Howell Has A New Scoring King

Coming into the season Howell senior Ryan Keegan knew he was likely going to join the 1,000-point club for the Rebel basketball team. He also knew there was a chance that with the right amount of scoring he could become the all-time leader at the school.

On Monday night in Manalapan, Keegan drained two free throws to officially put himself at the top of the school's scoring list during a 57-44 win over the Braves.

Coach Brian Quick said it was fitting that Keegan broke the record at the free throw line, since the hard charging guard also holds the school single season record in that department, as well. "Once Ryan got the record out of the way he erupted for 17 points in the second half to lead us to victory," the coach said. 

Fortunately for the Rebels the rest of the team rallied around Keegan as well, as Kendall Simmons added 11 points, Mike Murphy had 10 and Brian Jordan netted nine.

As the regular season wraps up the Howell squad has won nine of their last 11 games, with their only losses coming to divisional powerhouses CBA and Middletown North. The coach said his team is coming together at just the right time. "We have a formula for winning basketball games that our players have really bought into," he said. "We have played well as a team over this stretch and it shows."

Keegan and the rest of the offense has helped bring in the wins, but the coach said another aspect of the game has played an important part as well. "You can't underestimate the tough defense we've played and our commitment to rebounding the basketball as a team," he said. "Nobody wants to be the guy that lets his teammates down by giving up an offensive rebound."

The win also helped the Rebels clinch a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament, which the coach said was another goal they had set out for themselves. "This team is hungry. We want much more and the best thing is, our guys are ready to run through walls to get it. This is a great bunch of guys to coach."

In the end, the night belonged to Keegan and his record setting performance. "I could not be happier for him," the coach said. "He is the living proof that if you work hard you can achieve anything. I'm also glad that he was able to get the record playing for his hometown team with his best friends. I think that's special too."

By the time the game was done Keegan had boosted his career scoring mark to 1,235 points. That moves him ahead of Dwayne Ailey who set the previous mark of 1218 points before graduating in 1998.

With this year's team being so close, the coach said it has made their success that much better. "There is such a family atmosphere with our team and fans. I hope he is an inspiration to other younger Howell basketball players."

The Rebels will be home again on Thursday night when they will welcome their local rivals from Freehold Township to town for a key late season contest.