Shore Conference Guard Match-ups to Watch

<p>The Shore Conference has had a great run of success over the last five seasons with two programs winning 31 games in the last two seasons. The new pod system has shifted schedules in the Shore, but has also created great match-ups to watch. The backcourt battles will be especially intriguing with high-end competition competing almost every game. Here are the top Shore Conference Guard Match-ups to watch this coming season.</p> <p><strong>Manasquan vs. Ranney</strong></p> <p>The Shore Conference’s top two programs over the past two seasons will be facing off against each other twice, creating a can’t miss guard matchup. Reigning Shore Conference Player of the Year <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901942" first="Ben" last="Roy"] </strong>is a skilled lead guard who is capable of scoring the ball at all three levels. His AAU teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901941" first="Elijah" last="Perkins"]</strong> will be his counterpart with his combination of athleticism and skill to finish around the rim. Both players are two of the prospects in the Shore and should be in the running for Conference Player of the Year. Roy vs. Perkins is a must watch as both players are trying to lead their teams to the top of the pod this season.</p> <p><strong>Middletown South vs. CBA</strong></p> <p>The Eagles have to replace a large portion of their scoring from last season, but the return of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900359" first="Luke" last="Albrecht"] </strong>helps tremendously. The Marymount (VA) commit is a skilled floor general who always plays with his head up and looking to get his teammates involved. His Jersey Force teammate <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900376" first="Mike" last="White"] </strong>returns alongside Gettysburg commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="929483" first="Colin" last="Farrell"]</strong>. Both guards are capable of creating off the bounce and can get hot from distance in a hurry. Middletown South and CBA has produced great matchups over the years and it should be no different this year.</p> <p><strong>Red Bank Catholic vs. Rumson Fair-Haven</strong></p> <p>The Caseys made it to the Shore Conference semifinals last season and have the potential for a big run with <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931026" first="Cy" last="Arvanitis"] </strong>in the backcourt. The 6’0 guard is a sniper from behind the arc as he has deep range and capable of burying triples in bunches. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="931025" first="Geoff" last="Schroeder"] </strong>is a tough guard who can beat his defender off the bounce and finish through contact. The dual-sport star can also make opponents pay for giving him space on the perimeter with a good release on his jumper. While Arvanitis and Schroeder have different styles, their matchup should still be intriguing to watch.</p> <p><strong>Toms River North vs. Donovan Catholic</strong></p> <p>The Mariners were hit hard by graduation, but they are expecting a big boost in production out of <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1013048" first="Jaiden" last="Fraser"]</strong>. The 6’0 junior is capable of getting to the rim from the perimeter, but can also knock down jumpers from deep. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901984" first="Amari" last="Petty"] </strong>is a dynamic lead guard who is tough to contain off the bounce. He is a creative finisher around the basket and plays with quick hands on defense. Fraser vs. Petty is an intriguing match-up to watch with both players having the ability to get to the rim with ease.</p> <p><strong>Neptune vs. Wall</strong></p> <p>These B North rivals were placed in the same pod, creating one of the top guard match-ups in the Shore Conference. Monmouth commit <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="900292" first="Sam" last="Fagan"]</strong> is creative with the ball in his hands as he’s capable of beating his defender off the bounce to get to the rim and plays with good floor vision. He is also unafraid of shooting the ball in transition and has a quick release on his jumper. <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="901981" first="Colin" last="Ackerman"]</strong> is a good floor general as he makes good decisions with the ball in his hands and can finish through contact. Neptune and Wall have had numerous battles over the past couple of seasons and this year should not disappoint with Fagan and Ackerman running the show.</p>