Perception is often slow to catch up to reality and the perception among many of those outside of the division is that Class A South is not particularly strong relative to the rest of the Shore Conference. The reality, however, suggests it’s time for perception to change.

While A South has not produced a team that could be considered “elite” within the context of the Shore Conference, the division has produced a considerable amount of quality teams over the last three seasons or so that includes a Jackson Memorial team that consistently reached the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals, a Toms River North team that reached the SCT semifinals two years ago and a Southern team that made noise in each of the last two NJSIAA Tournaments. This three-year period was indeed preceded by a shortage of competitive teams in A South and an abundance from the other divisions in the conference, but with the recent emergence of Jackson Memorial, Toms River South and Southern, it has forced the rest of the division to catch up.

And catch up it has. While Jackson Memorial is taking on a rebuilding challenge of sorts this season, there are seven other A South teams that will, essentially, pick up where they left off last year. Among those seven are five teams – Southern, Brick Memorial, Toms River South, Toms River North and Lacey – that qualified for the Shore Conference Tournament and another in Toms River East that went 8-3 outside of Class A South. With division champion Jackson losing a coach and two Division I big men, the league is wide open heading into 2015 and, unlike in some years past, that’s not for a lack of quality candidates.

 

Southern

Head Coach: Eric Fierro, fifth season
2013-14 Record: 18-9 (10-4, second in A South)
Returning Players: Jake Logue (Sr., 6-6, Guard/Forward), Zac Halliday (Sr., 6-1, Guard), Eric Ray (Sr., 6-6, Forward/Center), Ethan DuBois (Jr., 5-10, Guard), Dylan Clark (Sr., 6-1, Guard), Julian Leone (Sr., 5-8, Guard), Mike Adragna (Sr., 6-4, Forward)
Key Losses: Mike Gesicki, Logan Sheehan
Newcomers: Peyton Wejnert (Jr., 6-6, Guard/Forward; Transfer from Point Boro), Scott Hill (Jr., 5-11, Guard), John Keizer (Jr., 6-0, Forward), Mark Valeriani (So., 5-6, Guard), Matt Mershon (So., 6-2, Forward), Sean Clayton (Jr., 6-0, Guard)

Teams throughout Class A South, Ocean County and the Shore Conference are letting out a collective sigh of relief that they no longer have to deal with Mike Gesicki, who started and thrived for all four years of his varsity basketball career before moving on to play tight end at Penn State. The only problem for those teams is that this year’s version of the Rams might give Southern its best chance to win a division title under fifth-year coach Eric Fierro. Seniors Jake Logue, Zac Halliday and Eric Ray return from a year ago after all making progress as players, particularly Logue, who emerged as an all-division talent alongside Gesicki.

Southern’s best weapon might be its new swingman Peyton Wejnert, who transferred to Southern from Point Pleasant Boro prior to the school year. Wejnert finished third in the Shore Conference in scoring as a sophomore with more than 21 points per game and also pulled in seven rebounds per game. He is the top returning scorer in the conference and will give the Rams more of a perimeter-based attack on the offensive end. Guard Ethan DuBois joins Wejnert as an impactful junior who should help the Rams compete in each the next two seasons, but this is the season for Southern to make its move. With Jackson Memorial losing a number of key pieces, Southern is actually looking at its best chance to claim a Class A South title.

After a breakout junior season, Jordan Craig returns as one of the top players in A South for an up-and-coming Toms River North team. (Photo by Cliff Lavelle)
After a breakout junior season, Jordan Craig returns as one of the top players in A South for an up-and-coming Toms River North team. (Photo by Cliff Lavelle)
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Toms River North

Head Coach: Rory Caswell, fourth season
2013-14 Record: 15-11 (8-6, tied fourth in A South)
Returning Players: Jordan Craig (Sr., 6-6, Forward), Evan Martin (Sr., 6-2, Guard), Ted Thelemaque (Sr., 6-5, Guard), Pat Marinaccio (Jr., 6-2, Guard), Darrion Carrington (So., 6-0, Guard), Brian Brannagan (Sr., 6-3, Guard), Kevin Blum (Sr., 6-2, Guard), Mike Nyisztor (So., 6-2, Guard), Hunter Petrick (Jr., 6-2, Guard), Valdez Santiago (Sr., 6-4, Forward)
Key Losses: None
Newcomers: Mark Fitzpatrick (Sr., Forward), Mike Husni (So., Guard), Justin Wrightson (Sr., Center)

Last year was one of uncertainty for the Mariners, with all but one member of the 2012-13 rotation graduating. All in all, last year was a successful one for Toms River North, which implemented an entirely new group of players into the system and still managed to finish above .500 in a very competitive Class A South division. Not only did Toms River North compete with all new players, but the Mariners did it with no seniors, which will pay dividends this season as they return an entire rotation. Seniors Jordan Craig and Evan Martin lead this group after strong seasons last year, with Craig falling just a rebound-per-game shy of averaging a double-double as a junior. In fact, over the last 10 games of the season for the Mariners, Craig averaged better than 20 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks per game to help Toms River North finish strong. Martin, meanwhile, missed some time due to injury, but was a key part of the transition as the only player to play on the 2012-13 team.

The list of Toms River North scoring options extends past Craig and Martin, as junior Pat Marinaccio showed down the stretch when he upped his season average to 10 points per game with his strong finish. Senior Ted Thelemaque also averaged 11 per game and sophomore Darrion Carrington cracked the starting lineup late in the season as a freshman and will run the point in his second high school season. Senior Kevin Blum, sophomore Mike Nyisztor and senior Brian Brannagan also played a good deal for a deep Toms River North team that still has more depth than most teams in the conference and could be a threat to get back to the top of the division after taking just one year to reload.

 

Brick Memorial

Head Coach: Ed Sarluca Jr., ninth season
2013-14 Record: 14-9 (9-5, third in A South)
Returning Players: Aaron Scheiderman (Sr., 6-1, Guard), Scott White (Sr., 6-5, Guard), R.J. Hernandez (Sr., 6-4, Forward), Joe Hans (Sr., 6-4, Forward), Mike Manso (Sr., 5-8, Guard)
Key Losses: Sean O’Brien, Mike Basile, Dave Pifko
Newcomers: Kevin Swider (Sr., 6-0, Guard), Pete Walski (Sr., 6-1, Forward), Zach Tighe (Sr., 6-0, Forward), Darius Richards (Jr., 6-0, Guard)

The Mustangs flew under the radar for the early part of the season but found themselves in a battle for the division title midway through the season. Although Brick Memorial ultimately fell short, the foundation is in place to build on last year by leaning on returning standout Aaron Scheiderman and a deep supporting cast that offers a little bit of everything. Coming off a junior season in which he averaged 16 points per game, Scheiderman is one of the division’s best returning players and should spearhead a Mustangs team that has no trouble putting up points.

Seniors Scott White, R.J. Hernandez, Joe Hans and Mike Manso are all back after playing in last year’s rotation. Hernandez and Hans bring size to the front court, with Hans showing his scoring touch as the season progresses. White is a 6-foot-5 guard who can be a match-up problem for a lot of teams while also helping the Mustangs keep up with teams like Southern, Toms River North and Jackson Memorial, all of which have length to go with sheer size. Scheiderman is the obvious standout here, but there are a few other dimensions that will make Brick Memorial a tough team once again in an improved Class A South division.

 

Toms River South

Head Coach: Curt DeFillippo, first season
2013-14 Record: 14-9 (8-6, tied fourth in A South)
Returning Players: Tymere Berry (Sr., 6-1, Guard), Khaleel Greene (Sr., 5-8, Guard), Tyler Fall (Jr., 6-3, Forward)
Key Losses: Marquis Davis, Darius Hart
Newcomers: Francis Hearne (Sr., 6-1, Guard/Forward), Ryan Schwartz (Jr., 6-1, Guard), Malcolm Gillespie (Sr., 5-11, Guard)

Coach John MacIntosh surprised his team when he stepped down two weeks before the start of camp, but the nine-year leader of the Indians and longtime Lacey head coach was comfortable with the timing because he felt his team was in position to compete this season even after he left. Now Curt DeFillippo takes over for MacIntosh and has a trio of returning starters to help ease the transition. Seniors Tymere Berry and Khaleel Greene form one of the more athletic backcourt duos in the Shore Conference, with Berry a candidate to contend for a conference scoring title. Junior Tyler Fall also returns after breaking into the lineup as a sophomore and carving out a role as a versatile player who can handle several positions and assignments.

The Indians will hope to get contributions for Francis Hearne, Ryan Schwartz and Malcolm Gillespie to help fill out the rotation and account for some of the production lost with the graduation of starters Marquis Davis and Darius Hart. A lack of size could prove to be an obstacle, but Toms River South’s backcourt will keep many opposing coaches up at night and should help the Indians remain in the mix for a Class A South title while learning under a new coach.

 

Lacey

Head Coach: Ryan O’Rourke, seventh season
2013-14 Record: 10-12 (7-7, sixth in A South)
Returning Players: Chris Iapicco (Sr., 6-4, Center), Connor Davies (Sr., 5-10, Guard), Mark Sheppard (Jr., 6-0, Guard),
Key Losses: Jordan Acre, Anthony Talarico
Newcomers: Robert Biele (Jr., 5-11, Guard), Kipp Hopper (Sr., 6-4, Forward), Nick Koenig (Sr., 5-9, Guard), George Gartner (Jr., 6-3, Forward), Geoff Fairclough (So., 6-4, Forward), Isiah Brown (Sr., 6-0, Forward), Nick Calarco (Jr., 5-8, Guard), Matt McGillivray (Sr., 6-0, Senior)

The Lions are another team that was, very quietly, a competitive team in a pretty deep Class A South. Coming off a 7-7 season within the division, the Lions return one of the Shore’s most productive big men in senior center Chris Iapicco. Last year, Iapicco was one of five Shore Conference players to average a double-double (19.1 points, 10.2 rebounds) and is the only one of those five who is back this season. With Iapicco in the middle of the floor to draw double teams and clean up in the paint on both ends, the Lions will once again be a tough team on the interior.

Lacey also returns senior guards Conor Davies and Mark Sheppard from last year’s starting lineup and junior Robert Biele will see an increased role after earning a helping of playing time as a sophomore. Lacey can also run some size onto the floor with Iapicco or to spell him, led by newcomers Kipp Hopper (6-foot-4), George Gartner (6-3) and Geoff Fairclough (6-4). For the most part, Lacey will rely on an older group of predominantly seniors and juniors, and with one of the best players in the division and best big men in the conference in Iapicco, the Lions have some potential to surprise the top teams in A South.

 

Jackson Memorial

Head Coach: Kevin McQuade, first season
2013-14 Record: 21-7 (12-2, first in A South)
Returning Players: C.J. Blue (Sr., 6-1, Guard), Jimmy Markham (Sr., 6-1, Guard/Forward), Eddie Landi (Sr., 5-9, Guard), Andre Davis (Sr., 6-1, Forward)
Key Losses: Eric Carter, Marcus Ademilola, Jesse Hill (Transferred to Point Beach), Gino Palummo (Transferred to Howell)
Newcomers: Ryan Omslaer (So., 6-10, Center), Parker Omslaer (So., 6-9, Forward/Center), Chris Hawryluk (Sr., 6-4, Forward), Andrew Trent (So., 6-4, Forward), Calvin Blue (So., 5-9, Guard), John Pitlak (So., 5-9, Guard), Ryan Lucas (So., 5-10, Guard)

Few programs are facing the kind of transition that Jackson Memorial is this season after losing center and University of Delaware freshman Eric Carter to graduation, senior forward and Florida Atlantic recruit Jesse Hill to transfer (Point Beach), senior guard Gino Palummo to transfer (Howell) and coach Joe Fagan to Neptune. The exodus began with Fagan accepting the head coaching position at Neptune and followed with the transfers of Hill and Palummo, each of whom transferred to Jackson from another school in the first place. New coach Kevin McQuade – who was on Fagan’s staff as a junior varsity coach – will have to address some of those losses by tapping into some of the lower levels and the reserves of last year’s team, which advanced to the Shore Conference Tournament and Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinal rounds after winning the A South title.

Despite the significant losses, the Jaguars still return three key members from last year’s rotation. Senior guard C.J. Blue is back as the starting point guard and hit one of the biggest shots of the season when he buried a game-tying three at the fourth-quarter buzzer to send the SCT quarterfinals against top-seeded Point Beach into overtime (Point Beach would go on to win). Senior Jimmy Markham emerged as a crunch-time player for the Jaguars as well last season and senior Eddie Landi also played key minutes off the bench. Jackson Memorial has plenty of potential in some of its incoming varsity talent, particularly sophomore brothers Ryan and Parker Omslaer, who stand 6-10 and 6-9, respectively. Senior Cris Hawryluk will also be a newcomer to the rotation and will play in the front court with senior Andre Davis. There are lots of question marks as the season opens, but Jackson Memorial has some room to grow as the season progresses and if all goes well, the Jaguars could have a season like the one Toms River North had last year in a similar situation.

 

Toms River East

Head Coach: Jim Dempsey, second season
2013-14 Record: 10-13 (2-12, seventh in A South)
Returning Players: Nat Amadeo (Sr., 6-1, Forward), Jon Meola (Sr., 6-2, Forward), Phil Lingat (So., 6-0, Guard), Carlos Lingat (Jr., 5-8, Guard), Pat Saunders (Jr., 6-2, Guard), Ryan West (Jr., 6-3, Forward), Bailey Engelhard (Jr., 6-4, Forward), Justin Gant (Sr., 5-10, Guard),
Key Losses: C.J. Hirschy, Jerry Caporale
Newcomers: Justin Nicol (Sr., 6-1, Forward), Vito Gearity (Sr., 5-3, Guard), Connor Robbins (Jr., Guard/Forward)

Although the Raiders finished near the bottom of Class A South again last season, there was a lot to feel good about for the Toms River East program. For the first time in five years, they reached the 10-win mark, and while they went only 2-12 against Class A South competition, the Raiders were 8-3 outside of their division. That out-of-division success included a WOBM Tournament win over Wall and a consolation round win over Donovan Catholic, as well as wins over Middletown South and Manchester toward the end of the season. With much of their 11-man rotation back, the Raiders will most certainly be better but whether or not that is good enough to move up in a strong Class A South division remains to be seen.

While the Raiders will miss the senior toughness and scoring of graduated guard C.J. Hirschy, they return several players who emerged as capable scorers last year. Sophomore Phil Lingat was quietly one of the better freshman performers in the Shore Conference, while junior forward Ryan West was second on the team in scoring behind Hirschy. Nat Amadeo, Jon Meola, Justin Gant and Justi Nichol bring some senior experience into the fold while juniors Pat Saunders, Carlos Lingat and Bailey Engelhard all showed they could contribute last year in Toms River East’s platoon-style system. With a similar amount of depth left and a handful of players emerging as standouts, the Raiders have a chance to climb the A South standings after laying the foundation last year.

 

 

Brick

Head Coach: Mike Gawronski, third season
2013-14 Record: 2-21 (0-14, eighth in A South)
Returning Players: Brian Oehme (Sr., 6-5, Forward), Dan Berg (Sr., 5-10, Guard), Greg Buono (Sr., 6-2, Guard), Jaquez Johnson (Sr., 6-0, Guard)
Key Losses: Brian Gallagher, Rich Mitukiewicz
Newcomers: Kenny Buell (Jr., 5-10, Guard; Transfer from Toms River North), Anthony DeStefano (So., 6-5, Guard), Joe DeStefano (So., 6-4, Guard), Brandon Williams (So., Guard), Noah Buono (So., 6-2, Guard), Shawn Lutz (So., 6-1, Forward)

While last season was another struggle for the Green Dragons, there were some bright spots that suggest that this season will be a better one at Old Brick. Chief among those is 6-5 senior forward Brian Oehme, who was an all-division selection by the A South coaches last season, when he averaged 11 points, eight rebounds and four assists as a junior. On another team, Oehme might have a more widespread reputation, and with some steps in the right direction for the rest of the squad, teams outside of Class A South will get to know Oehme as one of the better players in the conference.

Brick returns some experience alongside Oehme, led by a group of seniors that includes Dan Berg, Greg Buono, and Ja'Quez Johnson. Junior guard and Toms River North transfer Kenny Buell will help complement the four senior returnees, as will a group of incoming sophomores that could help Brick close the gap in A South over the next 2-3 years. Class A South is as deep as it has been in a while and with the exception of Jackson Memorial, it does not appear any team is taking a step back from last season to this one. That leaves Brick with a lot of work to do to close that gap this year, but the Green Dragons will be better and should be able to represent A South well both inside and out of division play.

 

Players to Watch

Peyton Wejnert, Southern – The Shore’s leading returning scorer, Wejnert gives Southern even more size and touch on the perimeter.

Tymere Berry, Toms River South – One of the best all-around athletes in the Shore could make a run at a scoring title as a senior for the Indians.

Chris Iapicco, Lacey – The only returning player in the conference to average a double-double, Iapicco is one of the best big men in the Shore.

Jake Logue, Southern – Southern’s size on the perimeter could dwarf a lot of teams’ size down low and Logue fits that description at 6-6 with skill.

Aaron Scheiderman, Brick Memorial – The Mustangs have a nice mix of size, scoring and athleticism, and Scheiderman will lead the way with his shooting and scoring ability.

Jordan Craig, Toms River North – Just missed averaging a double-double for the season, but managed 20 points, 10 rebounds and five blocks per game over the Mariners’ last 10 games of the season.

 

Breakout Players to Watch

Darrion Carrington, Toms River North – Got a taste of starting last year and is ready to run the point as a sophomore for a dangerous Mariners squad.

Ryan Omslaer, Jackson Memorial – At 6-foot-10, he will be a tough cover out of the gate and as he develops, Omslaer and his 6-9 brother, Parker, should give teams lots of problems.

Phil Lingat, Toms River East – Another sophomore, Lingat more than held his own as a freshman and has a chance to be one of A South’s premier players over the next three years.

 

Burning Questions

Even with Mike Gesicki gone to graduation, is this Southern’s best chance to win a division title?

The answer, as it stands right now is, “Most likely, yes.” Toms River North will have something to say about that and Brick Memorial, Toms River South and Lacey all have division title hopes, but Southern has the best top returning talent in the division. Even with its returning group from last year’s team – which includes Jake Logue, Zac Halliday, Eric Ray and Ethan DuBois, the Rams would have at least been among the favorites. The addition of Peyton Wejnert, a 6-6, 20-point scorer, should push the Rams over the top.

Can Jackson Memorial remain competitive in the wake of all the departures?

It will take some time to acclimate some of the new varsity players, but Jackson Memorial has enough to at least fight its way back to the top half of the standings this season. The toughest part of the rebuilding process for Jackson Memorial will be that it is heavy on seniors and sophomores, which means if there are any growing pains this season, it might still be another year before the Jaguars can hit it big in A South again. Then again, those seniors could help speed up the rebuilding and if this sophomore group comes together quickly, they could have a tough team to handle this year.

A year after losing its entire division-championship core, is Toms River North ready to win with an entire team back?

If the basketball season were a little longer, Toms River North might have been a threat to do some real damage last season. The Mariners did not qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament, but they made a late surge in Class A South and won a Shore Conference Tournament road game at Manchester before losing to No. 3 Lakewood in the round of 16. With that in mind, this season should continue that progression and that could mean a return to the top for a team that won the 2012-13 division title and reached the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals with an entirely different group.

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