In a tense NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 Quarterfinal showdown, Central Regional bested Kingsway 44-42, a game decided in the final minute. Senior Jaycen Santucci was the hero for Central, putting up 15 points, pulling down 9 boards, and facilitating 6 assists, including the game-winning basket in the closing seconds. Both teams displayed their defensive grit from the outset. Scoring was challenging due to the level of defense exhibited. 

Central Regional jumped out to a 9-6 lead after the first quarter, with Royalty Riley dominating in the paint. Central responded in the second quarter, outscoring Kingsway 13-12, but the Dragons trailed 21-19 at halftime. Through three, the contest remained even. For Kingsway, Maurice Tavares Jr. came off the bench and made good on two three-pointers and six free throws for a total of 16 points. Central’s defense didn’t buckle, and despite Kingsway’s effort, the Golden Eagles led 30-29 going into the fourth. 

For the most part, the fourth quarter was characterized by points being exchanged back and forth as the game remained tied. Mikah Hart provided 10 points for Kingsway, and Derek Roth came up big for Central, connecting on a big three and converting five free throws to score eight points and grab five steals. The game’s ultimate moment, however, occurred with the score tied at 42-42 with less than 10 seconds to play. Santucci drove to the hole, rose up from the elbow, and nailed a tough two-pointer to give Central the lead. One last heave by Kingsway was heavily contested by Central’s D, as the game-ending shot was off the mark. That secured the 44-42 victory.

After the game, Santucci commented on his big moment. “I didn’t want to do anything but get to my position and take the shot that we are supposed to take every day in practice. I have to give my teammates credit for trusting me with the ball” he added.

 Kingsway was coached by Brian Kuzmick, and he praised his team’s spirit, despite the loss. “We have been fighting until the last minute of the season and, today was no different. We just lost. Props to Central; they made the right decisions at the right time” Kuzmick said.

Central’s defense was a big reason for the win, and Derek Roth had five steals to lead the way, while Royalty Riley had 12 points and nine rebounds to control the paint. It was surprising that Kingsway had no total rebounds at all, which meant that the team was unable to get many second-chance points.

Central Regional advances to the South Jersey Group 4 Semifinals with the victory and remains in the championship hunt. In the meantime, Kingsway’s season ends with an impressive 23-7 record and an undefeated Tri-County Royal conference crown. Clemente: “This was a fight, but we didn’t stop there. We have to bring the same amount of energy to the semifinals.” Central Regional looks like a team that is on a roll and has Doug Santucci at the helm, and they look like a team that is not ready to stop any time soon and make a serious run in the playoffs.

It’s all on the line as Kingsway (23-6, 8-0 Tri-County Royal) and Central Regional (24-3, 10-0 Shore A South) meet in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 4 Quarterfinals. Both teams are at the top of their leagues, but only one is going to continue in the fight for a sectional crown.

Kingsway comes into the matchup with a well-rounded team, featuring two of the top performers this season in Maurice Tavares Jr. and Dasir Williams-Bey, who have each put up 296 points. Williams-Bey has been a presence in the paint, grabbing 143 rebounds, and Tavares Jr. has been a perimeter threat with 33 made three-pointers. Junior guard Mikah Hart is also a key player, scoring 236 points and making 59 assists, which provides the Dragons with multiple ways to put the ball in the basket.

Central Regional has also found its success on the offensive end of the floor thanks to Jaycen Santucci, who has been one of the best players in the bracket this year, scoring 502 points and dishing out 91 assists. Junior guard Jayson King is also an important player for the Eagles, scoring 290 points and making 82 steals, which makes him a dangerous player on both offense and defense. In the post, Royalty Riley (146 rebounds) and Santucci (187 rebounds) give Central Regional a slight advantage on the boards. Central Regional has been powered by an explosive offense led by Santucci, who has been one of the most dominant players in the bracket this year with 502 points and 91 assists. 

Another important player is senior guard Jayson King, who has put up 290 points and 82 steals, the most on the team, which makes him a threat on both offense and defense. King has also been able to convert points in the paint and at the line, where he’s shot 76.5 percent this year. Riley has also been effective around the rim, converting 56.9 percent of his two-pointers this season.

With both teams capable of scoring in bunches, rebounding and defense could be the deciding factors. Kingsway will need Tolley and Williams-Bey to control the boards, while Central Regional’s defensive pressure, led by King and Santucci, could be the difference. A trip to the South Jersey Group 4 Semifinals is on the line, and with two battle-tested teams ready to go, expect a hard-fought, down-to-the-wire playoff thriller.

The NBA’s play-in tournament was pitched as a way to inject excitement into the end of the regular season and give more teams a shot at playoff glory. In reality, it’s a pointless gimmick that takes away from the importance of the regular season and rewards mediocrity.

First, let’s address the obvious flaw: the regular season already determines playoff spots. Over an 82-game season, teams have every opportunity to prove they deserve a postseason berth. The play-in undermines this by allowing lower-seeded teams, some with losing records, to compete for playoff spots they haven’t earned. Why should a 9th or 10th seed, teams that were clearly worse over the course of the season, get a second chance to steal a playoff spot?

Moreover, the play-in creates unnecessary risk for higher-seeded teams. The 7th and 8th seeds, who have already fought hard to secure their spots, are now forced into single-elimination or two-game scenarios where one bad night could erase their season’s work. Imagine a team like the Miami Heat or Los Angeles Lakers getting bounced by a 10th-seeded team barely clinging to relevance. It's not fair, and it’s not good basketball.

The league also credits the play-in as a way to discourage tanking, but let’s be honest teams at the bottom still tank for lottery odds. Instead of incentivizing competition, the play-in simply shifts the focus to a new batch of teams: those battling for mediocrity rather than excellence.

The NBA’s playoffs was already a top event, known for their intensity and high stakes. The play-in cheapens that by forcing in teams that don’t belong. It’s time to scrap this consolation prize and restore the integrity of the postseason.

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River North, the reigning king of Group 5 football, continued its reign with a commanding 27-10 victory over Washington Township in the NJSIAA South Group 5 state semifinal on Friday night. The Mariners, now 13-0 and ranked No. 5 in the state, extended their winning streak to 16 games, punching their ticket to the state final at Rutgers University.

Key Performances and Turning Points

Quarterback T.J. Valerio led Toms River North's offense with a stellar performance, completing 11 of 14 passes for 200 yards and three touchdowns. Valerio’s connection with wide receiver Nasir Jackson proved unstoppable, highlighted by a 50-yard touchdown in the second quarter. “We just work harder than everyone,” said Jackson, who hauled in four catches for 111 yards.

The Mariners built momentum in the second quarter, scoring 21 of their 27 points. Running back Cole Garrison opened the scoring with a 3-yard run before Washington Township tied it on a 21-yard pass from backup quarterback Kirtan Patel to Paris Pratt. However, Toms River North answered swiftly, with Valerio hitting Mekai Moore for a 26-yard touchdown and Jackson for the deep strike that shifted the game’s momentum.

Despite a 33-yard field goal from Washington Township’s Luke Sheets to close the first half, the Minutemen failed to find the end zone in the second half, stymied by Toms River North’s relentless defense, led by Blaise Boland’s disruptive presence.

Postgame Reflections

“This team was built from the bottom up,” said Valerio, who also led the team in rushing with 53 yards. “We’ve practiced together since we were kids, and now we’re here, one step closer to our goal.”

Washington Township head coach Mike Schatzman praised his team’s progress despite the loss. “Playing a team like North shows us where we want to be,” Schatzman said. “We’re not far off and have a strong group returning next year.”

Toms River North will face Union City, which dominated East Orange, in their quest for a third consecutive state title.

The Maryland Terrapins (4-7, 1-7 Big Ten) meet the No. 4 Penn State Nittany Lions (10-1, 7-1 Big Ten) in a captivating end-of-season affair at Beaver Stadium on Saturday, November 30, 2024, at 3:30 PM. Penn State is looking to firm up its playoff resume and keep its good season going while Maryland is looking to salvage some pride in what has become a rough season. This matchup is bound to be as intense and thrilling as any classic Big Ten rivalry.

Key Context and Stakes

For Penn State, this game is an opportunity to cement its playoff hopes. The Nittany Lions, currently tied with Ohio State and Indiana at 7-1 in league play, are still in play for a Big Ten crown and a possible College Football Playoff berth. A victory here, and perhaps with some other results going their way, could help propel them up the rankings and into the company of the nation’s best.

Conversely, Maryland is going for pride after a disappointing season. It’s been a five-game slide for the Terrapins, marked by defensive failures and uneven play on offense. But they will indeed plan to spoil Penn State's postseason dreams and end the season on a positive note.

Key Matchups

1. Quarterback Duel: Maryland’s Billy Edwards Jr. has shown flashes of brilliance this season, throwing for 2,881 yards and 15 touchdowns. However, his nine interceptions have been costly. On the other side, Penn State’s Drew Allar boasts an impressive 17:5 touchdown-to-interception ratio and will look to exploit Maryland’s defense.

2. Run Game Battle: Penn State’s Kaytron Allen leads their ground attack with 664 rushing yards and five touchdowns. Maryland’s Roman Hemby will need a standout performance to relieve pressure from Edwards Jr., but he faces a stout Nittany Lions front seven that has been a nightmare for opposing runners.

3. Receivers to Watch: Maryland’s Tyrese Felton has been a bright spot, with over 1,000 receiving yards and nine touchdowns. He’ll face Penn State’s disciplined secondary, led by safety Keaton Ellis. Penn State tight end Theo Warren, with 910 yards, could be a game-changer in the red zone.

Trends and History

The Terrapins are coming off a 29-13 loss to Iowa, marking their fifth consecutive defeat. Defensively, they’ve allowed an average of 34.6 points over the losing streak. Meanwhile, Penn State has rebounded from their lone loss to Ohio State with three straight wins, including a nail-biting 26-25 victory over Minnesota last week.

Historically, Penn State has dominated this rivalry, winning 42 of 46 meetings. The Nittany Lions will look to maintain their dominance in front of a home crowd that will be rocking with playoff hopes on the line.

What to Watch For

• Playoff Scenarios: With a strong showing, Penn State could influence the Big Ten standings and bolster its playoff resume.

• Upset Potential: Maryland has nothing to lose, and playing spoiler could motivate them to deliver their best performance of the year.

• Weather Conditions: With gametime temperatures projected in the 20s, the cold could play a role in game dynamics, especially for Maryland’s passing attack.

Prediction

While Maryland has capable playmakers, Penn State’s superior talent, depth, and stakes give the Nittany Lions a significant edge. Expect a controlled, methodical performance from the Nittany Lions as they march closer to their postseason dreams.

Prediction: Penn State 38, Maryland 17.

The Eagles Bound for Super Bowl Glory in 2025

The Philadelphia Eagles are destined to hoist the Lombardi Trophy in 2024. This isn’t just hometown optimism, it’s a bold prediction grounded in facts. From their fast paced (after the 1st quarter) offense to their resilient defense, this team has the tools to conquer the NFL.

Jalen Hurts has evolved from a promising prospect to one of the league’s elite quarterbacks. His dual-threat ability, leadership, and relentless work ethic set him apart. With weapons like A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and Dallas Goedert, the Eagles boast one of the most balanced and explosive receiving corps in the league. Add in the bruising run game led by a MONSTER Saquan Barkley and the best offensive line in football, anchored by Cam Jurgans the replacement for Jason Kelce and Lane Johnson, and you have a unit that can dictate the pace of any game.

Defensively, the Eagles are stacked. The combination of veteran leadership and young talent on the line, including Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter, makes the pass rush deadly. Darius Slay and James Bradberry with new rookies such as Cooper Dejean and Nakobe Dean lock down opposing wideouts, while the linebacker corps, bolstered by offseason improvements, ensures talent across the field.

What sets this team apart is its experience. After falling just short in Super Bowl LVII, the Eagles are fueled by hunger and redemption. They’ve learned what it takes to compete at the highest level and are battle-tested.

Also, the coaching staff, led by Nick Sirianni, continues to innovate. Their game planning is tailored to exploit opponents’ weaknesses, and their culture of accountability ensures every player is locked in.

The Eagles are built to win now. They have the talent, the drive, and the blueprint to dominate. Come February 2025, the Lombardi Trophy will return to Broad Street. Fly, Eagles, Fly!

Over the last two decades, sports analytics matured from a niche resource among statisticians into an essential aspect of decision-making for pro teams across the NHL, NFL, and MLB. We can see these leagues embracing analytics to improve individual and team-level performance, game strategies, as well as long-term roster construction. But what is the direction behind this trend? Analytics in the NHL even tell you how much puck possession means or where players need to be positioned. Recent improvements in wearables might allow for data on fatigue and speed to be streamed directly to the sideline, providing coaches metrics to help make split-second decisions. Mark Hendricks, Kingsway High School football coach with a background in sports strategy, says: "Technology is going to get to the point where we will know the second performance slips. And that is going to alter the way games are administered."

This is a huge year for the NFL and analytics, as now next-gen stats are available from nearly every play. From information on how likely a completion is at any point with pass tracking data to heat maps for player movement, teams have ever-growing streams of information allowing for in-game data analytics by coaches. As time progresses, taking analytics to the next level in predicting how and when injuries may develop, reducing an organization’s most costly issues through evidence-based playtime management. According to self proclaimed rowan student sports analyst Keegan Dilks, "Soon coaches may have a dashboard that tells them not only what they should do, but the probability of success"

The MLB has been one of the first leagues to embrace analytics and it continues to break new ground. Collating biomechanics and player-specific data has allowed teams to customize training programs based on the individual player. This is especially beneficial to pitchers, with data identifying the precise mechanics that maximize velocity while limiting injury risk. Soon, smart balls or gloves will provide feedback on grip, spin rate, and force, providing athletes and their trainers with unparalleled control. In a world where teams in these leagues are increasingly dependent on data, how do they strike the right balance? Will coaches eventually lean so hard on numbers that the “human” aspect of gut instinct and experience will be pushed to a back seat? Hendricks says there also may be something of a "push-back" from some coaches who want to "stay attached to the human element of the sport."

Analytics are already being used by parents and young athletes to improve skills and position athletes for scholarships. And as analytics technology becomes ever easier and more affordable, the trend seems destined to increase. That trend may make youth sports the next frontier in the uncompromising, data-obsessed world of NHL, NFL, and MLB, but experts warn there could be a ceiling. As Dilks explains, “Analytics are a good thing, but using them too much at a young age may add pressure or take away the fun of playing the game.” Analytics will always be top, but the real trick is finding the balance between leveraging data without rendering the emotional, human pieces of sports suspense, intrigue, and surprise irrelevant.

Welcome to the live coverage of the 2024 election results. Polls have closed across the state, and updates are coming in here are the latest results.

Presidential Election
Gloucester County voters decisively chose which way they wanted their local presidential race to go with all precincts reporting. Earning 81,216 votes in the county, Republican Donald J. Trump had the most votes, with Democratic candidate Kamala D. Harris not far behind with 76,326 votes. The other candidates received 2,217 of the remaining votes, including Robert F. Kennedy Jr., who earned 1,202.

U.S. Senate
In one of the most competitive races of the night, Democratic incumbent Andy Kim has successfully defended his seat with a count of 77,606 votes to 75,443 votes over Republican Curtis Bashaw. This close outcome highlights New Jersey's dynamic political landscape as Democrats work to maintain their Senate majority.

House of Representatives - CD1
The 1st Congressional District race was called for Democratic incumbent Donald Norcross, who received 55,095 votes, narrowly defeating Republican challenger Theodore "Teddy" Liddell, with 53,550 votes.

House of Representatives - CD2
In the 2nd Congressional District, Republican Jeff Van Drew won with 24,936 votes, comfortably defeating Democratic challenger Joseph F. Salerno, who received 19,393 votes.

Gloucester County Sheriff
The county sheriff’s race was decided by a remarkably narrow margin. Republican Jonathan M. Sammons leads with 77,019 votes, edging out Democrat Carmel Morina, who has 77,003 votes. This close contest underscores the importance of each vote in determining this role.

County Commissioner
In the County Commissioner race, Republicans Nicholas DeSilvio (78,627 votes) and Christopher Konawel (76,508 votes) lead Democrats Tom Bianco (75,531 votes) and Don Heverly (75,033 votes). With nearly all precincts reporting, both seats are expected to go to Republicans, signaling a change in local governance.

Glassboro Council
In Glassboro, Democratic candidates for Borough Council Anna Miller (4,502 votes) and Andrew Halter (4,445 votes) won their seats, defeating Republican candidates Danielle Mazza-Diventi (3,119 votes) and Michael Oscar (2,972 votes).

Voter Turnout
This year, 71.82% of registered voters in Gloucester County turned out, indicating strong public engagement in this crucial election cycle.

Continue to check back as more results are finalized. For more updates and in-depth analysis, follow our live coverage.

FragPhillyTap2 had an esports event last weekend in CSGO and Amped Esports performed well. After going 3–0 through the group stage and winning their first playoff series, this team became a freight train. Although they finished their run in the quarterfinals, this was a definite step forward for Amped as it searches to grow on LAN events.

Here's what Andrew Schenk, Owner and Founder of Amped Esports, had to say: "This event was a real learning experience for us. Having to get used to the LAN environment, and the team's growth and resilience have been amazing. Fragadelphia is great all around, we've traveled coast to coast, and FragPhilly only solidifies the fact that we're on our path to improvement."

Amped Esports has been on quite the grind since day one, hitting local events in Philly and LANs across the country, from LA to Dallas, Kansas City, Ohio, SoCal, and now Miami. As a young and rising squad in the scene, this team is firmly set on the competitive CSGO map.

While it was a shorter-lived accomplishment, the addition of FragPhillyTap2 served as another measuring stick for Amped to build on while continuing through tournaments. This is a team to watch as they steadily improve.

GLASSBORO, N.J. - Long-time residents and students at Rowan University are on edge as reports of property crimes climb in some neighborhoods around the school. Local police have also reported thefts, vandalism, and vehicle break-ins in various areas surrounding the campus. Property crimes have spiked 15% in the past year and are occurring more often in neighborhoods primarily made up of students, according to data from the Glassboro Police Department.

Lt. Michael McCann, a spokesperson for the Glassboro Police Department, said crime rates historically change, but the recent uptick is troubling. “Property-related crimes have been going through the roof, especially in residential areas where students live,” McCann said. "Although we are stepping up patrols and our community outreach, we must be more vigilant by taking preventive measures like locking your doors and securing personal belongings."

Since then, students have expressed concerns about safety in the area. Rowan University recent graduate Chris Marcou was a victim of a break-in in April outside his off-campus apartment. "It is quite frustrating because I have always felt comfortable here," Marcou said, "but now it just feels like a double-check of 'are you sure the car door was locked?' I know a couple of my friends who have had their bikes stolen as well, so it feels like we're targeted."

McCann acknowledged the tough living situations many students face particularly those off-campus. "Some students, especially new ones, might not realize that property crimes can occur in places like Glassboro, a usually quiet college town." He recommended students attend a community safety workshop on campus in collaboration with local law enforcement to get advice on personal protection and reducing your chances.

Rowan University, alongside its police force, is also addressing the problem. The university is in ongoing discussions with the Glassboro Police Department to protect students, said spokesperson Nancy Matthews. “Gates were never intended to be our only security measure, they are just one feature of a bigger safety plan we have developed,” Matthews stated.

The town's rapid expansion has also sparked discussions. The surge in students and new businesses has transformed the Glassboro community. It creates some opportunities with that growth, but local police said it might also be spawning a higher number of thefts and vandalism. 

The university and law enforcement have been working to educate students about safety throughout the semester, but they continue efforts. The police department urges anyone to report anything they see as suspicious and are still patrolling where it is known that a number of high-risk areas considerably in the late hours. 

Though the collaboration of law enforcement measures and a big student body could help to deter this trend, the uptick in property crime is still a point of contention for Glassboro residents.

The hockey story of Zack Williams is no less amazing. As Zack enters his final year as a defenseman for the Rowan Street Hockey team, we take a look at how he became a cornerstone player for the team. The best part about this story is that Zack had never played hockey before his freshman year of college. While there was a huge learning curve to pick up the game, Zack has helped his team perform at a championship level.

Zack joined Rowan's street hockey team early on in development. His initial season, in fact, was a difficult one, the team finished 0-10 that year. “Start was a little rough,” Zack remembers, “but this is where we are now, we’re champions.” Playing as a beginner, Zack faced a steep learning curve but never gave up, using those early struggles as motivation.

Rowan found many talented incoming freshmen through the club sign-up process, bringing in a fresh batch of players for the seasons after. The Rowan Street Hockey team secured a wild-card berth for the 2022-23 season, going 6-3 in the regular season. After sweeping the wild-card series, they fell short in the semifinals. Still, the team had just started to taste success.

Then came the 2023-24 season. With Zack anchoring the defense, Rowan went 8-2 in the regular season before going undefeated in the playoffs, winning their first championship. For the team, which had started from the bottom, it was a dream season; for Zack, it felt like the payoff off years of effort.

Now, a co-president of the team entering his final season, the goal is clear; defend the title and make one last statement with Rowan Street Hockey. 

An early fall Saturday began in the heart of Historic Swedesboro for Swedesboro Day 2024. The annual event on Kings Highway provided a day of music, vendors, and car shows for families, friends, and guests in the community. A people's day, a nice and family-friendly festival, that not only brings fun for vendors and business owners but also to kids and families.

Organized by the Swedesboro Economic Development Committee, Swedesboro Day is an event that showcases local businesses and promotes community pride. One of the event organizers, 45-year-old John Michaels, said they hope to highlight what is great about Swedesboro and bring people together. "Today is all about celebrating what makes our community great in the first place," he said.

A day filled with entertainment

The event began early in the morning and went late into the night, with live music performances on the main stage keeping everyone entertained all day. There was a wide variety of music, from local bands and solo artists to rock and country. Local favorites "The Piney Boys" performed, and they brought in big crowds for part of the afternoon.

One of those attendees was Mary Stevens, 34, a longtime Swedesboro resident who has been coming to the event for years. “Swedesboro Day is great”, said Stevens. “This is the live music, and seeing friendly faces, that make this one of my all-time favorite events.”

There were even family-friendly options for families with children, such as face painting, carnival rides, and inflatable bounce houses. To ensure everyone had a good time, including the smallest attendees, there was even a designated area for activities for families and their little ones. “It’s just nice to see kids having a lot of fun, and everyone’s so friendly,” said Tom Reynolds, 38, who attended the event with his two children.

Food and shopping from local businesses

As well as the music and family fun, there were over seventy food trucks and local vendors selling everything from traditional BBQ to vegan options at Swedesboro Day. Many local food businesses had special booths outside to gain new customers and show off their best dishes.

Nick Ferraro, 29, a pizzeria owner of Mama Francescas in the neighborhood, said the day was good for business. “…it is great to see how much this town has grown and continues to be there for each other,” Ferraro said. "Being able to participate in events like this is a great way for small businesses like mine to get in front of new people."

Guests could also shop the rows of vendors with homemade crafts, jewelry, and other cheap merchandise. The event created a platform for local artists to showcase their work and customer base.

A celebration of Swedesboro’s history and growth

The event closed just as the sun began to go down, with a closing ceremony that spoke of Swedesboro’s heritage and how things such as this day are essential to keep events like these going. Swedesboro Day is "just a celebration of how far we’ve come since year 1.” said Michaels. It grows, and we just try to have a good time every year, and we can't do that without everyone who comes out.

Please check the Swedesboro website for information on upcoming events in Swedesboro and all of the businesses that participated in Swedesboro Day.