Pt. Beach-Ranney: 5 things we learned

<p>Point Pleasant Beach and Ranney is always a heated matchup as the B Central teams don't like each other very much. They have both had dominant Shore Conference runs within the past decade and are the last two Shore Conference teams to play in the Tournament of Champions. The Panthers controlled the game from start to finish as they beat the Garnet Gulls 82-51 in their home opener. Here are the five things we learned from Point Pleasant Beach-Ranney.</p> <p><strong>1. Brandon Klatsky can be the knock-down shooter Ranney needs</strong></p> <p>The Panthers have one of the top players in the Shore Conference in sophomore <strong>Elijah Perkins</strong>, but he needs someone to knock down perimeter jump shots. Klatsky looks to be that guy after making all seven of his three-pointers against Point Pleasant Beach. The sophomore guard showed off his quick release as he set himself up to get the shot off quickly. Klatsky moves well without the ball and understands how to space the floor as a shooter. If he can have more performances like he had against Point Pleasant Beach, Ranney will be one of the top teams in the Shore Conference when the tournament rolls around.</p> <p><strong>2. Charles Anyichie is the X-Factor for Ranney</strong></p> <p>Anyichie did not disappoint in his highly anticipated debut as he poured in 19 points and 11 rebounds. The 6'7 sophomore was unstoppable down low as he used his size and athleticism to get shots up over smaller defenders. Anyichie also had a nice drive from the free throw line, which resulted in a two-handed jam. His motor never stopped throughout the game and he altered numerous shots around the rim due to his length. Anyichie provides Ranney with an explosive athlete who looks to be a key factor for the Panthers going forward.</p> <p><strong>3. Jake Clark is primed for a big junior season</strong></p> <p>Clark struggled at times with his offense against a long Ranney team, but the junior guard played a solid all-around game. He made several nice passes to open shooters after getting by his defender. Clark attacked the basket hard and made a couple of tough layups through contact. His defense was also very good as he forced several Ranney turnovers. Clark missed the majority of last season due to injury, but he is ready to have a huge 2019-20 season for the Garnet Gulls.</p> <p><strong>4. Zach Davis can be a key impact player as a freshman</strong></p> <p>The Panthers were playing without sophomore power forward <strong>Ryan Zan</strong>, who was averaging 17 points per game so far this season. Anyichie and Klatsky did the bulk of the scoring for Ranney, which allowed Perkins to get nine assists on the night. Davis may have only scored eight points on the night, but he looked assertive with the ball in his hands and showcased his ability to finish through contact with a nice and-1. The freshman small forward looks more confident on the ball with each game and should be an impact player when the Shore Conference Tournament comes around.</p> <p><strong>5. Chris Venturoso and Luke Valencia can be the complimentary scorers to Clark</strong></p> <p>Davis was not the only impressive freshman in the game as Venturoso finished off with 12 points. The freshman shooting guard nailed a couple of nice runners and was able to beat his defender off the bounce. Valencia led the Garnet Gulls with 14 points as the junior guard provided head coach Mike Catania with a three-point shooting option. Clark is the go-to guy for Point Pleasant Beach, but Venturoso and Valencia are a solid complimentary duo who can help Point Pleasant Beach in 2019-20.</p>