Scottie Lewis Set to Defend Shore Slam Dunk Crown

Fourth Annual I'm Possible Slam Dunk Contest

Thursday, March 21

RWJ Barnabas Health Arena, Toms River

Contest begins at halftime of the boys Senior All-Star Game, which tips at 7:45 p.m.

The Shore Slam Dunk Contest returns for the fourth year and for the third straight year, Ranney senior and McDonald's All-American will defend his championship - this time going for a fourth straight title.

Lewis will have six challengers - two from his own team and one from his own family. This year, the tournament will be structured as more of a Scottie Lewis challenge than a dunk contest: the six challengers will each perform two dunks and the highest score will advance to challenge Lewis in a two-dunk final.

Here are the six dunkers to challenge the champ, listed alphabetically.

Quinn Calabrese, Jr., Wall

After a breakout campaign as a junior in which he averaged 18 points per game and led Wall to its first NJSIAA sectional championship in 46 years, Calabrese will cap his big year by showing off his considerable hops in this year's dunk contest.

Alex Klatsky, Sr., Ranney

A reputed three-point marksman, Klatsky has had few opportunities to show his dunking ability but when the opportunity presents itself - like it will on Thursday - the 6-4 senior rises up.

Brad McCabe, Sr., Manasquan

Like Klatsky, McCabe has made a name for himself from out beyond the three-point line and the Ranney players know that all too well. McCabe shot 9-for-10 from three-point range against Ranney in the Shore Conference Tournament final but also got the Warriors going with a first-quarter dunk.

Jaylen Smith, Jr., Raritan

Last year, Smith served as a prop to Lewis, who jumped over his younger brother to clinch the title. This year, Smith will try to steal the crown from his older brother and prove he will be a senior-to-watch heading into 2020.

Carl Swensen, Sr., Lacey

About two-and-a-half years ago, Swensen wasn't sure he would ever play basketball again. He suffered a gruesome leg injury playing football that cost him his sophomore basketball season, but the 6-1 guard was undeterred. He returned as a junior and not only has been one of the Shore's top scorers over the past two years, but he is one of its most athletic players.

Phillip Wheeler, Jr., Ranney

If there is one major threat to Lewis's title, it would figure to be his Ranney teammate. The 6-8 high-flier not only elevates his head to rim-level; he tries to rip it off the backboard with authority.

The six challengers will have their work cut out for them against Lewis. In addition to being a three-time defending champion at the Shore, Lewis also won the dunk contest at the City of Palms last season against some of the top players in the country and figures to be in the mix at the McDonald's All-American game in Atlanta on March 27.

Here are some of the dunks that have won Lewis the championship over the years. Come out and see what he, Calabrese, Klatsky, McCabe, Smith, Swensen and Wheeler have cooked up on Thursday night in Toms River.