Bulldogs enter states as Shore Conference champions

By WARREN RAPPLEYEA
Correspondent

 Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s Thomas Famulary goes up for two points during the Bulldogs’ semifinals win over Neptune High School in the Shore Conference Tournament on Feb. 25 at Brookdale Community College. Two nights later, Rumson-Fair Haven won it all, beating top-seeded Christian Brothers Academy in the finals at Monmouth University.  MATT DENTON Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s Thomas Famulary goes up for two points during the Bulldogs’ semifinals win over Neptune High School in the Shore Conference Tournament on Feb. 25 at Brookdale Community College. Two nights later, Rumson-Fair Haven won it all, beating top-seeded Christian Brothers Academy in the finals at Monmouth University. MATT DENTON Rumson-Fair Haven Regional High School’s boys basketball team will look to carry its February undefeated streak into March as it heads into the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II tournament.

The top-seeded Bulldogs were set to enter a game on March 2 against 16thseeded Delran High School on the heels of an incredible month that culminated in a stunning 50-24 victory over Christian Brothers Academy in the Shore Conference Tournament finals on Feb. 27 at Monmouth University.

Coach Chris Champeau’s team dominated the match and even held the Colts to just one point in the third quarter and five points in the second half. The Bulldogs’ stellar defense made CBA tentative with the ball, as it often passed up shots despite urgings from fans to shoot. Rumson-Fair Haven, the 11th seed in the Shore Conference Tournament, came out strong from the start and only the Bulldogs’ uncharacteristic sloppiness — nine turnovers — and several missed shots enabled No. 1- seed CBA to remain in the game.

Things were altogether different in the second half. Brendan Barry opened the third quarter with a pair of 3-pointers. The junior sensation scored 19 of his 27 points in the second half, with 10 of those points coming in the pivotal third quarter.

“Our goal was to play 32 minutes of fast-paced basketball and take the game right at them,” Champeau said. “We just kept putting pressure on the ball and once that started working, it kind of snowballed from there. It really says something about our defense to hold a team as good as CBA to five points in a half.” Throughout the game, CBA kept close tabs on Barry with some success in the first half, limiting the Bulldogs’ guard to eight points. However, forward Thomas Famulary stepped up for Champeau’s team, scoring nine points and providing a physical presence under the basket for Rumson-Fair Haven as the teams left the court at halftime tied 19-19.

The Bulldogs entered the Shore Conference Tournament championship game after another stalwart defensive effort in a 37-29, semifinals victory over Neptune High School, as the Scarlet Fliers could only muster 12 second-half points. Barry led the offense with 12 points, while Morgan McGuire pitched in with 10 points. Famulary, Alex Geiger and Jack Luby added five points apiece. Champeau’s team downed Point Pleasant Beach High School in the opening round of the Shore Conference Tournament and then avenged an early season loss to Freehold Township High School in the quarterfinals.

Rumson-Fair Haven has won 11 straight games since falling to Red Bank Regional High School, 47-45, on Jan. 31. That marked the only time this winter Barry did not score in double figures. Overall, the Bulldogs are 22-4 heading into the state tournament.

Champeau said he was not overly concerned about his team suffering a letdown against Delran, as the Bulldogs came from the 11th seed to take the Shore Conference Tournament.

“At this time of the year, every team you play is good,” the coach said. “You have to be prepared.”