2026 JSBL Semifinals Preview and Predictions

The JSBL playoffs continue tonight with semifinal action. We’ve broken down all four teams competing tonight with projected lineups, in-depth analysis, and game predictions.

 

(1) County Line Auto Body vs (4) ACI/Robin’s Nest

At Manasquan High School, 7 p.m.

 

County Line Auto Body (8-0)

Projected Starting Lineup

G: Leon Daniels, 6-5, Alabama State (21.0 PPG | 7.0 RPG | 1.6 APG | 1.8 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 44.9% FG | 34.1% 3PT | 87.0% FT)

G: Brendan Mariani, 6-1, Georgetown (7.4 PPG | 6.6 RPG | 2.9 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 37.0% FG | 35.7% 3PT | 40.0% FT)

G: Josh Treadwell, 6-5, Coppin State (19.6 PPG | 6.1 RPG | 3.6 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 56.7% FG | 44.1% 3PT | 80.0% FT)

G: Jachai Simmons, 6-7, New Mexico (21.0 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 2.2 APG | 2.0 SPG | 0.4 BPG | 51.2% FG | 41.9% 3PT | 85.7% FT)

F: Markus Kennedy, 6-9, SMU (19.9 PPG | 8.7 RPG | 2.0 APG | 0.9 SPG | 0.7 BPG | 61.1% FG | 25.0% 3PT | 75.8% FT)

Bench

G: Ahmad Biggins, 5-8, South Suburban

F: Charles Funches, 6-9, Hampton

G: Kyle McGee, 6-4, Sacred Heart

F: Dan O’Neill Jr., 6-5, St. John Vianney

 

ACI/Robin’s Nest (4-3)

Projected Starting Lineup

G: Dwaine Jones, 6-5, Charleston (21.3 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 6.2 APG | 1.2 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 51.0% FG | 31.4% 3PT | 65.5% FT)

G: Samier Kinsler, 6-2, Glenville State (20.7 PPG | 3.0 RPG | 1.0 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 41.5% FG | 39.3% 3PT | 77.8% FT)

G: Tyreek Montgomery, 6-2, William Paterson (11.2 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 2.2 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 42.4% FG | 27.6% 3PT | 63.6% FT)

F: Ibn Loyal, 6-5, Missouri Southern State (13.0 PPG | 4.0 RPG | 0.5 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 41.9% FG | 40.9% 3PT | 41.2% FT)

F: Jared Kimbrough, 6-8, Hartford (23.7 PPG | 12.7 RPG | 1.2 APG | 0.7 SPG | 1.0 BPG | 60.8% FG | 28.6% 3PT | 58.1% FT)

Bench

G: Sam Fagan, 6-2, Monmouth

G: Sean Grennan, 6-3, San Francisco

F: Marquail Hardiman, 6-8, Morris CC

F: Amari Jones, 6-6, Georgian Court

F: Micah Kerr, 6-5, Kean

G: Jared White, 6-5, Felician

 

On paper, this matchup between the defending champions and this year’s regular-season champions has all the makings of one of the best games of the summer. Neither team holds a significant edge, as both are loaded with length, size, athleticism, shooting, and the well-rounded talent needed to compete at the highest level.

The only noticeable difference between these two teams has been County Line Auto Body’s ability to execute at a higher level in the closing minutes. Their first meeting was a 108-104 thriller, with both squads nearly at full strength. Jachai Simmons proved to be the difference-maker, pouring in 34 points on 12-of-21 shooting, including a blistering 6-of-11 from beyond the arc. First Team All-JSBL big men Markus Kennedy and Jared Kimbrough canceled each other out, as both scored 21 points.

The regular-season meeting between these two teams also produced the most electric atmosphere of the summer. ACI/Robin’s Nest had its loyal Neptune crowd out in full force, but County Line Auto Body countered with an even larger contingent of Jersey Shore Breaks supporters. It marked the only time over the past two seasons that ACI/Robin’s Nest found itself at a disadvantage in the bleachers. If both fan bases show up in full force, the league may need to pull out a few extra sets of bleachers.

The energy wasn’t limited to the stands. The players jawed back and forth throughout the game, adding to the intensity in a competitive way that never crossed the line. It was the kind of spirited trash talk that fueled an already electric atmosphere.

County Line Auto Body’s biggest advantages come in the areas that often decide close games. They have been the stronger rebounding team, averaging nearly four more rebounds per game than ACI/Robin’s Nest, while also creating more extra possessions with their work on the offensive glass. Defensively, County Line has generated more steals and blocks, and they have taken much better care of the basketball, committing two fewer turnovers per game. Their ability to control the boards, protect the ball, and consistently win the possession battle has been a major reason why they’ve been able to pull out every game throughout the summer.

ACI/Robin’s Nest’s biggest strength is its ability to stretch the floor and generate offense from the perimeter. They average nearly two more made three-pointers per game than County Line, making them one of the most dangerous outside shooting teams in the league. ACI also attacks the basket aggressively, getting to the free-throw line five more times per game and converting slightly more free throws. If the shots are falling from deep and they’re consistently earning trips to the stripe, ACI has the offensive firepower to keep pace with anyone.

Three Keys to the Game

1. Can either Kennedy or Kimbrough win the battle of the bigs?

Two First Team All-JSBL selections will be matched up in the paint as Markus Kennedy and Jared Kimbrough go head-to-head. Both have anchored their teams on both ends of the floor throughout the summer, combining scoring, rebounding, and physical interior play. Whichever big man is able to impose his will on the glass, finish around the basket, and control the paint could give his team the edge in one of the marquee individual matchups of the season.

2. Who wins the star guard battle?

Jones and Treadwell are the engines that make their teams go. Jones is ACI’s primary playmaker and creator, while Treadwell has been County Line’s leading scorer and one of its top facilitators. Whichever guard controls the tempo and creates the most quality looks for teammates could tilt the game in his team’s favor.

3. Which perimeter weapons get hot?

Both teams have proven they can light it up from deep. Simmons and Daniels headline County Line’s outside attack, while Kinsler, White, and Loyal give ACI multiple players capable of catching fire. With so much offensive talent on the floor, a hot shooting night from one of these perimeter threats could be the difference in what figures to be another tightly contested matchup.

Prediction

Now back at full strength, County Line Auto Body enters as a slight favorite according to three of our four staff members.The defending champions own the head-to-head victory, completed an undefeated regular season, and finished with the league’s top-ranked defense. With a deep, balanced roster and a proven ability to execute in close games, County Line has earned the edge—but only by the slimmest of margins in what should be one of the summer’s best matchups.

The lone staff member backing ACI/Robin’s Nest pointed to the defending champions’ postseason pedigree and championship experience from last season, while also noting that the pressure of protecting an undefeated record could weigh on County Line Auto Body. In a matchup this evenly balanced, that experience in high-pressure moments could prove to be the deciding factor.

Alec Crouthamel: County Line Auto Body 103, ACI/Robin’s Nest 98

Nick Doll: County Line Auto Body 97, ACI/Robin’s Nest 93

Dave Smith: County Line Auto Body 102, ACI/Robin’s Nest 99

Dan Yeserski: ACI/Robin’s Nest 92, County Line Auto Body 88

 

(2) Sterns Trailer vs (3) Sea View Jeep

At Manasquan High School, 8:30 p.m.

 

Sterns Trailer (6-2)

Projected Starting Lineup

G: Jalen Gaffney, 6-3, Florida Atlantic (12.0 PPG | 5.3 RPG | 1.7 APG | 0.3 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 38.2% FG | 38.9% 3PT | 100.0% FT)

G: DJ Campbell, 6-3, Stockton (22.7 PPG | 7.3 RPG | 1.3 APG | 3.3 SPG | 1.0 BPG | 46.9% FG | 34.4% 3PT | 78.6% FT)

F: Scottie Lewis, 6-5, Florida (13.5 PPG | 2.8 RPG | 2.3 APG | 0.5 SPG | 1.3 BPG | 45.7% FG | 21.4% 3PT | 52.9% FT)

F: Parker Dortch, 6-7, Anderson University (17.6 PPG | 4.2 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.2 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 54.4% FG | 16.7% 3PT | 75.0% FT)

F: Rasheen Merlin, 6-9, Winston-Salem State (23.8 PPG | 8.4 RPG | 1.4 APG | 0.6 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 52.1% FG | 25.0% 3PT | 65.0% FT)

Bench

C: Mike Aaman, 6-8, Wagner

F: Devine Eke, 6-8, Radford

G: James Hankowski, 6-1, Brookdale

G: Mason Jones, 6-2, Brookdale

F: Christian Lyons, 6-7, Gloucester CC

F: Savon Myers, 6-5, Redlands CCad

*G: Jakari Spence, 6-2, Jacksonville*

*G: Larry Smith, 6-1, Brookdale*

 

Sea View Jeep (5-3)

Projected Starting Lineup

G: Justin Robinson, 5-8, Monmouth  (32.7 PPG | 7.7 RPG | 10.0 APG | 1.5 SPG | 0.0 BPG | 45.1% FG | 30.3% 3PT | 85.7% FT)

G: Xander Rice, 6-3, Monmouth (25.0 PPG | 9.0 RPG | 2.0 APG | 1.0 SPG | 1.0 BPG | 40.0% FG | 22.2% 3PT | 100.0% FT)

G: CJ Ruoff, 6-3, Catholic (18.5 PPG | 4.5 RPG | 1.2 APG | 1.0 SPG | 0.2 BPG | 53.1% FG | 40.6% 3PT | 85.7% FT)

G: George Papas, 6-5, Monmouth (29.0 PPG | 6.3 RPG | 3.7 APG | 2.3 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 46.9% FG | 42.1% 3PT | 78.6% FT)

F: Josh Cohen, 6-10, USC (36.3 PPG | 17.0 RPG | 1.8 APG | 0.8 SPG | 0.3 BPG | 58.3% FG | 20.0% 3PT | 58.1% FT)

Bench

G: Brandon Alexander, 6-5, Jersey Shore Breaks

G: Colin Cavanaugh, 5-10, Misericordia

C: Emmett Hall, 6-8, Jersey Shore Breaks

F: Josh Morris, 6-7, Bloomfield

G: Jesse Steele, 5-8, Monmouth

 

Anytime Sterns Trailer and Sea View Jeep meet in the playoffs, the court is filled with high-level talent. Sterns Trailer’s roster features former NBA player Scottie Lewis, NCAA Final Four participant Jalen Gaffney, and a total of six former Division I players. Sea View Jeep counters with Big Ten alumnus Josh Cohen, Monmouth University standouts Justin Robinson, Xander Rice, and George Papas, and five former Division I players overall. With so much collegiate and professional experience on both sidelines, this matchup has all the ingredients of another postseason classic.

When close to full strength, both teams have looked every bit like championship contenders throughout the season. Despite battling lineup absences for much of the summer, Sterns Trailer and Sea View Jeep still secured the No. 2 and No. 3 seeds, respectively. This matchup has the potential to showcase the best version of two of the league’s most talented teams if they can succeed in getting the big names in the building.

When the two teams met during the regular season, the result was not a surprise, but the final margin was. Sea View Jeep rolled to a 139-110 victory despite both teams having most of their core players available. George Papas caught fire with a game-high 34 points, knocking down 6 of his 13 attempts from beyond the arc. Josh Cohen added an efficient 29 points and 16 rebounds, while Justin Robinson orchestrated the offense with 26 points and a staggering 19 assists. With Xander Rice sidelined by injury, CJ Ruoff stepped up in a major way, pouring in 22 points to help complete one of Sea View Jeep’s most impressive performances of the season.

Sterns Trailer’s biggest advantage lies in its ability to turn defense into offense. They led the league in steals, consistently creating transition opportunities and easy baskets, while also playing an aggressive, downhill style that earned them the second-most free-throw attempts in the league. Their physicality on both ends of the floor allows them to dictate the tempo, and with a roster full of professionals, Sterns has the ability to make life difficult for even the league’s most efficient offenses.

Sea View Jeep’s biggest advantage is its offensive efficiency. The league’s highest-scoring team takes exceptional care of the basketball, committing the fewest turnovers while also leading the league in assists and ranking among the top teams in rebounding. With multiple proven scorers capable of creating their own offense and a roster that consistently shares the ball, Sea View has the ability to overwhelm opponents with its balanced attack and make teams pay for every defensive mistake.

Three Keys to the Game

1. Can Sterns Trailer contain Justin Robinson?

Everything starts with regular season MVP Justin Robinson for Sea View Jeep. The league’s leading scorer is also its premier playmaker, capable of taking over a game as both a scorer and facilitator. Sterns Trailer has the defensive depth to throw multiple looks at him, but slowing Robinson without allowing Sea View’s shooters to get loose will be its biggest challenge.

2. Who wins the matchup between Josh Cohen and Rasheen Merlin

One of the night’s top matchups will feature First Team All-JSBL selection forward Josh Cohen against Second Team All-JSBL forward Rasheen Merlin. Cohen has been dominant whenever he’s suited up, averaging over 36 points and 17 rebounds per game, while Merlin’s size, physicality, and versatility have been instrumental to Sterns Trailer’s success. The two never got the chance to square off in the regular-season meeting, making this their first head-to-head battle of the summer—and one that could go a long way toward deciding the outcome.

3. Which supporting cast steps up?

With so much attention likely focused on the big names, this game could be decided by the complementary pieces. Sea View will look for Ruoff, Steele, and Alexander to capitalize on open looks, while Sterns will need contributions from players like Myers, Campbell, and Jones. The team whose role players make the biggest impact could ultimately punch its ticket to the championship game.

Prediction

The lopsided nature of the regular-season meeting left a lasting impression on our staff, as all four picked Sea View Jeep to advance. If the predictions hold true, Sea View would deny Sterns Trailer a trip to the JSBL championship game for the first time since the league moved to Manasquan High School.

Alec Crouthamel: Sea View Jeep 116, Sterns Trailer 102

Nick Doll: Sea View Jeep 106, Sterns Trailer 101

Dave Smith: Sea View Jeep 109, Sterns Trailer 95

Dan Yeserski: Sea View Jeep 105, Sterns Trailer 96