With the reigning Shore Sports Network Player of the Year sidelined by a hand injury, the door is open for the rest of the Shore Conference Class A Central division to jump out to the front of the pack in the division title race. Monday night in Rumson, the a senior-laden St. John Vianney team marched through their first open door.

Senior Matt DeBrizzi scored 17 of his game-high 20 points in the first half and buried six three-pointers as the Lancers stormed out to an early lead and put away the Bulldogs, 63-40.

Senior Marcque Ellington led the defensive effort with eight rebounds, five blocks and three steals to go with three points.

Rumson was without senior guard Brendan Barry for a second straight game due to a left hand injury. Sophomore Elijah McAllister led Rumson with 12 points, 10 rebounds and six blocks.

Rumson has lost both its games this season without Barry and has averaged 36.5 points per game in losses to Manasquan and now St. John Vianney. According to Rumson-Fair Haven coach Chris Champeau, Barry could be ready to return as soon as Dec. 29 at home against Fort Hamilton, N.Y.

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