If you want to escape the cold of winter, then here are some high school scholastic venues that will keep you warm and entertained over the coming days.
Howell High School’s wrestling team has won 10 consecutive Shore Conference A North Division crowns. On Jan. 7, the Rebels are facing what most believe will be the sternest test of their reign when a senior-laden Christian Brothers Academy squad visits Howell.
On Jan. 7, the first meeting between Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division boys’ basketball powers, St. Joseph and East Brunswick, will take place at St. Joseph’s gym in Metuchen.
On Jan. 9, St. Joseph’s is back in action when it faces Westfield in the SFIC Festival at Kean University in Union. Tip off is at 4:30 p.m.
Girls’ basketball state powers St. John Vianney and Manasquan collide for the first of their two Shore Conference A Central Division clashes on Jan. 8 in Manasquan. Tip off is at 6:30 p.m.
The Lancers and Warrior could play as many as four times this year, including during the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions in March. They have played six games in the last two years and the record is all knotted up at 3-3.
It’s the first full week of January and already championships are on the line in indoor track and field. Individual and team titles will be up for grabs on Jan. 8 at the Bennett Indoor Athletic Complex in Toms River when the Monmouth County Championships are contested. Several of the leading track athletes in the state will be featured in the meet.
On Jan. 9 back at the Bennett Complex it’s the Greater Middlesex Conference’s turn with the GMC Relays.
Long Branch High School is the host to the Hoop Group Battle of the Boardwalk on Jan. 9.
This boys’ basketball event starts with the 12 p.m. game between Neptune and Mater Dei followed at 1:40 by the Rumson-Fair Haven-Gill St. Bernard’s contest. Manasaquan and Pt. Pleasant Beach tip off at 3:20 and at 5 p.m. Christian Brothers Academy takes on national power St. Anthony. The final game of the Battle of the Board pits Long Branch against St. John Vianney and tips off at 6:40.
The Jan. 9 Central Jersey Winter Classic at Carolier Lanes in North Brunswick will serve as a barometer for bowling teams and individuals with state tournament ambitions. They will get to where they stand against one another on the venue where the state tournaments are held.
On Jan. 8 and 9, the Neptune Aquatics Center is holding the Monmouth County Swimming Championships. The boys are up first on Jan. 8, followed by the girls on Jan. 9.