Middletown North, Rumson-Fair Haven and Point Beach all host NJSIAA sectional finals Friday in search of a second consecutive championship. Here is a look at the challenge each faces.
Two rookies from non-public powers, plus a small-school standout headline the three finalist for the second ever Shore Sports Network Boys Basketball Freshman of the Year.
Led by one of its new starters and two of its 2022 holdovers, Keyport rallied from a 16-point deficit to beat Point Beach and position itself for a championship run.
With no more non-public behemoths to overcome, the small schools of Class B Central are ready to battle it out to become the first public champion in the division in 10 years.
After six straight years ending its season with a state-tournament loss to Shore, Point Beach finally conquered its Group I rival and is now one win from a sectional championship.
St. Rose has reclaimed the its perch atop Class B Central after a decade-long battle to get back and will now defend its spot against some up-and-coming challengers.
Howell, Middletown North, Rumson-Fair Haven and Point Beach will try to fill half the spots in the state finals with Shore teams by surviving Monday's Group Semifinals in South Jersey.