Howell and Ranney gave Shore-ranked Wall and state-ranked Roselle Catholic all they could handle, but the favorites prevailed at a competitive Jersey Shore Challenge showcase.
Bryan Antoine bounced back from an off-game on Sunday with 25 points and Ranney raced past Roselle Catholic, the top-ranked team in the state, at Wednesday's Shore Challenge.
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.
Phillip Wheeler and Teddy Sourlis got Rumson going and the No. 3 Bulldogs fought past No. 9 Red Bank Catholic at the Jersey Shore Challenge on Wednesday.
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.
Rumson-Fair Haven basketball will take the stage at Brookdale, while the RBC boys look to take their program to the next level at Wednesday's Jersey Shore Challenge.
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.