Point Beach

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.

Shore turned to its defense Friday against Point Beach to earn a trip to its first NJSIAA Central Group I final since 2015.

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.

Senior Collin Hutton scored the only goal in Point Beach's first win of the season over an opponent outside the Class B Central division.

Point Beach senior Joe Beley has been voted as the Week 5 Shore Conference Football Player of the Week.

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.

The Garnet Gulls return nine starters on each side of the ball as they aim to return to the playoffs and contend for a division title.

Point Beach Football 2022 Team Page

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.