It has been an up-and-down season for the Lakewood High School basketball team but this morning all things are good because they are celebrating a championship. Monday night in their own Piner Palace they beat Neptune 59-51 to claim a surprising Central Jersey Group 3 title, their first sectional crown since 2002. Sophomore Jameer Jones scored 20 points for the fifth seeded Piners, who beat Hamilton, Monmouth, top-seeded Freehold and then the Scarlet Fliers to earn the championship. Under third-year head coach Randy Holmes, many predicted a banner season for Lakewood but they got off to a slow start and watched Monsignor Donovan claim the Class B South title. However it’s Lakewood who is the only Ocean County boys team still playing and they will face South Jersey champion Kingsway tomorrow night in the Group semifinals at Winslow Township High School. A victory there would send the Piners to the Ritacco Center this weekend for the Group 3 Final.
Point Boro and Point Beach saw their playoff runs came to an end last night with losses in sectional finals as did the Southern girl’s team. The Point Boro girls host Deptford tonight in the South Jersey Group 3 final.
Ocean County is assured of having a team in the NJSIAA Public A Ice Hockey Championship game. That’s because Brick Memorial faces surprising Toms River South in a semifinal game this afternoon (4pm) at Mennen Arena in Morris Township. Randolph plays Montgomery in the other semifinal with the winners to skate for the state title Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Toms River’s Todd Frazier has played in one of the Cincinnati Reds’ first three spring exhibition games in Arizona, going 0-2. The 24-year old former Toms River South and Rutgers University star is the top prospect in the Reds organization but the team still hasn’t decided what position to play him at. He is listed as a left-fielder but has also played shortstop, third base, first base and second base. Frazier has been spending a lot of time with former Red Tony Phillips, who is working as a special instructor. Its likely Todd will open the season in the minor leagues but it’s only a matter of time before he calls Cincinnati home.
Wednesday, March 10, 2010
Budgets, Spelling Bees and Sports
I will not pretend to know much about the budget crisis that has forced Governor Christie to issue dire warnings about cuts in state aid to schools and municipalities. However what does leave me scratching my head is the simple fact that schools that have been efficient are the ones being hit the hardest which simply does not make sense. Last month their so-called surpluses were taken away without any discussion with the message being that since you didn’t spend it yet you really don’t need it. That is like dipping into an individual’s savings account and taking their money because if they’ve managed to save it then they can live without it. Doesn’t seem very fair and also does not send a great message…rather it’s telling schools to spend every dime they have no matter what. However with my limited knowledge of the subject the one factor that continues to disturb me is that the money spent to allegedly educate students in urban districts like Elizabeth, Newark and Jersey City is much greater then schools of even the same size in our area. Despite the fiscal woes of the state take a look at the amount of aid that heads north and then ask the question….shouldn’t we demand those schools be just as efficient?
Congratulations to Jake Muldowney, an 8th grade student at Toms River Intermediate South. He emerged the winner of the Spelldown 2010 which was sponsored in part by the Asbury Park Press and is now on his way to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC in early June.
While on the subject of congratulations. Point Pleasant Boro won the South Jersey Group 3 girls basketball championship by routing Deptford last night as freshman twins Kelly and Lauren Hughes combined for 34 points. The Panthers reward is a date with powerful Neptune tomorrow night.
Toms River South has advanced to the State Public A Ice Hockey Finals after pulling off another upset. Jay Malone scored three goals at the 16th seeded Indians stunned #4 Brick Memorial 4-3. South will play the winner of tonight’s Montgomery-Randolph contest for the state title Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Congratulations to Jake Muldowney, an 8th grade student at Toms River Intermediate South. He emerged the winner of the Spelldown 2010 which was sponsored in part by the Asbury Park Press and is now on his way to the Scripps National Spelling Bee in Washington DC in early June.
While on the subject of congratulations. Point Pleasant Boro won the South Jersey Group 3 girls basketball championship by routing Deptford last night as freshman twins Kelly and Lauren Hughes combined for 34 points. The Panthers reward is a date with powerful Neptune tomorrow night.
Toms River South has advanced to the State Public A Ice Hockey Finals after pulling off another upset. Jay Malone scored three goals at the 16th seeded Indians stunned #4 Brick Memorial 4-3. South will play the winner of tonight’s Montgomery-Randolph contest for the state title Saturday at the Prudential Center in Newark.
Monday, March 8, 2010
Thoughts Following A Beautiful Weekend
What a weekend….back-to-back days with the temperature over 50 and plenty of sunshine. It was just what the doctor ordered and it seemed like everyone wanted to get out of the house. Between the Polar Bear Plunge in Seaside Heights Saturday and the Belmar Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday you had special events that benefitted from the nice weather plus everyone has been cooped up for much of the winter. This was also a great weekend for the local car wash industry as long lines put smiles on the faces of owners who have spent many weekends shoveling snow. Before we get accustomed to all the nice weather remember March can give us spring-like days and also ones that remind us it’s still officially winter.
Those of you with Cabelvision got a late reprieve Sunday and were able to watch the Academy Awards…that is if you found out in time. Cablevision and ABC have been in a dispute that led to the Channel 7 signal being pulled off the air just after midnight Sunday morning. The Oscars officially began at 8:30pm and Cablevision customers appeared to be shut out but 13 minutes later the signal was restored as the two sides reached a preliminary agreement.
Count me among the diehards who stayed up and watched the entire Oscar show which ended just after midnight. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin did a good job as co-hosts and it was pretty much a night for the favorites. “The Hurt Locker” claimed six Academy Awards, including those for Best Picture and Best Director where Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to claim an Oscar in that category. Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock were the night’s other big winners by claiming the Best Actor awards.
Speaking of the best, Jimmy Lawson of Manchester Township High School ended his high school wrestling career with a jaw-dropping performance at the NJSIAA Championships in Atlantic City over the weekend. The Hawk heavyweight pinned all four of his opponents in a total time of 3 minutes and 58 seconds in claiming his third straight state title. Lawson also left Boardwalk Hall with the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler award. Two other Ocean County wrestlers lost heartbreakers in the finals with Brick Memorial’s Mike Morales falling to Region 6 rival Scott Festejo 7-6 at 135 pounds and Southern Regional 112-pounder Kyle Casaletto dropping a 3-2 decision to Nick Francavilla of High Point on a reversal with just two seconds left in the match.
Those of you with Cabelvision got a late reprieve Sunday and were able to watch the Academy Awards…that is if you found out in time. Cablevision and ABC have been in a dispute that led to the Channel 7 signal being pulled off the air just after midnight Sunday morning. The Oscars officially began at 8:30pm and Cablevision customers appeared to be shut out but 13 minutes later the signal was restored as the two sides reached a preliminary agreement.
Count me among the diehards who stayed up and watched the entire Oscar show which ended just after midnight. Steve Martin and Alec Baldwin did a good job as co-hosts and it was pretty much a night for the favorites. “The Hurt Locker” claimed six Academy Awards, including those for Best Picture and Best Director where Kathryn Bigelow became the first woman to claim an Oscar in that category. Jeff Bridges and Sandra Bullock were the night’s other big winners by claiming the Best Actor awards.
Speaking of the best, Jimmy Lawson of Manchester Township High School ended his high school wrestling career with a jaw-dropping performance at the NJSIAA Championships in Atlantic City over the weekend. The Hawk heavyweight pinned all four of his opponents in a total time of 3 minutes and 58 seconds in claiming his third straight state title. Lawson also left Boardwalk Hall with the tournament’s Outstanding Wrestler award. Two other Ocean County wrestlers lost heartbreakers in the finals with Brick Memorial’s Mike Morales falling to Region 6 rival Scott Festejo 7-6 at 135 pounds and Southern Regional 112-pounder Kyle Casaletto dropping a 3-2 decision to Nick Francavilla of High Point on a reversal with just two seconds left in the match.
Friday, March 5, 2010
Winter Playoffs, Spring Practice
Today is the first official day of practice for high school spring sports although field conditions will likely keep quite a few baseball, softball and lacrosse players inside gymnasiums throughout the area. However the focus this morning is on the end of the Winter sports season as this is tournament time and if you’re still playing and competing it means things are going quite well.
The NJSIAA Wrestling Championships are set for this weekend in Atlantic City as thousands of fans make the trek to Boardwalk Hall. Ocean County sends two defending champions back to Casino City with Brick Memorial’s Mike Morales the top seed and favorite at 135 pounds and Manchester’s Jimmy Lawson looking to make history at heavyweight. Lawson is seeking to become just the second New Jersey wrestler and first in 62 years to win three heavyweight titles. This weekend will also likely end the gentle giant’s wrestling career as he’s headed to Monmouth University on a football scholarship. Among the other county wrestlers to watch is Point Boro 140-pounder Jordan Beverly, whose brother Jeff is the only state champion in school history.
Toms River South went on a magical run in November to win the school’s first-ever state soccer title. Could history be repeating itself on the ice?
The 16th seeded Indians stunned top-seed Morris Knolls 3-1 in the second round of the NJSIAA Public A Ice Hockey Tournament at Mennen Arena Thursday. Junior Jay Malone scored all three goals and goalie Geoff Hannon stopped 31 shots as South advances to Saturday’s quarterfinals against Morristown at Codey Arena. Brick Memorial & Howell join the Indians in the final eight.
Jackson Memorial & Southern Regional have reached the sectional semifinals of the State Girls Basketball Tournament. The Jaguars edged Freehold Township 48-42 as Christa Evans scored 23 points and will now face Colts Neck in the Central Jersey Group 4 semis. In South Jersey Group 4 Southern’s Kristen Sharkey scored 36 points as the Rams surprised Atlantic City 59-55 and will now play Lenape.
The NJSIAA Wrestling Championships are set for this weekend in Atlantic City as thousands of fans make the trek to Boardwalk Hall. Ocean County sends two defending champions back to Casino City with Brick Memorial’s Mike Morales the top seed and favorite at 135 pounds and Manchester’s Jimmy Lawson looking to make history at heavyweight. Lawson is seeking to become just the second New Jersey wrestler and first in 62 years to win three heavyweight titles. This weekend will also likely end the gentle giant’s wrestling career as he’s headed to Monmouth University on a football scholarship. Among the other county wrestlers to watch is Point Boro 140-pounder Jordan Beverly, whose brother Jeff is the only state champion in school history.
Toms River South went on a magical run in November to win the school’s first-ever state soccer title. Could history be repeating itself on the ice?
The 16th seeded Indians stunned top-seed Morris Knolls 3-1 in the second round of the NJSIAA Public A Ice Hockey Tournament at Mennen Arena Thursday. Junior Jay Malone scored all three goals and goalie Geoff Hannon stopped 31 shots as South advances to Saturday’s quarterfinals against Morristown at Codey Arena. Brick Memorial & Howell join the Indians in the final eight.
Jackson Memorial & Southern Regional have reached the sectional semifinals of the State Girls Basketball Tournament. The Jaguars edged Freehold Township 48-42 as Christa Evans scored 23 points and will now face Colts Neck in the Central Jersey Group 4 semis. In South Jersey Group 4 Southern’s Kristen Sharkey scored 36 points as the Rams surprised Atlantic City 59-55 and will now play Lenape.
Thursday, March 4, 2010
Guys And Luck
There’s a pretty good chance over the next couple of weeks you’ll hear the expression, “the luck of the Irish” which is sort of ironic because historically the Irish have been a rather unlucky group. Anyway this month’s “The Average Guy” feature in Men’s Health magazine is all about guys and luck.
Some of the results:
• 42% of men consider themselves lucky.
• 80% think luck is largely self-made.
• 1 in 20 will not fly on Friday the 13th and 14% of men avoid crossing paths with a black cat.
• 14% of us have played the lottery using the so-called lucky numbers from a fortune cookie.
• 45% of men wear lucky clothing to help their love life.
• 32% of men who are sports fans claim to have superstitious rituals
to help their favorite team win.
• 1 in 8 athletes won’t wash their socks as long as their team is
winning.
• Nearly half of the men surveyed said they have escaped death and
consider themselves lucky to be alive.
• 1 in 9 men carry a lucky charm with them at all times and its most
commonly a chain of some kind.
• 5% have tried to improve their luck by removing a coin from a
fountain.
• 1 in 6 men have visited a psychic.
• 1 in 149 believe in the jinx of breaking a chain letter while 1 in 5 think that’s hogwash but pass them on just in case.
• Lastly…..the man we think is the luckiest is Brad Pitt.
By the way as to the origin of “the luck of the Irish.” There is little agreement but some say it came from the gold rush days in California where a high number of Irish got lucky.
Some of the results:
• 42% of men consider themselves lucky.
• 80% think luck is largely self-made.
• 1 in 20 will not fly on Friday the 13th and 14% of men avoid crossing paths with a black cat.
• 14% of us have played the lottery using the so-called lucky numbers from a fortune cookie.
• 45% of men wear lucky clothing to help their love life.
• 32% of men who are sports fans claim to have superstitious rituals
to help their favorite team win.
• 1 in 8 athletes won’t wash their socks as long as their team is
winning.
• Nearly half of the men surveyed said they have escaped death and
consider themselves lucky to be alive.
• 1 in 9 men carry a lucky charm with them at all times and its most
commonly a chain of some kind.
• 5% have tried to improve their luck by removing a coin from a
fountain.
• 1 in 6 men have visited a psychic.
• 1 in 149 believe in the jinx of breaking a chain letter while 1 in 5 think that’s hogwash but pass them on just in case.
• Lastly…..the man we think is the luckiest is Brad Pitt.
By the way as to the origin of “the luck of the Irish.” There is little agreement but some say it came from the gold rush days in California where a high number of Irish got lucky.
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Wednesdsay Thoughts
Just a few notes and thoughts to share this morning:
What is it with people and yield signs? My understanding is you stop at a yield sign if the traffic conditions don’t allow you to safely merge with oncoming vehicles. More often then not I observe people who when approaching a yield sign immediately speed up so they can hopefully beat those in the flow of traffic. Others simply blow through the yield sign and then assume you will simply slow down even tough you have the right of way. It’s amazing how many violations occur at yield signs…would love to see them enforced a bit more.
I’ve mentioned this before but here’s another one that drives me crazy. Why does it seem that you always have to ask for napkins at a drive-thru? Never mind hoping your order is correct because that’s another story. Operators of these places should put a sign on the inside reminding their workers to put napkins in every bag. Plus you often get a sour look when you ask for them like, “What do you need a napkin for.”
Here’s another pet peeve. You are searching for a spot in a crowded parking lot and observe someone getting in their car to leave. They start their vehicle but rather then pulling out they go through a series of events from checking their hair and sometimes make-up to making a call on their cell phone. This while they know you’re patiently waiting for a spot. You finally lose your patience and drive away and just as you do they leave and someone right behind you gets the spot.
Now to something more positive. Toms River High School South’s “Indian Givers” are sponsoring a Fashion Show tomorrow night at 7pm in the cafetorium. Seniors will be modeling prom dresses, casual wear, summer clothing and bathing suits from local merchants. There will be a live DJ, different clothing boutiques and a fundraising auction. Tickets are $5 and doors open at 6:30 with parents and the public welcome to attend. Proceeds benefit the “Indian Givers”, a student-run organization that helps South students and families in need.
What is it with people and yield signs? My understanding is you stop at a yield sign if the traffic conditions don’t allow you to safely merge with oncoming vehicles. More often then not I observe people who when approaching a yield sign immediately speed up so they can hopefully beat those in the flow of traffic. Others simply blow through the yield sign and then assume you will simply slow down even tough you have the right of way. It’s amazing how many violations occur at yield signs…would love to see them enforced a bit more.
I’ve mentioned this before but here’s another one that drives me crazy. Why does it seem that you always have to ask for napkins at a drive-thru? Never mind hoping your order is correct because that’s another story. Operators of these places should put a sign on the inside reminding their workers to put napkins in every bag. Plus you often get a sour look when you ask for them like, “What do you need a napkin for.”
Here’s another pet peeve. You are searching for a spot in a crowded parking lot and observe someone getting in their car to leave. They start their vehicle but rather then pulling out they go through a series of events from checking their hair and sometimes make-up to making a call on their cell phone. This while they know you’re patiently waiting for a spot. You finally lose your patience and drive away and just as you do they leave and someone right behind you gets the spot.
Now to something more positive. Toms River High School South’s “Indian Givers” are sponsoring a Fashion Show tomorrow night at 7pm in the cafetorium. Seniors will be modeling prom dresses, casual wear, summer clothing and bathing suits from local merchants. There will be a live DJ, different clothing boutiques and a fundraising auction. Tickets are $5 and doors open at 6:30 with parents and the public welcome to attend. Proceeds benefit the “Indian Givers”, a student-run organization that helps South students and families in need.
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Tuesday This & That
Toms River East is one of 30 schools from 25 cities nationwide picked to compete in this year’s Hurley Walk the Walk National Championships.
Hurley is a California-based clothing company that puts emphasis on surfing, skateboarding and music and obviously popular among young people. The competition involves schools submitting 3 on-line videos in which students demonstrate their expertise in design, marketing and production. Toms River East students will also be involved in choreographing a stage show and creating a storefront at Pac Sun in the Ocean County Mall. From on-line voting the 30 schools will be narrowed down to five finalists who will be flown out to the National Championship runway show at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California where $25,000 goes to the winner.
The first of the three videos presentations was titled “Show Your DNA”
and was designed for schools to show what’s unique about their school and area and on line voting ends today. I’ve seen the one submitted by High School East students and it is really well done and right now they are in first place among schools from the East bracket. To view it and vote simply go to Hurley.com and click “Walk the Walk” and follow along. Good luck to “Raider Nation”
Do you remember Andrew Valmon? He was a track star at Manchester Township High School who won a gold medal as part of the United States
4 x 400 relay team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. The 45-year old Valmon is in his 7th season as the head track and field coach at the University of Maryland and before that coached at Georgetown. Recently he was named head coach of the US men’s team for the World Indoor Track & Field Championships later this month. Valmon is married to former Olympic runner Meredith Rainey and they have three children. He was one of my favorites as a young athlete and I’m very happy for his success.
Hurley is a California-based clothing company that puts emphasis on surfing, skateboarding and music and obviously popular among young people. The competition involves schools submitting 3 on-line videos in which students demonstrate their expertise in design, marketing and production. Toms River East students will also be involved in choreographing a stage show and creating a storefront at Pac Sun in the Ocean County Mall. From on-line voting the 30 schools will be narrowed down to five finalists who will be flown out to the National Championship runway show at the US Open of Surfing in Huntington Beach, California where $25,000 goes to the winner.
The first of the three videos presentations was titled “Show Your DNA”
and was designed for schools to show what’s unique about their school and area and on line voting ends today. I’ve seen the one submitted by High School East students and it is really well done and right now they are in first place among schools from the East bracket. To view it and vote simply go to Hurley.com and click “Walk the Walk” and follow along. Good luck to “Raider Nation”
Do you remember Andrew Valmon? He was a track star at Manchester Township High School who won a gold medal as part of the United States
4 x 400 relay team at the 1992 Summer Olympics in Barcelona, Spain. The 45-year old Valmon is in his 7th season as the head track and field coach at the University of Maryland and before that coached at Georgetown. Recently he was named head coach of the US men’s team for the World Indoor Track & Field Championships later this month. Valmon is married to former Olympic runner Meredith Rainey and they have three children. He was one of my favorites as a young athlete and I’m very happy for his success.
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