5 Takeaways from Matawan-Neptune

<p>The start of high school basketball is officially here as many teams across the state tipped off today. Gyms were packed as fans tried to see their teams open the season 1-0. That was the case for Class B North division rivals Matawan and Neptune as the game was filled with excitement. The Huskies were able to get a 52-39 road victory over the Scarlet Fliers, but they had trouble putting the home team away. Here are five takeaways from Matawan-Neptune.</p> <p><strong>1. Matawan's balanced offensive attack could lead to Shore Conference Tournament success</strong></p> <p>Coming into the game, senior big man <strong>John Beukers </strong>was supposed to be the focal point of the Huskies' offense. He had been a three-year starter and led Matawan in scoring last season. He struggled throughout the night as he did make a single field goal and finished with two points. His teammates picked up the slack as <strong>Niles Haliburton</strong>, <strong>Ethan Okello </strong>and <strong>Zaire Williams </strong>carried the offensive slack.</p> <p>Williams scorched the net in the second quarter as he nailed four triples to give Matawan a 28-5 lead at the half. Haliburton struggled shooting the ball all night, but he made clutch free throws down the stretch to finish with 14 points. Okello was constantly around the basket and ended up with 13 points. Beukers could not get going against Neptune, but the Huskies' balanced attack is promising for their Shore Conference Tournament hopes.</p> <p><strong>2. Neptune has to get off to a better start</strong></p> <p>Scoring five first half points is simply not going to win basketball games. The Scarlet Fliers struggled mightily in the first half as they were unable to make shots and kept turning the ball over. Senior <strong>Azmere Wilson</strong> had Neptune's first points as he knocked down a three-pointer late in the first quarter. The Scarlet Fliers cut the lead down to four with 1:39 to go in the game, but they had dug themselves too deep of a hole. <strong>Sam Fagan </strong>struggled to find his shot in the first half and Neptune needs to get off to a hot start against Elizabeth on Saturday.</p> <p><strong>3. Elijah McKenzie is the X-Factor for Matawan</strong></p> <p>He may have only scored two points in the game, but McKenzie was a difference-maker for Matawan. The 6'4 senior was all over the court and influenced numerous shots around the rim. McKenzie had a terrific block on Fagan as he pinned the ball high off the glass to keep Neptune off the board. His presence down low influenced the Scarlet Fliers throughout the game as they were wary of getting their shots blocked by him. McKenzie may not have Beukers' offensive game, but he is a difference-maker on the defensive end with his energy and shot-blocking.</p> <p><strong>4. Sadiq Armstead is one of the most underrated defenders in New Jersey</strong></p> <p>Armstead only scored four points in the game, but his presence was felt on the defensive end. The 6'1 senior finished with four steals and two incredible blocks. His best play of the night was an athletic chase-down block on junior <strong>Andre Wells</strong>, which excited the Neptune crowd. Armstead also locked up Haliburton for most of the night with his relentless on-ball pressure. Armstead may not have the length of some of New Jersey's top defenders, but he can hold his own with anyone on the defensive end.</p> <p><strong>5. Sean Young has to be a consistent three-point shooter for Neptune</strong></p> <p>Perimeter shooting was the big difference in the game as the Scarlet Fliers struggled to hit shots from deep. Young especially struggled as he only hit one three-pointer on the night. The senior guard was lights out in the scrimmage against Red Bank Catholic, but could not find the bottom of the net against Matawan. It may only be one game, but Neptune needs Young's shooting against Elizabeth. The Scarlet Fliers need someone to take the pressure off Fagan from behind the arc and Young is capable of doing that in 2019-20. </p>