Week in Sports: Winter Teams Set to Open Season

Hockey

The Patriots dropped two more games this week, falling to Toms River North, 9-1, and were shut out by Middletown North, 3-0. stands at 0-4 in what appears to be a rebuilding year for fourth-year head coach Mike Celano.

After their 5-2 loss Saturday night to Point Pleasant Borough, the Colonials rebounded impressively, with a 6-3 win over divisional rival, Manalapan on Tuesday. Through two weeks, they are 2-2.

Manalapan's youth continued to struggle this week, as they dropped all three games they played, falling to 0-5 on the season. On Thursday, the Braves fell in a shoot-out to Ocean Township, 8-5, then lost to Hillsborough, 5-0, and Freehold Boro, 6-3.

The surprises keep on coming for the Marlboro ice hockey team. After dropping their two opening games of the season, shockingly, the Mustangs were mercied by Manasquan, 12-2, on Saturday night. They sit at 0-3 and are still searching for their first win, one season after leading the state in regular season wins.

Since their season-opening loss to Toms River North, Howell has had no problem on the ice. In their three games since, the Rebels have out-scored opponents, 28-2, including 13-0 and 11-1 mercies over Vernon and Jackson Memorial. They are comfortably sitting at 3-1, and will play Wall on Friday for sole possession of first place in the Shore 'B' division.

Basketball

Freehold Township boys basketball will open their season on Monday, Dec. 19, in a divisional match-up against Christian Brothers Academy. The Patriots will be hoping for a rise of success with this year's team. The Lady Pats will open their season on Friday, Dec. 16 at Mater Dei Prep.

The are set to open their basketball season on Friday, Dec. 16, when they will travel to Rumson-Fair Haven. They will look to improve off their 13-15 record last year, and will be hopeful to avoid injuries this time around.

Manalapan, despite losing a task of talented players, should be prepared for another good run this season. Losing Kyle Rubbinaccio, who is playing baseball at Notre Dame, the Braves will look to Anthony Firkser to be a mainstay in their lineup. With a 15-9 record last season, Manalapan will look to build off their strong campaign last season.

The only way Marlboro can go is up. After a dismal 4-20 record, the Mustangs will look to clean the slate this year, and with a host of unfamiliar players, their record could be the same -- or different. Playing in the A North certainly isn't easy, but Marlboro could make a surprising run this year.

Last year was a dream season for Howell. After a crazy regular season that saw point guard Ryan Keegan become a 1,000-point scorer and later, set the school record for points, Keegan lead Howell to an improbable run to the Shore Conference Tournament sem-finals. Now, a host of players will need to pick up where Keegan left off, although it is unaware just who might step up for them. Look for coach Brian Quick to pull a few more tricks out of his sleeve, this season.

With Larry Alston deciding not to play basketball as a senior, scoring is going to be a difficult task for Matawan Regional. It's likely that they will need serious contributions on a nightly basis from sophomore guard Kashaun Barnes. If he produces, expect the Huskies to have another good year.

The Hornets, despite a sub-par season last year at 6-17, will have four returning starters this year, combined with returners off the bench who have logged varsity time. Holmdel will need production from their starters to the end of their bench, if they are hoping to make a serious run within the A Central this winter.