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.
Manasquan had the No. 2 ranked team in N.J. on the ropes Saturday but Roselle Catholic pulled out the win at the literal last second to hand short-handed Manasquan its first loss.
Bryan Antoine led the offense with 21 points but it was Ranney's defense that paved the way to the Tournament of Champions after a 56-50 win over Roselle Catholic.
Ranney has waited a year to get back to the Non-Public B final against Roselle Catholic and on Saturday, the Panthers will get their second shot at the title.
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.
Ranney took a seven-point lead to the final three minutes vs. the No. 1 team in N.J., but Roselle Catholic pulled out a 63-61 thriller over the Panthers to win the Non-Public B title.
Just two days after hearing the sobering news involving head coach Tahj Holden and his family, Ranney will attempt to rally and pull off one of the biggest wins in Shore basketball history.
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.