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New Brunswick Looking To Get Opponents For Open Gyms

By Greg Machos
July 19, 2008

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ--GMC Hoops recently received word from New Brunswick head coach, Antoine Allen, that the school is looking to get opponents to scrimmage against in their open gyms. The Zebras, which tried to put together a summer league this year, is looking for teams on Mondays and Wednesdays. Times are flexible. It will be controlled without referees. So far, the scrimmages have been run with three 20 minute segments of running time. For further information, or to arrange a scrimmage, feel free to contact Antoine Allen at nbzebrasbasketball@gmail.com.

Colonia's Edmonds Playing At Carl Albert JC In Oklahoma

By Greg Machos
July 18, 2008

POTEAU, OK--On opening night of the 2008 Star-Ledger College Summer League at the College Avenue Barn on the main campus of Rutgers University, GMC Hoops learned that former Colonia hoops standout, Kevin Edmonds, is now playing basketball at Carl Albert Junior College in Oklahoma. Edmonds, a 6'7" forward, is the second player from the GMC to play at Carl Albert in the past several years. Before ending up at Williamson Trade School, former New Brunswick standout, Davar Watson also attended the school.

For those who may have forgotten, Edmonds was a key player for Colonia two seasons ago when the team won the North Jersey Section 2 Group III Championship Game over Union Hill of Union City. In a double overtime thriller, Edmonds came up with 23 points on 8 of 11 FGs including five threes and 2 of 2 FTs along with 9 rebounds, 3 steals, 2 blocks, and an assist in the win. Among those 23 points were a tap in off a lob by Joe LaSala to force the first overtime, nailed his fifth and final trey of the game with 9 seconds left in the second overtime, and then sealed the win with two foul shots at the 4.7 second mark. Edmonds also had a huge showing against Passaic Valley in the 2007 Group III State Semifinals.

At Carl Albert, the Vikings went just 5-24 on the season according to results posted on the NJCAA web site, but Edmonds still manged to have a good deal of success. In 2007-08, Edmonds played in 26 games and averaged 2.8 points per game. The Avenel native made a total of 29 field goals including 14 from beyond the arc, and netted two from the foul line. He shot 29 of 75 from two point range, and 14 of 50 from three point range for a combined shooting effort of 43 of 125 for 34.4 percent. Edmonds also grabbed 44 rebounds for an average of 1.7 per game. The freshman also handed out 8 assists on the season along with collecting 7 steals.

Lubreski Takes Helm At Plainfield

By Greg Machos
July 16, 2008

PLAINFIELD, NJ--GMC Hoops learned on Wednesday morning in an article from Mike Kinney in the Star-Ledger that the Plainfield Board of Education gave its final approval for the hiring of former South Plainfield boys basketball head coach, Jeff Lubreski as the new boys basketball head coach at Plainfield. Lubreski, who has been out of coaching since the end of the 2004-05 season, takes over for former coach, Pete Vasil, who resigned last month after being asked to reapply for the coaching position despite putting together a fine short run at the school.

Lubreski served as head coach of the boys basketball program from 1986 to 2005, where he roughly compiled a career record 247-202. Also during his tenure, South Plainfield garnered four GMC White crowns, four GMCT Final Fours, two GMCT Titles, five Sectional Final Fours, and two Sectional Championships. The 2003-04 that he guided to a 27-1 record is among one of the greatest teams of all time in Middlesex County and GMC circles, and earned the top spot in the GMC Hoops 5th Anniversary Ten Greatest Teams list. Over the final three seasons as head coach at SPHS, South Plainfield went 63-13 overall including a 38-4 mark in divisional play over that span.

Some of the players that played for Lubreski during his tenure at SPHS were: Marquis Jones, Darren Smith, Ian Robinson, Corey Gilmore, Shawn Brown, Jonathan Buggey, Shamai Santiago, Opie Muse, Aaron Parks, Kevin Sidenburg, Matt Baszika, Dominique Pender, Mike Thompson, Darryl Scott, Ryan English, Darrec Jones, Corey Stokes, Malik Sheppard, Bryan Joiner, Ed Bolton, Craig Kearney, Kazzie Taylor, Billy Cochrane, Pete Leonardis, Greg Block, Joe Ranno, Lance Brown,and Jim Kohl. Last season, Plainfield was 18-8 overall, and reached the semifinals of the North Jersey Section 2 Group IV State Tournament before losing to Linden.

Over the past three seasons, Plainfield, which has gotten back to respectability during the course of this decade after being in mediocrity for nearly two decades, compiled a great deal of success with a 62-20 record, and two Watchung Conference titles according to an article by Jerry Carino in the Courier-News. However, in each of those last three seasons, Plainfield's year has ended at the hands of Watchung Conference foes Linden (2006 and 2008) or Elizabeth (2007).

Sienkiewicz Steps Down As Woodbridge High Head Coach

By Greg Machos
July 2, 2008

WOODBRIDGE, NJ--Last week, GMC Hoops learned from a source in the GMC White Division that Scott Sienkiewicz stepped down as head coach of the boys basketball program at Woodbridge High School. The web site was able to confirm this information with former Colonia High hoops head coach, and current Vice Principal at Woodbridge High, Ken Pace Sr. This past season, the Barrons did improve, but only slightly with a 4-18 overall record after going 1-21 in 2006-07.

Sienkiewicz took over for Martin Scarano, who went on to be the Athletic Director at WHS, and then became a Vice Principal. Despite having a number of lean years with the Barrons, Sienkiewicz did manage to get Woodbridge to qualify for the state tournament in back to back years. In 2004-05, Woodbridge went 12-12 on the season including wins in 6 of 8 games to qualify for the state tournament for the first time in many years. Highlights from that season included an 84-80 double overtime victory at home against eventual GMCT Champion, South Plainfield on February 10th that was broadcasted on WCTC.

The following season, 2005-06, the Barrons started out in an even deeper hole by losing 8 of its first 9 contests, but put together a memorable win streak of 8 of 9 games to qualify for the states for the second straight year. Among the wins during the crucial streak was an overtime victory at home versus New Brunswick (72-69), Colonia (51-48), and a 73-70 extra session win at North Brunswick. The Barrons went on to finish 10-15 overall that season. Some notable players that played at Woodbridge during the Sienkiewicz era included: current Rutgers football player Shamar Graves, Temi Adeleye, John Cuozzo, Casey Mack, Anthony Graham, Deryk Lockett, Chris Petrick, Adam Ethalaka (hero of the Colonia OT win), Gerard Bullock, Richie Ng, and Dave Silvasadder.

No replacement has been announced, but the search has been underway.

Sayreville's Matagrano To Play Post Graduate Ball At Blair Academy

By Greg Machos
June 11, 2008

SAYREVILLE, NJ--Over the weekend of June 7th and 8th, GMC Hoops took in some of the action at the 2008 Rutgers Elite Team Camp at the Rutgers Athletic Center in Piscataway. Summaries will be forthcoming on what took place there. Anyway, one of the revelations that the site had while covering this special event was the fact that Sayreville's Chris Matagrano has already started making plans on his future.

The 6'9" center, who has come a long way since stepping on to the court at the Bomb Shelter as a freshman in the 2004-05 season, who has drawn some interest from schools, especially at the Division III level, has decided to play some post graduate ball at Blair Academy in Blairstown, New Jersey. In 2007-08, Sayreville put in its best season in several years, and made a huge step in returning to the heights that it had as a basketball program in the GMC at the start of this decade.

This past season, Sayreville finished 17-8 overall including a 9-5 mark in the Blue Division to give them a third place tie with Monroe. The Bombers, which also featured the likes of silky smooth shooting guard, Ricky Harding, registered a couple of important victories during the season including a 55-52 win at Colonia on January 8th, and a 60-57 victory in overtime at Carteret on February 4th. In that victory over the Ramblers, Matagrano went out of character by sinking a three pointer from halfcourt at the buzzer in the extra session for the win.

As mentioned earlier, Matagrano has come along way, and that is thanks much in part to Shawn Currie, Michael Provenza, and former Bomber standout, Samir Sanu as well as the rest of the coaching staff at Sayreville. Blair Academy, which has produced such talent as Luol Deng, Charlie Villanueva, Royal Ivey, Wellington Smith, and Shamari Spears, is also the home of another player with GMC ties. Ryan Lubreski, the oldest son of former South Plainfield head coach, Jeff Lubreski, also plays there. Congratulations, Chris, and best of luck in the future.

Burwell To Go The Prep Route

By Greg Machos
June 11, 2008

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ--Over the last month or two, there has been a great deal of speculation on where Cardinal McCarrick's talented guard, Mike Burwell would be going to school. Burwell, who ended up earning All Conference, All County, and All Area honors from the GMC, the Star-Ledger, and The Home News-Tribune, had schools such as Notre Dame, Michigan, San Diego, and Colorado State intrested in him. However, he has decided to go a different route for the time being.

Recently, GMC Hoops learned from Cardy Mac head coach, Joe Lewis, that Burwell has decided to go the prep school route. Burwell, who led the conference in scoring, and was one of the top scorers in the state with 29 points per game, has chose to go to South Kent Prep School in Connecticut. Burwell had a stellar year for the Eagles with numerous 30 point plus games and several 40 point plus games including a 42 point performance in the overtime upset of then top ranked Piscataway, 70-65 on January 19, 2008.

McCarrick started off the season with some struggles as it lost three of its first five games including a defeat to arch rival, Bishop Ahr, in South Amboy on December 22nd, 72-68. However, after losing to Lincoln of Jersey City (57-46) in the opening night of action at the Joe Silver Round Robin in Hillside over the holidays, the Eagles went on to win 17 straight games before losing to Union, 51-47 on February 9th in South Amboy. Cardinal McCarrick ended up with its best overall season at 24-5, another Blue Division title, and its second GMC crown in five seasons.

Burwell, who spent his first two seasons at Highland Park High School before transferring to McCarrick in the late summer of 2006, ended up with 1,798 points for his high school career. Congratulations, Mike and best of luck in the future.

Ahr's Uszenski To Attend New Jersey City University In The Fall

By Greg Machos
June 10, 2008

NORTH EDISON, NJ--Earlier this week, GMC Hoops learned from Bishop Ahr fan, and proud parent, Gerry Williamson that another player from this year's Ahr team will be moving on to play basketball at the next level. Kevin Uszenski, who came up with a solid performance in the Trojans upset win at Cardinal McCarrick on December 22nd in South Amboy, had decided to attend New Jersey City University this coming fall.

This past season, Uszenski, who also made a clutch three pointer at the end of regulation to help then third seeded Ahr force sixth seeded St. Joseph's to a dramatic overtime before losing in the 2008 GMCT Quarterfinals, was a three year varsity player at BGA, and helped the Trojans make its second straight Elite Eight appearance. Bishop Ahr equaled its win total from two years ago by going 17-6 overall, and finishing with a share of the Blue Division crown along with Cardinal McCarrick. Recently, in the GMCBCA Senior All-Star Game, Uszenski received MVP honors for his efforts.

Uszenski, along with Mike Williamson, Derek Figueredo, Billy Rooney, and Martese Street began to build on the foundation of recent success at Bishop Ahr when they were just freshmen. In 2005, the Little Trojans finished first in the GMC Blue, and were the top seed in that year's Perth Amboy Freshmen Tournament. Unfortunately, BGA was summarily dismissed in the Round of 16 by J.P. Stevens. Prior to coming to Bishop Ahr, Uszenski played with the likes of Brandon Hall and Ron Lordi at the Raritan Bay Summer League in South Amboy. Congratulations, Kevin, and best of luck in the future.

EB's Scott Stolzenberg To Play Lacrosse At Rensselaer Polytechnic

By Greg Machos
June 9, 2008

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ--Recently, GMC Hoops learned from East Brunswick head coach, Bo Henning that senior, Scott Stolzenberg has made a commitment to attend Rennselaer Polytechnic Institute to play lacrosse in the fall. Stolzenberg, who happens to be a two time Home News-Tribune All Area Team in lacrosse, was selected as the GMC Coaches Defensive Player of the year as well. The three year varsity lacrosse player also competed in basketball, where he was on the varsity roster in each of the past two seasons.

Stolzenberg, who along with Mike Mello where the only two returning starters to a young and inexperienced boys basketball team at EB, made significant contributions to the Bears hoop squad. This past season, in East Brunswick games covered by GMC Hoops (vs. Bridgewater in the Vaughn Stapleton Classic, and against South River in the GMCT Play-In Round), Stolzenberg went a combined 12 of 16 from the field, 6 of 8 from the foul line for a total of 30 points, or an average of 15 per game with 21 rebounds, or an average of 10.5 per contest. He also added 4 assists, 3 steals, a block, and a charge.

This past season, the Bears suffered miserably without a great deal of seniors as they went 4-18 overall, and 2-12 in the GMC Red. A year ago, when Stolzenberg was a junior, East Brunswick made its second straight trip to the GMCT Elite Eight, and went 14-11 overall on the season. Nevertheless, Stolzenberg along with Mello, helped guide the younger kids, and buiild a foundation for those coming up to grow on, and be successful with. Congratulations, Scott, and best of luck in the future.

East Brunswick's Mello To Serve In Military

By Greg Machos
June 9, 2008

EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ--Last week while covering the sixth week of action down at the 2008 Rebounds Spring League, GMC Hoops learned that EBHS senior, Mike Mello will be joining the armed forces. According to long time head coach, Bo Henning, the military will be a good fit for him. Although this past season was a difficult one for EB and Mello, the senior standout was one of two veteran players returning from last season's Elite Eight squad. As a matter of fact, Mello was on the varsity roster in each of the past three seasons.

Over the past three years, East Brunswick was 36-39 overall, but in two of those three seasons, the Bears were 32-21 including two trips to the GMCT Quarterfinals and two berths in the Central Jersey Group IV State Tournament. The heavy losses due to graduation from those two successful campaigns had a tremendous impact on how this season turned out for EB. Nevertheless, the Bears did pull off a surprise win over Asbury Park in the 2007 Vaughn Stapleton Classic over the holidays, and won its play-in round GMCT contest over South River.

Mello's guidance, tutledge, and leadership this past season will go along way for the younger EB players coming up. Both he and fellow senior, Scott Stolzenberg helped lay the foundation down for what will hopefully be a more successful run in 2008-09 for East Brunswick. Mike should be commended for making such a sacrifice for his country. In these troubling times, it is not so easy to make a such a choice. All of us should be grateful for all those who are wearing the uniform, and fighting for our freedom. While we may disagree about the politics of what is currently happening in the world, we should unite ourselves around the fact that we are blessed to be in a country where we can disagree with one another respectfully. Best of luck in the future Mike, and most importantly, stay safe and godspeed.

Sean Williams Of Cardinal McCarrick To Play Hoops At MCC

By Greg Machos
June 9, 2008

SAYREVILLE, NJ--In addition to finding out about South Amboy's Colin Kryzanowski moving on to attend Division III Centenary College in Hackettstown this fall, GMC Hoops also learned that another Raritan Bay favorite will be moving on to college starting in the fall. Cardinal McCarrick reserve, Sean Williams, who was a key member of the 2005 McCarrick Freshmen team that finished third in the GMC Blue, and played a key role off the bench this past season for the Eagles varsity.

Commonly known in South Amboy and Sayreville circles as "Swill," Williams came off the bench to register solid efforts in key Cardy Mac wins over Bishop Ahr on the road back on January 26th, and over South Amboy in the Quarterfinal Round of the 2008 Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament at Middlesex County College on Feburary 17th. In the victory over BGA, Williams went 3 of 4 from the floor, and made 1 of 2 at the line for 7 points while in the win over crosstown rival, South Amboy, he knocked in 6 of 8 shots from the field including a three pointer for 13 points and 4 rebounds.

This past season was Cardinal McCarrick's best ever in terms of overall record with a 24-5 mark. The previous mark was set in 2005 at 23-5 while the 2003 team led by Mika Wilson went 23-6. At one point in the season, the Eagles were 2-3 before winning 17 straight contests. In addition, the Eagles won their second ever Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament Championship this past season, and its fifth GMC Blue title in the past six years. Congratulations Sean, and all the best in the future.

Krzyzanowski To Attend Centenary College In Fall

By Greg Machos
June 9, 2008

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ--Recently, while covering some of the action at the 2008 Raritan Bay Summer League over at South Amboy Middle/High School, GMC Hoops learned that South Amboy High senior, Colin Krzyzanowski will be attending Centenary College in the fall. Krzyzanowski, the son of retiring head coach, George Krzyzanowski, and one of the key members of this year's Guv team that won its first ever GMC Gold Division title while advancing to the Elite Eight of the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament, will be going there as a student. Teammate, Larry Lenahan, will be going there to play hoops.

Over the past two seasons, Krzyzanowski was a member of perhaps one of the better South Amboy teams in recent memory. In each of the last two years, the Governors qualified for the Central Jersey Group I State Tournament, and both times won their first round game. During the span, South Amboy went 30-20 including a 17-8 overall mark this past season. Known for his perimeter shooting, Krzyzanowski had his moments including three treys in the second quarter of an early season divisional battle with Perth Amboy Tech during the 2006-07 season, and then in the key GMC Gold showdown with Dunellen when he sank a clutch three late in the game to help spearhead the comeback over the Destroyers.

In addition to winning two first round state tourney games, the Guvs also won their Holiday Tournament this past season while also emerging victorious in its first round GMCT contests in 2007 and 2008. While South Amboy was led by the likes of Lenahan and Mark Simko, Krzyzanowski combined with the liks of fellow senior Steve Poltrictzky and sophomore Joey Charmello to provide additional scoring punch. Congratulations, Colin, and best of luck in the future.

Ridge Looking For One More Team To Round Out Holiday Tournament

By Greg Machos
May 28, 2008

BASKING RIDGE, NJ--GMC Hoops has learned from Piscataway High head coach, Guy Jensen that Ridge High School is looking for one more team to round out its eight team field for its annual Len Sepanak Memorial Holiday Tournament in December. For those of you who may not be aware, Len Sepanak, who died a number of years ago to cancer, was a coach in the GMC at Cedar Ridge during the mid-1980s, and eventually coached at Middlesex County College in the early 1990s.

So far, the tournament field consists of teams from around Central Jersey representing several different conferences including: Ridge (Skyland Delware West Division), Piscataway (GMC Red), Watchung Hills (Skyland Delaware East Division), Montgomery (Skyland Delaware East Division), Rutgers Prep (Patriot Conference), Somerville (Skyland Raritan Division), and West Windsor Plainsboro South (Colonial Valley Conference). Piscataway is the North Jersey Section 2 Group IV Champion while Watchung Hills is the Somerset County Champ. Ridge is no slouch either under the direction of former St. Joseph's head coach, Mark Taylor. The school has gone from being 6-19 two years ago to being in the Somerset County Tournament final this past season.

The tournament is schedule to take place over three days. This would be the largest field that the tournament has had in at least several years. The GMC has had a presence in this tournament in recent years with both North Brunswick and Perth Amboy competing. Now Piscataway will take the mantle for the conference. If you are interested in playing in this tournament, and would like more info, contact either Guy Jensen at 908-705-2917, or via e-mail at GJtaskforcenj@aol.com.

Timothy Christian School To Join GMC In 2010

By Greg Machos
May 25, 2008

PISCATAWAY, NJ--On Saturday, GMC Hoops learned from an article in The Home News-Tribune that the Timothy Christian School, currently a member of the Patriot Conference, will join the GMC starting in the 2010 academic year. TCS, which had long been an independent, had joined the Patriot Conference, and also became a member of the NJSIAA in 2005-06. The Tigers have since qualified for the Non-Public B South State Tournaments in both the 2006-07, and 2007-08 seasons.

Upon joining the conference, Timothy Christian will be placed in the GMC Gold along with Dunellen, East Brunswick Tech, Perth Amboy Tech, Piscataway Tech, and this year's division champion, South Amboy. TCS will fill the void left behind by the closing of St. Peter's High School in June 2007. For a long time, the Tigers have played many teams from the GMC including: St. Peter's, Highland Park, South River, Edison, North Brunswick, South Amboy, Spotswood, Piscataway Tech, and Metuchen.

Other Central Jersey teams that make up the Patriot Conference are: Wardlaw Hartridge (Edison), Rutgers Prep (Somerset), and Gill St. Bernards (Peapack Gladstone). Last year, the Tigers played GMC teams five times, and went 3-2 including: Highland Park (1-1), Piscataway Tech (1-0), South Amboy (1-0), and South River (0-1). TCS is a small private religious school located on Ethel Road in Piscataway near the Edison border. GMC Hoops intends to see the first home game at the school when play begins in the 2010-11 season. See details on what Greg Machos thinks of this latest addition to the conference.

South Brunswick's Teicher Headed To Tufts In Fall

By Greg Machos
May 24, 2008

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ--This week, GMC Hoops learned the South Brunswick senior, Jordan Teicher, is headed to Tufts University this fall. Teicher, one of the members of the 2005 South Brunswick High School Freshmen team that made a Cinderella run through the 2005 Perth Amboy Freshmen Tournament before losing to second seeded J.F. Kennedy in the Championship. The year before, in middle school, this twelfth seeded team, which defeated fifth seeded Cardinal McCarrick, fourth seeded Edison, and eighth seeded Piscataway to reach the title contest, was only 7-16.

During his sophomore and junior years, Teicher played JV although he was a reserve on last year's South Brunswick squad that finished 27-4 overall including an undefeated 14-0 in the GMC Red, reached the Final Four of the 2007 GMCT, won the 2007 Central Jersey Group IV Championship, and lost to Linden in the 2007 Group IV State Final. While on JV those two years, Teicher helped the Junior Vikings reach the Final Four of the East Brunswick/GMC JV Tournament both years including a championship over St. Joseph's in 2006. This past season, Teicher helped SBHS finish 14-12 overall, and qualify for the Central Jersey Group IV tourney, where it lost in the Quarterfinal round to Trenton.

Most importantly though, Teicher, who went 15 of 15 at the foul line in games covered by GMC Hoops this season, excelled in the classroom. He is one of the top scholars in his class with a GPA of at least 3.8 while taking three Advanced Placement courses. Furthermore, his SAT scores are 1460 by the old standard, and 2150 by the new standard with the essay. He also participates in extracurricular activities such as the Dead Presidents society, and writing. Jordan is a fine example of what a student athlete should be, a well rounded individual. Congratulations, Jordan, and best of luck in whatever you strive to be.

Monroe Standout Ivan Baretto To Attend Kean In September

By Greg Machos
May 21, 2008

MONROE, NJ--On Tuesday, GMC Hoops learned from sources in Monroe that senior guard, Ivan Baretto, will be attending Kean University this coming September. Over the past two seasons, Baretto has been a key component in continuing the success at Monroe Township High School following the departure of standout, A.J. Rudowitz, who is now standing tall at Division II Stonehill University in Massachusetts.

With his scrappy, hard nosed play, Baretto helped Monroe qualify for the state tournament in each of the past two seasons. In 2006-07, the Purple Birds finished 13-14 overall, and qualified for the 2007 Central Jersey Group III State Tournament before losing in the first round to Hamilton, a team that they had lost to in the Championship game of the same section one year before. This past season, Monroe went 16-12 overall, and finished tied for third in the rough and tumble GMC White with Sayreville. In the post-season, the Falcons reached the Round of 16 in the 2008 GMCT, and the Elite Eight of the 2008 Central Jersey Group III State Tournament.

Thanks to the likes of Baretto along with fellow senior Justin Mitchell, Monroe has had perhaps one of its most successful run in boys basketball in school history. Over the past three seasons, the Purple Birds have qualified for the state tournament in each year, and have reached the GMCT Final Four and a sectional final. The combined record at the school over these past three seasons is 53-31 including a 25-17 mark in divisional play. Congratulations, Ivan, and best of luck in the years ahead.

Former St. Joe's Standout And L.A. Laker Bynum
To Have Surgery On Wednesday

By Greg Machos
May 18, 2008

LOS ANGELES, CA--While watching Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, GMC Hoops learned that former St. Joseph's Standout, and 2005 GMC Hoops Impact Player of the Year, Andrew Bynum is scheduled to have arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday in New York. Bynum, who has been in the NBA for three seasons after getting drafted out of High School back in the early summer of 2005, went down with a injury to his left knee.

Back in early April, Bynum, who was being monitored by Laker medical staff, and had been rehabbing the knee, was seen by a specialist, and at that time, was not cleared to play. Meanwhile, the L.A. Lakers have rolled to the top seed in the NBA Western Conference ahead of both the New Orleans Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs with a 57-25 record, and have reached the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Utah Jazz in six games, are looking to win their first NBA title 2002. The last time the Lakers played for the Championship was the following season when the team was defeated by Detroit in five games.

Before he was injured, Bynum played in 35 games and started in 25 of them. In those 35 games, the two year starter at St. Joseph's averaged 28.8 minutes per game, connected on 63.6 percent of his shots, 69.5 percent of his free throws, and scored 13.1 points per game. In addition, he pulled down an average of 10.2 boards per contest, handed out 1.7 assists per game, swatted 2.1 shots per game, and swiped 0.3 steals per game. Bynum originally went down with the injury on January 20th in a game against Memphis. The injury took place in the third quarter, and despite walking off on his own power after it occurred, he was never to set foot on the court for a game again this season.

Vince Rosario Transfers From Stonehill To Central Connecticut State

By Greg Machos
May 14, 2008

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ--On Monday, GMC Hoops learned from Cardinal McCarrick head coach, Joe Lewis, that the current all time leading scorer at the school, and former standout, Vince Rosario has transferred from Division II Stonehill in Massachusetts to Division I Central Connecticut State University. Although, Rosario will have to sit out a year due to transfer rules, he will be getting a full scholarship to attend CCSU starting in the fall.

This past season at Stonehill University, which competes in the rough and tumble Northeast-10 with such teams as Bentley and St. Rose, the Perth Amboy native, and 2007 GMC Hoops Player of the Year played in all 32 games while starting in two of them. Rosario averaged 22.5 minutes per game, made 98 of 248 shot attempts for 39.5 percent including 71 of 170 attempts from downtown for 41.8 percent. At the line, Rosario connected on 42 of 55 shots for 76.4 percent, and when you added all the field goals, three pointers, and foul shots made, Rosario tallied 309 total points, or an average of 9.7 points per game to finish fourth on the team in scoring behind Rudowitz and Smith. The four year varsity player at Cardy Mac also averaged 1.9 rebounds per game, 1.6 assists per game, and 0.9 steals per game.

Central Connecticut State is no stranger to having former GMC standouts playing and even excelling at its school. Justin Chiera, who is currently second on the all time scoring list at Colonia behind current Stonehill standout and former Rosario teammate, Nick Smith, also played at CCSU after he graduated from Colonia in 2002. Chiera was a two time GMC Hoops Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002. Last season, the Blue Devils of the Northeast Conference, finsihed sixth overall in conference play with a 10-8 mark while ending up two games under .500 at 14-16 overall. Losses included two defeats to the conference champion, and NCAA qualifier, Robert Morris. Most notable win of the season occurred against second place finisher in the NEC, Wagner, on February 2nd, 89-63 in New Britain, Connecticut.

St. Joseph's Standout Brandenburg To Attend UConn In Fall

By Greg Machos
May 13, 2008

METUCHEN, NJ--Steve Brandenburg, a GMC Hoops Scholar Athlete of the Year candidate, has decided to attend the University of Connecticut next fall. Brandenburg, who stars of both the basketball team as a reserve off the bench, and volleyball as a setter, is also a fine student in the classroom with a GPA of 3.8. His trademark Larry Bird hairstyle was not the only similarity between him at the legendary player from French Lick, Indiana, who also went on to star at Indiana State in the late 1970s, and for the Boston Celtics during the 1980s and early 1990s before joining the front office of the Indiana Pacers following a brief stint in coaching, but he also played with the same tenacity and unselfishness as well.

As St. Joseph's sixth man, Brandenburg, would always find a way to make a key contribution during the course of his senior year from the Fall League at TBSA with his key charge drawn in the win over previously unbeaten Trenton Central on September 30th, to his sharp passes out to cutters from the wing for layups against the likes of McKee Vo-Tech of Staten Island in the Brothers of the Sacred Heart Tournament back in December, to his fabulous shooting and scoring performance against East Brunswick on February 4th. In that game against the Bears, which was a 65-44 victory, Brandbenburg scored 21 points on a perfect 9 of 9 from the floor, and a 3 of 4 effort from the line in addition to a number of assists and rebounds.

Brandenburg also made key contributions in St. Joseph's thrilling overtime victory over Bishop Ahr in the GMCT Elite Eight. This past season, the Falcons went 20-8, finished third in the GMC Red Division, and reached the Championship Game of the 2008 Greater Middlesex Conference Tourament for a record 14th time before losing to Cardinal McCarrick. Two days later, St. Joe's fell to Gloucester Catholic in the opening round of the Non-Public A State Tournament. Congratulations, Steve, and best of luck in your future endeavors.

New Brunswick Starting Middle School Hoops Team Next Season

By Greg Machos
May 12, 2008

NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ--After enduring two sub .500 seasons, the New Brunswick High School Boys Basketball program is making efforts to ensure that things change for the better in 2008-09. Last year, the Zebras went only 8-12 and missed the state tournament for the first time since GMC Hoops was launched in the summer of 2000.

This past season, New Brunswick had a very difficult season going only 1-17. However, a bright spot developed with a solid season by the freshmen team, which won the Cardinal McCarrick Freshmen tourney over the holidays, and finished fourth in the 2008 Perth Amboy Tournament after losing to East Brunswick in the semifinals, and to Bishop Ahr in the consolation.

Looking to build off the success of the freshmen team, and the improvement of its JV squad, the Zebras are doing some new things for this summer, and the upcoming season in November and December. First, New Brunswick is having a summer league this summer, and already have several teams competing in the league. More importantly though, the Zebras are looking to rebuild the program from the ground up by announcing that a Middle School team is being created for the 2008-09 season.

Former Linden standout, Antoine Allen, who will be entering his second season at the helm come next December, is living up to his promise to turn things around for the Zebras, and make it into a program that not only excels on the court, but off the court as well.

Konopacki Heading To Ramapo To Play Volleyball

By Greg Machos
May 11, 2008

MONROE, NJ--Over the weekend, GMC Hoops received word that St. Joseph's hoops standout, Paul Konopacki, is going to attend Ramapo College in the fall to play volleyball at the school. Konopacki, who was a two year starter for the varsity basketball team at St. Joe's, helped lead the team to a 20-9 record last season after the squad started the year with three straight losses, and 20-8 this season. In 2006-07, the Falcons finished second in the GMC Red Division behind South Brunswick, and reached the Final Four of the 2007 NJSIAA Non-Public A South Tournament before losing to CBA in the semifinals.

In 2007-08, St. Joseph's ended up finishing in third place in the GMC Red behind Piscataway and J.P. Stevens, but as a sixth seed, made an incredible run in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament. The Falcons defeated third seeded Bishop Ahr in a dramatic GMCT Elite Eight contest that went to overtime. Then, the Green and White Birds knocked off second seeded Piscataway in the semifinals after the Chiefs defeated St. Joe's twice during the regular season including a 61-28 victory at home on January 8th. Unfortunately, St. Joseph's, which made its 14th trip all time to the MCT/GMCT finals, lost to Cardinal McCarrick in the Championship game.

Besides from his basketball exploits, Konopacki has excelled on the volleyball court as well. Although, he has played an integral role in the success of a basketball program that has gone a combined 40-17 over the past two seasons, he has had even greater accolades in volleyball. Along with fellow basketball teammate, Steve Brandenburg, Konopacki has been a three year varsity starter on St. Joseph's volleyball, and has already been a part of a state championship team two years ago. Moreover, the Falcons have compiled a combined 80-15 record entering play on Saturday including a 25-1 mark this season. Congratulations, Paul, and best of luck in the future.

Middlesex Standout, John Stockton To Attend Albright In The Fall

By Greg Machos
May 7, 2008

MIDDLESEX, NJ--GMC Hoops was recently contacted by our loyal and dedicated Middlesex Hoops Volunteer to inform the site that senior guard, and three year varsity player, John Stockton has committed to attend Division III Albright College in the fall. Stockton was a key component to a Middlesex team that qualified for the state tournament for the first time since the 2001-02 season. This past season, the Blue Jays enjoyed their best season since the 2000-01 campaign when they reached the Elite Eight of the GMCT, and reached the finals before losing to Highland Park.

In 2007-08, Middlesex went 18-7 overall including a 9-5 mark in Blue Division play. Winners of the 2007 Shello/Santy Holiday Tournament, the Blue Jays earned the only top seed by a GMC team in the various state tournaments this season, and won their Quarterfinal round game over New Providence before losing to Asbury Park in the semifinals. Known for his perimeter game, Stockton was the lone Middlesex representative in the recent GMCBCA Senior All-Star Game in Piscataway last month. The senior guard, who also has a younger brother in the starting lineup this past season, was part of perhaps one of the most unselfish team oriented squads in the GMC in 2007-08.

Finishing third in the GMC Blue, Middlesex lost to both co-division winners, Cardinal McCarrick and Bishop Ahr twice while losing late in the regular season to J.F. Kennedy of Iselin. In addition, the Blue Jays fell to J.P. Stevens in the Round of 16 in the 2008 GMCT, and Asbury Park. Thanks to their fine effort this past season, the Blue Jays landed in the final GMC Hoops Top Ten. Stockton, who came in as one of the top freshmen at Middlesex back in the 2004-05 season, was one of the players, who along with Nick Fariella and Billy Lester that helped build the foundation of success for the years ahead under the direction of third year head coach, and MHS all time leading scorer, Brian Feath.

At Albright, Stockton, which helped the Blue Jays improve by winning 11 more games than they did all last season, will be joining former South Plainfield standout, Matt Bazsika, and a team that went 17-9 overall and 6-4 in the Commonwealth Conference. In 2007-08, Albright reached the Final Four of the Southern Division of the ECAC Tournament before bowing out to Gwynedd-Mercy. Congratulations, John, and best of luck in the future.

Byrne And Washington Make Contributions At Montclair State

By Greg Machos
May 3, 2008

MONTCLAIR, NJ--After enduring four seasons with either only 12 or 13 wins, the Red Hawks of Montclair State University of the New Jersey Athletic Conference, NJAC, turned in a improved season with a 16-11 overall record that included an 8-5 mark in conference play. The school, which had its last truly break out year during the 2002-03 season when MSU went 23-6 and made a Sweet 16 appearance in that year's NCAA Division III Tournament, under the direction of present coach, and former St. Peter's College head coach, Ted Fiore, reached the semifinal round of this year's NJAC tournament. After traveling down to Rowan University and winning in the first round, 83-72, the Red Hawks season came to an end with a 71-61 loss to eventual second place finisher, William Paterson University.

Although the team wasn't able to get full contributions from its GMC pool of talent in 2007-08 due to the fact that former Cardinal McCarrick standout, Donnie Reid only played in seven games due to injury, and former JFK standout, Eliot Solop did not play this season as he joined the coaching staff under the direction of first year head coach, Chris Banos, at his alma mater, the Red Hawks still got enough help with the likes of former J.P. Stevens big man, Ryan Washington, and East Brunswick's John Byrne. Washington, who had played his previous two seasons at Division II Kentucky State of the SIAC, made a significant contribution of the bench by playing in 26 of the team's 27 games including 20 starts. In those 26 games for MSU, Washington averaged 18.4 minutes per game, and connected on exactly half his shot attempts (61 of 122 for 50 percent from the floor). In addition, Washington, who played alongside FDU-Florham's Andrew Biancosino at Stevens, netted 31 of 58 free throws for 53.4 percent.

Tallying a total of 153 points on the season, Washington averaged 5.9 per game, and compiled a total of 141 rebounds for the season that broke down to an average of 5.4 boards per contest. Washington also handed out 15 assists, and blocked 37 shots, or an average of 0.6 assists per game, and 1.4 blocks per game. Meanwhile, Byrne played in 22 games including 7 starts with an average of 13.3 minutes per contest. In that amount of playing time, Byrne made 27 of 71 shot attempts overall for 38 percent including a 9 of 30 showing from downtown for 30 percent. The sophomore from East Brunswick also connected on 19 of 27 from the charity stripe for 70.4 percent for a total of 82 points on the year, or an average of 3.7 points per game. Byrne also collected 30 boards (1.4 rpg), 14 assists (0.6 apg), and 7 steals (0.3 spg). Washington scored a season high 17 points in a loss to William Paterson University on January 16, 2008.

In the loss to the Pioneers, Washington clicked on 7 of 10 field goal attempts along with 3 of 4 from the line while picking up 9 rebounds. Meanwhile, Byrne registered his season high of 19 points in a home game against Philadelphia Bible on November 27, 2007. In that contest, Byrne connected on 7 of 9 overall from the floor including 4 of 6 from three point range, and 1 of 2 from the foul line. Richard Stockton of Pomona, ended up winning the 2008 NJAC Tournament when it defeated William Paterson in the Championship Game.

Former Stevens Standout Biancosino Shines
Amidst FDU-Florham's Struggles In 2007-08

By Greg Machos
May 2, 2008

MADISON, NJ--This past season, the Devils of FDU-Florham battled and struggled through a very difficult season. In 2007-08, FDU-Florham, which is one of three New Jersey colleges that are located within a few miles of one another on the main street in Madison, New Jersey, was only able to win three games this past season. The Devils finished the year at 3-22 overall including a 2-10 mark in the Freedom Conference. Both conference wins were against Delaware Valley Conference including a 77-72 win at home on January 23rd, and an 85-79 victory at Delaware Valley on February 19th.

Amidst the hardship of the 2007-08 season, which included a 69-45 loss to Misericordia of the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference at home on November 24 in a college hoops game that was covered by GMC Hoops, former J.P. Stevens standout, Andrew Biancosino grew into a starting role that provided a solid contribution, and a bright spot that gave some hope for next season. In 2007-08, Biancosino played in and started all 25 FDU-Florham games. In those games, the now junior, who stands 6'3" and 215 lbs according to the information provided by the FDU-Florham web site, averaged just about 30 minutes per game. Getting plenty of playing time after contributing off the bench for the Devils in 2006-07, Biancosino clicked on 76 of 214 shot attempts, or 35.5 percent from the floor overall including 22 of 84 from beyond the arc for 26.2 percent.

In addition to his shooting from the floor, Biancosino connected on 32 of 44, or 72.7 percent of his attempts from the foul line. Tallying those shooting statistics up, the junior swingman, compiled a total of 206 points, or 8.2 points per game. On the boards, Biancosino collected a total of 103 rebounds including 21 on the offensive glass for an average of 4.1 per game. He also added 46 assists, or 1.8 dishes per contest, and 19 steals, or about 0.8 swipes per game. Over the three seasons that Biancosino has played at FDU-Florham, he has played in all 77 games for the Devils including 27 starts, and compiled a total of 424 points, or a three year average of 5.5 points per game, 270 rebounds, or an average of 3.5 boards per contest, 87 assists, or an average of 1.1 per game, and 43 steals, or an average of 0.6 per game.

During the three seasons Biancosino has played at FDU-Florham, the Devils, have put together a record of 26-51 with the worse of the three seasons being this past year. However, in all fairness, the Devils had perhaps one of its most successful seasons ever in 2006-07 with a 17-10 overall mark including a 9-5 mark in the Freedom Conference, and most importantly, lost a great deal of talent and experience from that squad. Four seniors from that team including three of the four top scorers on the roster, which combined for about 53.6 percent of FDU-Florham's offense that season, graduated with only Ryan McPherson, a junior guard from West Orange, New Jersey as well as the likes of Biancosino to try and make up the loss of output in 2007-08. Another former GMC player, Nick Shaw, who originally played at Ramapo College, was on the roster the previous two seasons, but didn't play in 2007-08 as he eventually joined the coaching staff at South Amboy.

Colonia's Mentzel Heading To Ramapo This Coming Fall

By Greg Machos
April 29, 2008

COLONIA, NJ--On Monday, GMC Hoops received word that Colonia senior forward, Jeff Mentzel, will be attending Ramapo College this coming fall to play basketball. With his ability to run the floor well, Mentzel made great strides during the summer at the 2007 Linden Summer League. His hard work during the off-season paid off as he made a key contribution to Colonia's GMC White Division title this past winter as well as a GMCT Final Four appearance, and North Jersey Section 2 Group III Championship Game appearance.

As a junior, Mentzel was also a member of the 2007 GMC White Division Champs that also won the 2007 North Jersey Section 2 Group III State Tournament with a thrilling overtime victory over Union Hill in the Championship. The Patriots eventually lost in the Group III state semifinal to the North Jersey Section 1 Group III Champion, Passaic Valley, which was defeated by Shawnee in the Group III title game. Over the past two seasons, Colonia compiled a 46-10 record overall including a 25-3 mark in White Division play.

Combining with St. Peter's bound guard, Brandon Hall, and others such as juniors J.J. D'Amico, Jordan Edmonds, and Mike Nweme, the Patriots came up with three huge wins late in the season including a Quarterfinal victory over J.P. Stevens in the 2008 GMCT, a come from behind victory over Union Hill in the Quarterfinals of the 2008 North Jersey Section 2 Group III Tournament, and a upset win on the road over top seeded and then seventh ranked Rahway. After struggling at mid-season, the Patriots won 10 of 12 games to reach the GMCT Semifinals and the North Jersey Section 2 Group III Championship.

Meanwhile, Ramapo College, a member of the NJAC, has had a fine tradition of GMC standouts play at the school including former Carteret big man, Omar Alston, and Sayreville guard, John Wojcik along with current players such as Bishop Ahr's Ernst Ambroise, Carteret's Gustavo Rivera, and Camel Drummond, who played a year at Piscataway back in the 2000-01 season. The Roadrunners have won conference titles in 2005 and 2007, and reached the NJAC Tournament playoffs in 2007-08, where it lost to eventual champion, Richard Stockton. Ramapo ended up going 16-11 overall including a 9-4 mark in conference play. Congratulations, Jeff, and best of luck in the future.

Former St. Peter's Standout Leahy Now Coaching At Widener

By Greg Machos
April 28, 2008

CHESTER, PA--A son of a GMCT Champion head coach, has begun to follow in his father's footsteps. Billy Leahy, the son of former Bishop Ahr, Woobridge, and St. Peter's head coach, Bill Leahy, is now an assistant coach himself at Division III Widener University. The younger Leahy played his high school ball in the Greater Middlesex Conference at the now defunct St. Peter's of New Brunswick. Leahy graduated from St. Peter's in 2001, and was covered by GMC Hoops during the inaugural season of the web site in 2000-01.

The elder Leahy guided Bishop Ahr to its last GMCT title back during the 1991-92 season. Several standout players from that team include: Anthony Rosa, Greg Fowler, Darren Nicholas, and Gerard Wilson. The year before, Leahy's Trojans reached the GMCT Final Four, where it lost to St. Joseph's. The Falcons then lost in the final to Piscataway (33-28). Following the Championship season of 1991-92, Leahy moved on to coach at Woodbridge High School for several years, and then after Bob Greene left St. Peter's in the late 1990s, Leahy took the helm at the school.

Following graduation from St. Peter's in 2001, Leahy attended college at Division III Cabrini College of the Pennsylvania Athletic Conference. Another former GMC standout, Lamar Fisher, is currently playing at the school. After graduating from the Radnor, Pennsylvania based school with a BS in Finance in 2005, Leahy, who also was named to the PAC Academic Honor Roll, served as an assistant at Cabrini for a season before taking the job at Widener. Also on the staff with Leahy is Matt Goukas, who is the son of former Philadelphia 76er, Matt Goukas, Sr., who played on the great Philadelphia Warriors of 1967 with Wilt Chamberlain, and a former NBA analyst on NBC.

This past season, Widener was the Commonwealth Conference Tournament Champions with a 23-6 overall record that including a 6-4 mark in the Commonwealth during the regular season. The Pride then competed in the NCAA Division III Tournament, and reached the second round of the regional in Greensboro, North Carolina before bowing out to St. Mary's of Maryland (83-74).

GMC Standouts Contribute To Another Fine Season At Stonehill

By Greg Machos
April 27, 2008

EASTON, MA--Now a hotbed for former GMC talent, Stonehill College of the Northeast-10 Conference had another fine campaign in 2007-08. The Skyhawks, which featured four prominent players from the Greater Middlesex Conference at the start of the season, finished the season with an overall record 18-14 including a 12-10 mark in conference play. GMC Hoops had the opportunity to see this NCAA Division II school in action when it competed against Queens College of New York in the opening day of action at the NYIT Tip-Off Classic in Long Island back on November 17th.

Four players from the GMC: Nick Smith of Colonia, A.J. Rudowitz of Monroe, Vince Rosario of Cardinal McCarrick, and Darrell Carroll of St. Joseph's were all on the roster in 2007-08 with Smith, Rudowitz, and Rosario all making important contributions to the Skyhawks. In addition to these four players from the GMC, the Northeast-10 has another players from the conference in different places including Perth Amboy's Jermaine Clark, who is attending St. Rose in Albany. Another player with somewhat of a GMC connection is Jason Westrol, who plays at Bentley. Westrol, who was a standout for Manasquan two years ago, is the son of former J.P. Stevens head coach, Randy Westrol. The elder Westrol eventually became the JPS Athletic Director, and was an Assistant Principal at the schoo before taking the AD position at Holmdel in January, 2007.

Returning to our GMC standouts at Stonehill, Nick Smith spearheaded the GMC effort for the Skyhawks in 2007-08. The Colonia native played and started in all 32 games for Stonehill, and played an average of 29.9 minutes per game. Smith, who was a four year starter, and is the all time scoring leader at Colonia, made 135 of 351 shots for 38.5 percent overall including 74 of 200 attempts from beyond the arc for 37 percent. Meanwhile, at the line, Smith sank 86 of 103 shots for 83.5 percent. Adding all the field goals, three pointers, and free throws together, Smith compiled a total of 430 points, or an average of 13.4 points per game. The junior forward, who also scored 489 total points, or an average of 17.5 points per game as a sophomore to lead the team, and averaged 8.1 points per game in 34 contests as a freshman, has tallied a career total of about 1195 points.

Meanwhile, A.J. Rudowitz, who was the 2006 GMC Hoops Player of the Year, and led Monroe to its best season ever including a GMCT Final Four berth Latest News Around GMC Hoops
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Ridge Looking For One More Team To Round Out Holiday Tournament

By Greg Machos
May 28, 2008

BASKING RIDGE, NJ--GMC Hoops has learned from Piscataway High head coach, Guy Jensen that Ridge High School is looking for one more team to round out its eight team field for its annual Len Sepanak Memorial Holiday Tournament in December. For those of you who may not be aware, Len Sepanak, who died a number of years ago to cancer, was a coach in the GMC at Cedar Ridge during the mid-1980s, and eventually coached at Middlesex County College in the early 1990s.

So far, the tournament field consists of teams from around Central Jersey representing several different conferences including: Ridge (Skyland Delware West Division), Piscataway (GMC Red), Watchung Hills (Skyland Delaware East Division), Montgomery (Skyland Delaware East Division), Rutgers Prep (Patriot Conference), Somerville (Skyland Raritan Division), and West Windsor Plainsboro South (Colonial Valley Conference). Piscataway is the North Jersey Section 2 Group IV Champion while Watchung Hills is the Somerset County Champ. Ridge is no slouch either under the direction of former St. Joseph's head coach, Mark Taylor. The school has gone from being 6-19 two years ago to being in the Somerset County Tournament final this past season.

The tournament is schedule to take place over three days. This would be the largest field that the tournament has had in at least several years. The GMC has had a presence in this tournament in recent years with both North Brunswick and Perth Amboy competing. Now Piscataway will take the mantle for the conference. If you are interested in playing in this tournament, and would like more info, contact either Guy Jensen at 908-705-2917, or via e-mail at GJtaskforcenj@aol.com.

Timothy Christian School To Join GMC In 2010

By Greg Machos
May 25, 2008

PISCATAWAY, NJ--On Saturday, GMC Hoops learned from an article in The Home News-Tribune that the Timothy Christian School, currently a member of the Patriot Conference, will join the GMC starting in the 2010 academic year. TCS, which had long been an independent, had joined the Patriot Conference, and also became a member of the NJSIAA in 2005-06. The Tigers have since qualified for the Non-Public B South State Tournaments in both the 2006-07, and 2007-08 seasons.

Upon joining the conference, Timothy Christian will be placed in the GMC Gold along with Dunellen, East Brunswick Tech, Perth Amboy Tech, Piscataway Tech, and this year's division champion, South Amboy. TCS will fill the void left behind by the closing of St. Peter's High School in June 2007. For a long time, the Tigers have played many teams from the GMC including: St. Peter's, Highland Park, South River, Edison, North Brunswick, South Amboy, Spotswood, Piscataway Tech, and Metuchen.

Other Central Jersey teams that make up the Patriot Conference are: Wardlaw Hartridge (Edison), Rutgers Prep (Somerset), and Gill St. Bernards (Peapack Gladstone). Last year, the Tigers played GMC teams five times, and went 3-2 including: Highland Park (1-1), Piscataway Tech (1-0), South Amboy (1-0), and South River (0-1). TCS is a small private religious school located on Ethel Road in Piscataway near the Edison border. GMC Hoops intends to see the first home game at the school when play begins in the 2010-11 season. See details on what Greg Machos thinks of this latest addition to the conference.

South Brunswick's Teicher Headed To Tufts In Fall

By Greg Machos
May 24, 2008

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ--This week, GMC Hoops learned the South Brunswick senior, Jordan Teicher, is headed to Tufts University this fall. Teicher, one of the members of the 2005 South Brunswick High School Freshmen team that made a Cinderella run through the 2005 Perth Amboy Freshmen Tournament before losing to second seeded J.F. Kennedy in the Championship. The year before, in middle school, this twelfth seeded team, which defeated fifth seeded Cardinal McCarrick, fourth seeded Edison, and eighth seeded Piscataway to reach the title contest, was only 7-16.

During his sophomore and junior years, Teicher played JV although he was a reserve on last year's South Brunswick squad that finished 27-4 overall including an undefeated 14-0 in the GMC Red, reached the Final Four of the 2007 GMCT, won the 2007 Central Jersey Group IV Championship, and lost to Linden in the 2007 Group IV State Final. While on JV those two years, Teicher helped the Junior Vikings reach the Final Four of the East Brunswick/GMC JV Tournament both years including a championship over St. Joseph's in 2006. This past season, Teicher helped SBHS finish 14-12 overall, and qualify for the Central Jersey Group IV tourney, where it lost in the Quarterfinal round to Trenton.

Most importantly though, Teicher, who went 15 of 15 at the foul line in games covered by GMC Hoops this season, excelled in the classroom. He is one of the top scholars in his class with a GPA of at least 3.8 while taking three Advanced Placement courses. Furthermore, his SAT scores are 1460 by the old standard, and 2150 by the new standard with the essay. He also participates in extracurricular activities such as the Dead Presidents society, and writing. Jordan is a fine example of what a student athlete should be, a well rounded individual. Congratulations, Jordan, and best of luck in whatever you strive to be.

Monroe Standout Ivan Baretto To Attend Kean In September

By Greg Machos
May 21, 2008

MONROE, NJ--On Tuesday, GMC Hoops learned from sources in Monroe that senior guard, Ivan Baretto, will be attending Kean University this coming September. Over the past two seasons, Baretto has been a key component in continuing the success at Monroe Township High School following the departure of standout, A.J. Rudowitz, who is now standing tall at Division II Stonehill University in Massachusetts.

With his scrappy, hard nosed play, Baretto helped Monroe qualify for the state tournament in each of the past two seasons. In 2006-07, the Purple Birds finished 13-14 overall, and qualified for the 2007 Central Jersey Group III State Tournament before losing in the first round to Hamilton, a team that they had lost to in the Championship game of the same section one year before. This past season, Monroe went 16-12 overall, and finished tied for third in the rough and tumble GMC White with Sayreville. In the post-season, the Falcons reached the Round of 16 in the 2008 GMCT, and the Elite Eight of the 2008 Central Jersey Group III State Tournament.

Thanks to the likes of Baretto along with fellow senior Justin Mitchell, Monroe has had perhaps one of its most successful run in boys basketball in school history. Over the past three seasons, the Purple Birds have qualified for the state tournament in each year, and have reached the GMCT Final Four and a sectional final. The combined record at the school over these past three seasons is 53-31 including a 25-17 mark in divisional play. Congratulations, Ivan, and best of luck in the years ahead.

Former St. Joe's Standout And L.A. Laker Bynum
To Have Surgery On Wednesday

By Greg Machos
May 18, 2008

LOS ANGELES, CA--While watching Game 7 of the NBA Eastern Conference Semifinals between the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Boston Celtics, GMC Hoops learned that former St. Joseph's Standout, and 2005 GMC Hoops Impact Player of the Year, Andrew Bynum is scheduled to have arthroscopic knee surgery on Wednesday in New York. Bynum, who has been in the NBA for three seasons after getting drafted out of High School back in the early summer of 2005, went down with a injury to his left knee.

Back in early April, Bynum, who was being monitored by Laker medical staff, and had been rehabbing the knee, was seen by a specialist, and at that time, was not cleared to play. Meanwhile, the L.A. Lakers have rolled to the top seed in the NBA Western Conference ahead of both the New Orleans Hornets and the San Antonio Spurs with a 57-25 record, and have reached the Western Conference Finals after defeating the Utah Jazz in six games, are looking to win their first NBA title 2002. The last time the Lakers played for the Championship was the following season when the team was defeated by Detroit in five games.

Before he was injured, Bynum played in 35 games and started in 25 of them. In those 35 games, the two year starter at St. Joseph's averaged 28.8 minutes per game, connected on 63.6 percent of his shots, 69.5 percent of his free throws, and scored 13.1 points per game. In addition, he pulled down an average of 10.2 boards per contest, handed out 1.7 assists per game, swatted 2.1 shots per game, and swiped 0.3 steals per game. Bynum originally went down with the injury on January 20th in a game against Memphis. The injury took place in the third quarter, and despite walking off on his own power after it occurred, he was never to set foot on the court for a game again this season.

Vince Rosario Transfers From Stonehill To Central Connecticut State

By Greg Machos
May 14, 2008

SOUTH AMBOY, NJ--On Monday, GMC Hoops learned from Cardinal McCarrick head coach, Joe Lewis, that the current all time leading scorer at the school, and former standout, Vince Rosario has transferred from Division II Stonehill in Massachusetts to Division I Central Connecticut State University. Although, Rosario will have to sit out a year due to transfer rules, he will be getting a full scholarship to attend CCSU starting in the fall.

This past season at Stonehill University, which competes in the rough and tumble Northeast-10 with such teams as Bentley and St. Rose, the Perth Amboy native, and 2007 GMC Hoops Player of the Year played in all 32 games while starting in two of them. Rosario averaged 22.5 minutes per game, made 98 of 248 shot attempts for 39.5 percent including 71 of 170 attempts from downtown for 41.8 percent. At the line, Rosario connected on 42 of 55 shots for 76.4 percent, and when you added all the field goals, three pointers, and foul shots made, Rosario tallied 309 total points, or an average of 9.7 points per game to finish fourth on the team in scoring behind Rudowitz and Smith. The four year varsity player at Cardy Mac also averaged 1.9 rebounds per game, 1.6 assists per game, and 0.9 steals per game.

Central Connecticut State is no stranger to having former GMC standouts playing and even excelling at its school. Justin Chiera, who is currently second on the all time scoring list at Colonia behind current Stonehill standout and former Rosario teammate, Nick Smith, also played at CCSU after he graduated from Colonia in 2002. Chiera was a two time GMC Hoops Player of the Year in 2001 and 2002. Last season, the Blue Devils of the Northeast Conference, finsihed sixth overall in conference play with a 10-8 mark while ending up two games under .500 at 14-16 overall. Losses included two defeats to the conference champion, and NCAA qualifier, Robert Morris. Most notable win of the season occurred against second place finisher in the NEC, Wagner, on February 2nd, 89-63 in New Britain, Connecticut.

St. Joseph's Standout Brandenburg To Attend UConn In Fall

By Greg Machos
May 13, 2008

METUCHEN, NJ--Steve Brandenburg, a GMC Hoops Scholar Athlete of the Year candidate, has decided to attend the University of Connecticut next fall. Brandenburg, who stars of both the basketball team as a reserve off the bench, and volleyball as a setter, is also a fine student in the classroom with a GPA of 3.8. His trademark Larry Bird hairstyle was not the only similarity between him at the legendary player from French Lick, Indiana, who also went on to star at Indiana State in the late 1970s, and for the Boston Celtics during the 1980s and early 1990s before joining the front office of the Indiana Pacers following a brief stint in coaching, but he also played with the same tenacity and unselfishness as well.

As St. Joseph's sixth man, Brandenburg, would always find a way to make a key contribution during the course of his senior year from the Fall League at TBSA with his key charge drawn in the