By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
Team: Ranney
Ranking: 6
Record Last season: 22-5 (13-1 in conference play)
Key players: Bryan Antione, junior
Scottie Lewis, junior
Savior Akuwovo , senior
Potential emerging stars: Ahmadu Sarnor, junior
Alex Klatsky, junior
Team analysis: Trust the process.
Two years ago, Ranney jumped on the scene as one of the best teams in South Jersey. The out of the blue emergence of Ranney was due to the additions of blue chip freshmen Bryan Antione and Scottie Lewis. The dynamic duo made a seamless transition to the high school level. Last year, the team posted virtually the same record as they did in 2016, but if you saw them play live it was clear the took steps forward as a program.
This year they won’t be catching anyone by surprise. Everyone is aware of the talent on this team and Ranney will get the best from every opponent each game. Luckily for Ranney fans, this team will be ready for the challenge. One of the key factors to this team's success in 2018 will be the performance of the supporting cast around Bryan Antione and Scottie Lewis. Junior Alex Klatsky has the skills and opportunity to make a lot of noise this year. Klatsky is a great shooter that shows nice flashes of athleticism. Ahmadu Sarnor can fill it up in a heartbeat. In 2017, Sarnor averaged 15 points per game. The “X” factor for Ranney will be senior forward Savior Akuwovo. Savior is a transfer over from St. Anthony’s. The 6’10 forward can dominate the game on both sides of the floor. Akuwovo is a willing defender and great rebounder. Savior also has a nice set of moves down low and is great in pick and roll situations.
In order to be prepared for the deep playoff run, Ranney will need to play a more rigorous out of conference schedule. Playing tough games early will have this team battle tested and ready come March. If so, be on the lookout for the Tinton Falls school, they could be the most exciting team to watch in New Jersey.
Stat to know: Bryan Antione and Scottie Lewis are apart of the nationally ranked AAU program, Team Rio.