The 2015-16 scholastic sports season is kicking now in high gear this weekend when basketball and wresting launch their seasons.
Here are some venues that you want to be at over the next few days
The scholastic high school basketball season tips off on Dec. 18. Out of the gate there is an important boys’ Shore Conference A North Division game at Freehold Township with the Patriots home to Christian Brothers Academy. Last winter the Pats were the only A North team to beat CBA. Over the years, Freehold Township has had a habit of upsetting the Colts.
At Woodbridge High School, last year’s Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament and NJSIAA North Jersey, Section II, Group III boys’ champion, Colonia, visits the Barrons for a GMC opener on Dec. 18.
The St. Joseph of Metuchen’s boys’ basketball team begins what many expect to be a championship season on the road at South Plainfield on Dec. 18.
The Monroe Township High School’s girls’ hoop team, last year’s Greater Middlesex Conference and NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group IV runner-up, travel to Edison to meet J.P. Stevens on Dec. 18.
John Giraldo, the former star point guard for Monmouth University men’s basketball team, makes his debut as Matawan High School’s boys’ head coach on Dec. 18 when the Huskies are home to Neptune for a B North Division contest.
For wrestling fans, Old Bridge High School helps to get the season rolling on the mats as it serves as the host to the Icebreaker Tournament on Dec. 19.
Another opening weekend tournament is the traditional Neptune Classic on Dec. 19 at Neptune High School.
The opening week of the basketball season is providing some important games with division implications. On Dec. 21, the St. John Vianney’s girls, the 2015 NJSIAA Non-Public A state champion, will be the host to rival Rumson-Fair Haven, a perennial public school power, in an A Central Division game in Holmdel.