Last season in Class B South basketball began with Manchester stealing the show at the holiday tournaments and ended with Central Regional making a surprise run to the NJSIAA South Jersey Group III semifinals as a No. 12 seed. In between, it was all about Lakewood.

The Piners have run Class B South since moving back into the division from Class C Central three years ago. Last year, no one touched them during a 14-0 division season. In fact, over the last two seasons, the only divisional loss Lakewood suffered came at the hands of Central two years ago when 2013 Shore Sports Network Player of the Year Tyrice Beverette was away on a college visit. For each B South team with aspirations of challenging for a division title, the task is clear: figure out a way to beat Lakewood.

With a lot of scoring gone from a season ago and some of the usual suspects looking to replace key players, Lakewood could be in the clear for another 14-0 season in B South. There are, however, some potential party-poopers among the bunch, and if everything falls right, those teams could be dangerous come tournament time as well.

 

Lakewood

Head Coach: Randy Holmes, ninth season
2013-14 Record: 22-5 (14-0, first in B South)
Returning Players: Amir Tyler (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Ryan Lawrence (Sr., 6-2, Guard), Sean Barksdale (Jr., 6-5, Forward), Ryzon Barnes (Jr., 6-6, Forward/Center), Datrell Reed (Sr., 6-4, Forward), Chapelle Cook (Sr., 6-3, Forward)
Key Losses: Ben Watson, Maurice Diawara, Dan Niblack
Newcomers: Victor Figueroa (Sr., 5-9, Guard), Tyreek Grayson (Jr., 6-3, Guard), Adiam Palmer (So., 6-4, Guard/Forward), Rob Hill (Jr., 5-11, Guard), Clayton Rowe (Sr., 6-0, Guard), Kaseam Wilson (Jr., 6-1, Guard), Drayton Bonaparte (Fr., 6-0, Guard), Ahmere Burton (Fr., 6-4, Forward)

After falling just one win short of reaching another Shore Conference Tournament final, the Piners suffered a stunning 18-point home defeat at the hands of Rumson-Fair Haven in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II quarterfinals to bring an otherwise impressive season to an abrupt halt. Prior to the second-round upset, Lakewood won 22 games, including a 14-0 record in Class B South and a trip to the SCT semifinals for the second straight year after winning the tournament in 2013. While the ending was bittersweet, the Piners will look to build off another successful season, one that saw the program show off its depth in the wake of graduating key contributors from the SCT championship team. This year’s Lakewood team will approach replacing its key losses the same way, and there is plenty of reason to expect the plan to work.

Lakewood returns a stellar class of juniors who have enjoyed a good deal of success through the three levels of the program, namely returning contributors Amir Tyler and Sean Barksdale. Tyler is already a proven defensive stalwart at a young age and has a developing offensive game as well. Barksdale is the inverse, flashing deep range on his jumper while still learning to fit into Lakewood’s defensive identity. Ryzon Barnes also saw limited time as a sophomore and will take on a bigger role down low as a junior. Ryan Lawrence, Datrell Reed and Chapelle Cook all return as experienced seniors, while the Piners should get plenty from a deep crop of newcomers like Tyreek Grayson, Adiam Palmer, Victor Figueroa and freshman Drayton Bonaparte. Lawrence did not immediately transition last year as a transfer, but has played with more confidence this preseason, according to coach Randy Holmes. The Piners have some pieces to replace, but that won’t stop them from pushing toward another division title.

Junior Amir Tyler and Lakewood will look to maintain their stranglehold on Class B South this season while making a run at a second SCT title in three years. (Photo by Bill Normile)
Junior Amir Tyler and Lakewood will look to maintain their stranglehold on Class B South this season while making a run at a second SCT title in three years. (Photo by Bill Normile)
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Manchester

Head Coach: Ryan Ramsay, 10th season
2013-14 Record: 16-11 (9-5, fourth in B South)
Returning Players: Jordan Torney (Jr., 6-3, Guard), Shavar Reynolds (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Israel Almestica (Jr., 6-5, Center), Robert Planter (Sr., 6-3, Forward), L.J. Robinson (So., 6-3, Guard)
Key Losses: KaShaun Barnes, Darius Barlow
Newcomers: Nikim Stokes (Jr., 5-11, Guard), Ryan Hartnett (Jr., 6-4, Forward), Kyrie Jenkins (Fr., 5-9, Guard), Isaiah Hill (Sr., 5-9, Guard), Colton Gesser (Sr., 6-3, Forward), Olodapo Somoye (Jr., 6-1, Forward), Alex Lunn (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Gavin Pabst (Jr., 6-4 Forward)

A season that began with a lot of promise ended in heartache for the Hawks, who lost in the first round of the Shore Conference Tournament and the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II Tournament. Manchester began the season by winning the WOBM Christmas Classic, but promptly fell behind in the Class B South division race and could not catch up enough to finish in the top three. Although the Hawks lose lots of scoring with the graduation of KaShaun Barnes and Darius Barlow, they return a trio of juniors who all enjoyed strong seasons as sophomores and were each a key part of the early-season success. Jordan Torney and Shavar Reynolds carried a fair chunk of the scoring load that did not go to the two seniors on the team, while center Israel Almestica cleaned up around the glass and averaged 11.5 rebounds for game – good for second in the Shore Conference behind former Southern standout Mike Gesicki.

While the junior trio will make Manchester a factor at the Shore for the next couple of seasons, the Hawks will look to last year’s bench for some help filling in the missing production. Senior forward Robert Planter played key minutes throughout the year for Manchester and sophomore L.J. Robinson cracked the rotation as a freshman as well. The Hawks also welcome in a mix of newcomers, one of whom is 5-foot-11 guard Nakim Stokes, a transfer from Philadelphia. At 6-4, junior Ryan Hartnett also brings some size to go with Almestica while freshman Kyrie Jenkins could also factor into the Hawks' immediate plans. For the first time in awhile, the Hawks won’t have to open with Lakewood, so the plan will be to get off to a fast start in the division, defend the WOBM crown and head into 2015 flying, just as they did last year. All that, and hope for a better finish in March.

 

Central

Head Coach: Steve Zengel, second season
2013-14 Record: 8-15 (4-10, sixth in B South)
Returning Players: Evan Lang (Sr., 6-2, Guard), John Forrester (Sr., 6-5, Forward/Center), Schuyler Smith (Sr., 6-6, Center), Eric Bescript (Sr., 6-1, Guard), Zach Skeeter (Sr., 5-7, Guard), Jaden Rhoden (So., 6-0, Guard)
Key Losses: Stefano Minale, Marcus Drumwright, Anthony Arneth, Riley Collins
Newcomers: Elijah Barnes (So., 6-7, Center; Transfer from Freehold), Maksymilian Gruszecki (So., Guard)

It may come as a surprise to some who might have had their attention focused on other matters, but Central was the Class B South team that advanced the furthest in the NJSIAA Tournament. The Golden Eagles reached the South Jersey Group III semifinals before losing at top-seeded Mainland, capping an unlikely run for a team that entered the postseason with only six wins. This year’s Golden Eagles bunch returns a couple of top players in senior swingman Evan Lang and athletic 6-5 forward John Forrester, while also bringing back some front court size in 6-6 center Schuyler Smith. Lang is approaching 1,000 points for his career and has been one of B South’s top guards over the past two seasons.

In a conference that has its share of impact transfers, Central landed one of the under-the-radar players from last year in sophomore Elijah Barnes. The 6-7 shot-blocker was dominant during the second half of his freshman season at Freehold Boro last year and finished the season averaging just under three blocks per game. He and fellow sophomores Jaden Rhoden and Maksymiliann Gruszecki will inject some youth into an otherwise senior-heavy group, while opponents will have to contend with three tall, long frontcourt players on either end of the floor. The Golden Eagles also lost a key player to transfer, with junior Riley Collins moving over to Donovan Catholic. Seniors Eric Bescript and Zach Skeeter both saw time last year and figure to pick up some minutes with a backcourt spot opened up. Central was a long way behind the top teams in B South last season, but the Golden Eagles began the climb back toward the top at the end of the season. With some talent back and Barnes now in the mix, the Golden Eagles have a good chance to keep climbing.

 

Donovan Catholic

Head Coach: Mike Kearney, 16th season
2013-14 Record: 15-9 (10-4, tied second in B South)
Returning Players: James Fata (Sr., 5-11, Guard), Alex Morte (Sr., 5-9, Guard), Joe Law (Jr., 5-11, Guard), Mike Boice (Jr., 6-2, Guard), David Calderon (Jr., 5-10, Guard), Adam Sadowski (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Erik Braaten (Jr., 6-7, Forward)
Key Losses: Tom Cerami, Eamonn Kearney, Sean Suskevich, Matt Migdon, Kyle Carrington, Jimmy Cleveland
Newcomers: Riley Collins (Jr., 5-11, Guard; Transfer from Central), Kevin Singleton (Jr., 6-2, Guard), Nico Rispoli (Jr., 6-2, Forward), Caleb Kearney (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Dan Wilson (Jr., 6-4, Forward), Tyler McShea (Jr., 6-5, Forward), Mike Licchio (Jr., 6-1, Guard)

Depth was the magic word for Donovan Catholic – formerly Monsignor Donovan prior to a name change that took effect starting this school year – during the 2013-14 season, particularly in the backcourt. The Griffins went nine deep on most nights and at least seven of those players were primarily perimeter players. The mix was a pretty successful one, and it worked because the Griffins also had a quality frontcourt option in Tom Cerami, the team’s leading scorer and rebounder. While the Griffins have some firepower when it comes to replacing six wing players from the rotation, the question for Donovan Catholic is how to go about playing without a player like Cerami.

One answer could be to further rely on its stable of guards, led by returning starters James Fata and Alex Morte, who were among the many Griffins that started at some point last year. Junior Joe Law will also play a major role this year after missing his sophomore year with a knee injury, while junior Riley Collins joins the Griffins after a successful sophomore season at Central last year. Juniors Mike Boice, Kevin Singleton, David Calderon, Ada Sadowski and Caleb Kearney will also vie for time in that guard rotation. Donovan Catholic does have some size to potentially work with as well, led by 6-7 junior Erik Braaten. Juniors Dan Wilson (6-4) and Tyler McShea (6-5) also offer above-average height down low, giving Donovan Catholic some options to replace the lost production. There is a lack of proven varsity production that makes the prospect of contending for a division title an uneasy one, but the Griffins have had considerable depth in recent years and a system under coach Mike Kearney that lends itself to competing even in years with so many new faces.

 

Point Pleasant Boro

Head Coach: Kevin Hynes, 20th season
2013-14 Record: 16-8 (10-4, tied second in B South)
Returning Players: Jack Fitzsimmons (Sr., Guard), John Venturi (So., Guard), Mike Larson (Sr., Forward),
Key Losses: Will Bocanfuso, Brian Byington, Peyton Wejnert (Transferred to Southern)
Newcomers: Matt VanNostrand (Jr., 5-10, Guard), Bobby Trippanera (Sr., Guard/Forward), Kyle Ryan (Sr., Center), Mike Canning (Sr., Guard), Devin Connelly (Jr., Guard), Brian Peters (Jr., Guard), Richard Trainor (Jr., Forward), Brendan Brzycki (Sr., Guard), Mike Waddleton (Jr., Forward), Jeffery Maves (Jr., Guard), John Duda (Fr., Forward)

While the four teams listed above all benefited from the arrival of a transfer, few teams were as adversely affected by a transfer as Point Boro was over the offseason. The Panthers lost junior Peyton Wejnert to Southern after the 6-6 swingman averaged better than 21 points and seven rebounds for the Panthers as a sophomore last season. Couple his departure with the graduation of Will Bocanfuso and Point Boro will have to recoup more than half of its game-by-game scoring from a year ago. Despite that daunting challenge, it’s hard to see the Panthers falling too far in the B South ranks because of their consistent effort on the defensive end from year-to-year. Point Boro will still have enough athletes to play the style that has been a staple of coach Kevin Hynes’ two decades at the helm.

It's not all bad on the transfer front for the Panthers, because Point Boro welcomes junior Matt VanNostrand from Point Beach this season. He joins senior guard Jack Fitzsimmons and John Venturi as the potential top players for the Panthers this season. Fitzsimmons leads the group of returnees as a hard-nosed perimeter player with a solid offensive game. Sophomore Jon Venturi started as a freshman and demonstrated an ability to run an offense with two quality scorers. This season, Venturi will likely have to shoulder more of the scoring load while remaining a facilitator. Senior forward Mike Larson also returns after contributing last year, while the Panthers welcome back guard Bobby Trippanera after the senior missed his sophomore and junior seasons with injuries to the same knee. Senior center Kyle Ryan brings some size to the lineup, and the Panthers will also get a look at a high-ceiling freshman in 6-3 swingman John Duda. Venturi and Fitzsimmons will have to carry a lot of the offense and that might prevent Point Boro from staying in the division race until the end, but it is rarely wise to completely count out the Panthers, no matter how tough the situation.

 

Pinelands

Head Coach: John Tierney, 10th season
2013-14 Record: 7-16 (2-12, tied seventh in B South)
Returning Players: Luke Stambaugh (Jr., 5-11, Guard), Milanj Coursey (Sr., 6-2, Forward), Zach Wiatrowski (Sr., 5-10, Guard), David Lunn (Jr., 6-0, Forward)
Key Losses: Matt MacPhee, D.J. Kidd, Dan McPhee
Newcomers: Will Jenkins (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Mike Suarez (Jr., 6-1, Guard), Mike Rising (Sr., 6-2, Forward), Ryan Ross (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Chris Burke (So., 5-9, Guard), Steven Skeie (So., 6-3, Forward)

After a couple seasons of rebuilding, this season could present a chance for Pinelands to make a move in the Class B South standings. The Wildcats finished two games behind Central in the standings last season and return a core of players who could potentially keep pace with the Golden Eagles and surpass teams like Point Boro and Donovan Catholic, which both lost a lot of production from a year ago. Pinelands brings back junior swingman Luke Stambaugh, the team’s second-leading scorer in each of the last two years and a player who figures to be a four-year starter and potential 1,000-point scorer by the time he is finished.

Point guard Zach Wiatrowski and combo guard-forward Dave Lunn were also key contributors, while senior forward Milanj Coursey was a breakout player as a junior, averaging a team-high 10.5 points per game. At 6-2, Coursey plays bigger than anyone else on the team, which means the Wildcats will continue to push the tempo and attempt to beat teams with their perimeter play and fast pace. That can cause problems for them against a team like Lakewood, but a bigger team like Central or a halfcourt-oriented team like Point Boro could be vulnerable if the Wildcats play it right. With some more experience playing together and getting the ball up the floor, Pinelands might be ready to make a move toward the top half of the division, especially with some other teams dealing with their own questions.

 

Jackson Liberty

Head Coach: Mark Lax, seventh season
2013-14 Record: 9-13 (5-9, fifth in B South)
Returning Players: J’Son Clark (Sr., 5-8, Guard), Howard Taylor (Sr., 6-3, Forward), Hassan Ranouf (Sr., 5-6, Guard), Ryan Brennan-Pollina (Sr., 6-1, Forward), Brian Smith (Sr., 5-8, Guard)
Key Losses: James Sofield, Mike Healy
Newcomers: Lateef Foster (Sr., 6-3, Forward)

Although Jackson Liberty’s season came undone as the calendar moved toward February, the Lions had some seminal moments last year. It began with Hassan Ranouf’s three-quarter court prayer that stunned Southern at the Score at the Shore Tournament in December and continued with James Sofield becoming the first player in program history to reach 1,000 career points. Sofield overcame an early-season injury to reach the milestone, even though that injury contributed to some of Jackson Liberty’s struggles.

Sofield and classmate Mike Healy were the top two scorers last year and both are gone this season, leaving the Lions with 32 points per game to replace. Even without their top two scorers from a year ago, the Lions will have plenty of senior influence in the lineup. J’Son Clark and Ranouf return to the backcourt, while 6-3 forward Howard Taylor is back down low. Ryan Brennan-Pollina and Lateef Foster will also help out in the frontcourt, while Brian Smith adds some depth to the backcourt to round out the rotation of seniors. With scoring a question mark, Jackson Liberty will have to rely on athleticism and senior toughness in a division that is actually somewhat light on seniors. If Jackson Liberty has a bounceback year, experience might be the reason why.

 

Barnegat

Head Coach: Mike Puorro, first season (seventh overall)
2013-14 Record: 3-19 (2-12, tied seventh in B South)
Returning Players: Kyle Morris (Sr., 6-4, Forward), Nick Camarato (Jr., 6-0, Guard), Xavier Young (Sr., 6-3, Forward)
Key Losses: Bennie Bivins, Ryan Ulrich
Newcomers: Ricky Gerena (Sr., Guard), DaShawn Anderson (Jr., 6-5, Forward), Zach Fox (Sr., 5-10, Guard), Steve Gansereit (Jr., Guard), David Orozco (So., Guard), Mike Revello (Fr., Guard)

The Bengals had begun to make strides a few years back, but have not since recovered from the graduation of the core of that team. The rebuilding process has been a deliberate one so far, with Barnegat taking a small step forward last season by finishing tied for seventh in B South. With a new coach in Mike Puorro – who coached at Wall for the previous six seasons – and a limited amount of experience coming back, this probably won’t be the breakout season at Barnegat. Seniors Kyle Morris and Xavier Young will lead a team that has a chance to improve and junior point guard Nick Camarato is already established as he heads into the prime of his high school career, so there is reason for optimism with the little experience that does return.

For Barnegat to start moving forward, its up-and-coming underclassmen will have to excel out of the gate. Juniors DaShawn Anderson and Steve Gansereit will get a chance to play this season, while sophomore David Orozco and freshman Mike Revello will give Puorro a look at the future while trying to put together a team that keeps moving up in Class B South.

 

Players to Watch

Amir Tyler, Lakewood – The comparisons to Tyrice Beverette started in-house and early on, and if that comparison holds true, expect the offensive game to start coming on this season to complement the superb defense.

Jordan Torney, Manchester – Thrived in a complementary role as a sophomore, and with some good pieces still in place, there’s not too much pressure for Torney to change much.

Evan Lang, Central – A good shooter and a crafty scorer, Lang should be even better with some incoming size to the Central front line.

Elijah Barnes, Central – Speaking of that Central size, Barnes was a shot-blocking beast during the second half of his freshman season at Freehold and also began developing on the offensive side.

Shavar Reynolds, Manchester – The most polished of Manchester’s junior trio, Reynolds has demonstrated a basketball I.Q. that is ahead of the curve for a player his age.

 

Breakout Players to Watch

Sean Barksdale, Lakewood – With good shooting touch and almost unlimited range, Barksdale has a chance to lead the Shore in scoring with a little polish to his handle and mid-range game.

John Venturi, Point Boro – Ran the point on a very good Point Boro team as a freshman and now will look to become a leader as a sophomore.

Howard Taylor, Jackson Liberty – The Lions have a lot of scoring to replace and Taylor should help fellow senior J’Son Clark pick up a chunk of it by working in the paint and scoring around the basket.

 

Burning Questions

Can Lakewood bounce back from a disappointing end to its 2013-14 season with a new roster?

Since climbing back to prominence in the Shore Conference, Lakewood has proven that it not only is capable of getting back to the top tier of the Shore, but it can also stay there. The Piner pipeline has been flowing over the last five years and even with some losses to the rotation this season, Lakewood has enough talent to reload and contend for a second Shore Conference championship in three years.

Can Central ride its late-season run into the start of this season?

Losing Stefano Minale and Riley Collins from last year’s South Jersey Group III run will set Central back to a degree, but leading scorer Evan Lang returns with a promising front line that includes senior John Forrester and sophomore transfer Elijah Barnes. There will be some acclimation involved that may lead to some early-season growing pains, but the Golden Eagles have already proven they can round into form when the games mean the most.

Which B South contender will best recover from losing a top scorer?

Of all the teams in the division, only Central and Pinelands return their leading scorers from a year ago, so based on these preseason rankings, it appears that Lakewood and Manchester will be fine and Point Boro and Jackson Liberty will have a hard time replacing the lost points. That’s a little simplistic because while Lakewood still has a good chance to win the division, the Piners may not necessarily be a better team than they were last season. Manchester, meanwhile, has a core of junior players and some depth that give the Hawks a chance to improve despite the loss of KaShaun Barnes. Donovan Catholic and Point Boro, meanwhile, will have to find different ways to score and play offense, with Donovan losing Tom Cerami in the middle and Point Boro losing 33 points per game between Wejnert and Bocanfuso.

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