JCC of Central New Jersey Men's Basketball

It says March on the calendar, and we all know that means that the madness has officially arrived. That was certainly the case as the first week of the JCC playoffs tipped off, beginning with two play-in matchups. (Please note that stats have not been done for playoff games so points are the only stats I have)

(7) Billy Hoyle 79 vs. (10) Big Ballers 65: In a theme that’s defined their season, Big Ballers came out firing early but couldn’t sustain it, fading in the second half. Playing without first-round pick Dave Moreno(shocker), Captain Bryan Minasian’s squad still showed the grit that’s kept them competitive all year. Rookie standout James Floyd capped off his impressive debut season with a dominant 26-point performance. Andrew Merel, who has quietly been one of the league’s steadiest point guards, added another strong showing with 20 points. Minasian contributed 8 points and controlled the glass, while Alex Stone chipped in 7. But Billy Hoyle countered with balance and lots of it. Captain Siri Carpien led the way with 22 points, while Pat O’Donnell followed closely behind with 19. Eddie Ford continued his recent surge, bringing relentless energy and finishing with 15 points. Dave Steinbruck added 11 points, knocking down three shots from beyond the arc, and mid-range specialist Zach Sicherman rounded things out with 10. In the end, Billy Hoyle’s depth and offensive balance proved too much, especially against a shorthanded Big Ballers squad. The loss brings a frustrating season to a close for Big Ballers, though it was not without bright spots, including several standout individual performances. Meanwhile, Billy Hoyle appears to be peaking at the perfect time and will be a tough out as the playoffs roll on.

(9) Ball Don’t Lie 61 vs. (8) We Got Game 47: The second play-in game featured two teams that underachieved during the regular season but both had the talent to make some noise in the postseason. Much like the earlier matchup, this one was tight early before one team pulled away late. The game was deadlocked at 27 at halftime, but Ball Don’t Lie took control in the second half as We Got Game struggled to generate any offense, managing just 20 points after the break. A combination of cold shooting and strong defensive pressure proved too much to overcome. Before diving deeper into the game, it’s important to acknowledge the unfortunate reality of injuries. Adam Jimenez-Schulman suffered a broken arm, and the entire league is wishing AJS a speedy recovery. He put together an impressive rookie campaign, and his high-energy presence will certainly be missed. For We Got Game, Captain Matt Ceccarelli set the tone early, scoring 11 of his team-high 15 points in the first half. Ben Huber added 13 points but had difficulty establishing his usual inside presence with Dan Amsellem anchoring the paint. Rookie Omer Nimrodi capped off a promising first season with 8 points, and it feels like there’s plenty more to come from him in future seasons. Alex “Dikembe” Fisher knocked down a pair of threes for 6 points, while Steve Shelton chipped in 5. But offense was hard to come by in the second half, as We Got Game managed just seven field goals after halftime. Defensively, they came in with a clear strategy, make life difficult for Captain Adam Hynes. They executed well, holding him to 13 points, well below his season average. However, Ball Don’t Lie found production elsewhere. Ben Carr led the way with 14 points, doing much of his damage at the free throw line by attacking downhill and initiating contact. Dan delivered another dominant performance with 10 points and a strong presence on the glass. The difference, though, came from the supporting cast. Jon Kanarek scored 8 of his 9 points in the first half, including two key three-pointers, while Brandon Wendel took over in the second half, scoring 8 of his 11 points and knocking down three shots from beyond the arc. With AJS sidelined, both players stepped up in a major way, capitalizing on open looks as defenses collapsed on Adam and Dan. Their contributions proved to be the difference, helping Ball Don’t Lie punch their ticket to the quarterfinals. The loss brings an inconsistent season to an end for We Got Game. At their best, they showed they could compete with anyone, highlighted by an overtime battle with Fast Break and a dominant win over Household Hoopers. But inconsistency, particularly on the offensive end, ultimately held them back. As for Ball Don’t Lie, their record doesn’t tell the full story. A season filled with close losses and late-game struggles landed them in the 9-seed, but this is a team that can compete on both ends of the floor and one that no higher seed will be excited to face.

QUARTERFINALS

(5) Shortland Blazers 70 vs. (4) Laub & Order 40: This was one of the most anticipated matchups of the quarterfinal round, as both teams entered the game red hot, each riding a three-game winning streak. Their regular season meetings were high-scoring shootouts, splitting the series with explosive offensive performances on both sides. So naturally, expectations were high for more of the same. Only one team delivered. In a somewhat stunning turn, Shortland Blazers dominated from start to finish in what became a one-sided affair. The stat that tells the whole story: Jakub Zabek knocked down 14 field goals by himself, while Laub & Order managed just 13 as a team. Shortland, a team that has been questioned all season for its defense, surrendering a league-high 68.4 points per game, completely flipped the script. Led by the relentless defensive presence of Brian Schiller, the Blazers brought an intensity that clearly rattled Laub & Order, who never found any offensive rhythm. Shortland took a 31-21 lead into halftime, and the gap only widened from there. For Laub & Order, their usually reliable core struggled mightily. Captain Mike Gerstein was held to just 4 points and failed to connect from beyond the arc. Eric Sass added 8 points, while Mike Huberman led the team with 13. Jason Stern capped off a strong sophomore season with 9 points, but this was simply a tough night across the board for a team that had been surging in recent weeks. On the other side, it was the now-familiar “spin and splash” show. Jakub Zabek was electric from the opening tip, pouring in 20 of his 34 points in the first half alone. At one point, it was essentially Zabek vs. Laub & Order, as he matched their entire first-half output (20-21). He did damage from everywhere, draining four three-pointers while also slicing through defenders with his speed, ball-handling, and ability to finish at the rim.

His backcourt partner, Shamar Mason, picked up where Jakub left off. After scoring 7 points in the first half, Shamar exploded for 15 in the second, finishing with 22 points and repeatedly breaking down defenders off the dribble.

Captain Jason Narod, who made sure the game was rescheduled so he could be there, contributed 7 points in the win. When Shortland is playing like this, they’re as dangerous as any team in the league. Their offensive firepower is always a given with the league’s scoring leader at the helm, but if this level of team defense continues, they become a serious threat to anyone left in the field. For Laub & Order, the loss brings an end to a season defined by inconsistency. At their best, they looked like a legitimate title contender. But too often, strong performances were followed by games like this. Still, it was a solid season filled with flashes of high-level play, just one that leaves plenty of “what ifs.” Shortland Blazers move on to the semifinals, and based on this performance, they’re not a team anyone will be eager to face.

Upset Wednesday

Much like the real March Madness, there’s always a day where the bracket gets flipped upside down and Wednesday night on Nathanson Court delivered exactly that.

(7) Billy Hoyle 56 vs. (2) Household Hoopers 47: While the seeding may suggest a major upset, this result felt far less surprising to those who have been watching closely. Billy Hoyle came in red hot, while Household Hoopers had played just once in the previous four weeks. That rust showed early and proved costly. After a 5-5 start to the game, the Hoopers went completely cold. Billy Hoyle responded with a 16-0 run to take a commanding 21-5 lead. During that stretch, Household Hoopers went 0-for-8 from the field and 0-for-6 from the free throw line, an early hole they ultimately couldn’t climb out of. Billy Hoyle took a 26-15 lead into halftime, but to their credit, the Hoopers didn’t fold. Led by Captain Colin Neff, they battled back in the second half, cutting the deficit to just three on multiple occasions. But missed layups and second-chance opportunities for Billy Hoyle proved to be the difference down the stretch. The Hoopers had balanced scoring, but simply couldn’t generate enough offense. Jonathan Roy led the way with 16 points, followed by 10 from Jason Pompeo. Colin, held scoreless in the first half, finished with 9 points after the break, while Seth Niessen also added 9 in the loss. For Billy Hoyle, it was a complete team effort. Captain Siri Carpien led the charge with 16 points, including two clutch three-pointers in the second half, his signature “walk-up” daggers that always seem to come at the biggest moments.

Time and again, Siri delivered exactly when his team needed it most. Pat O’Donnell continued his breakout season with another outstanding performance. He finished with 11 points, but his impact went far beyond the box score, pulling down key offensive rebounds late, defending at a high level, and showcasing a versatile offensive game that makes him one of the most complete players in the league.

Billy Hoyle is at its best when the supporting cast steps up and they did big time. Zach Sicherman was automatic from mid-range, pouring in 11 points, while Dave Steinbruck matched him with 11 of his own in a strong offensive showing.

Eddie Ford may not have filled up the scoring column, but his impact was undeniable, bringing relentless energy, locking up defensively, and even sacrificing his body diving for loose balls. It all added up to an impressive team win. However, Billy Hoyle will have to move forward without Eddie in the semifinals, which could prove to be a significant loss. For Household Hoopers, it’s a tough end to what was a strong regular season. Their identity all year was built on defense, and they proved it could carry them far. But in the end, the same issue that lingered all season, offensive inconsistency, came back to haunt them. Billy Hoyle moves on, continuing their late-season surge and looking every bit like a team no one wants to see right now.

(9) Ball Don’t Lie 63 – (1) Fast Break 60: The nightcap featured the league’s top seed squaring off against Ball Don’t Lie, fresh off their play-in victory just two nights earlier. From the opening tip, it was clear this wouldn’t be a typical 1 vs. 9 matchup, Ball Don’t Lie came ready to compete. They jumped out to an early lead behind their “big three”: captain Adam Hynes, point guard Ben Carr, and dominant big man Dan Amsellem. On the other side, defending champion and reigning MVP Jorge Mangui did everything in his power to keep Fast Break within striking distance. Jorge poured in 32 points, though he had to grind for every one with many coming at the free throw line. Ball Don’t Lie held a 32–29 lead at halftime and maintained control for much of the second half. They extended their advantage to 45–38 with 12 minutes to play and later pushed it to their largest lead of the night, 53–45, with just under five minutes remaining. But Fast Break didn’t go quietly. They clawed their way back to within one, 57–56, with just two minutes left, setting up a tense finish. In the end, Ball Don’t Lie executed down the stretch and knocked down key free throws to secure the upset. For Fast Break, Mike Glanzman finished with 10 points to cap off a stellar sophomore season. Seth Frankel added 9 in what has been an impressive comeback year, his first since before COVID, while captain Gary Levine chipped in 6 and TJ Farrell added 3 in what could be (though hopefully isn’t) his final JCC game. Ball Don’t Lie once again showcased their balanced attack. Adam Hynes led the way with 18 points, while his longtime teammate Ben Carr delivered one of his best performances of the season with 16 points and relentless defense on Mangui. Dan Amsellem continued his dominance in the paint, recording another double-double with 13 points while anchoring the defense.

Brandon Wendel added 10 points, including a massive late three-pointer that helped halt Fast Break’s momentum.

The win moves the Hynes/Carr duo one step closer to their elusive first JCC title. As for Fast Break, the loss officially ends any hopes of a repeat champion, with no remaining players from last season’s Bryan Minasian-led 99 Problems squad still alive in the bracket.  It’s a tough ending for a team that had an outstanding regular season, but as this league has shown time and time again, everything comes down to matchups. And on this night, the matchup belonged to Ball Don’t Lie.

(6) Money Ball 62 – (3) Going Buck 58: The final quarterfinal matchup was arguably the most anticipated game of the round. Captains Jon Ackerman and Adam Driansky share a long history, close friends, former teammates, even part of each other’s wedding parties. But on this night, the friendship was put on hold. With a semifinal berth and bragging rights on the line, only one could move on. As expected, the game delivered. What perhaps wasn’t expected? The emergence of the caped crusader himself, Steve “Bachman.”

He wasted no time making an impact, drilling a four-point play just minutes into the game and setting the tone early.

The first half was a classic back-and-forth battle. Both teams exchanged blows, but neither could land a knockout punch. Going Buck took a slim 32–30 lead into halftime, powered by Will Howarth’s 14 points. Bachman kept Money Ball right there with 13 of his own, including four triples. The second half followed the same script: tight, intense, and evenly matched. Neither team could create separation, and every possession felt massive. Going Buck leaned heavily on their stars, as they have all season. Will was sensational, finishing with a game-high 24 points and continuing to solidify his case as one of the league’s elite. Ackerman added 16, but the difference in this one came from the supporting cast. After playing key roles down the stretch of the season, Going Buck’s role players couldn’t find their rhythm: Jake Granoff (5), Rory Schulman (6), Ben Gerstein (3), and Matt Birnbach (2) combined for just 16 points. Still, Going Buck battled. They held a 51–49 lead with just over six minutes remaining before, who else, Bachman knocked down another huge three to flip the momentum. The game seesawed down the stretch, with Going Buck reclaiming a 55–54 lead with 3:20 left. From there, it became a game of execution. Tied at 55 with two minutes to play, a missed shot from Driansky turned into a crucial sequence as Andi Hasaj grabbed two offensive rebounds before getting fouled and calmly knocking down both free throws to give Money Ball the lead. On the next possession, an offensive foul on Going Buck handed the ball right back. Driansky was fouled shortly after and converted both free throws, extending the lead to 59–55 and giving Money Ball just enough cushion to close it out from the line. Bachman led the way with 19 points in a star-making performance, while Andi delivered a quiet but critical 17. Driansky added 10, Justin Dank chipped in 9, and Herb Smith contributed 7. It wasn’t the most explosive offensive showing from Money Ball, but it was enough. They executed late, made winning plays, and now move on to the semifinals. For Going Buck, the loss stings. It was a strong season that ultimately leaves them wanting more, but they ran into a tough matchup at the wrong time. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.

JCC Playoffs – Semifinals Preview
After an upset-filled opening round that flipped the bracket on its head, only the battle-tested remain. Seeds 5, 6, 7, and 9 now stand just one win away from the championship game. If the first week was any indication, expect another night of intensity, drama, and maybe even more surprises.

7:15 PM – (6) Money Ball vs. (7) Billy Hoyle
The loss of Eddie Ford in this contest could prove to be very costly as his defensive presence will be sorely missed. Can Bachman build on his huge quarterfinal performance? Will Andi have yet another moster offensive performance? Siri and Pat will need to be at their best to get the W.

8:30 PM – (5) Shortland Blazers vs. (9) Ball Don’t Lie
Ball Don’t Lie has already taken down the top seed and comes into this game with some serious momentum. They’re playing loose, tough, and fearless. But Shortland Blazers have been the hottest team over the last 4 weeks and won’t be rattled easily. This game could come down to whether anyone can stop the Spin & Splash duo or whether Ball Don't Lie's size is too much to handle