Ian O’Connor and Jackson McCarthy have been through the battles.
Both boys’ basketball players helped guide Rumson-Fair Haven High School to the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 2 sectional tournament title in 2017 and 2018.
Rumson-Fair Haven beat Carteret High School, 57-52, in the 2018 state sectional title game. The Bulldogs topped Arthur L. Johnson High School of Clark, 57-51, in the 2017 state sectional championship game.
Now, as seniors, O’Connor and McCarthy are trying to lead the Bulldogs to their third consecutive state sectional title.
They are off to a good start.
Rumson-Fair Haven is 8-1, with dominating victories over Monmouth Regional High School, 66-43, on Dec. 14, Red Bank Catholic High School, 67-42, on Dec. 20 and Saint Rose High School, 62-40, on Jan. 5.
The Bulldogs are rolling despite losing most of their championship roster from last winter. Besides O’Connor and McCarthy, junior Drew Frankel is the only returning player with experience.
The trio is stepping up and leading the Bulldogs this winter, helping them maintain their lofty standard.
O’Connor, a 6-4, 225-pound forward, is averaging 23 points and 12 rebounds per game. He is a highly developed basketball player and athlete. The senior will attend Lehigh University on a football scholarship next fall.
“He’s a stud,” said Rumson-Fair Haven coach Chris Champeau. “Ian is one of the toughest and best kids I’ve coached.”
McCarthy, a 6-5 forward, is scoring 19 points per contest, shooting 50 percent from three point range. The senior is generating interest from Division 1 basketball programs in the Patriot League and Mid-American Conference. Champeau thinks McCarthy can be a Division 1 basketball player.
“He can shoot and he has a knack for scoring. He’s also athletic, so he can defend,” Champeau said. “He’s 6-5 and long, which helps.”
O’Connor and McCarthy get the attention. But Frankel is also leading the Bulldogs. He is a high energy player and defensive stopper.
“He defends the other team’s best player. He’s a great athlete. And he moves the ball in transition,” Champeau said. “Whatever we need him to do, he’ll do it.”
Beyond those three, Champeau has a rotation of first time varsity players. Lack of experience has not hindered them, though. They are developing and complementing O’Connor, McCarthy and Frankel.
Senior Cole Staisil made 28 three pointers in Rumson’s first six games. Senior Ryan McCann, a 6-5, 260-pound center, comes off the bench, grabs rebounds and plays tough defense.
Geoff Schroeder and Jackson Patton handle point guard duties. Hunter Reid recorded 10 points and four assists in Rumson-Fair Haven’s victory over Holmdel High School on Jan. 7.
Every player is contributing.
“We weren’t sure who would fit in. So it’s great to watch these guys make big contributions through hard work and dedication,” Champeau said. “We have two horses, a phenomenal athlete and a bunch of scrappers who are filling needs and happy to be a part of it. Everyone on the team has value, is involved and they love it.”
For all those reasons, Champeau is confident. He thinks the Bulldogs have a real chance to three peat as state sectional champions.
“A state title is the goal,” he said. “Our attitude is humble and hungry, and hopefully we’ll be there battling in the end, come March.”