Howell Hoops Joins Mustang Rivalry

Howell and Brick Memorial have shared wins and losses in quite a few big games over the years.

In 2006 the two teams met on the gridiron at Howell with a Group IV title game berth at stake. Howell won a tight smash-mouth 14-7 contest, a year after the 'Stangs ended their dream season a round earlier. In 2009, with another title game berth on the line, the Mustangs pulled off the upset with seven seconds remaining sending home the Shore Conference American Division champions. In the most recent match up, Howell won against the favored 'Stangs in a must win in their final regular season game to qualify for the playoffs.

No love lost between the hockey programs either. In Howell's first ever game, the experienced Mustangs beat the Rebels handily in 2008. Later, in the post season, the Mustangs ended the Rebels playoff hopes in an extremely close contest. To open the regular season in 2009, the Rebels beat Memorial 1-0, gaining the respect of many throughout New Jersey.

It is safe to say basketball can be added to the rivalry after Tuesday night.

With an electric atmosphere and a bruised star, the Rebels took care of business, winning 52-48.

"This is the first time I can recall us winning a Shore Conference Tournament game in a while, maybe ever," said Howell head coach Brian Quick. "I told the boys they were the team destined to come out and do it, and they really earned it tonight."

Senior Ryan Keegan certainly has scored more points than the 17 he had Tuesday, had more assists, rebounds, and steals too before - but the leader has never played as well as he did, at a time when his team needed him the most. Keegan has been questionable all week with bruised ribs but was the difference maker as his play down the stretch gave the Rebs a victory.

"He's just incredible," said Quick, "he's banged up yet he's still out there playing the game reckless and without fear."

"It's annoying," said Keegan of his injury. "The pain can be tough to deal with. This is something I've wanted my whole career, though - I couldn't miss this."

After trailing at the end of the first quarter, Keegan sparked the Rebels with seven points in the second. Howell went on a 13-0 run and took the lead as Kendall Simmons put back a rebound and then scored again as Memorial turned the ball over going upcourt. Mike Murphy got the best of the Mustang big men all night.

"His play out there is something that cannot be underestimated. He was the missing piece. He can score, rebound, and play defense. What else can you ask?" said Quick of Murphy

"We knew they were a good squad, we wanted to go out there and play our game." said Murphy, whose 16 points were second to Keegan on the night. "It's a big win especially able to hold on like that."

The Rebels strong play allowed them to hold a 40-31 lead to start the fourth. That is when things got a little scary.

For one, there was a problem in the crowd. A few Memorial fans had to be escorted out. After everything had appeared to be under control, someone emptied a water bottle on the court in response.

"The break gave Keegan a bit to rest which was good, but other than that it was terrible," said Quick, "we were hot and the stoppage seemed to really slow us down. It's unfortunate because there was nothing anyone could do about it and I know [Memorial coach] Ed Sarluca is a great guy along with his players."

Howell struggled to find their rhythm and Memorial had fought back to within four with a few minutes remaining. The Rebels managed to hang tough and hit their free throws as Keegan sunk his final two and lifted the score to 52-48 with four seconds remaining. An errant pass sealed the win for the Rebels as the game ended with a new rivalry born.

Memorial could not find an answer for Kendall Simmons all night as he scored 10. Raquan Haynes added five and Mike Porter chipped in three.

The Rebels will travel to Neptune to take on the #5 seeded Scarlet Fliers on Thursday at 6:30.

"It's going to be tough, but anything is possible." said Keegan of the task at hand of dismantling the Fliers.

"We go into every game believing we can win," said Murphy, "we all have a lot of confidence going forward and we'll see what happens."