What We Learned from Holmdel vs. Matawan

<p><em><span style="font-size: 8pt;">Photo by Shore Sports Network</span></em></p> <p>It was a big time matchup on Saturday afternoon when Holmdel traveled to take on Matawan. Holmdel is one of the top teams in their division of the Shore Conference and they looked like it in the first quarter. They jumped out to a 14-6 lead but Matawan bounced back. It was a tale of two quarters. Matawan outscored Holmdel 12-6 in the second to get within two points heading to halftime.</p> <p>In the third quarter, talent prevailed. Holmdel gained an advantage using their defense and grabbed control of the game. In the end, it was a 41-35 victory for the Hornets. Here is what we learned from this Shore game.</p> <p><strong>The three-point line failed both sides</strong></p> <p>If you like to see teams come out and bomb away from deep, this was not the game for you. Matawan did not attempt many three's in the contest but did not make one either. They finished 0-7 from deep. Jack Giamanco hit the first three of the game for Holmdel but that was one of just two makes on 17 attempts. The three-point line could be an advantage for one side if they are hitting, but neither side was and this forced them to go inside.</p> <p><strong>Sean Devaney has Holmdel under control</strong></p> <p>This was a back-and-forth game. Holmdel gained control early then Matawan made a run. The same thing happened in the third quarter before the Hornets were able to gain control. Matawan then did everything they could to make the game interesting at the end. There is a reason that Holmdel is 13-3 overall and 10-2 in conference play. They know how to win close games led by their head coach. Devaney has taught Holmdel how to stay under control and disciplined. When watching the game, the quality of their passes stood out because every one had a purpose and was not lazy. This is a team and a program that is in good hands.</p> <p><strong>Holmdel was extremely balanced on offense</strong></p> <p>Alex Baker led the Hornets with 10 points in this one. He was one of eight Holmdel players to score in this game. Derek Chan was right behind him with nine points while Eric Hinds, Doug Chan, and Jack Giamanco all finished with five. This team was extremely unselfish and it showed on the final stat sheet. They were willing to pass the ball to find the open man and were not rushed throughout the game. This is a good sign heading into the postseason.</p> <p><strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/john-buekers/">John Buekers</a> was not featured much</strong></p> <p>Matawan had a clear presence inside. Buekers is a big man with strong moves down low but Matawan was not feeding their man inside. He led the team with 10 points on 5-5 from the field but it could have been more. Buekers is a player that knows what to do with the ball when he catches it and that was on display in this one. Matawan did not hit a three in this game so it wold have behooved them to feed their forward and let him go to work.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p>