Scottie Lewis, Bryan Antoine and their teammates on Team Rio and Ranney have become one of the must-see enterprises in N.J. and on Tuesday, Team Rio put on a one-time show at another Shore institution - the JSBL.
After a convincing fourth win of the season over Mater Dei, Ranney turns its attention toward Trenton Catholic in Tuesday's sectional final - the first step toward a possible T of C appearance.
Ranney turned in a dominant performance on defense and showed off its offensive balance in beating Mater Dei, 52-28, for its first ever Shore Conference title.
Manasquan senior Dara Mabrey is the winner of the Kerwin Award for the second straight year and Ranney junior Bryan Antoine is the 2018 boys award winner.
Playing in front of Villanovs coach Jay Wright, Scottie Lewis and Bryan Antoine put on a show and led Ranney past Toms River North and into the SCT semifinals.
Bryan Antoine scored two clutch baskets and Savior Akuwovo denied Mater Dei's game-tying attempt to give No. 1 Ranney its second win of the season over its division rival.
Roselle Catholic was too much for undermanned Ranney, but the Panthers showed some fight Wednesday at the Jersey Shore Challenge thanks to one of its emotional leaders.
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.