10 Best from the Shore Conference Tournament Semifinals

<p>The Shore Conference Tournament semifinals was entertaining as the top seed was almost eliminated. Holmdel had Manasquan on the ropes at multiple points in the game, but the Hornets could not finish the job. Red Bank Catholic held Toms River North to only 23 first half points, but the Caseys could not generate enough offense to get over the hump. Here are the 10 best from the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals.</p> <p><strong>Best Player: <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/najae-hallenbeck/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/najae-hallenbeck/">Najae Hallenbeck</a></a>, 6'6 PF Toms River North 2020</strong></p> <p>Red Bank Catholic held Hallenbeck to only two points in the first half, but the Caseys could not stop him in the second half. The 6'6 senior forward erupted for 20 points and eight rebounds in the second half as he imposed his will down low. Hallenbeck scored through contact, had a soft touch around the rim and made all his free throw attempts. His monster second half allowed for Toms River North to pull away from Red Bank Catholic in the 60-42 win.</p> <p><strong>Best Rebounder: <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-galvan/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-galvan/">Alex Galvan</a></a>, 6'7 PF Manasquan 2020</strong></p> <p>Hallenbeck did finish off with more total rebounds, but Galvan was a force on the offensive glass in his first game back from the shin injury. The Louisville baseball commit scrapped for offensive rebounds as he was Manasquan's offense in the first half with 14 points. Galvan's rebounding was a big reason the Warriors were able to pull out a 44-40 victory over Holmdel.</p> <p><strong>Best Floor General: <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jakari-spence/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/jakari-spence/">Jakari Spence</a></a>, 5'10 PG Toms River North 2020</strong></p> <p>Spence controlled the game for Toms River North as the Caseys could not rattle him when he had the ball. The senior guard found his teammates in the right spots on the perimeter and was able to get into the lane with ease. Spence dished out six assists on the game to go along with his 16 points. He has been one of the top point guards in the Shore all season and illustrated that against RBC.</p> <p><strong>Best Shooter: Jack Giamanco, 5'9 PG Holmdel 2020</strong></p> <p>The Hornets were unable to knock off Manasquan, but it was not because of Giamanco. The senior guard knocked down four three-pointers in the game, including a four-point play to end the first half. His ability to knock down three-pointers gave Manasquan problems for the entire game.</p> <p><strong>Best Bench Player: Jaiden Fraser, 6'1 CG Toms River North 2022</strong></p> <p>Fraser stepped up in a big way for the Mariners as he dropped 14 points off the bench. He was lethal from behind the arc with four three-pointers and played solid defense throughout the game. His ability to be a tertiary scorer makes Toms River North that more dangerous for the state tournament.</p> <p><strong>Best Rim Protector: <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-bauman/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/alex-bauman/">Alex Bauman</a></a>, 6'4 SF Red Bank Catholic 2022</strong></p> <p>The younger Bauman brother was disruptive on the defensive end as he altered numerous shots around the rim. The 6'4 sophomore's best block was actually called a foul as he chased down Spence in transition in the fourth quarter. Bauman's ability to impact the game on the defensive end is huge as Boston College football commit <strong><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/charlie-gordinier/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/charlie-gordinier/">Charlie Gordinier</a></a></strong> is out due to injury.</p> <p><strong>Best Glue Guy: <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/connor-walsh/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/connor-walsh/">Connor Walsh</a></a>, 6'5 SF Manasquan 2021</strong></p> <p>Walsh may have came off the bench for Manasquan, but he was crucial for the Warriors down the stretch. The 6'5 junior hustled for loose balls throughout the game and tied the game at 36 off a sweet cut to the basket. He hit a pair of free throws late to seal the 44-40 victory over Holmdel.</p> <p><strong>Best Clutch Player: <a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ben-roy/"><a href="https://prephoops.com/player/ben-roy/">Ben Roy</a></a>, 6'0 PG Manasquan 2022</strong></p> <p>Roy struggled with his shooting and turnovers in the first half,but took over in the second half. The sophomore guard scored 11 points in the second half as the Hornets could not keep him out of the lane. Roy took over the game in the second half and put his stake on being named Shore Conference Player of the Year.</p> <p><strong>Best Defender: Derek Chan, 6'0 SG Holmdel 2020</strong></p> <p>Teammate <strong>Eric Hinds </strong>deserves a shout-out for his defense on Roy, but Chan was a difference-maker on the defensive end. The senior guard kept his man in front throughout the game and was able to jump passing lanes.Chan's defense against Manasquan was a big reason why the Hornets almost upset a top 10 team in the state.</p> <p><strong>Best Team: Toms River North</strong></p> <p>The Mariners may have struggled with their offense in the first half, but they got things rolling in the second half. Toms River North led from wire-to-wire as its defense made it tough for Red Bank Catholic to get easy baskets. The Mariners' ability to play at any pace makes them a team to watch in the state tournament.</p>