Eagles set to take on tough A North schedule
Open season with impressive win
over Howell
By Warren Rappleyea
Staff Writer

JEFF HUNTLEY Middletown South’s Nick Ernst has his eyes on the ball during the Eagles’ season-opening game against Howell on Friday. The Eagles cruised to a 48-34 win.

With four key players back, prospects look good for the Middletown High School South boys basketball team to better last winter’s 12-12 mark.

The Eagles opened the season on Friday with a 48-34 victory over Howell. Kevin Murawinski led the offense with 19 points, and Moqut Ruffins added 14 points, eight of them coming during an 18-8 third-quarter burst.

It was an important win for the Eagles, who play in the Shore Conference’s tough Class A North Division, which also includes Neptune, CBA and Middletown North.

Neptune opened the season with a huge win over powerful St. Patrick’s of Elizabeth behind the play of their brilliant backcourt duo, juniors Taquan Dean and Terrance Todd, who combined for 36 points.

But Middletown South, which knocked off Neptune a year ago, should be more than competitive.

Murawinski provides a legitimate scoring threat up front. Last winter the 6-6 senior averaged 20 points and eight rebounds, and has more than 1,300 career points.

Ruffins, a 6-4 senior forward, averaged nine points, but should do even better this time around.

Another senior, forward Nick Ernst (the quarterback of the South football team), was quietly effective last season, scoring six points and adding four assists per game. Point guard Mike Fischer and 6-3 junior Steve Sakosits round out the starting five.

Off the bench, Coach Jim Anderson can call on 6-3 senior forward Dan Campbell, who pulled down six boards per game, and 6-5 sophomore Pat Clabby, who is a strong outside shooter.

In the backcourt, seniors Jon Korellis and Ian Pulito, along with sophomore Pat McCall, will see action. Korellis is a particularly aggressive defensive player.

"The key for us will be winning the games we’re supposed to win and then working to knock off the top teams," Anderson said. "This is a very talented team and we will be heard from."

The Eagles were scheduled to host Manalapan yesterday and will have their first shot at CBA on Friday, when they travel to Lincroft. The Colts are coming off a highly successful season, and have reloaded for another run at a state title.

CBA won their first game of the year in impressive fashion, beating Freehold Township 66-36 on Friday.

Middletown South will then host its annual holiday tournament, which includes Colonia, Columbia, Matawan, Middletown North, Rumson-Fair Haven, Scotch Plains and Union.

They will see Neptune for the first time on Jan. 12 following games with Middletown North, Red Bank Regional and Freehold Township.

The Eagles face a difficult schedule, but with experienced players and a proven system in place, Anderson’s team should be a tough match for even the top teams in the Shore.