Shore Classic Showcase: 5 things We Learned From Day 2

<p>The second day of the Shore Classic Showcase was just as good as the first one. Some of the top teams in the state squared off against each other. The event also featured some of the top players in the state, who did not disappoint on the big stage. Here are the five things we learned from the second day of the Shore Classic Showcase.</p> <p><strong>1. Irvington's balanced scoring is good enough for a deep run in states</strong></p> <p>The Blue Knights had their ups and downs on the offensive end, but they did just enough to squeak out a 70-66 victory over Wall. Senior <strong>Moses Pierre</strong> struggled with foul trouble throughout the game, yet still finished with a game-high 22 points. <strong>Karriem Thomas </strong>was Irvington's only dangerous option from behind the arc as the senior guard buried two three-pointers in the second half.</p> <p><strong>Nazamier Brooks</strong> was a pest on the defensive side of the ball and finished the game with 17 points. Wall held Irvington to four points in the second quarter, but could not get star guard <strong>Quinn Calabrese </strong>going. Irvington's senior trio combined to score 56 points, a number good enough to carry the Blue Knights' offense deep into states.</p> <p><strong>2. Rutgers Prep has one of the best offenses in New Jersey</strong></p> <p>The Argonauts are a fun team to watch as they average over 83 points per game on the season. Star junior forward <strong>Trey Patterson </strong>had a team-high 24 points, including three shots from behind the arc in Rutgers Prep's 83-66 win over Toms River North. <strong>Noah Harris </strong>and <strong>Ryan Petit </strong>were lights out from behind the arc as they combined to make nine three-pointers on the game.</p> <p><strong>Nico Galette</strong> was in attack mode all game and finished up with 13 points. <strong>Otega Oweh </strong>struggled with his shot, but the sophomore guard still ended up with nine points. Rutgers Prep has eclipsed 80 on five different occasions this season and is one of the top offenses in the state.</p> <p><strong>3. Patrick School National has some of the state's best kept secrets</strong></p> <p>The Patrick School's main team garners most of the press, but the prep team is also filled with talent. Big man <strong>Oumar Diahame</strong> dominated inside against Peddie as he went a perfect 5/5 from the floor, including a corner three in the second half. The Senegalese big man ended up with 13 points, 12 rebounds and six blocks in a dominant 81-49 win.</p> <p><strong>Matteo Strikker </strong>made several flashy passes in transition and finished up with 15 points on only nine attempts. <strong>Giovanni Phillip </strong>could not be kept out of the lane and finished up with 17 points. Patrick School National is a talented team with some of the more underrated players in New Jersey.</p> <p><strong>4. Don Bosco Prep has the depth to challenge in Non-Public A North</strong></p> <p>The Ironmen rolled to a 69-45 victory over Mater Dei Prep as 11 different players scored for Don Bosco. Senior <strong>Brendan Mykalcio </strong>paced the team with 12 points, while <strong>Myles Ruth </strong>chipped in nine. <strong>Joseph Carroll</strong> was a mismatch nightmare for the Serpahs as the 6'7 junior stretched the floor with his shooting.</p> <p>Freshman <strong>Akil Watson</strong> struggled at times to get going, but the 6'7 swingman snared down rebounds with ease. <strong>Aaron Carter </strong>lived in the paint as Mater Dei could not keep the sophomore in front. Don Bosco has a lot of solid pieces and should make a good run in Non-Public A North in March.</p> <p><strong>5. Watch out for Columbia</strong></p> <p>The Cougars proved their upset victory over Newark East Side was not a fluke with a dominant 83-41 victory over Long Branch. Junior forward <strong>Josiah Lawful</strong> dominated inside with 10 points, 10 rebounds and three blocked shots. <strong>Andrew Rowley </strong>was constantly taking the ball to the basket strong, which resulted in a game-high 19 points on 7/9 shooting.</p> <p>Freshman <strong>Jalen Robinson </strong>played a complete game at point guard as he got his teammates involved, ran the offense to perfection and knocked down shots from behind the arc. <strong>Xavier Sprosta</strong> provided Columbia a big spark off the bench with 16 points. The Cougars may be a young team, but they are dangerous and capable of pulling off a big upset in states.</p>