2026 JSBL Season Preview and Rankings

*Alec Crouthamel, Nick Doll, Dave Smith, and Dan Yeserski contributed to this preview*

 

The 2026 Jersey Shore Basketball League season tips off tonight at 7 p.m. at Manasquan High School, ushering in another summer of the best summer basketball the Shore has to offer.

With opening night here, Shore Sports Insider breaks down all eight teams and ranks them from top to bottom based on their championship outlook entering the season.

As is always the case in the JSBL, preseason projections come with a caveat. Rosters are fluid throughout the summer as player availability changes. Some players listed on rosters may never show up, others may only play occasionally, and additional players not currently on a roster could join teams as the season progresses.

Our rankings and predictions are based on each team’s preseason roster, with the understanding that player availability and roster movement will likely reshape the league throughout the summer.

Power Rankings

1. Sterns Trailer

Franchise Origin

1989

Championships

5

Championship Appearances

11

Name from the past

Al Harrington- Indiana Pacers

Head Coach

Jon Kaminski

Potential Starting Five

G: David Coit, 5-11, Maryland

G: Jakari Spence, 6-2, Jacksonville

G: George Papas, 6-5, Monmouth

F: Parker Dortch, 6-7, Anderson

F: Rasheen Merlin, 6-9, Winston-Salem St.

Other Notable Names

G: Bryan Antoine, 6-5, Radford

G: Jalen Gaffney, 6-3, Florida Atlantic

C: Mike Aaman, 6-8, Wagner

G: Kevin Mateo, 6-1, Brookdale

G: Mason Jones, 6-2, Albertus Magnus

G: Larry Smith, 6-1, Brookdale

Breakdown

A miraculous, game-winning three-pointer by ACI/Robin’s Nest guard Dwaine Jones in the closing seconds denied Sterns Trailer what would have been its fourth consecutive Jersey Shore Basketball League championship last summer. Even without any major additions, the return of virtually the entire core from that runner-up squad would have made Sterns Trailer a strong candidate for the preseason No. 1 ranking. However, the projected arrivals of perennial league All-Stars George Papas and Mike Aaman, who followed head coach Jon Kaminski to Sterns Trailer, along with the expected return of 2024 championship MVP David “Diggy” Coit, give the roster an overwhelming collection of talent and establish Sterns Trailer as the early favorite to capture the 2026 JSBL title.

Backcourt

Reigning regular season MVP Jakari Spence returns after leading the JSBL in scoring at 38.8 points per game last summer. The Toms River North product is coming off a successful professional season overseas in Belgium, where he averaged 13.9 points and 4.5 assists per game. The expected return of David “Diggy” Coit, who erupted for 56 points in the 2024 championship game against Sea View Jeep, gives Sterns Trailer yet another elite offensive weapon. Coit averaged 13.5 points per game during his final collegiate season at Maryland. The addition of George Papas further bolsters what may be the league’s deepest roster. Although he did not meet the minimum games requirement to qualify for the statistical leaderboard last season, the former Monmouth University standout has long been one of the JSBL’s premier scorers, averaging 33.2 points per game in 2024.

Head coach Jon Kaminski will have the enviable challenge of managing one of the league’s deepest backcourts. The remaining guards on the roster are all starting-caliber players, making decisions on the starting lineup, bench rotation, and overall playing time a difficult balancing act. Finding enough touches and minutes for such a talented group may prove to be one of Kaminski’s toughest coaching challenges this season.

The depth extends well beyond the team’s headline stars. Ranney legend Bryan Antoine is coming off an outstanding professional season in Belgium, where he averaged 17.1 points per game while shooting better than 60 percent from the field and 39 percent from three-point range. Jalen Gaffney, a starter on Florida Atlantic’s historic Final Four team, averaged 13.6 points per game this past season in Slovakia. Kevin Mateo, the 2023 NJCAA Division III National Player of the Year who led Brookdale to a national championship, returns after averaging 22.8 points per game for Sterns Trailer last summer. Former Manchester standout Mason Jones spent the winter playing professionally in Canada’s TBL, while former Matawan star Larry Smith remains one of the league’s premier perimeter defenders and has been a key contributor to championship-caliber teams in both the JSBL and the Summer Slam league in Manasquan.

Frontcourt

The frontcourt does not have the same amount of depth but has talent. Hybrid forward Parker Dortch returns as the team’s glue guy, impacting games in countless ways by making winning plays, defending multiple positions, scoring when called upon, and embracing the dirty work that often goes unnoticed. Stretch-five Rasheen Merlin, who played for the Kokombo Bobcats in the TBL this past season, also returns, giving Sterns Trailer the flexibility to space the floor and play a true five-out offense when the matchup calls for it. The addition of Raritan legend Mike Aaman, who led the Rockets to the 2011 Shore Conference Tournament championship, provides another dimension inside. Aaman is a physical low-post scorer who can overpower defenders on the block while also possessing the footwork and touch to finish with finesse.

 

2. ACI/Robin’s Nest

Franchise Origin

2022

Championships

1

Championship Appearances

1

Name from the past

Myles Powell- Seton Hall/Philadelphia 76ers

Head Coach

Jay Dorsey

Potential Starting Five

G: Dwaine Jones, 6-5, Charleston

G: Samier Kinsler, 6-2, Glenville St.

G: Jagan Mosely, 6-3, Georgetown

F: Scottie Lewis, 6-5, Florida

F: Jared Kimbrough, 6-8, Hartford

Other Notable Names

G: Sean Grennan, 6-3, San Francisco

F: Ibn Loyal, 6-5, Missouri Southern St.

F: Micah Kerr, 6-5, Kean

Breakdown

ACI/Robin’s Nest entered last year’s playoffs as the No. 5 seed, but in a league often dominated by isolation basketball, the eventual champions separated themselves with unselfish ball movement, disciplined team defense, and exceptional execution out of timeouts. Their ability to consistently generate quality shots and make key adjustments allowed them to overcome opponents that, on paper, appeared to have more individual talent.

Repeating that success will be a different challenge. The Nest loses former Neptune standout Sam Fagan, who is unable to play this summer because of work commitments. Equally as significant is the departure of head coach Joe Fagan and assistant coach Jimmy McDonnell, two of the league’s sharpest basketball minds. McDonnell’s NBA experience helped produce some of the JSBL’s most effective offensive actions, while the duo’s in-game adjustments were instrumental throughout last year’s championship run.

The projected additions of Ranney legend Scottie Lewis and former St. Anthony standout Jagan Mosely raise the team’s overall talent level, but maintaining the championship formula will fall to new head coach Jay Dorsey and a veteran core led by a duo of former Neptune standouts in reigning championship MVP Dwaine Jones and returning Defensive Player of the Year Jared Kimbrough. If the Nest can continue to embrace the same selfless style of play that carried it to last year’s title, it has every opportunity to defend its championship.

Backcourt

Jones returns to orchestrate the offense after an outstanding championship season. The left-handed point guard is coming off his first professional campaign in the United Kingdom and showed noticeable growth as a perimeter shooter last summer. His improved three-point consistency forced defenses to respect him beyond the arc, creating more opportunities to attack the basket where he excels as a finisher and playmaker.

Samier Kinsler, one of the JSBL’s most impactful late-season additions a year ago, returns after spending the winter playing professionally in Bosnia. The projected return of Mosely, who took last summer off from the league, adds another experienced scorer who averaged just under 10 points per game in France this past season. Former Donovan Catholic standout Sean Grennan, now an assistant coach at Neptune, also returns and remains one of the JSBL’s premier long-range shooters, capable of changing games with his ability to stretch the floor.

Frontcourt

Kimbrough returns as the league’s premier interior presence after averaging 22.6 points and 10.6 rebounds per game last summer. One of the JSBL’s most electrifying players, Kimbrough routinely brought fans to their feet with thunderous dunks and highlight-reel blocked shots. His impact, however, extends far beyond the box score. As the screener in Robin’s Nest’s devastating two-man game with Dwaine Jones, Kimbrough consistently created scoring opportunities while also showcasing the mobility to switch onto guards defensively, protect the rim, and sprint the floor in transition. He carried that success into his professional season in Finland, where he averaged more than eight points and seven rebounds per game.

The projected addition of Scottie Lewis is arguably the biggest offseason acquisition in the JSBL. He confirmed on Instagram last week that he plans to suit up for ACI/Robin’s Nest. Lewis has not played in the league since 2018, when he was still in high school. An elite athlete with NBA experience, Lewis gives the defending champions another dynamic two-way weapon and could immediately become the league’s most explosive player. He is coming off an outstanding season in Asia, where he averaged 23.8 points per game in the Basketball Champions League.

Former Neptune standout Micah Kerr and Ibn Loyal round out a versatile frontcourt. Both provide the physicality to battle inside while also possessing the ability to stretch the floor with their outside shooting, giving Robin’s Nest additional lineup flexibility on both ends of the court.

 

3. RKE Athletic

Franchise Origin

1982 (left after 2002, returned in 2019)

Championships

5

Championship Appearances

8

Name from the past

Anthony Mason- New York Knicks

Head Coach

Sean Gallagher

Potential Starting Five

G: Elijah Ford, 6-5, Wagner

G: Doug Edert, 6-2, Bryant

G: Kyle Cardaci, 6-2, Saint Peter’s

F: Nico Galette, 6-7, Youngstown St.

F: Tyshon Pickett, 6-7, Bradley

Other Notable Names

G: Alex Massung, 6-4, St. Anselm

F: Nick Davidson, 6-6, Bloomfield

G: Lamar Morgan, 6-6, Coppin St.

F: Shack Scott, 6-6, Wagner

G: Peter Gorman 6-0, Ramapo

Breakdown

RKE Athletic battled constant roster turnover throughout last season, preventing the team from finding much consistency during the regular season. By playoff time, however, head coach Sean Gallagher’s squad had begun to hit its stride, knocking off Sea View Jeep before falling to eventual runner-up Sterns Trailer in the semifinals.

The team’s biggest loss is former Monmouth and Manasquan standout Jack Collins, who has moved to WCT Warriors. Collins was one of the league’s most well-rounded players, providing strong defense, outstanding rebounding, and unselfish playmaking while consistently doing the little things that contribute to winning.

Despite his departure, RKE still boasts plenty of firepower. Sharpshooter Kyle Cardaci and versatile wing Nico Galette return, while the projected additions of Doug Edert and Lamar Morgan significantly raise the team’s offensive ceiling. There are legitimate questions surrounding the team’s interior size and who will replace Collins’ defensive versatility and rebounding, but RKE has no shortage of shooting, experience, and proven scorers. If the pieces come together, Gallagher’s team has the talent to make a deep postseason run and compete for a championship.

Backcourt

Kyle Cardaci returns as arguably the league’s premier perimeter shooter. The former Mater Dei Prep standout averaged 26.8 points per game last summer, and despite missing several contests while competing in The Basketball Tournament (TBT), he still finished fourth in total three-pointers made. Cardaci carried that production into another successful professional season overseas, excelling in both Portugal and Bosnia. During his stint in Bosnia, he averaged 26.0 points per game while shooting a blistering 48.3 percent from beyond the arc.

The projected arrival of Edert, a Saint Peter’s March Madness legend who is now an assistant coach at Bergen Catholic, gives RKE another dangerous perimeter threat. “Boogie” Ford is expected to step in at point guard after a strong career at Wagner and professional experience in the TBL, bringing length, defensive versatility, and playmaking ability to the backcourt. Morgan is another intriguing addition after averaging just under 12 points per game in Brazil this past season. Peter Gorman, a former Mater Dei Prep teammate of Cardaci, impressed in three JSBL appearances last summer, while Alex Massung adds another high-upside guard after starring at Hudson Catholic, playing two seasons at Penn, and then transferring to Saint Anselm.

Frontcourt

Galette returns as one of the league’s toughest individual matchups. His combination of size, strength, and skill allows him to overpower most guards, while his quickness and ball-handling ability make him difficult for bigger forwards to contain on the perimeter. That versatility gives RKE a unique offensive weapon capable of exploiting virtually any defensive matchup. Galette is coming off his first professional season, having made his overseas debut in Spain this past winter.

Pickett made an immediate impression in his lone JSBL appearance last summer. A bruising veteran with a crafty post game, he has been a mainstay in the New York Pro-Am circuit and is coming off a productive season in Canada, where he averaged 16.5 points and 6.4 rebounds per game. Nick Davidson brings another experienced frontcourt option, combining toughness, a willingness to mix it up inside, and a soft shooting touch from the perimeter. Scott projects as the team’s most reliable defender and will be counted on to absorb much of the dirty work that Jack Collins provided over the past several seasons.

 

4. Sea View Jeep

Franchise Origin

1986

Championships

6

Championship Appearances

7

Name from the past

Tim Perry- Philadelphia 76ers

Head Coach

Tyler Schmelz

Potential Starting Five

G: Justin Robinson, 5-8, Monmouth

G: Jesse Jones, 6-0, Bridgeport

G: Xander Rice, 6-2, Monmouth

F: Collin Stewart, 6-7, Monmouth

C: Josh Cohen, 6-10, USC

Other Notable Names

G: CJ Ruoff, 6-3, Catholic

G: Colin Cavanaugh, 5-10, Misericordia

F: Eddie Lopez, 6-6, Middletown North

Breakdown

A narrow first-round playoff loss to RKE Athletic marked another disappointing finish for a Sea View Jeep roster that annually features some of the league’s highest-end talent. Sea View Jeep has not captured a championship since the JSBL moved to Manasquan High School in 2022, but there is still plenty of reason for optimism. Perennial JSBL superstar Justin Robinson is back, along with Xander Rice and Jesse Jones, giving the Jeep Store one of the league’s most explosive backcourts. Sea View Jeep is also projected to return former CBA standout Josh Cohen, one of the top offensive centers in the league.

The biggest questions are depth, youth, and defensive versatility. Sea View Jeep’s projected three-man bench consists entirely of college players, leaving some uncertainty about how much support the veterans will have over the course of the summer. There is also the question of whether the high-scoring three-guard backcourt has enough size and strength to withstand bigger guards and teams that play with a more traditional small forward. Offensively, this roster has more than enough firepower to contend with anyone in the league, but additional depth and experience would go a long way toward raising its championship ceiling.

Backcourt

“Scoop” Robinson remains the face of the league after finishing second in the JSBL in scoring at 34.3 points per game while leading the league with 9.5 assists per contest last summer. The dynamic point guard carried that production into another successful professional season in Italy, where he averaged 15.4 points and 6.6 assists per game while shooting an efficient 38.3 percent from three-point range. The Monmouth University legend then returned home and led the Jersey Shore Breaks to a league championship. A three-time JSBL champion and three-time finals MVP, Robinson has already cemented his place among the league’s all-time greats. He still trails legendary Bob Verga, however, by two championships and two finals MVP awards, leaving him with an opportunity to continue climbing the JSBL’s all-time ladder.

The supporting cast is loaded with proven scorers. Fellow former Monmouth University standout Xander Rice is coming off an outstanding professional season in Denmark, where he averaged 17.0 points per game. More than capable of erupting for 40 points on any given night, Rice gives Sea View Jeep another dynamic offensive weapon who can shoulder the scoring load whenever necessary.

Jesse Jones, a viral social media sensation whose game is every bit as impressive as his online following, also returns after spending the season playing professionally in Qatar, China, and Africa. Jones averaged more than 32 points per game in Qatar, continuing to prove he is far more than an internet personality.

Former Red Bank Catholic standouts CJ Ruoff and Colin Cavanaugh reunite for another summer with head coach Tyler Schmelz, who coached both during their high school careers. Ruoff is coming off a stellar collegiate career that culminated with Division III All-America honors after averaging 19.5 points per game in his final season at Catholic University.

Frontcourt

Josh Cohen is coming off a season in which he appeared in 12 NBA G League games with the Sioux Falls Skyforce, the Miami Heat’s affiliate. As one of the area’s top professional players, he is likely to have no shortage of opportunities this summer, making his availability a key storyline to monitor. If he suits up for Sea View Jeep again, he instantly gives the team one of the league’s most skilled offensive big men. Cohen is equally comfortable scoring from the low post or the high post, creating difficult matchup problems for virtually every opponent.

Stewart provides valuable frontcourt versatility as a stretch four who can rebound, protect the rim, and space the floor offensively. Eddie Lopez is expected to make his JSBL debut after graduating from Middletown North this spring, adding another young piece to the rotation.

Given the roster’s limited frontcourt depth, it would not be surprising to see Sea View Jeep pursue another interior player before the season is in full swing. Adding another experienced big man would help bolster the rotation and address one of the team’s weaknesses.

 

5. Larson Ford

Franchise Origin

1969

Championships

10

Championship Appearances

27

Name from the past

Brevin Knight- Cleveland Cavaliers

Head Coach

Larry Marshall

Potential Starting Five

G: Zayier Dean, 6-0, Transfer Portal

G: Elijah Perkins, 6-4, Saint Peter’s

G: Je’lon Hornbeak, 6-3, Monmouth

G: Zion Bethea, 6-4, Delaware St.

C: Shahid Muhammad, 6-11, Florida St.

Other Notable Names

G: Gene Campbell, 6-3, NJCU

G: Jaheim Tanksley, 5-10, Saint Peter’s

C: Alex Leiba, 6-10, Pepperdine

F: Isiah McCallum, 6-7, Paul Quinn

Breakdown

After two disappointing seasons, the JSBL’s winningest franchise appears poised to reenter the championship conversation. Inconsistency has plagued Larson Ford over the past two summers, which keeps the team from earning a higher spot in the preseason rankings. However, if the roster on paper comes together, Larson Ford has the talent to contend with anyone in the league.

The projected return of Shahid Muhammad, who finished his collegiate career at Florida State, gives Larson Ford arguably the league’s premier defensive anchor. An elite rim protector with the mobility to switch onto smaller players, Muhammad can transform a defense with his presence alone. Former Red Bank standout Zayier Dean is coming off a breakout JSBL season and should continue his upward trajectory, while former Ranney and Camden standout Elijah Perkins joins Je’lon Hornbeak, Zion Bethea, and Gene Campbell to provide a balanced and versatile offensive attack. With Muhammad anchoring the paint and a deep collection of talented perimeter scorers, Larson Ford has the pieces in place for a legitimate resurgence.

Backcourt

After spending his freshman season at Western Texas College, Zayier Dean entered the transfer portal and returns to the JSBL looking ready for another strong summer. The elusive guard combines a tight handle with a polished perimeter game, and after showing flashes of his potential last season, appears poised to take another step as Larson Ford’s floor general.

Elijah Perkins, who landed on ESPN’s Top 10 Plays with one of the most spectacular dunks of the season, gives Larson Ford another explosive athlete capable of attacking the rim above the basket. Former Monmouth standout Je’lon Hornbeak provides elite floor spacing as one of the team’s premier three-point shooters, while Zion Bethea returns as Larson Ford’s leading scorer after averaging 22.8 points per game last summer. Bethea also started 13 games during his final collegiate season as a graduate transfer at Delaware State.

Veteran Gene Campbell remains one of the league’s most reliable mid-range scorers and is coming off a professional season that included stops in Lebanon and Malta. Jaheim Tanksley is also projected to return after a devastating leg injury cut short his collegiate career at Saint Peter’s. Tanksley made a strong impression during his lone previous JSBL season and, if healthy, adds yet another experienced and versatile weapon to Larson Ford’s deep backcourt.

Frontcourt

Muhammad returns to the JSBL for the first time in three summers after completing his collegiate career at Florida State. Standing just shy of seven feet, Muhammad is arguably the league’s most impactful defensive player. His ability to protect the rim, alter shots, and switch onto smaller players makes him a game-changing presence on that end of the floor. Offensively, his game was beginning to blossom the last time he suited up in the JSBL. An explosive rim-runner with outstanding length and athleticism, Muhammad became an increasingly dangerous lob threat and finisher around the basket, giving Larson Ford a dynamic weapon in the pick-and-roll and in transition.

Former St. John Vianney center Alex Leiba is projected to return after sitting out last summer following the conclusion of his collegiate career at Pepperdine. Leiba gives Larson Ford valuable frontcourt depth and provides another experienced center capable of logging quality minutes, allowing Muhammad to stay fresh throughout the season.

Forward Isiah McCallum also returns after missing last summer’s campaign. One of Larson Ford’s most dependable contributors during the 2024 season, McCallum brings versatility, experience, and another reliable option to a frontcourt that should be significantly deeper than it was a year ago.

 

6. County Line Auto Body

Franchise Origin

2026 (Replaced Intern Helpers)

Championships

0

Championship Appearances

0

Head Coach

Steve Porter

Potential Starting Five

G: Ahmad Biggins, 5-8, South Suburban

G: Leon Daniels, 6-5, Alabama St.

F: Jachai Simmons, 6-7, New Mexico

F: Mustapha Traore, 6-8, Monmouth

F: David Laury, 6-8, Iona

Other Notable Names

C: Tyere Marshall, 6-9, Rider

G: Jordan Theodore, 6-0, Seton Hall

G: Jason Dunne, 6-4, Hartford

G: Mike Dunne, 6-4, Hartford

F: Charles Funches, 6-8, Hampton

Breakdown

County Line Auto Body were the most difficult team to evaluate entering the season, as their submitted roster includes 18 players and leaves considerable uncertainty about who will ultimately make up the core rotation. Because of that lack of clarity, they land toward the bottom of our preseason rankings despite featuring several highly talented players on paper. If the roster comes together as projected, County Line has the potential to considerably outperform this ranking.

Several members of the roster played key roles for Intern Helpers last summer, including Ahmad Biggins, Leon Daniels, and Charles Funches. Others bring previous JSBL experience, including Jachai Simmons, Mustapha Traore, David Laury, and brothers Jason and Mike Dunne.

County Line Auto Body is expected to feature several more players from the Jersey Shore Breaks, who captured their league championship this season. While we believe the final product could ultimately outperform this preseason ranking, the uncertainty surrounding who will actually be available and form the team’s core rotation makes it difficult to slot them any higher until we see the roster take the floor.

Backcourt

Biggins quickly made a name for himself in the JSBL last summer with his relentless energy and defensive intensity. The shifty guard was willing to pressure opposing ball handlers the length of the floor and became one of the league’s toughest on-ball defenders. Daniels emerged as one of the league’s top offensive threats, averaging 22.3 points per game over the course of the summer.

Former Matawan standouts Jason and Mike Dunne provide another dimension with their perimeter shooting. Jason enjoyed a standout collegiate career at Hartford, where he averaged just under 13 points per game. Former Second Team All-Big East guard Jordan Theodore adds an accomplished resume on the roster. Now 36 years old, Theodore last played professionally in Germany in 2025, averaging 12.7 points and 4.2 assists per game, and brings a wealth of high-level experience.

Frontcourt

Laury, a former Iona standout, made a strong impression during a brief JSBL stint at St. Rose several years ago and brings veteran experience to the frontcourt. Traore most recently played professionally in the TBL, where he averaged just under 12 points per game during the 2025 season. Simmons, a Plainfield native, is coming off an impressive campaign with the Jersey Shore Breaks, averaging 17 points per game while helping lead the team to a league championship.

Marshall adds another proven frontcourt presence after averaging more than 13 points and seven rebounds per game during his most recent professional season in Bulgaria in 2025. Funches also returns after establishing himself as a reliable rebounder and low-post scorer in the JSBL last summer, giving County Line another experienced presence around the basket.

 

7. WCT Warriors

Franchise Origin

2022

Championships

0

Championship Appearances

0

Head Coach

Josh Peters

Potential Starting Five

G: Andre Wells, 6-0, William Paterson

G: Corey Miller, 6-2, Monmouth

G: Jack Collins, 6-5, Monmouth

F: Ryan Savoy, 6-4, Nichols

F: Scott Gyimesi, 6-6, Tufts

Other Notable Names

F: Quinn Peters, 6-6, Monmouth

G: Ryan Frauenheim, 5-10, Babson

F: Jacob Morales, 6-4, Montclair St.

G: Jorge Mercado, 6-4, Seton Hall

C: Noah Pagan, 6-8, FDU-Florham

F: Conor Andree, 6-5, CBA

Breakdown

Since surprising the league by winning the regular-season championship in its inaugural season in 2022, WCT Warriors have struggled to recapture that same level of consistency. Much of that can be attributed to the team’s commitment to building around a younger, college-oriented roster rather than relying heavily on established professionals. While several collegiate players remain, many members of that core have since graduated, giving WCT a more experienced and mature roster than it has fielded over the past two summers.

The biggest potential addition is former Monmouth standout Jack Collins, who left RKE Athletic. Collins would immediately strengthen WCT with his defense, rebounding, versatility, and high basketball IQ. However, his availability remains uncertain after undergoing surgery following the conclusion of his final collegiate season.

Backcourt

Andre Wells returns as one of the league’s most consistently productive guards. The former Matawan standout averaged more than 23 points and seven assists per game last summer after concluding his collegiate career at William Paterson, where he earned Honorable Mention All-NJAC honors.

Corey Miller returns to the JSBL after sitting out last summer. The former Monmouth guard earned the first start of his collegiate career last season before entering the transfer portal. If healthy and available, Jack Collins gives WCT another proven All-JSBL caliber performer. Collins finished his Monmouth career as a four-year starter, totaling more than 1,200 points and nearly 700 rebounds, and his all-around game complements Wells perfectly.

Ryan Frauenheim made a strong first impression in his JSBL debut last summer, showcasing an excellent shooting touch from beyond the arc. With two years of collegiate eligibility remaining, he has the potential to take another significant step this summer. Former Seton Hall walk-on Aaron Mercado also returns for his third consecutive JSBL season, providing additional depth and experience in the backcourt.

Frontcourt

Ryan Savoy returns as one of the league’s premier defensive playmakers. A relentless defender with outstanding athleticism, Savoy consistently ranks among the league leaders in both steals and blocks while also providing some of the JSBL’s most spectacular highlight-reel dunks.

Scott Gyimesi is coming off a remarkable senior season in which he earned Division III First Team All-America honors after averaging 15.5 points and 9.1 rebounds per game. Monmouth walk-on Quinn Peters adds another versatile frontcourt option, providing dependable rebounding, floor spacing, and toughness.

Jacob Morales is one of the roster’s most intriguing additions. The Division III Second Team All-American averaged 19.3 points and 6.0 rebounds per game while helping Montclair State to a 25-3 record. At 6-foot-4 he will be undersized against many of the league’s frontcourt players, but he will have an opportunity to prove he can thrive against higher-level competition.

Noah Pagan supplies much-needed size in the paint and should help WCT match up with the league’s bigger post players. Former Christian Brothers Academy standout Conor Andree, who is set to attend Notre Dame, is also expected to make his JSBL debut, adding another talented young frontcourt player.

 

8. OIB Ortho

Franchise Origin

2018

Championships

1

Championship Appearances

5

Name from the past

Scottie Lewis, Charlotte Hornets

Head Coach

Joe Whalen

Potential Starting Five

G: Anthony Rivera, 6-4, Georgian Court

G: Jaycen Santucci, 6-4, Georgian Court

G: Taheen Braswell-Brown, 6-5, Georgian Court

F: Justin Soranno, 6-7, Georgian Court

F: Amar Lane, 6-8, Georgian Court

Other Notable Names

F: Justin Fuerbacher, 6-5, Middlebury

G: Kevin Pikiell, 6-3, Sacred Heart

G: Brian Tassey, 6-6, Georgian Court

C: Thomas Menegus, 6-8, Georgian Court

Breakdown

Featuring the youngest roster in the league, OIB Ortho enters the season with modest expectations in terms of championship contention. However, under the guidance of two-time JSBL championship coach Joe Whalen, the league’s only roster composed entirely of active college players has an excellent opportunity to accelerate its development against elite competition. The primary objective will be gaining valuable experience and growing throughout the summer, but if that progress translates into a handful of upset victories, it would be a welcome bonus and could lay the foundation for future success.

The roster is built primarily around players from Georgian Court University, giving OIB Ortho an established level of chemistry entering the season. Jaycen Santucci and Justin Fuerbacher are the only returning players from last year’s OIB Ortho team, but several others are already familiar with the league. Taheen Braswell-Brown, Justin Soranno, Kevin Pikiell, and Thomas Menegus have all previously competed in the JSBL, providing valuable experience to complement the team’s youthful core.

Backcourt

Santucci turned heads during his first JSBL season fresh out of Central Regional with his athleticism, defensive intensity, and willingness to compete against older, stronger players. He carried that momentum into a successful freshman season at Georgian Court, averaging just under 11 points and six rebounds per game. If he can become a more consistent three-point shooter, his all-around game has the potential to reach another level.

Rivera brings stability to the backcourt after averaging just under 10 points and seven rebounds per game this past season. Braswell-Brown is already familiar with the league after exploding for 40 points in his JSBL debut two summers ago. The Long Branch native started several games for Georgian Court this season and gives OIB another capable scorer.

Former Christian Brothers Academy guard Kevin Pikiell returns to the JSBL after sitting out last summer. He flashed his potential during his previous stint with Sterns Trailer and then redshirted his freshman season at Sacred Heart. Former Freehold Boro standout Brian Tassey is also set to make his JSBL debut after spending a postgraduate year at Lawrenceville, adding another promising, good-sized guard.

Frontcourt

Soranno, a former Central Regional standout, returns to the JSBL after making several appearances for Intern Helpers two summers ago. He took another step in his development this past season by earning eight starts at Georgian Court. At 6-foot-8, Amar Lane provides OIB Ortho with much-needed size and length in the frontcourt, attributes that will be critical against the league’s experienced collection of post players.

Fuerbacher flashed his athleticism throughout last summer’s JSBL season and built on that progress by earning a starting role at Middlebury this past winter. Menegus rounds out the frontcourt, giving OIB Ortho another physical presence capable of rebounding, setting screens, and battling with the league’s bigger, more experienced interior players.

 

Shore Conference Alumni

The following Shore Conference alumni currently appear on rosters. There is a strong possibility that more will be added to rosters as the summer goes on.

Brick Memorial

Josh Michigan

CBA

Conor Andree

Josh Cohen

Justin Fuerbacher

Dane Moran

Kevin Pikiell

Central

Jaycen Santucci

Justin Soranno

Donovan Catholic

Sean Grennan

Freehold Boro

Brian Tassey

Lakewood

Ryan Savoy

Manasquan

Jack Collins

Ryan Frauenheim

Quinn Peters

Manchester

Mason Jones

Matawan

Jason Dunne

Mike Dunne

Larry Smith

Andre Wells

Mater Dei Prep

Kyle Cardaci

Peter Gorman

Xander Rice

Middletown North

Eddie Lopez

Neptune

Dwaine Jones

Micah Kerr

Jared Kimbrough

Ocean

Corey Miller

Ranney

Bryan Antoine

Taheen Braswell-Brown

Scottie Lewis

Elijah Perkins

Raritan

Mike Aaman

Red Bank Catholic

Colin Cavanaugh

James Hankowski

CJ Ruoff

Red Bank Regional

Zayier Dean

Rumson-Fair Haven

Scott Gyimesi

Southern

Thomas Menegus

St. John Vianney

Alex Leiba

Toms River North

Jakari Spence