JSBL: Xander Rice powers Sea View Jeep to victory; ACI/Robin’s Nest dominates Larson Ford

Ryan Lasko|June 26, 2025|Last Updated July 16, 2025

MANASQUAN- Night two of the Jersey Shore Basketball League’s 57th season was chalk full of standout performances. Last year’s runner-ups, Sea View Jeep, may have finally found the player that can help put them over the top again as they seek their first championship since 2021 in USC Trojan Josh Cohen. Cohen, a CBA alumnus, played his first three seasons of college basketball at St. Francis (PA) where he earned NEC Player of the Year. He made a pit stop at Massachusetts where he earned 1st Team All-A-10 honors before heading off to the west coast for his fifth year of eligibility. Cohen turned some heads in his JSBL debut as he finished with 37 points and 17 rebounds on an efficient 15/22 from the floor. Despite the outstanding performance, it was Cohen’s newest teammate Xander Rice who stole the show scoring 47 points and grabbing 9 rebounds in route to securing a 122-110 victory for Sea View Jeep over Intern Helpers.

Rice, a guard from West Long Branch, NJ, starred at Monmouth University during his final season after playing four seasons at Bucknell. He would parlay that success into a contract overseas in Greece where he suited up for AS Papagou Athens. The former 1st Team All-CAA performer was Papagou’s leading scorer this season averaging 15.4 ppg.

The first JSBL game of the season did not start out the best for Rice. He opened the game shooting 1-7 from three-point range as Sea View Jeep found themselves down late in the first half. However, after a timeout, Rice drilled two consecutive three pointers to help push the Jeep Store ahead at the half.

“I just rely on my work. I know I put a lot of hard work in, and I know to trust it in the big moments,” said Rice.

In the second half, Rice completely took over the game scoring 30 points in the half on 11/15 from the field. His last two points came on a spinning fadeaway jumper at the elbow to put the game in the bag for Sea View Jeep.

Rice hopes to continue to play professionally again next season overseas.

Former Monmouth University guard Xander Rice defends former Brookdale and Manchester guard Mason Jones. Rice played professionally for Papagou in Greece this past season. Jones played professionally with the Jersey Shore Breaks. (Photo courtesy of Sean Dettlinger)

While Rice and Cohen’s big time performance sealed the victory for Sea View, they certainly were helped by their teammates. Monmouth University’s all-time D1 leading scorer Justin Robinson, a JSBL hall of famer, did an excellent job distributing the ball to Rice and Cohen throughout the night as he totaled 10 assists to go along with his 24 points. Former Red Bank Catholic guard CJ Ruoff scored an efficient 8 points in addition to playing strong defense.

Sea View Jeep's Justin Robinson (Photo by Nick Doll) - Robinson

Justin Robinson attempts a scoop shot at the rim. Robinson, Monmouth University’s all-time D1 leading scorer, most recently played professionally for Slask in Poland. (Photo courtesy of Sean Dettlinger)

Despite the loss, Intern Helpers played well and showed terrific potential for the rest of the season. Intern Helpers revamped their roster after going winless in their first season. Many of their players currently play professionally for the Jersey Shore Breaks in the TBL. Christian Lyons led the team with 27 points to go along with 10 rebounds. Leon Daniels, who played 2 years at Alabama State, also played well notching 24 points and 7 Rebounds.

LJ Robinson lets out a scream after throwing down a dunk. (Photo courtesy of Sean Dettlinger)

ACI/Robin’s Nest Dominates Larson Ford

In the nightcap, ACI/Robin’s Nest trounced Larson Ford 100-63. It was domination from pillar to post for ACI as they never trailed the entire night.

From the moment ACI started the night on a 12-2 run it was apparent that they were out on a mission to start the season strong. ACI had 5 different players score in double figures as they were led by Neptune alumni Dwayne Jones who scored 21 points and Jared Kimbrough who had 19 points. The team shot nearly 50% from the field as well notching a 48.2% mark.

ACI led by double digits for the overwhelming majority of the game. However, it was a 22-2 run from the late third quarter into the middle of the fourth that put a capstone on their victory.

Jared Kimbrough rises for a jump shot (Photo courtesy of Sean Dettlinger)

As for Larson Ford, their 20 turnovers and 39% combined field goal percentage were just way too much to overcome as they seemed to just never be able to get going offensively.

Their top performers were recent Red Bank Regional graduate Zayier Dean who scored 23 points of the bench and Gene Campbell who scored 22. Dean earned All-Shore honors his last two seasons at Red Bank and will head off to Western Texas College in the fall. Campbell has played numerous seasons professionally overseas.

Gene Campbell attempts a shot over Gio Panzini. (Photo courtesy of Sean Dettlinger)

The Neptune connection is strong for ACI/Robin’s Nest. The team suits up 4 former Scarlet Fliers in Jones, Kimbrough, Sam Fagan, and Micah Kerr. The team also happens to be coached by current Neptune Head Coach Joe Fagan. Another player, Sean Grennan, is an assistant coach under Fagan at Neptune.

Dwaine Jones finishes a reverse layup at the rim. (Photo courtesy of Sean Dettlinger)

Game One Notes:

Sea View Jeep shot 51.1% from the field which the highest mark of any team in the early season
Both Rice and Robinson played the entirety of the game
Intern Helpers had 6 players in double figures including Lyons, Daniels, Mason Jones, Ahmad Biggins, Noah Harris, and LJ Robinson
The game featured 12 lead changes and 7 ties
Sea View Jeep’s biggest run was 13-2 while Intern Hoopers was 8-0

Game Two Notes: