By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on IG
Team: Rumson-Fair Haven
Ranking: 21
Record Last season: 24-3, 12-0 in conference play
Key players: Jack Solano, senior;Teddy Sourlis, senior
Potential emerging stars: Ian O’Connor, junior; Elijah McCallister,senior;Devin Cooper,senior.
Team analysis: Rumson Fair Haven was a good team flying under the radar last year, until their matchup with New Jersey titan, Roselle Catholic.
RFH ended up losing 49-46 in a nail biter at home, but the state was put on notice. One year later, Fair Haven is looking to build on their late season success. The Bulldogs are returning 4 of their top five scorers from last year. The highlight of this team is the dynamic duo of Jack Solano (All Group 2 selection in 2017,) and Teddy Sourlis. Channeling inspiration from the Trail Blazers duo of Dame Lillard and C.J. McCollum, these guys are elite three point marksmen who are always on attack. Last season Sourlis was unconscious from behind the arc, knocking down 3.8 threes per game. Solano wasn't much far behind either, knocking down 2.6 threes per night as well.
With no shot clock implemented in New Jersey, this team is very dangerous. They can get hot fast and early and play ball control offense down the stretch. Their offense dictates other teams offensive approach as well, as maximizing possessions are paramount against a team that is capable and willing to trades threes for layups in a fast paced game.
The only thing holding Rumson Fair Haven back is a lukewarm out of conference schedule. If this team locks up better non-conference opponents, they will be better prepared come playoff time. RFH has all the tools to win the Group 2 crown.
Stat to know: Rumson-Fair Haven finished third in the final Group 2 season rankings.
