By Steve Spiewak
MaxPreps.com
SOUTH ORANGE, N.J. - Day one of the Hoop Group's Tip-Off Classic is in the books.
Six games took place Saturday, with five more boys games to come tomorrow along with four girls games.
The day's action saw some impressive individual player performances, as well as some strong team efforts.
Game Notes:
-The day's high scorer was Scotch Plains-Fanwood Brian Dougher. Dougher dropped 36 points in a win against Neptune, thanks in large part to shooting 6 of 10 from behind the three point line. He also added nine rebounds and three steals. Dougher will play at Stonybrook next year, and is certainly a sharpshooter to keep an eye on.
- One of the marquee names on hand Saturday was the Winchendon (Mass.) School's John Riek. Riek struggled mightily against the St. Benedict's Prep (N.J.) team. He was held to two points, and had trouble adjusting to the flow of the game. Riek did have nine rebounds and six blocks, which suggests that, like many big men his age, his defensive game is ahead of his offensive game right now.
- Christian Brothers Academy junior guard Brian Neller had quite a first half performance, nailing five three pointers against Chatham. He finished with 28 points and shared co-MVP honors with teammate Anthony Kuhn. Kuhn also had 28 points, and did it all for the Colts. Chatham had no answer for either, as they accounted for 56 of CBA's 63 total points.
- Football power Don Bosco Prep needed overtime to edge Bridgewater Raritan on the hardwood. Gridiron star Alex DiSanzo, a starter on the basketball team, had four points. It was Georgio Milligan's 23 points that helped the Ironmen come away victorious. Bridgewater's Andrew August was impressive in defeat. He recorded 26 points and 14 rebounds, and was a presence in the post.
- The game with the biggest crowd was Seton Hall Prep vs. Columbia. In perhaps the biggest surprise of the day, Columbia rolled to an easy 67-42 victory over one of New Jersey's top programs. Jameel Grace led the way with 16 points and 8 assists. Seton Hall Prep's Ashton Gibbs, on his way to Pitt next year, led the Pirates in scoring, but struggled finding consistency.
- With the games being held on campus at Walsh Arena, some Seton Hall basketball players showed up to soak in the action and perhaps check out potential recruits. Tomorrow, Jordan Theodore, committed to play for the Pirates next year, will lead Paterson Catholic against a tough St. Raymond squad.
- Half time entertainment throughout the day drew cheers from the crowd, as local pee wee teams scrimmaged full court for seven minutes. Fans were treated to some of the nicest crossovers of the day during these mini-games.
