Boys Basketball – Player of the Week, 1/2/14

The first installment of the Shore Sports Network Player of the Week could be retitled “Player of the Year” considering it covers the final 11 days of 2013. Most games considered came from the tournaments, so it could even be considered an all-tournament team as well.

Some of the usual suspects had big starts to the season – Point Beach’s Matt Farrell, Christian Brothers’ Louie Pillari, Shore’s Dan Pillari, Rumson’s Jack Herrmann, Lakewood’s Ben Watson and Keyport’s Alex Thomson to name a few – but this list will focus on some of the great performances from slightly more unexpected sources. The weeks that follow will not be graded on the same curve, which means those aforementioned players will begin to get their due, assuming they keep up the good work.

Shore Sports Network Player of the Week

KaShaun Barnes, Sr., Manchester

Barnes’ story is a captivating and potentially feel-good one to begin with, but factoring in the impact he’s had on a young Manchester roster makes it even more compelling. In four WOBM Classic games, Barnes averaged exactly 20 points per game and scored no fewer than 19 points in any of the games. He’s been a leader on both ends of the floor and an unselfish distributor with four other capable scorers on the court. The season is still young, the team is still young, and the start is just that, but no player in the conference has the great story to match the great performance that Barnes has.

Manchester senior guard KaShaun Barnes handles the ball against Toms River South senior Marquis Davis during Manchester's 65-60 overtime win over the Indians. (Photo by Bill Normile)

Honorable Mention

Brendan Barry, So., Rumson-Fair Haven – Barry led the Bulldogs to an opening-night win over Shore with 20 points and is averaging 18.8 points per game so far.

Tymere Berry, Jr., Toms River South – The junior has led three furious comebacks so far while averging 19 points per game on the young season.

Jason Dunne, Jr., Matawan – The MVP of the Husky Classic averaged just under 20 points and six assists for the tournament.

Dan Borner, Sr., St. Rose – The senior is one of the breakout players of the season so far, averaging 19 points per game, which includes a 21-point performance in a big road win over Holmdel.

Justin Markowitz, Sr., Marlboro – The Mustangs are only 1-3, but have been in every game with Markowitz averaging just under 20 points per game.