By: Rich Fisher
Slowly but surely, South Brunswick High School is becoming a Central Jersey hot spot for big-time events.
It gets no bigger than the Isles Prime Time Shootout, which has become the pre-eminent mid-season high school tournament in the Metropolitan Area. And before the event moves to Trenton’s Sovereign Bank Arena for the weekend, SBHS has the honor of hosting the first four games when the tournament begins today (Thursday).
"I got a call last year from the Gazelle Group (which runs the tournament), feeling us out and how we would receive it," South Brunswick Athletic Director Elaine McGrath said. "I told them the trade-off would be if we were in the tournament. I think it was a good opportunity for our boys program to be involved with such a great group of other high schools from all over the country."
Ask, and you shall receive.
The Vikings will kick off the tournament by hosting Burlington City today at 4:30. That will be followed by a slew of big-time teams, including Blair vs. Paterson Catholic at 6 p.m.; St. Patrick’s vs. Cranford at 7:30 and St. Benedict’s vs. Eastern Commerce at 9.
McGrath said that some of the regular SBHS personnel that work basketball games will be helping out on site, along with employees of the Gazelle Group.
"I think we’re fortunate we have a community to allow us to be able to take on different events and give our kids opportunities to be in such a high-profile tournament," McGrath said.
SBHS has also hosted the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament quarterfinals, semifinals and finals, as well as the NJSIAA Track and Field Meet of Champions. The four NJISAA Prep School boys and girls finals will also be held there on Feb. 22.
But this goes beyond state-wide exposure, as teams from around the country join in. LeBron James was part of the fun last year, causing a media frenzy at the SBA. And although SBHS will host predominantly New Jersey schools, that does not mean folks from out of town won’t be stopping by.
"From what I understand, the Prime Time has a big following," McGrath said. "We’ve been getting calls from all over, New Hampshire, Massachusetts."
With four lockerrooms and a spacious gym to go along with its Central Jersey location, it’s easy to see why SBHS would be considered a prime spot for Prime Time.
"Our facilities are fantastic, we’re just fortunate the community went for the referendum," McGrath said. "This is a great opportunity to showcase the school and showcase some of the best basketball talent in the state."
