Both the Howell High School and Jackson Liberty High School boys’ basketball teams entered their first-round matchup of the Score at the Shore Tournament on Dec. 23 looking to win their first game of the season.
A career day by senior Chris Acampora helped the Rebels come out with their first victory of the season, when Howell defeated Jackson Liberty by a score of 58-35.
Acampora connected on a career-high 19 points in the victory. He showed off his range behind the arch when he knocked down five three-pointers in the contest.
“It was pretty special,” Acampora said. “My teammates were driving and kicking the ball out to me when I was open. I was able to knock some shots down and get into a rhythm. It was an all-round pretty good team performance.”
Acampora swished in two three-pointers in the last two minutes of the first half to help Howell take a 29-19 lead into the break.
The senior racked up four of his five three-pointers in the first half.
Sophomore Abdull Al-Shrouf had a huge second half for the Rebel, scoring nine of his 15 points to help Howell improve to 1-1 on the season.
Howell will play Lenape High School in the second round of the tournament on Dec. 27.
Senior Cooper Vogel scored 12 points in the victory for Howell.
Sophomore Phanique Dupree scored a team-high nine points for Jackson Liberty, which slopped to 0-2 on the season.
Jackson Liberty will play Asbury Park High School in the consolation rounds of the tournament on Dec. 27.
Follow Steven Bassin on Twitter @SBassin_Sports