JSBL Week 3 Notebook: The Loss of a Legend, MVP Candidates, Top Performances, and More
The Jersey Shore Basketball League’s 58th season is in full swing with 2 weeks of action in the rear view mirror. As part of Shore Sports Insider’s wire-to-wire coverage here are a variety of our thoughts heading into Week 3’s three night slate of games.
The Loss of a Legend
The Jersey Shore Basketball League and Shore Conference community lost one of its longtime pillars with the passing of Howard J. Dombroski on Saturday, June 20, 2026. Affectionately known as “Howie,” Dombroski was a member of the original Jerry Lynch’s team that won a JSBL championship alongside league legend and former ABA star Bob Verga.
A 1960 graduate of Manasquan High School, Dombroski earned Asbury Park Press First Team All-Shore basketball honors as a senior and was inducted into the Manasquan High School Athletic Hall of Fame in 2018.
His impact on Shore Conference athletics extended far beyond his playing career. Dombroski spent more than 50 years serving the Shore Conference as a football and basketball official, as well as a baseball and softball umpire. His dedication to high school athletics made him a familiar and respected presence throughout the Shore Conference for generations of athletes, coaches, officials, and fans.
Howie Dombroski umpiring a Shore Conference softball game (Photo provided by friends of the Dombroski family)
Anyone who spent time around the Jersey Shore Basketball League or Shore Conference sports likely crossed paths with Howie. Known for his kindness, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to the games he loved, he earned the admiration of fellow officials, coaches, players, and administrators alike.
Above all else, Dombroski cherished his family. He took immense pride in watching the athletic careers of his grandchildren, Regan and Trey, who both played baseball and basketball at Wall High School before going on to play baseball at Monmouth University. Trey is currently a pitcher in the Houston Astros minor league system.
The Dombroski family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 14, 2026—what would have been Howie’s 85th birthday—from 2:00 p.m. until the funeral service at 5:00 p.m. at O’Brien Funeral Home, 2028 Route 35 at New Bedford Road, Wall. Interment will be private at the family’s convenience.
MVP Candidates
Jachai Simmons, County Line Auto Body: The leading scorer on the league’s only remaining undefeated team, the 6-foot-7 wing out of the University of New Mexico has been remarkably efficient through the opening two weeks of the season. Simmons is averaging 28.0 points per game while shooting 55% from the field and 50% from three-point range through County Line Auto Body’s first two games. A long, rangy defender, he is also averaging 3.0 steals per game.
Justin Robinson, Sea View Jeep: The Monmouth University legend is stuffing the stat sheet through his team’s first three games. Robinson is averaging 34.0 points and 12.3 assists per game while helping Sea View Jeep reestablish itself as a championship contender. His scoring ability and playmaking have fueled one of the league’s most dynamic offenses through the opening two weeks of the season.
Markus Kennedy, County Line Auto Body: It’s been a long time since the Jersey Shore Basketball League has featured a post player as dominant on the block as Kennedy. The former SMU great combines brute strength with polished footwork and soft touch around the rim, Kennedy is averaging 19.5 points per game while shooting just under 70% from the field. He is also averaging 9.5 rebounds per game, providing a consistent interior presence on both ends of the floor.
Josh Cohen, Sea View Jeep: A modern big man with the ability to stretch the floor and run the court in transition, the CBA alumnus has been one of the league’s most productive players through the opening two weeks. The former USC Trojan is averaging 30.5 points and 16.0 rebounds per game in his two appearances. In games with Cohen in the lineup, his team remains undefeated.
Jared Kimbrough, ACI/Robin’s Nest: Last year’s championship X-factor has picked up right where he left off. The former Neptune standout and Hartford alumnus is averaging 21.7 points and 11.7 rebounds per game while continuing to impact the game on both ends of the floor. His athleticism has also produced multiple highlight-reel dunks and blocks each night.
ACI/Robin’s Nest’s Jared Kimbrough. (Bob Badders | rpbphotography.com)
Jack Collins, WCT Warriors: A player who does whatever it takes to win, it’s no coincidence his former team sits in last place while his new team is just one possession away from first after adding him to the roster. The Manasquan and Monmouth University graduate has made an immediate impact, averaging 22.7 points, 6.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game while providing leadership and versatility on both ends of the floor.
Fewer Players Lost to TBT Than in Recent Years
The Basketball Tournament (TBT) has significantly reduced its field for 2026, shrinking from 64 teams to just 14. In previous years, the larger tournament field created opportunities for numerous Jersey Shore Basketball League players to earn roster spots and compete for the tournament’s $2 million prize while showcasing their talents on national television.
As of now, no current JSBL players appear on TBT rosters, although that could still change as teams finalize their lineups.
The smaller field creates a mixed outcome for the JSBL. On one hand, fewer TBT commitments should keep more high-profile talent in Manasquan throughout the summer, strengthening the league’s level of play during the heart of its season. On the other hand, the reduction in teams means fewer opportunities for players to compete for the prize money, gain national exposure, and test themselves against some of the top professional and former collegiate talent in the country.
At the end of the day, while the stronger local competition is a welcome bonus, the ultimate goal is seeing players with Jersey Shore Basketball League ties earn the opportunity to thrive on a bigger stage.
Top Early Season Performances
Justin Robinson, Sea View Jeep: Surrounded by a short-handed roster on opening night, Robinson erupted for 47 points while shooting 55% from the field and 44% from three-point range. He also dished out eight assists to keep Sea View Jeep within striking distance in a loss to County Line Auto Body despite the undermanned lineup. Alternatively, you could go with Robinson’s 26 points and 19 assists in Sea View Jeep’s win over Sterns Trailer.
Josh Cohen, Sea View Jeep: Cohen has had two monster double-doubles. A 29-point and 16-rebound performance in a win over Sterns Trailer, in addition to a 32-point and 16-rebound performance in a win over the WCT Warriors. Take your pick.
Jack Collins, WCT Warriors: Facing his former team, RKE Athletic, on opening night, Collins delivered a statement performance with a 23-point, 11-rebound double-double to lead WCT Warriors to an upset victory.
Jared Kimbrough, ACI/Robin’s Nest: Kimbrough opened the season with a dominant performance, totaling 25 points and 18 rebounds to lead the defending champions to a season-opening victory over Larson Ford.
Corey Floyd, Larson Ford: The former Providence guard erupted for 34 points on 14-of-27 shooting from the field, helping rally Larson Ford from a double-digit deficit to force overtime before falling to WCT Warriors.
Josh Michigan, OIB Ortho: The former Brick Memorial standout turned in one of the top individual performances of the young season, pouring in 42 points on 16-of-23 shooting from the field while adding eight rebounds to lead the league’s youngest team to a double-digit upset victory over Larson Ford.
Jagan Mosely, ACI/Robin’s Nest: The Georgetown alumnus scored 28 points on 10-of-18 shooting from the field to lead his team to a victory over RKE Athletic.
ACI/Robin’s Nest’s Jagan Mosely (Photo by WestLensMedia)
George Papas, Sea Viwe Jeep: In his lone appearance, the Greek professional and former Monmouth University standout tallied 34 points on 12-for-20 from the field in a win over Sterns Trailer.
Jachai Simmons, County Line Auto Body: Simmons pumped in 34 points on 12-for-21 from the field and 6-for-11 from the three-point line, as he helped hand defending champion ACI/Robin’s Nest their first loss.
Jesse Steele, Sea View Jeep: The league’s oldest player at 37 years old, Steele continues to prove he can still deliver in the biggest moments. The longtime JSBL veteran, who has been in the league since 2010, scored 18 points against WCT Warriors, including a barrage of late three-pointers that fueled his team’s comeback victory.
Jacob Morales, WCT Warriors: The Division III All-American from Montclair State made an impression in his second appearance, scoring 26 points in a narrow loss to Sea View Jeep while knocking down 6-of-12 attempts from three-point range.
