What The Game's Been Missing...
From day one, Ja'Quaye has been one of the most electrifying players on the east coast. This kid is a walking bucket. James is one of the founding fathers of the world renown "Jelly Fam" movement. His style of play is electric. James is known for heating up fast. You never know when he can go off for 40. As a result, his games are some of the most watched in New Jersey
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Looking for revenge...
While last year was a huge success for Leilani Correa, The Argonauts had one team that was a thorn in their side all season. Rutgers Prep was ranked #1 in the state and was one game away from the state championship, when Franklin stepped in and stole their thunder. Correa has used that as fuel and went on a tear this summer, dominating the AAU scene for the NJ Sparks. Do to her stellar play Correa is ranked as a top 25 player in the class of 2019. It's only right that we paid homage and selected Correa as a diarist for us this year. Check back throughout the season as Leilani gives us an insider look at the life of a star student athlete playing basketball on the highest level in New Jersey.
As told to Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
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Statement Year.
This summer was a big one for Bryan Antoine, Scottie Lewis and the Ranney program. The dynamic duo dominated on the circuit, played for Team USA and a huge scholarship offer from Duke. On the high school level, the program had a huge addition as well, adding former St. Anthony’s High School Savior Akuwovo. The Ranney faithful are ready to see the individual success of the dynamic duo trickle over to a deep tournament run in states. The pressure is on higher than ever on Bryan and Scottie and they are delivering big time in the early part of the season.
Recently the dynamic duo sat down TheDribbleDrop & NJHoopRecruit to discuss playing for Team USA, Team Rio, why it’s championship or bust at Ranney and more.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
TheDribbleDrop: Bryan that was a big shot, where do you rank that shot in regards to big shots in your career?
Bryan Antoine: My best one probably. Just being down, and hitting a shot like that from half court was exciting and meant a lot to me.
TheDribbleDrop:This summer you guys played with Team Rio again in numerous elite tournaments across the United States. Tell us a bit about how the landscape was, the most exciting tournament and what you learned or enjoyed most during this summer?
Bryan Antoine: Our head coach is Mike Rice. He previously coached on the college level. Having him at practice and molding us into college players is great. Just being with these groups of guys, some who go to the same school as me is cool. It wasn’t like some “I don’t know you type of stuff, it was more along the lines of playing with your brothers year round.
TheDribbleDrop: Earlier this summer we caught footage of you right before you were offered by Duke. How important was it to you to have been offered to play at such a prestigious program?
Scottie Lewis: It’s Duke. It’s a great university outside of basketball and Coach K is an incredible coach. He told me he didn’t want to offer Bryan and I at the same time because he wanted it to mean something. He said when he felt like I was ready to accept the offer is when he offered me. Jon Scheyer came to all of our games and we’re in constant contact with them. The Duke offer is definitely a big one for me and a pretty big one for Bryan.
TheDribbleDrop: A couple months ago you had the pleasure of playing in the Team USA camp. Tell us a bit about that experience.
Scottie: That was a big confidence booster. When you are surrounded by top talent all you can do is play 100% all of the time. Even if you are not the best player, you can show people that you are the hardest worker.
TheDribbleDrop: It's well documented that you guys are some of the hardest working players in high school due to your vigorous workout sessions. Each guy please tell us a facet of you game you worked hard to take to another level this summer?
Scottie: Staying in shape. I’m a high motor player. I want to rebound, block shots and make plays. I hate sitting on the bench. In order to play at that level you have to be in shape. I worked hard on my body and did the right things to build it up.
TheDribbleDrop: This offseason you guys added St. Anthony's player Savior Akuwovo. Tell us a important do you think he will be to you guys on both sides of the floor.
Scottie: Having a guy like Savior is a relief. Bryan doesn’t have to do as much and I don’t have to do as much. Savior is a high energy guy just like I am and we feed off of each other. Bryan is a great defender and Ahmadu helps him out on that side of the floor as well. When you have those guys in the backcourt and Savior and I in the frontcourt it’s a dangerous sight look at.
Ranney Coach (T.Holden): I think it helps a lot as well because it puts players in their natural position. A lot of times last year I had Scottie playing power forward or center depending upon the situation. Before we had Ahmadu I had Bryan playing the point, two or three depending upon the situation. When you have those guys on our team now it allows players to be in their natural position. Not that they can’t play those other spots, but having them in their natural spots allows them to be more comfortable and do what they do well.
The Dribble Drop: This year we ranked you guys #6 in the state coming into the year. Obviously we think this is going to be a breakout year for the program. Tell us what you learned from last years run that will help you come playoff time this year?
Bryan Antoine: Last year we were all sophomores. Last year we played gritty teams like The Patrick School, and Newark East Side. Those were great tests for us. Now when we play teams like Roselle Catholic or East Side we’re going to be comfortable.
TheDribbleDrop: Is it championship or bust at Ranney? Who do you gauge success?
Scottie: 100%. We don’t play just for the games itself. We are a family that’s trying to build a winning culture for this program. Championships are the main focus with what we do.
In basketball, much attention is paid to the players, and rightfully so. But watching a good coaching duel develop can be like watching a work of art being created in front of you.
TheDribbleDrop has always appreciated all facets of the game and will be linking with a distinguished high school basketball coaches every week to discuss the ins and outs of the game and what happens in-between the lines.
This week, Bergen Catholic head coach Billy Armstrong discusses the blueprint to a successful offense, the importance of live game simulation drills in practice, his four coaching objectives that will lead you to success and more.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on IG and Twitter
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There is much to be excited about this time of year, and possibly no player has more to be amped up about then Dara Mabrey. The talented floor general was selected as the New Jersey Player of the Year as a junior in 2017. Manasquan also made an incredible tournament run, but fell short in the championship game to Franklin. Thedribbledrop & NJHoopRecruit are honored to introduce Dara as one of first diarists. Check back throughout the season as Dara gives us an insider look at the life of a star student athlete playing basketball on the highest level in New Jersey.
As told to Christian Mordi / @mordi_thecomeup
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Take a look below to view the changes to this week's ranking – which includes an extension from top 10 to now top 15. The ranking is based on games played through Sunday, Dec. 31st.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop
15-Trenton Catholic (Record 5-0)
Wins against: Cinnamonson, Marist, Northern Burlington, King's Christian, Moorestown
Losses against: n/a
Analysis: While the strength of schedule isn't there, this is a team that has a new coach that is building this team the right way. They play hard and they play fast. There has been rave reviews about this team so far. This is a team that can hang for sure.
Analysis: While the strength of schedule isn't there, this is a team that has a new coach that is building this team the right way. They play hard and they play fast. There has been rave reviews about this team so far. This is a team that can hang for sure.
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Tori Hyduke has a vivid imagination. When asked what she likes to do in her free time, Hyduke said, “I like to draw. I love drawing people in my free time.”
It’s clear that her creative juices aren’t boxed in on the floor either. Hyduke is an artist on the court. Her vivid imagination runs wild in between the lines as she slashes to the rim and creates moments of brilliance in a flash.
Recently we sat down with Tori Hyduke to discuss AAU basketball, Signing to George Washington, Rumson Fair Haven basketball and more.
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In basketball, much attention is paid to the players, and rightfully so. But watching a good coaching duel develop can be like watching a work of art being created in front of you.
TheDribbleDrop has always appreciated all facets of the game and will be linking with a distinguished high school basketball coaches every week to discuss the ins and outs of the game and what happens in-between the lines.
This week, we linked with Manasquan Girls Basketball Head coach Lisa Kukoda.
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In basketball, much attention is paid to the players, and rightfully so. But watching a good coaching duel develop can be like watching a work of art being created in front of you.
TheDribbleDrop has always appreciated all facets of the game and will be linking with a distinguished high school basketball coaches every week to discuss the ins and outs of the game and what happens in-between the lines.
This week, St. Peter's Prep head coach Alex Mirabel discusses the blueprint to a successful offense, getting players to buy in on defense, managing relationships with players and parents and more.
By Christian Mordi / @thedribbledrop on IG and Twitter
Read MoreSo many games, how do you choose which one is the best to see live? For those on the fence, have no fear! TheDribbleDrop and NJHoopRecruit family will let you know the must see game today!
By Christian Mordi / @TheDribbleDrop
Boys Basketball: Columbia at Newark East Side
Analysis: East Side is 1-1 and will look to remind the masses that they are the team to beat in Essex County in their home opener against Columbia. Columbia is off to an impressive 2-0 start to the year, nabbing victories against Shabazz and Montclair. Look for BeastSide's energetic crowd to play their role as the dominant "6th Man" in this game. This has the makings of an early season gem for sure.
Girls Basketball No. 10 St. John Vianney at No. 6 University
University is off to a hot start to the season, winning games against Montclair, Chatham and West Orange. Looking to slow down their momentum is St.John Vianney. SJV has won their first two contests by an average of 40 points. Look for these two contrasting styles to clash in a game that has the attention of every fan of NJ high school basketball.