New Jersey track stars setting pace nationally

ROOKIES STAR AS SHABAZZ' WATSON WINS 600th
During her 28 years stalking the girls basketball sideline at Shabazz (Newark), Vanessa Watson has found countless different ways to accumulate victories along the way to four Tournament of Champions titles and seven state titles.

In earning her 600th victory via a 55-46 triumph over fellow TOC contender Trenton Catholic in Saturday's New Year's Resolution at Kennedy High School in Paterson, Watson watched as two precocious freshmen shared the spotlight. Zaire O'Neil scored eight of her game-high 16 points during a key 12-4, second-half spurt, while De'Ashia Jones chipped in 10 points and seven boards.

HOROHONICH JOINS 400-400 CLUB
Although Jeff Horohonich is best known for establishing Immaculate Heart Academy as a Garden State juggernaut in both girls basketball and softball, his recent work in developing Immaculate Conception (Montclair) into a budding North Jersey power is also plenty remarkable. The venerable coach's work with the latter program helped him join the 400-victory plateau in both softball and, most recently, girls basketball as Immaculate Conception throttled Wood-Ridge, 66-37, on Jan. 6.

All the more remarkable, Horohonich reached these milestones after recovering from enduring a major heart attack and quintuple bypass in 2007. He only returned to the Blue Wolves' sidelines after friend and assistant coach Ray Long, who took over the program while Horohonich convalesced, suffered a stroke during a 2008 practice and passed away soon after.

Horohonich, who has also coached at Hanover Park and Hawthorne, gave the Blue Wolves instant credibility in his two sports since his arrival. Last spring, Immaculate Conception played in its first Non-Public Group B softball championship game.

"I loved IHA, I love this place, the kids are similar, they work real hard," Horohonich told The Record's Darren Cooper. "People talk about public schools and the money; it's not about that for me. I have been blessed with so many wonderful parents and kids, I wouldn't trade that for the money."

FOOTBALL TALK
Among the elite prospects still uncommitted and considering the Rutgers Scarlet Knights are St. Peter's Prep running back Savon Huggins and defensive back Sheldon Royster, Union City offensive lineman Josue Matias, Bergen Catholic quarterback/athlete Tanner McEvoy, Red Bank Catholic tight end Jack Tabb and Winslow Township wideout Devante` Waugh.

Of the state's top 30 prospects, eight have verbally pledged to play for Rutgers: Shuler, Gary Nova, Willingboro defensive end Kyle George, St. Peter's Prep offensive lineman Keith Lumpkin, Neptune running back Kyle George, Bound Brook linebacker Andrew Campolattano, Manalapan quarterback Michael Bimonte and Sayreville Memorial defensive tackle Daryl Stephenson.

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