Alex Klatsky

Ranney's four-year run will come to an end Sunday against Bergen Catholic and the outcome of that game, one way or the other, will stamp the legacy of its memorable senior class.

Six challengers will attempt to dethrone three-time defending champion Scottie Lewis in the I'm Possible Slam Dunk Contest on March 21 in Toms River.

TINTON FALLS - Four years ago, the talk was all about the future for a special group of eighth-graders who were eager to transform Ranney from a basketball backwater into a national power. Buzz about capturing Shore Conference and state titles, maybe even winning the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions, was all just a far-off dream back then...

Three McDonald's Americans will be on the floor for Wednesday night's main event at the Shore Challenge, pitting nationally-ranked Ranney vs. Roselle Catholic.

Ranney's senior class, and specifically is five-star duo, have a chance to cement their legacy at the Shore and in the state with one last run at a Tournament of Champions crown.

Ranney's Scottie Lewis, Bryan Antoine and Alex Klatsky all signed national letters of intent on Wednesday's Signing Day.

Ranney redeemed itself for last year's SCT semifinal slip-up by taking down CBA to reach the program's first ever championship game.

Ranney will have a chance to climb to the No. 1 ranking in the state Wednesday at Brookdale, but will have to overcome Roselle Catholic - and some key injuries - to get there.

Despite missing injured star Scottie Lewis, Bryan Antoine and Savior Akuwovo led No. 1 Ranney past Duke commit Cam Reddish and Westtown, Pa.

MIDDLETOWN - As much as Mater Dei Prep and Ranney have grown into rivals during their respective two-year meteoric rises, the two had yet to play the kind of classic, down-to-the-wire game that is an essential part of any rivalry. Thursday at Mater Dei, the rivalry between the Seraphs and the Panthers reached the next level and so did Ranney...

MIDDLETOWN - Senior guard Joe Mahoney remembers what Ranney's boys basketball games used to be like only two seasons ago, before the Panthers became a must-see show in the Shore Conference. "My sophomore year, we probably had four or five Ranney fans in the stands,'' he said before smiling...

Hoop Group Boardwalk Showcase Saturday, Jan. 7 At Collins Arena at Brookdale Community College Game 4: No. 2 Ranney vs. St. Anthony, 5 p.m. For a group of 15 and 16 year-olds, the five sophomore starters on the Ranney boys basketball team have played in high-level tournaments against some of the best amateur talent in the country – a body of work that rivals that of most incoming college freshmen.