The field of Shore Conference teams in this year's state tournament tilts heavily toward the Non-Public B section, where Ranney and St. Rose could again be on a collision course.
After winning only six games a year ago, Matawan and its sophomore-heavy lineup are moving on in the NJSIAA Tournament with a Wednesday win over Carteret.
Missing its top player, St. John Vianney overcame a nine-point first-half deficit to beat Red Bank Catholic for its fourth straight Shore Conference championship.
The Shore Conference has dominated Central Jersey Group II, but a trip to the state final has eluded the Shore's best for nearly two decades. Is Manasquan the team to break the drought?
Manasquan remembered its bitter defeat in last year's Shore Conference final and finished off a happier ending Sunday by beating Ranney for its third conference title in three years.
A deep roster of Group III Shore Conference hopefuls will have to content with a heavy Central Jersey favorite, while Lacey and Barnegat hope to open eyes in South Jersey.
Group IV is often full of surprises, but beating a legitimate favorite like this year's Trenton squad is never easy. Which Shore Conference teams have the best shot?