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Rebel Report: Wrestling Atop Division, Set to Host in SCT

Ice hockey makes push towards Handchen Cup

Behind an array of talent and experience, the Howell wrestling team has had another impressive season, with a record of 14-2 as of Jan. 21.

While they have losses to Phillipsburg, 28-27, and Ocean Township, 28-24, the Rebels, who are undefeated in Shore Conference Class A North, have earned the No. 3 seed in the Shore Conference Tournament and will be one of the four host sites for the Round of 16 and quarterfinal matches on Thursday. The tournament opens Tuesday with preliminary round matches.

On Thursday, the Rebels will wrestle the winner of Tuesday's match between Toms River East and Barnegat. Matawan and Brick also will be squaring off at Howell. The winners of those two matches will face off later that night at Howell.

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Junior Ben Esposito has been the top wrestler for Howell, posting an 18-1 record, with his only loss coming to Ocean's Zach Hertling, a 5-0 decision at 126 pounds, on Saturday.

Sophomore Jimmy Slendorn has been a reliable lightweight for Howell as well, with a 16-3 record at 106.

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The Rebels are led by seniors Cole Cameron (138) and Zach Bohm (160), both of whom have seen plenty of action through their four-year varsity careers. Cameron is 13-5 this year at 138 and Bohm is 18-2 at 160. Cody Kirk (170) and Nate Litowsky (182) have both had good seasons, both with 17-4 records.

In ice hockey: Playing for the first time without a potent offensive scorer, it's been a slower season for the Rebels.

Senior Mike Kochenash, junior Austin Crane and freshman Kyle Haullbauer have anchored a hockey team that has posted an 8-6-1 record and sits in fourth in the Shore B.

Senior Zack Peras has been the mainstay in net for the Rebels.

Despite a slower start, Howell has won their previous two games, scoring 17 goals in wins over Toms River South and Freehold Township.

"The boys are starting to play together and click as a team," coach Bill Daley said.

The Rebels will need to finish in at least fourth place in the division to qualify for the Handchen Cup in February.

"We know it's one of our goals, Daley said, "The boys know that every win is closer to making (the) Shore Conference (tournament)."

The first line of Kochenash, Crane and Hallbauer has been Howell's biggest scoring threat all season and they will look to continue that heading towards the postseason.

Senior Matt Kotch has been the top defenseman for the Rebels.

In boys basketball: A year after reaching the semifinals of the Shore Conference Tournament -- the farthest the team has ever advanced -- the Rebels have struggled.

Raquan Haynes and Dylan Abolafia are the only seniors on this season's team, which has struggled to a 2-9 record.

"It's a brand new cycle, and it's going to take time," coach Brian Quick said. "I've been here before. We graduated eight seniors. These guys are going to get their experience and eventually we're going to start winning games."

Howell's best performance was two weeks ago, when the Rebels battled from a 13-point second-quarter deficit to take Manalapan into triple overtime. The Braves eventually beat the Rebels, 65-57.

"I've never felt so bad for a group of kids, because I knew how hard they worked," Quick said. "It's the hardest thing about basketball: learning how to close out a game when you have the lead and the other team is coming after you."

Howell had just one win in division this season.

In girls basketball: Much like the boys, the Rebels are struggling this season due to a lack experience.

Howell lost a game to Woodbridge early in the season after holding a 10-point lead late in the game, as the inexperience played a factor.

"We've seen the inexperience falter under pressure, and that's to be expected," coach Bill Gallacher said.

The Rebels' biggest offensive threat is senior Shannon Pickett, who was a key player off the bench last season.

Seniors Chelsea James and Cristina Justiniano have also played important roles this season.

Freshmen Gabby Green and Marykate Baroska have seen playing time this year, although Gallacher said he would have preferred to have them play at the junior varsity level to gain experience.

Howell is 1-10 this year.

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