SCT PICKS…

Manchester vs Middletown South- There is the game of the day. Manchester started the year out, hoping for a solid season after losing two senior stars. Middletown South started the year ranked in the Top 10 in the state despite losing Stephaine Karcz. While Manchester has exceeded expectations, Middletown found living up to lofty expectations difficult. This is the time of year Tom Brennan teams become a well oiled machine. It’s this time of year in most years, his team takes on much more talented teams and sends them packing. This year it’s Manchester playing the role of Middletown South. It’s they who are rolling and on a 15 game winning street, looking to take out a much more talented team. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH does not have a quality win, they also do not have a lost to a team outside the Top 20. Manchester has some losses early in the season that can’t be  ignored. But during there 15 game winning streak, they have gotten street revenge on those teams. Both these teams are playing for something bigger than wins and losses. Both are playing for respect. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH are playing to prove they still are giant killers and still can play TOM Brennan basketball. That  style when played correctly many believe is the best in the Shore. Middletown South is playing to salvage there season. Manchester knows there is no house money here.  They are playing for real respect, they know a win and it will be  virtually impossible to keep them out the Top 20. They also know a win proves they have not been a paper tiger….MY PICK…Balasamo and Dolonzo will not let it end on their home court….MIDDLETOWN SOUTH WINS 47-39

RBR VS TRN- This is the most interesting game of the day. It’s a game of surprising teams.  It’s a game with coaches whose teams to this point can’t do much more this season. TRN was ranked as high as 10th in the State polls. RBR has been in the Shore Top 10 most of the year. They also won a SCT game for the first time in 2 decades. TRN biggest win to day was a win over #11 Sayreville and RBR’s biggest win is over #12 NEPTUNE. But even more important than their wins over Top 20 teams, is that both are playing with house money tonight. There is nothing at this point that can take away what these teams have accomplished. Vikki Gillen and TRN losing there future D1 point guard Brielle Bisogno and still having a magical season is really amazing. James Young  and band of merry seniors have been special all season. Both these teams have a lot to be proud of and anything from here forward is gravy. I believe this is going to be a battle to the end. Two great coaches, with great kids put on a real show tonight. But I never bet against seniors in a big spot.,.RBR 52-47 in a classic road win.

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TRE vs NEPTUNE- While Neptune has been on a roll and DEZZY ALLEN has been unstopple. TRE has run off 7 straight wins. The seniors of Neptune will not let it end here against a young TRE team. 62-49  NEPTUNE MOVES ON

Holmdel vs. RFH- I just don’t see a path for Holmdel tonight. They have put their season back together. But the overall talent gap is huge. More importantly RFH has been beastly against weaker competition. Coach Callahan teams this year have been very prepared. I doubt Howell will catch RFH SLEEPING AT THE WHEEL..72-50 RFH ADVANCES

Colts Neck vs. RBC- Don’t  be surprised if this is very interesting for a half. RBC better do a history check. They’d be wise to jump on them early. Sam Roth has seen elit competition and will not fold. Cara Volpe is a match up issue for RBC no matter how you cut it. My guess is RBC pulls away in 2nd half. But be warned this could get ugly if RBC is not ready to go…RBC 56-41

Marlboro vs St. Rose- St. Rose should be able to cruise tonight. But give Marlboro a punchers chance for a half. St. Rose has too much size, strength and experience to allow a upset. Marlboro has seen big time competition and will not be intimidated. St. Rose wins BIG

Wall vs Manasquan- Faith Masonious  goes off and starts her march to the SCT MVP

Howell vs. SJV- SJV ends a magical season for the upstart Howell program.