Point Pleasant Beach-Shore Regional: Standouts

<!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>The state tournament is rolling as sectional finals are next week. Point Pleasant Beach and Shore Regional faced off for a a spot in the Central Jersey Group 1 final with the Blue Devils winning 48-37. Here are the standouts from the Point Pleasant Beach-Shore Regional sectional semifinal.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Donovan Hughes, 6'1 G Shore Regional 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Hughes led the Blue Devils with 15 points and had a big second half for them. The 6'1 guard shot the ball with confidence from behind the arc as he set his feet and wasted little motion. Hughes moved well without the ball in his hands and showed the ability to get to the rim and finish. He fought for rebounds and played solid defense throughout the game. Hughes' ability to stretch the floor is something that will help Shore Regional in the sectional final against Eagle Academy.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1206544' first='Kevin' last='Burns'], 6'1 PG Point Pleasant Beach 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Burns did a little bit of everything for the Garnet Gulls as he kept them in the game. The 6'1 guard used his handle to get to the paint and was able to draw contact around the basket. Burns drilled a deep triple late in the game and pushed the pace in transition when he had the opportunity. He ripped down rebounds at both ends of the floor and got deflections on the defensive end. Burns has had a standout senior campaign for Point Pleasant Beach as he was one of the top players in Group 1 all season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1273929' first='Alex' last='George'], 6'2 G Shore Regional 2024</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>George had a strong game for the Blue Devils as he was their most consistent player. The 6'2 guard hit big shots to close out the first and third quarters, giving Shore Regional confidence. George attacked the basket strong as he finished through contact and routinely got into the paint. He was able to get to his spot on the floor and showed a good touch on his free throws. George makes it happen for the Blue Devils and will look to continue it in the sectional final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>Kyle Kolans, G Point Pleasant Beach 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Kolans had a solid game for the Garnet Gulls as he provided them with energy on both ends of the floor. The senior guard had a quick release on his jumper and set his feet before he shot. Kolans moved well without the ball in his hands, freeing himself for open shots in the half court. He ran the offense at times for the Garnet Gulls and moved his feet well on the defensive end. Kolans is a hard-working guard prospect who did everything he could for Point Pleasant throughout the 2022-23 season.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph --> <!-- wp:heading --> <h2><strong>[player_tooltip player_id='1019862' first='Liam' last='Gajewski'], 6'1 PG Shore Regional 2023</strong></h2> <!-- /wp:heading --> <!-- wp:paragraph --> <p>Gajewski set the table for the Blue Devils' offense as he controlled the pace of the game. The 6'1 guard set his feet before every jumper and has a quick release. Gajewski rarely got rattled by on-ball defense as he was able to run the offense effectively. He was unafraid of drawing contact and played with good instincts on the defensive end. Gajewski's poise and shooting is something that will be key for Shore Regional against Eagle Academy in the Central Jersey Group 1 final.</p> <!-- /wp:paragraph -->