5 Takeaways from Neptune-RBC

<p>Scrimmages are always a good barometer to see how teams will pan out in the upcoming season. They provide coaches the first real showing of what the team's identity will be, while seeing what needs to be fixed. While scrimmages are valuable to coaches, they may not paint the full picture as coaches do not want to get players injured. That was the case in the Neptune-RBC scrimmage as both coaches frequently subbed out their players. While the scores were taken down after the end of each quarter, Neptune knocked off Red Bank Catholic 59-48. With that being said, here are five takeaways from the Neptune-RBC scrimmage.</p> <p><strong>1. Sam Fagan is one of the top point guards in the Shore Conference</strong></p> <p>The Fliers had a solid season last year as they won 18 games and lost in the Central Jersey Group 3 semifinals. Their strong season was without head coach Joe Fagan's son, who picked up an offer from Monmouth over the summer. The younger Fagan missed the majority of the season with a serious leg injury, but he should have a big junior season.</p> <p>Fagan was almost unguardable off the bounce and set up his teammates nicely with some beautiful passes, including a behind-the back pass in the second half. He has a killer floater and can drain long jumpers with consistency. Fagan is a legitimate D-1 prospect with the ability to be one of the top point guards in the Shore this season.</p> <p><strong>2. Charlie Gordinier is the key to Red Bank Catholic's success this season</strong></p> <p>The Caseys had a strong 2018-19 season as they won the WOBM Classic, won 20 games and made it to the Non-Public A South semi-finals. Their performance against Neptune was a bit inconsistent, but that was to be expected. Gordinier did not play in the scrimmage as he did not have enough practices yet.</p> <p>The Boston College football commit is only 10 points away from joining the 1,000-point club and is one of the top shooters in the Shore Conference. Gordinier can also get to the basket with his strong frame and shoots over smaller defenders with ease. Red Bank Catholic could easily eclipse 20 wins in 2018-19 and Gordinier will be the key to it.</p> <p><strong>3. Kevin Bauman will be a force down low for the Caseys</strong></p> <p>Gordinier is not the only high level football prospect on RBC as Bauman is headed to Notre Dame. The 6'5 power forward excels at scoring around the basket as he knows how to use his body to create space. Bauman can also face up and blow by his defender.</p> <p>He scored the first five points of the game for the Caseys, but sat out the majority of the scrimmage due to a technical foul he picked up early in the game. It's unlikely Bauman will sit out the rest of a game due to a technical foul, but he cannot pick up fouls like that during the season. Red Bank Catholic needs Bauman to dominate down low to help create space for Gordinier on the perimeter.</p> <p><strong>4. Neptune is more than just Fagan in the backcourt</strong></p> <p>Fagan is a talented player that is capable of leading the Fliers to a B North title, but he is not the only talented guard on the roster. Senior guard <strong>Sean Young</strong> is an excellent backcourt companion to Fagan as he is capable of running the offense and playing off the ball. <strong>Makai Suit</strong> is a tough, gritty guard that excels on the defensive end. While he is not the best outside shooter, Suit is capable of taking the ball strong to the basket. Guards are vital for deep state runs and Neptune has the guards to compete in Central Jersey Group 3.</p> <p><strong>5. Red Bank Catholic could make some noise in the Shore Conference</strong></p> <p>Red Bank Catholic played the majority of the scrimmage without its top two players, which allowed for some bench players to shine. Junior <strong>Max Croke </strong>plays hard on both ends of the floor and impacts the game with his hustle. Sophomore <strong>C.J. Rouff</strong> is a tough player who understands how to get himself open. <strong>Cyril Arvanitis </strong>struggled in the beginning, but he is an elite shooter that should provide Bauman space to operate down low. Red Bank Catholic may have lost the scrimmage by 11, but the Caseys should make some noise in the Shore Conference Tournament this season.</p>