Florida, and Illinois. Watch Full Highlights and The Top 5 Dunks from Kahlil Whitney’s Junior Season at Roselle Catholic High School! Top 5 Dunks from @KahlilWhitney’s Junior Year with @RC_Basketball! pic.twitter.com/ZUAlBTC04K — Jersey Sports Zone (@JSZ_Sports) June 27, 2018
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Delaware Valley 16 Gill St. Bernard’s 3 – Tyler Neal Hat Trick Delaware Valley has had a successful year thus far, and added another “W” to their previously 10-3 record today. The offensive performance by the Joe Cansfield and Tyler Neal duo was impressive, with Neal scoring a hat trick early in the first half. Check out highlights now:
Saddle River Day’s Sidor chooses Maize and Blue
Saddle River Day guard Michelle Sidor has given a verbal commitment to play in the Big Ten for the Michigan Wolverines. Sidor chose Michigan over a long list of offers. Sidor is one of the top juniors in America. An electric scorer who has so much creativity around the rim, we saw her get on hot streaks and score points in bunches highlighted by a high-arcing three-point shot. With over 2400 points and one more year of high school ball, amazingly the prolific scorer is also dishing out over 4 assists a game. Watching her in person, it’s quick for fans in the stands to realize that they are watching one special player. Watch JSZ’s junior highlight reel of the newest Michigan Wolverine:
Saddle River Day’s Jaida Patrick commits to Duke
Saddle River Day junior Jaida Patrick has given a verbal commitment to play Division I basketball in the ACC for the Duke Blue Devils. Saddle River Day reached the Tournament of Champions semifinals. Patrick put up Russell Westbrook numbers with 8 triple-doubles this season and one quadruple double. We saw it first hand when she scored 21 points, 16 assists and 12 rebounds in a T of C win against University. Patrick announced her commitment via social media: Watch JSZ’s highlight reel of the newest Duke Blue Devil:
Ranney’s Lewis soars to third straight Shore dunk crown
On the same night Zion Williamson won the McDonald’s All-American dunk contest in Atlanta, Ranney’s Scottie Lewis gave a possible preview of the 2019 national dunk show when he won his third straight Shore dunk crown during the Shore Conference Senior All-Star game at RJW Barnabas Arena in Toms River. Lewis was the heavy favorite, but he was challenged by Neptune’s Jared Kimbrough, Toms River East’s Nick Silvia and Rob Mahala of CBA. JSZ was there to capture all the high flying jams from four outstanding players: Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage is made possible thanks to the support of RYPT. Reach Your Potential Training is where the Shore Conference’s top athletes train to get ready for their season. New York Mets 3rd baseman Todd Frazier and Eagles Super Bowl champ Vinny Curry are just two of the many who had incredible success thanks to the foundation set by coach Bobby Smith and the RYPT staff!