Game 7 Sharks ELITE

Game 7 Sharks ELITE has officially completed Phase II of their intense sumer schedule. The Sharks had strong runs in the Super Showcase, End of Summer Classic, and Hamilton Park Summer League.

Super Showcase

On July 24th, the Sharks went to war with the EA Prep Stars (NC) in the first game of the Super Showcase in Orlando, FL. The game did not start off the way the Sharks hoped, as the Prep Stars jumped out to an early 14-6 lead. Jack Donnelly (6'0'', G, 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven) was able to get going late in the first quarter and keep the Sharks in the game offensively. Donnelly had a big first half and finished the game with 19 points. RJ Bohnert (6'1'', G, 2012, Shore Regional) also had a big first half, scoring six points in transition. The Sharks took a one point lead at halftime behind a big second quarter from Hunter Wysocki (6'6'', G, 2012, Colts Neck). Wysocki did a little bit of everything for the Sharks and finished the game with 16 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists. A back and forth second half saw the Prep Stars take a three point lead with 15 seconds left. On the Sharks final possession, Bobby Brackett (6'7'', F, 2012, Lawrence) drained a three-pointer from the left wing to tie the game up. The Prep Stars got one final look at the basket, but Jason Huelbig (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) took a charge on a Prep Star player drive to force overtime. In the first overtime period, the Prep Stars had a three point lead with five seconds left, but an Eric Youncofski (5'10'', G, 2012, Middletown North) off the dribble three-pointer at the buzzer forced the second overtime period. The Sharks found their second wind, and were able to put the game away 77-69 in the second OT. 

In the second game of the day, the Sharks battled ACB Bank Hoops (MI), who featured five Division I players. ACB Hoops was led by Class of 2012 top-50 recruit and Michigan State commit 7'0'' Matt Costello (7'0'', F, 2012, Bay City Western (MI)). The featured matchup was Wagner-bound Mike Aaman (6'8'', F, 2012, Raritan) battling Costello inside. Aaman played through foul trouble the whole game and finished the game with 13 points and 12 rebounds. Bill Wrightson (6'9'', F, 2012, Toms River North) used his big body to make things tough for the oppositions bigs. A Huelbig coast to coast and-1 finish with the left hand gave the Sharks a three point lead at the end of the first half. The Sharks and ACB battled fiercely in the second half, which was arguably the most physical half of basketball in the tournament. ACB took control of the game and a two point lead with 30 seconds remaining. Brackett once again stepped up when the bright lights were on, and converted a tough power move inside to tie the game. ACB hit a deep two-point jumper to give them the lead with four seconds left. The Sharks were forced to go the full length of the court. After a timeout, the Sharks designed a play for Mr. Clutch Wysocki to get the ball. Wysocki caught the ball at halfcourt and had to go one-on-one with Costello. Wysocki drove full speed to his left and converted the bucket over the outstretched arms of the Michigan State-bound 7-footer  right before the buzzer. Just like when he hit the game winner against the Westchester Warriors (NY) at the Philly Jam Fest, Wysocki proved that he is one of the most clutch players in the state who has no fear of taking the big shot. Wysocki would finish the game with 15 points and 9 rebounds. After a back and forth overtime period, the Sharks dropped the battle, 62-67.

On July 25th, the Sharks had an early morning showdown with the Tennessee Tigers. The Sharks jumped out to a quick 13 point lead early in the first half. Aaman was a dominant force inside. The Wagner-bound post man finished with 21 points and 13 rebounds. Jim Dzugan (6'5'', F, 2012, Middletown South) also had a strong game, finishing with 10 points.  The highlight of the game was a Youncofski steal and no-look pass to Aaman for a thunderous finish. Youncofski finished the game with 12 assists. The Sharks prevailed, 65-58. The Sharks took second place in their pool, and advanced to the playoffs. They were knocked off by a very good Middlesex Magic (MA) team that featured Boston Celtics General Manager Danny Ainge's son.

End of Summer Classic

On July 31st the Sharks took to Albright College in Albright, PA, for the End of Summer Classic. The Sharks started off the one day tournament with a quarterfinal game against JB Hoops (PA). JB Hoops knocked the Sharks off in a previous encounter, and the Sharks were highly motivated and looking for revenge in this contest. The Sharks came out firing, with a Youncofski alley-oop pass to Aaman to begin the game. That was followed by Donnelly knocking down two deep three-pointers. A Youncofski to Brackett alley-oop feed put the Sharks up double digits early in the first half. Wysocki displayed his versatility in front of many college coaches in the first half. He dropped off a nice no-look dish to a cutting Aaman for a thunderous dunk. Immediately after that, Youncofski stole the ball and threw a half-court pass to him. Wysocki rose up off of two-feet to catch the ball in mid-air and finished the alley-oop with a monster two-handed dunk. The Sharks closed the game out with a 71-58 victory.

The Sharks squared off with Sportsfest Achievers (PA) in the semifinal contest. Sportsfest Achievers took a six point lead into halftime, but the Sharks regrouped and came out in top form in the second half. Huelbig went on a 10-0 run by himself that included two three-pointers, two steals, and two breakaway dunks. Tim Frawley (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) had a monster second half. Frawley scored 13 points in the second half alone, finishing the game with 18 markers. The Sharks advanced to the title game with a 66-58 victory.

The Sharks lost in the championship game to a super athletic Team Exodus NYC (NY). Team Exodus jumped the Sharks early by gaining a double digit lead. The Sharks cut it down to six in the second half, but Exodus held on to knock off the Sharks. Aaman had a strong game, finishing with 24 points, including two monster dunks on Exodus defenders.

Hamilton Park Summer League

On August 1st, the Sharks picked up two wins in their final regular season games of the Hamilton Park Summer League in Jersey City, NJ. The Sharks defeated Bayonne High School, 57-22, and Samuel Gompers (NY), 57-46.

On August 4th, the Sharks kicked off playoff action with a rematch with Samuel Gompers in the Sweet 16. This one proved to be one of the more physical games of the summer. The Sharks were able to gain momentum going into the half behind strong first halfs from Frawley and Wysocki. However, Samuel Gompers, would not go away. They were able to keep the game close the whole second half with hot shooting from beyond the arc. With 20 seconds left the Sharks inbounded the ball to point guard Youncofski. Youncofski caught the high pass in mid-air, but was speared to the ground by a Samuel Gompers defender. In a very brutal scene, Youncofski was down on the floor for several minutes cut open and suffered a mild concussion. With all that, he got up and knocked down the two free throws to increase the Sharks lead to three. Following that, Samuel Gompers hit a three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining to tie the game. The Sharks called a timeout to draw up a final play for the win. After a missed Sharks jumper from the foul line, Youncofski caught the long offensive rebound deep on the right elbow. Never one to shy away from the big moments, Youncofski once again stepped up and knocked down the game winning jumper to give the Sharks the 50-48 win.

The Sharks advanced to the Elite 8 on August 5th, where they faced the #1 team in the world, the St. Anthony Friars. Huelbig had a strong first quarter, hitting two three-pointers and scoring in transition. The Sharks closed the first quarter out with 18-15 advantage. St. Anthony's found some momentum in the second quarter and entered the half with a two point lead over the Sharks. A back and forth third quarter followed as the Sharks pounded the ball inside to Aaman, Brackett, and Wysocki for buckets. Aaman highlighted the game with a drop step two-handed dunk on three defenders. He would finish the game with 18 points and 15 rebounds. St. Anthony's, however, would hold on for the win and defeat the Sharks by eight points.

The game closed out a GREAT summer for Game 7 Sharks ELITE as they brought the program to new heights. They are back in action this fall at the Fall Jam Fest and Hall of Fame Philadelphia Championship.

Game 7 Sharks ELITE have completed Summer Phase I. The first phase of our summer play included the Hamilton Park Summer League in Jersey City, NJ, the National Invitational in Springfield, MA, and the Joe Brown Memorial in Wayne, NJ. Here is a recap of those events:

Hamilton Park

After a Final Four finish in 2010, the Sharks are back at Hamilton Park with their sights set on the championship. They opened upagainst Long Branch High School on June 20th. Hunter Wysocki (6’6’’,G, 2012, Middletown North) was too much for the Green Wave, putting up an impressive 23 points and 10 rebounds in his Hamilton Park debut. Jim Dzugan (6'5'', F, 2012, Middletown South) recorded another double-double, finishing with 13 points and 10 rebounds. Baby Sharks Dylan Frawley (6’4’’, F, 2015, Middletown North) and Matt Deickman (6’0’’,G/F, 2014, Middletown North) both played up a few age levels and held their own. They proved that the future is bright for the Sharks.

The Sharks next played June 22th against Snyder High School. The Sharks picked up a 45-40 win with Wysocki leading the way once again, scoring 16 markers. Bobby Brackett (6’7’’, F, 2012, Lawrence) followed suite, finishing with 15 points. The Sharks next two games were sloppy, as they were upset by Newark Tech and squeezed out a 48-41 win over St. Joseph’s Metuchen. On June 29th the Sharks rebounded with a 70-28 victory over Old Tappan. Jason Huelbig (6’4’’, G, 2012, Middletown North) got the Sharks rolling with a baseline tomahawk slam over a defender. The game was never in doubt as the Sharks held Old Tappan to under ten points at the half. Brackett, who has become known as the Human Highlight Film, threw down what is now known as the dunk heard around the world. In the second half, after a missed three-pointer, Brackett took off from his vertical leap one step inside the foul line and caught the ball way behind his left shoulder and threw it down in one motion. The crowd, initially in shock at first, went wild. The rest of the game was highlighted by a Huelbig dunk on a defender where he caught the pass off the backboard in transition.

On July 6th, after being upset by Don Bosco Prep, the Sharks put Bergen Catholic away early by a score of 53-23. The Sharks are yet to be at full strength at Hamilton Park, but will be for the remainder of the season. They have their sights set on the championship.

National Invitational

The Sharks were the talk of the town on the firstday at the Hall of Fame tournament. The Sharks started off the tournament with a showdown against Raising Champions (NY). The Sharks lost a very close game to Raising Champions last year at the Shock Exchange Comes to Harlem. Raising Champions was led last year by high-scoring point guard and currently Division I Marist stud, Isaiah Morton (5’9’’, G, 2011, St. Augustine’s Prep), a 2,000-point scorer. However, this time wasn’t last year. The Sharks came out firing and getting out in transition for easy buckets. Brackett caught four alley-oops in the first half to get the crowd going. Wysocki set the tone by diving on the floor for loose balls. Huelbig turned in his best defensive effort of the year, forcing several steals that led to breakaway dunks. The Sharks ran away with the game by a score of 66-36.

Later on in the afternoon, the Sharks squared off with New Hampshire 17U state champions, Bishop Elite (NH). Eric Youncofski (5’10’’, G, 2012, Middletown North) set the tone for the game by getting out in transition and pushing the ball, creating baskets for his teammates. Youncofski finished with a double-double, 10 points and 12 assists. Mike Aaman (6’8’’, F, 2012, Raritan) demolished the Bishop Elite frontline on a variety of dunks, put backs, quick drives, back to the basket moves, and 15-foot jump shots. Aaman finished the contest with a monster 25 point 20 rebound performance. RJ Bohnert (6’1’’, G, 2012, Shore Regional) provided the Sharks help in the backcourt and energy on defense. The Sharks cruised to a 75-55 victory to win their pool. The Sharks advanced to the 17U Elite Gold Bracket, where they were eliminated by a very talented Connecticut Select team by a score of 51-61.

Joe Brown Memorial

On July 15th the Sharks took to the prestigious Joe Brown Memorial, also known as the Playaz Ball. The Sharks opened up against a very talented New York Panthers team that featured several post-graduate players. The Panthers were led by former Rutgers commit MikeTaylor (6’3’’, G, 2011, Boys & Girls (NY)) and ACC/Big EAST recruit Tariq Carey (6’2’’, G, 2012, Newark East Side). Youncofski did a good job defensively on Carey, holding him to 7 points. The Panthers jumped out to a ten point lead towards half time, but a big Sharks run in the beginning of the second half swung the momentum. A Huelbig steal and dunk put the Sharks up 54-44 with 11 minutes remaining. The Panthers, however, did not die and clawed back into the game to regain the lead. Down one point with 40 seconds, the Sharks could not put the ball in the hole and dropped the game, 73-77.

Angered with the Panthers game, the Sharks rebounded against Positive Direction (NY). After a back and forth first half, the Sharks started the second stanza on an 11-0 run that was ignited by long-range assassin Jack Donnelly (6’0’’, G, 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven). Donnelly, recovering from an ankle injury, looked sharp in his return and hit several deep three-pointers. Aaman continued to be too much to handle, scoring 19 second half points, including six dunks. Tim Frawley (6’4’’, G, 2012, Middletown North) caught the attention of college coaches by hitting a couple of three-pointers in transition. Huelbig pumped in 16 points, Wysocki 10 points, and Youncofski 7points and 8 assists.

The Sharks closed the tournament with a late night game against the New Jersey Gym Ratz (White). The Sharks and Gym Ratz would go to battle for the third this year. At the March Madness Showdown, the Sharks defeated Gym Ratz (Black) 72-32 and then defeated Gym Ratz (White) 64-54 in the championship game. The Gym Ratz jumped out to a quick eight point lead. The Sharks trailed by six at half time, and then Wysocki decided enough was enough. Wysocki hit a three-pointer and converted on several and-1 baskets, dominating the opening minutes of the second half. Bill Wrightson (6’9’’, F, 2012, Toms River North) was able to use his size on both ends to the Sharks advantage. Aaman once again proved superior to the opposition’s frontline and was able to score inside. The Sharks took a 61-51 lead with eight minutes left. The Gym Ratz would make one more run, but the Sharks held on to complete the hat trick and win the game, 82-77.

Reebok Breakout Challenge

ELITE team standout and Wagner-bound Mike Aaman attented the prestigious Reebok Breakout Challenge camp, July 5-9. Aaman was a standout at a camp that featured several highly ranked players in the Classes of 2012, 2013, and 2014. Aaman recorded 16 points and 14 rebounds in his first game, and averaged a double-double for the week.

Game 7 Sharks ELITE is fresh off a very successful spring season that saw them capture three tournament championships. The Sharks started the season off with a bang by crushing the competition in the March Madness Showdown, taking home the championship and winning by an average margin of 26 points. After disappointing showings by the Sharks standards at the Spring Fling and Pitt Jam Fest, the Sharks stormed back with a strong showing at one of the nations premier tournaments, the Jayhawk Invitational in Lawrence, KS. After winning their pool by an average of 24 points, the Sharks faced off against the Colorado Miners in the Round of 32. After a back and forth game, the Sharks took home a 61-57 win. Immediately following that, the Sharks went to battle with nationally top five ranked team Dream Vision (NV) in the Sweet 16. Dream Vision, which features #1 ranked Shabazz Muhammad (6'5'', G, 2012, Bishop Gorman (NV)) and two other Class of 2012 top 50 recruits, was able to put the Sharks down in the second half en route to winning the title. It proved to be a good learning experience, as the Sharks rolled through the Spring Hoops Fest the following weekend to take home the championship. The Sharks won all those games by double digits. The Sharks closed out the spring season taking home the Philly Jam Fest in Philadelphia, PA; arguably their most impressive championship run to date. After two late game comeback wins, the Sharks crusied through the final three games to capture the first out of state tournament championship in program history.

The summer season has already started for the Sharks. For the second straight year in a row, the Sharks are in the prestigious Hamilton Park Summer League in Jersey City, NJ. The Sharks took home the first two games of the league, defeating Long Branch 50-25 and Snyder 45-40. The Sharks were recently upset by rival Newark Tech, but are back in action this Wednesday against St. Joseph's Metuchen and Old Tappan. After a Final Four finish in 2010, the Sharks are looking to take home the league championship this summer.

The Sharks have arguably the toughest summer schedule in the country. Here is a look at the four Division I Live Period events Game 7 Sharks ELITE are confirmed for:

National Invitational

Overview

On July 11-12, the Sharks will kick off their July schedule at the basketball Hall of Fame in Springfield, MA. The National Invitational is one of the most highly touted tournaments in the country. The Sharks last appeared in the National Invitational back in 2007 with two teams. 2007 was a very fun experience for the program, and this year will be the same. However, this year, the Sharks look to come out on top of the loaded 48 team field.

Competition

There are many heavy-hitters this year in the National Invitational. Six of the top 50 ranked players in the Class of 2012 are going to be in attendance. Teams include: Game 7 Sharks ELITE (NJ), New England Playaz (MA), Connecticut Basketball Club, Expressions Elite (MA), Mass Rivals (MA), New Heights (NY), Albany City Rocks (NY), Grassroots Canada, Dorian's Pride (MI), Dwight Howard Warriors (FL), Florida Rams, Metro Hawks (NY), Gamepoint (CA), Lone Peak (UT), Raising Champions (NY), Middlesex Magic (MA), Riverside Church (NY), Rhode Island Hawks, BasketBull (MA), East Coast Elite (DE), Long Island Lightning (NY), Connecticut Select, Brooklyn Badgers (NY), JB Hoops (NY), and more.

Joe Brown Memorial

Overview

The Sharks will take the court in Wayne, NJ, on July 15th in a one day tournament. The Joe Brown Memorial is the top summer tournament in New Jersey and features many quality teams this year.

Competition

The tournament consists of eight talented teams in the NJ/NYC area. Teams include: Game 7 Sharks ELITE (NJ), New Jersey Playaz, New Heights (NY), New York Panthers, New Jersey Gym Ratz, Riverside Church Hawks (NY), Upstate Basketball (NY), and Positive Direction (PA).

Super Showcase

Overview

The Super Showcase is the place to be in July. With all the games taking place at the ESPN World Wide of Sports Complex at Disney World in Orlando, FL and top ranked players putting their reputation on the line in every game, the Super Showcase has become known as the premier summer tournament in the world. An invitation-only event, Game 7 Sharks ELITE was happy to receive our invite in early March. The Sharks will play in many games July 23-27 at the Super Showcase, and look to take home the championship trophy to establish the Sharks program as one of the nations elite.

Competition

With the Super Showcase being invite-only, the competition is fierce. Each 1 Teach 1 (FL), led by Duke commit Austin Rivers, took home the 2010 trophy by outlasting the St. Louis Eagles (MO) who were led by Kansas commit Ben McLemore and Florida commit Bradley Beal. This year's projected teams include: Game 7 Sharks ELITE (NJ), Team Final (PA), New York Gauchos, Team Takeover (DC), St. Louis Eagles (MO), Each 1 Teach 1 (FL), All-Ohio, Memphis YOMCA (TN), Georgia Stars, All-Iowa Attack, Texas Pro, Long Island Lightning (FL), and more.

End of Summer Classic

Overview

The Sharks will close out the July tournament season on the last day of the live period, July 31st. The Sharks will look to close out the summer tournament season with the End of Summer Classic championship at Albright College in Albright, PA.

Competition

The End of Summer Classic will consist of 24 teams. The team list has not been announced yet.

High School Summer Ball

Several Game 7 Sharks players went to work with their respective high schools at team camps this past month. Middletown North, which for the second straight season consists of the most Sharks players from one high school, had a successful showing at the Linden Team Camp. The Lions had a big win over host team and state power Linden. Later that week at the Summer Showcase, they scored wins against two other state powers in Seton Hall Prep and Paramus Catholic. Eric Youncofski (5'10'', G, 2012, Middletown North) was able to show off his ability to score the ball while also leading the team in assists. Jason Huelbig (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) continues to show off as an elite scorer and athlete with several monster dunks. Tim Frawley (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) is emerging as a go-to-guy who can score in a variety of ways. Frawley also rebounded very well. Will Boman (6'0'', G, 2013, Middletown North) has stepped up as one of the teams top defenders and took several charges. 14U Blue Shark Dylan Frawley (6'4'', F, 2015, Middletown North) made his varsity debut. Dylan banged on the boards and may be one of the Shore Conference's top 2015 prospects when all is said and done.

Mike Aaman (6'8'', F, 2012, Raritan) led his Raritan team to a runner-up finish at the Rutgers Team Camp. Aaman scored 30 points and grabbed 15 rebounds against Bridgewater in the semifinals, and dropped 20 points against Plainfield in the championship loss. At the Linden Team Camp, Aaman scored a career high 41 points against Elizabeth.

Hunter Wysocki (6'5'', G, 2012, Colts Neck) propelled Colts Neck to a very successful week at their own team camp. Wysocki, arguably the most versatile player in Sharks history, led the way averaging over 20 points per game. Wysocki also went for 23 points and 10 rebounds in the Sharks win over Long Branch this week.

Jack Donnelly (6'0'', G, 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven) is currently at this weekend's edition of the Rutgers Team Camp with his Rumson-Fair Haven squad. Donnelly scored 12 points against national powerhouse St. Benedict's and torched Morris Hills to the tune of 38 points.

Free Throws

• Mike Aaman has been invited to the Reebok Breakout Challenge camp July 6-9.
• Bobby Brackett (6'7'', F, 2012, Lawrence) says his ankle is back to full strength. Brackett put a Snyder defender on a poster Wednesday after catching an alley-oop pass from point guard Eric Youncofski.
• Jim Dzugan (6'5'', F, 2012, Middletown South) has been impressive so far at the Hamilton Park Summer League. Dzugan went for 13 points and 10 rebounds in the opening win against Long Branch.
• Bill Wrightson (6'9'', F, 2012, Toms River North) recently attended the Lafayette Elite Prospect camp. Wrightson said he enjoyed the camp and took a visit to the campus.
  

Philly Jam Fest Recap

After three three-pointers in a row and a breakaway dunk, the cheers from the Westchester Warriors (NY) crowd became louder than Yankee Stadium after a walk-off home run. They could feel it. With 3:37 remaining in the second half of the first game of the Philly Jam Fest, the Warriors extended their lead to 51-37 as the Sharks were forced to call a timeout. They were on the verge of knocking off Ali in his prime. Many Sharks teams have faced this deficit before and the result usually hasn't been a fairytale ending.

And then Game 7 Sharks ELITE showed that this just isn't any other year for the program.

The Sharks regrouped after that timeout and showed the world that all the hype surrounding Game 7 Sharks ELITE is for real. Tim Frawley (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) got things rolling with a three-ball from the corner. Following that, Jack Donnelly (6'0'', G, 2012, Rumson-Fair Haven) pulled up and knocked down a deep transition three. Eric Youncofski (5'10'', G, 2012, Middletown North) got a defensive rebound and hit Hunter Wysocki (6'5'', G, 2012, Colts Neck) with a bounce pass for a thunderous two-handed dunk. The Sharks turned up the defensive pressure and forced six Warriors turnovers in the final 3:37 of play. Down six with 45 seconds remaining, Bobby Brackett (6'7'', F, 2012, Lawrence) took a charge at midcourt to regain possession of the ball. After a missed three and missed lay up, Brackett skied through three Warrior defenders for the offensive rebound. Brackett would score and get fouled, and would convert on the free throw to cut the lead to 55-58 with a little over 30 seconds remaining. Youncofski would take a charge before the Warriors got the ball past half court and the Sharks took the ball back with 25 seconds remaining. After a missed shot, Youncofski found himself in position to make a big play once again and hit a deep three-pointer from the left wing to tie the game. The Warriors tried holding for the final shot, but Youncofski took another charge. The Sharks got the ball past half court and called their final timeout with 7 seconds remaining. The Sharks inbounded the ball and ran an isolation play for Wysocki. Wysocki caught the ball just outside the three-point and took one dribble to his left for a pull up jumper and knocked down the game-winning shot (the second one in Sharks history), giving the Sharks the 60-58 win. The Sharks outscored the very smart and disciplined Warriors team 23-7 in the final 3:37 of the game. 

Right after that, the Sharks had a late Saturday night showdown with the Huntington Park Warriors (PA). The Warriors recent notable alumni include soon to be NBA lottery picks Marcus and Markieff Morris, and are sponsored by former NBA champion Rasheed Wallace. The Sharks found themselves in a hole once again, this time down nine points with eight minutes remaining. The Sharks were able to use a zone defense to limit the Warriors athleticism and quickness, forcing them to fire up long range shots. Bill Wrightson (6'9'', F, 2012, Toms River North) had his coming out party. Wrightson's size was too much to handle on both ends for the Warriors. He converted on a tough hi-low finish to ignite the Sharks run, and altered shot attempts on defense. Jim Dzugan (6'5'', F, 2012, Middletown South) had a big time tip in to put the Sharks ahead for good with three minutes remaining. The Sharks won 51-46.

On Sunday morning, May 22, the Sharks faced off against Royersfield Rockets (PA) in their final pool play game. Donnelly started the game off with a deep three-pointer. Mike Aaman (6'8'', F, 2012, Raritan) did his damage early with 13 first half points. Aaman was able to bully the Rockets around and score on power moves and tip ins. Jason Huelbig (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) got in on the action with a two-handed put back dunk early on, and finished the first half on back-to-back breakaway jams. Huelbig would lead the way with 20 points in the Sharks 60-52 win. 

The Sharks moved on to the semi-finals against LVBS Elite (NY). Aaman scored the first eight points of the game and Donnelly hit three three-pointers in the first half as the Sharks took an early 22-9 lead.  Donnelly, the leading returning three-point sniper in the Shore Conference, would continue his hot shooting and finish with 20 points. Brackett continued to bully opposing front lines inside and finished several and-1 plays. The Sharks advanced to the final with a 69-40 victory.

In the championship, the Sharks squared off with the host team, Keystone Blazers (PA). The Sharks started off on a tear with Aaman scoring seven straight points, a Huelbig reverse lay up, and a Youncofski dish to a cutting Wysocki. The Blazers were led by a very good 6'3'' lead guard who is receiving Atlantic-10 interest. The Sharks were able to throw him off and frustrate him by rotating Youncofski, Donnelly, and Huelbig on him. The Sharks closed the half up 33-26. Right after the intermission, Wysocki took a charge to regain Sharks possession. Brackett followed that up by knocking down a three-pointer from the left wing. Aaman, Wysocki, and Brackett were too strong on the boards for the Blazers and got several offensive rebounds and tip ins. A Huelbig steal and two-handed dunk put the Sharks up double-digits with just under ten minutes remaining and they did not look back, winning 61-47. Aaman would finish the championship game with 27 points and 16 rebounds, and Wysocki pumped in 15 points and 9 rebounds, and Brackett with 10 points and 11 rebounds.

It was the second straight tournament championship for the Sharks and their third of the young season. It was also the first out of state tournament championship in program history. There is still close to 40 games left in the season, and the Sharks look to add several more championships to the trophy case.

Big Meech

As we have been doing over the last several months, we continue to provide you with Game 7 Sharks YouTube videos. We will also tape all Sharks games this summer and put clips online! Here is the Mike Aaman Official Junior Season Mixtape and an old school Sharks tournament championship.

Getting Ready To Heat Up

The Sharks are readying to enter the summer phase of their schedule. The Sharks will start off with the Hamilton Park Summer League in Jersey City, NJ. The league conists of heavy hitters amongst New Jersey and New York. St. Anthony's, Don Bosco Prep, Bergen Catholic, Paramus Catholic, St. Joseph's Metuchen, and several NYC AAU teams. In 2010, the Sharks went 14-5 in the league and advanced to the final four before losing to eventual champions East Orange High School. They look to win it this year.

The Sharks will also play in three July D1 live period tournaments. The first one is July 11-12, the National Invitational in Springfield, MA. Games will be played at the Hall of Fame and University of Massachusetts. It is a loaded event and a great way to kick off the July recruiting period. The Sharks participated in it in 2007. This year's 17U division is loaded with the Sharks, New England Playaz (MA), Grassroots Canada, New Heights (NY), Connecticut Basketball Club, Connecticut Elite, Expressions Elite (MA), BC Eagles (NY), Long Island Lightning (NY), Florida Rams, Dorian's Pride (MI), Dwight Howard Warriors (FL), Albany City Rocks (NY), Belgian Jr. National Team, Hunting Park Warriors (PA), Mass Rivals (MA), Syracuse Select (NY), Metro Hawks (NY), Middlesex Magic (NY), Raising Champions (NY), Riverside Church Hawks (NY), and many more.

Stay tuned for more updates on the summer schedule!

This past weekend Game 7 Sharks ELITE traveled to North Jersey to participate in the Spring Hoops Fest in Elizabeth, NJ. The tournament was sponsored by Training Today's Athlete. Last year the Sharks participated in another Train Today's Athlete sponsored tournament, the Tip Off Classic. The Sharks lost the Tip Off Classic championship game by one point and had revenge on their mind this year.

The Sharks started off the weekend with a Saturday afternoon showdown with Team Dynasty (NY). Team Dynasty jumped ahead 6-0 early on, but Jack Donnelly (6'0', G, 2012, Rumson) got the Sharks rolling with a deep three-pointer followed up by a steal and a lay-up over a Dynasty defender. After a back and forth first half, the Sharks took control in the second. Jason Huelbig (6'4'', G, 2012, Middletown North) put on a show scoring over 20 second half points. Huelbig was hitting long range shots and finishing above the rim on the break. His most impressive play was a windmill dunk off an offensive rebound. He would finish with 27 points. The Sharks cruised to a 60-46 victory. Mike Aaman (6'8'', F, 2012, Raritan) was also impressive bullying Dynasty's frontline down low and hitting several 15-foot jump shots. The Sharks cruised to a 60-46 victory.

On Sunday morning the Sharks went to battle with the New Jersey Gladiators. Hunter Wysocki (6'5'', G/F, 2012, Colts Neck) scored nine quick points in the first few minutes to put the Sharks ahead. Eric Youncofski (5'10'', G, 2012, Middletown North) had a strong game as well and hit two three's in the first half. The Gladiators stormed back from down eight points at half time to cut the lead to one with a great shooting day. However, the Sharks were too strong down low.  Aaman, Bill Wrightson (6'9'', F, 2012, Toms River North) and Jim Dzugan (6'5'', F, 2012, Middletown South) all used their size to capitalize against the smaller Gladiators. Aaman would finish the game with over 20 points as the Sharks won 68-48. Youncofski finished with 10 points and 9 assists.

Not too much longer after the game against the Gladiators, the Sharks had a championship showdown with Hard 2 Guard. Hard 2 Guard came out firing against the Sharks taking an early 12-2 lead. With the crowd going wild with each Hard 2 Guard basket, it quickly became an intense road game for the Sharks. The Sharks showed great poise and leadership by playing hard every possession, and regaining the lead with a 17-16 score midway through the first half. The Sharks took an eight point lead at halftime. Youncofski handled the pressure of the Hard 2 Guard full court press very well and was able to push the ball ahead to get the Sharks scorers in position to get a bucket. After Hard 2 Guard cut the lead to five, the Sharks put on the pressure. Clutch baskets by both Wysocki and Aaman would keep the Sharks ahead. The Sharks won the championship by a score of 53-41. Wysocki finished with over 20 points and Aaman recorded 17 points and 14 rebounds.

The Sharks have now won two championships early on this season. We said in our 2011 team preview that this years team on the court would be judged on championships. With a good start, it looks like many more are to come.