Ranney-Manasquan: 5 Takeaways

<p>The Shore Conference Tournament is up and running as the quarterfinals for Sunday are set. Ranney and Manasquan faced off in a rematch of the 2020 quarterfinal game, which was won by the Warriors. The same result happened as Manasquan won 52-38 over the Panthers. Here are the top 5 takeaways from the Ranney-Manasquan game.</p> <p><strong>1. [player_tooltip player_id="1389143" first="Griffin" last="Linstra"] is a difference-maker on the defensive end</strong></p> <p>Linstra was given the tough task of defending <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="902736" first="Isaac" last="Hester"]</strong>, but he was more than up for the challenge. The freshman guard slid his feet on the defensive end and forced Hester to take tough shots throughout the game. Linstra was able to close out on jumpers effectively as he used his length to affect the shot. He also made plays on offense as he hit a couple of floaters in the lane and did not seem rattled by the Panthers’ defense. Linstra is one of the top on-ball defenders in the class and will continue to draw the opponents’ top perimeter scorer.</p> <p><strong>2. Darius Adams is cementing his status as the top 2025 prospect</strong></p> <p>The 2025 rankings have yet to be published, but Adams’ play is staking his claim as the top freshman in the Garden State. The 6’3 guard has a tight handle, which he uses to blow by his defender and finish around the basket. Adams moves well off the ball and has a quick release on his jumper. He made plays on the defensive end as he had a pair of emphatic blocks against the Panthers and slid his feet well on the defensive end. Adams is a talented guard prospect who should continue to get better as his season and high school career progresses.</p> <p><strong>3. [player_tooltip player_id="901965" first="Charles" last="Anyichie"] is one of the top available prospects in the Shore Conference</strong></p> <p>Anyichie only scored 4 points for the Panthers, but he still made a huge impact for them throughout the game. The 6’7 forward played with good instincts on the defensive end as he got a deflection on the first defensive possession and swatted multiple shots. Anyichie was tough to box out on both ends of the floor as he created second chance opportunities for the Panthers on offense. He was able to draw contact around the basket and got position down low. Anyichie is a hard-working forward who plays with a nonstop motor at both ends of the floor.</p> <p><strong>4. [player_tooltip player_id="1213557" first="Ryan" last="Frauenheim"] is the engine of Manasquan’s offense</strong></p> <p>Frauenheim orchestrated Manasquan’s offense effectively against Ranney as he was able to set up his teammates in good spots in the half court. The 5’10 floor general has a good handle, which he used to get into the lane and create separation on the perimeter. Frauenheim rarely forced the issue and took control of the game in the third quarter when the Panthers were clawing back into the game. He shot the ball with confidence from distance and has a nice release on his jumper. Frauenheim is a tough lead guard prospect who has run Manasquan’s offense smoothly throughout the season.</p> <p><strong>5. [player_tooltip player_id="902737" first="Zack" last="Davis"] has to assert himself more on the offensive end</strong></p> <p>Hester and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1147107" first="Taheen" last="Brown"]</strong> have been the Panthers’ top scorers all season, but they needed more from Davis against Manasquan. The 6’7 forward was unable to establish a rhythm on offense early as <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1153968" first="Alex" last="Konov"] </strong>was able to keep him in check. Davis is capable of knocking down open jumpers and can finish around the basket. He fought for rebounds on both ends of the floor as he battled with Konov and <strong>[player_tooltip player_id="1146263" first="Matt" last="Solomon"]</strong> on the glass all night. Davis has to be a consistent scoring option for Ranney if the Panthers want to make a deep run in the state tournament.</p>