NBA Draft Watch/Game of the Day, January 30th: Three McDonald’s All-Americans and Projected Lottery Picks Set to Play in "Jersey Shore Challenge", Roselle Catholic vs. Ranney (Updated w/ Game Recap and Quotes)

McDonald's All-Americans and Projected 2020 NBA Lottery Picks Scottie Lewis, Kahlil Whitney, and Bryan Antoine
(Photo Credit: Jersey Sports Zone)

While there are over 50 games at the Division 1 level scheduled for tonight, the contest that offers the most future NBA and pro-talent on one floor on this Wednesday evening won't come from the ACC, Big East, Big 12, PAC-12, SEC or another college conference.

Highlighting the I'm Possible, "Jersey Shore Challenge" pits two of the top programs in the ultra-talented state of New Jersey, both ranked in the USA Today Super 25, as high school hoops take the cake as the game for fans to wake their attention to, matching #15 Roselle Catholic and #16 Ranney — featuring three players recently selected to the McDonald's All-American Game and are projected lottery picks in the 2020 NBA Draft, as well as a few other young prospects with legitimate pro potential. 

In a rematch of the 2018 state championship game (NJSIAA, Non-Public B), Ranney will arrive looking to revenge it's 63-61 loss to Roselle Catholic, propelled by their terrific tandem in All-Americans Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis. Opposing them will be Roselle Catholic's own All-American in Khalil Whitney, who'll look to lead the Lions to victory.

Known more for it's academics than it's athletics, Ranney is a relatively fresh face as a nationally-ranked team and in the landscape of New Jersey high school hoops. Having won just 20 games over six seasons prior to the arrival of Antoine and Lewis as freshman, the Panthers have emerged and quickly ascended amongst the country's most talented programs during the last couple of years. 

Having accepted a scholarship to continue as a student-athlete at Florida, Scottie Lewis is one of the most dynamic basketball talents yet to reach the NBA. Receiving national attention while barely having become a teenager, the then thirteen year-old talent was praised as a potential pro, recognized for his tremendous leaping ability, being able to complete dunks with ease prior to reaching high school, including incredible 360 slams.

Relying upon his elite athletic ability at the outset of his high school career, which enabled him to establish himself against mature, top-tier talent, Lewis overall game has grown significantly since surfacing as a special 6'3 seventh grade star —burgeoning with every bounce.

Already a terror in transition, the now 6'5, 185 pound prospect has honed his skills to heap his effectiveness in the half-court, particularly since the end of his sophomore season. Over the course of the last two summers on the AAU circuit and now into his senior season, Lewis repetition in his perimeter shooting has increasingly improved, balanced by him becoming more comfortable and crafty as a ball-handler. 

Though he still prefers to play from inside the three point line, Lewis' has exhibited he can effectively erase any cushion opponents attempt to give him in trying to lure him into settle for three-point attempts. Utilizing his fine first step quickness in being able to brush past the defense, Lewis couples that with tremendous bounce that often results in a highlight-reel finish reaching high above the rim.

Moreover, the maturation and development of his offensive repertoire is realized in his ability to pull up and rise over the defense at just about any point inside the arc, as he has moved into the territory of mastering the mid-range jump shot. 

While continuing to complete his game offensively, its on the other side of the floor where Lewis length and athleticism, in addition to his dogged defensive mentality, make him a truly tantalizing two-way prospect that is projected to be selected as the fourth overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft according to ESPN.

Describing himself as the "the best defensive player in the country" and capable of guarding any player on the court, it's hard to argue against his self-anointment as he brings just as much if not more effort on that end of the floor as he does offensively — evident in his performance at the Hoop Hall Classic where he checked fellow McDonald's All-American selection 6'10 Jaden McDaniels, holding him to 10 points on 4-18 shooting from the field, while scoring 26 points himself in the victory.

Coupled with Lewis, Bryan Antoine also has seen a spurt in his game during each season at Ranney over the last four years. A talented player in his own right, Antoine may not have began his high school career known across the country as was Lewis, but quickly acquitted himself as someone who was deserving to be of notice nationally and has certainly caught the attention of plenty across America in his pursuit to becoming a top prospect and current All-American.

Putting up 20.6 points per game during his freshman year, Antoine has increased his ability and production each season, currently standing at 2,229 points for his high school career averaging 23.2 each contest as a senior.

Standing 6'5, 175 pounds the Villanova-commit is as complete a guard as you'll find in the country, playing with a poise and pace that makes him lethal with the ball in his hands whether on the break or in the construction of a offensive-set. Antoine is the primary ball-handler on the Panthers' squad and is a prized playmaker that can effectively ply the offense as a scorer or distributor, particularly in pick and roll opportunities.

Also, operative as an iso-option he can torch the defense with his ability to create his own shot. The dominant guard displays definite range out to the NBA three-point line, in addition to composing fluid ball-handling ability and body control that seamlessly allows him to flow in-n-out of the defense — allowing him to pick and choose his point of preference on the floor. Albeit not as noted as Lewis for his high-flying finishes, Antoine can more than hold his own as an athlete to attack above the rim, encompassing effortless, if not acrobatic ability in the air.

In recently being revealed as a McDonald's All-American, Antoine will become the second guard in as many years from New Jersey committed to Villanova who'll play in the prestigious prep event, (Jahvon Quinerly of Hudson Catholic) before taking task to the Big East where many expect he'll be a rare "one and done" prospect for the powerhouse program— as he's projected to be selected with the tenth pick of the 2020 NBA Draft, according to ESPN.

Antoine and Lewis will find themselves up against a more than formidable and familiar opponent in Roselle Catholic, who has emerged in recent years as the perennial prep power in the Garden State.  They emergence of "RC" has taken a hold of the mantle of Jersey, maintained for decades by the famed and now-closed St. Anthony's that was headed by Hall of Fame Coach Bob Hurley, Sr. and St. Patrick (now known as the Patrick School) that produced 2011 first overall pick and NBA All-Star Kyrie Irving and 2012 second overall pick Michael Kidd-Gilchrist. 

Having won three New Jersey Tournament of Champions titles in the last six years, the Lions have a long list of talented players who've proudly represented Roselle Catholic and raised the reputation of the program including Jameel Warney, Tyler Roberson, Malachi Richardson, Isaiah Briscoe, Chris Silva, and Naz Reid. With Reid having represented RC in the most recent McDonald's All-American game, they again this year have another player prized to play in the game in Kentucky-commit Kahlil Whitney.

At 6'7, 200 pounds, Whitney has develop into one of dynamic players in the country, similar to Lewis. Having come to New Jersey — where his father Kelly starred in college at Seton Hall — from Chicago, following a fine freshman season, the younger Whitney arrived at Roselle Catholic the following year and immediately asserted himself amongst the talented Roselle Catholic starting lineup that featured Reid (LSU), Nate Pierre-Louis (Temple), and Alonzo Frink (South Carolina), at the time. 

While finding his footing and showing flashes of plenty potential yet to be fulfilled, Whitney witnessed his elder teammates take possession offensively as he grew comfortable into his germinating game and new setting as a sophomore — averaging 10 points per game. Last season he proved himself as one of the best players in the state, helping Roselle Catholic win their third Tournament of Champions title as the primary scoring option alongside Reid. 

Then during the spring and summer circuit Whitney solidified himself as one of the top talents in the country, seeing his stock soar while playing for the famed Mac Irvin Fire, Illinois-based AAU team and during his time spent with USA Basketball team.

Already a quality athlete expressing certain skills that made him a sound player on the wing, Whitney wowed college coaches and analysts with his strong leaping ability off two feet which he enacted in plenty of powerful flushes and found an elevated level of confidence and consistency in his jump shot both, inside and outside the three-point line, made sure by him setting his feet and getting exceptional elevation upon his release.

Now a senior, Whitney has taken over as the go-to talent for Roselle Catholic averaging 20.8 points, 7.9 rebounds, 2.3 assists, 1.3 steals, and 1.1 blocks, while displaying his ability to bring it on both ends of the floor, for which he has been identified as the projected 11th overall pick in the 2020 NBA Draft according to ESPN — one selection following Bryan Antoine. 

Combining with Kahlil Whitney to form Roselle Catholic's own dynamic duo, UNLV-commit Josh Pierre-Louis will look to prove he is as potent a prospect and absorbs as much potential of the three McDonald's All-American selections on the floor. Nominated though not selected to the nationally acclaimed event, Pierre-Louis is a prospering point guard who has began to present his budding potential over the last year.

Coming off the bench to contribute as a sophomore for Roselle Catholic — on a team that featured his older brother Nate, now at Temple — he stepped into the starting lineup as a junior filling the void left by his sibling. Since that time the younger Pierre-Louis has improved in nearly every instance he's stepped on the court, filling out his game and his frame in becoming a now 6'3, 180 pound prospect who plays the position with an athleticism and attitude that could remind some of  Russell Westbrook and may have plenty of college coaches soon regretting their lack of recruitment of him, similar to how Ja Morant has at Murray State. 

Playing with a fire and desire on both sides of the floor, Pierre-Louis is capable of turning his opponent over with his passionate style of play on defense (averaging 3.2 steals per game) and converting on the opposite end with an aggressive, angry aim at the rim. Having scored a career-high 30 points, with six assists in his most recent game against Camden, he shows no sign of slowing up the steady progression he's been on since last season. That fresh fuel that he's featured can light the fire tonight in making a statement that he and Whitney are not just the best tandem in the state, but arguably in the country.

Photo Courtesy of Jersey Sports Zone

And that he, too, is deserving of being projected as a future NBA talent.

For fans who want may want to watch the game a free-live stream will surface on shoresportsnetwork.com for the 7:30 tip-off.

Game Recap 

In a highly anticipated matchup of two of the most talented teams in the country and a rematch of the New Jersey, Non-Public B State Championship from last year, it was the Ranney, ranked 16th in the USA Today Super 25, that came away with the 61-49 victory over Roselle Catholic, ranked 15th in the same poll.

The hype preceding the game was huge, with tickets that ranged up to $100 and a sold-out, beyond capacity crowd at Brookdale Community College, that caused for the event to have to turn away nearly 500 people who braved the freezing cold New Jersey temperatures in hopes of seeing the hottest game in the state this season.

Featuring three McDonald's All-American selections, six nominees in total, and double-digit Division I prospects, the amount of talent on the floor once the game began was fascinating. 

Taking control of the game from the opening tap, Ranney was led by one half of their All-American tandem in Bryan Antoine, who earned MVP honors for his performance — finishing with a game-high 25 points, four rebounds, three steals, and two assists. 

Antoine, who was honored prior to the game along with the other McDonald's All-American nominees and selections from both teams, came out on the opening possession for Ranney off the tip and drained an off-balance three.

Seemingly signaling that Ranney was ready right from the jump. 

"To be honest I didn't know if I was going to make it, because I really wasn't established, I just could kind of threw it up there and it went in. Then as soon as it went in, I felt it was going to be a good night." 

And a good night it was for the 6'5 Villanova-bound guard, who scored 11 of his 25 points in the first period and played with a calculated composure, finishing with just one turnover on the night in a game that presented plenty of applied defensive pressure and exchanging of possessions going each way. 

Playing a large factor in the defensive effort of Ranney was it's other star All-American, Scottie Lewis. 

Lewis exhibited his versatility and ability to impact the game even in not scoring a significant amount — finishing with 8 points — though putting forth a fantastic defensive effort tallying 10 rebounds, five blocks, and a steal. 

Even more than the stats indicate the 6'6 wing affect on the game was made evident for everyone in attendance, as he took the task of guarding fellow SEC-bound, McDonald's All-American Kahlil Whitney of Roselle Catholic from the opening possession. Using his length and quickness to stay with Whitney, Lewis defensive tenacity set the tone for Ranney as they put together a solid team defensive effort and ran out to an early lead in the first quarter. 

The 6'7, 200 pound Whitney put Roselle Catholic on the board with 6:22 in the first quarter draining a straightaway three to make the score 7-3 in favor of Ranney. However, being hassled by Lewis and a disciplined defensive Ranney unit, he was soon forced into back-to-back turnovers, including being called for a charge later in the quarter — as the Panthers swarmed the Kentucky-commit, specifically on his drives to the basket and any time he had the ball within the three point line.  

Despite being dogged by the defense, Whitney was able to go up and send in an impressive two-hand slam off a drop-step while crowded by multiple bodies in the paint, coming with 36 seconds left in the first quarter as RC finished the period trailing 19-15. 

Unfortunately for Whitney he would be held without a point during the second quarter, missing four free throws in his two trips to the line. He did however, help keep Roselle Catholic close as he threw a pretty lob pass in transition to senior guard Josh Pierre-Louis who went up with two hands and saw it through with one — completing the alley-oop that got the crowd buzzing and cut the lead to 29-22 with 3:12 left in the half. 

The 6'3, UNLV-commit Pierre-Louis would once again wow the crowd a little while later, rising for a one-hand tomahawk dunk with 1:07 remaining in the second quarter, which cut the lead to 31-26 — as RC went into the half trailing 32-28. 

Coming out of halftime, Ranney was able to seize control of the game after Roselle Catholic played them to an even 13-13 score in the second quarter and then saw Kahlil Whitney score the first points of the third period at the 7:38 mark, on a fadeaway from the free throw line which made made it a 2-point game at 32-30.

After a corner three from Florida-bound Alex Klatsky to increase the Ranney lead to 35-30 on the possession following Whitney's jumper, Brian Antoine went back to work for the Panthers squad. Sinking three shots in less than a minute — converting on a one hand floater, a steal and easy layup in the open court, and a tough finish over Roselle Catholic 6'11 center Cliff Omoyuri from the post — Antoine put the Panthers up 41-32 just about halfway through the third quarter. 

In between another Pierre-Louis high-rising one hand finish above the rim that made the score 44-37 in favor of Ranney, Scottie Lewis had a series of plays that moved the momentum in Ranney's favor going into the fourth quarter. 

Showing off his true two-way ability, Lewis leaped high to swat a shot out of midair before drawing a foul on the opposite end in attacking the basket and sinking a free throw.

He then ended the third quarter with a drive to the basket and hop in the lane that resulted in easy a layup seconds prior to the buzzer, giving Ranney a 48-39 advantage ahead of the final period.

Furthermore, with Ranney receiving possession of the ball to start the fourth quarter, Lewis began the period catching the ball on the left wing before taking a few strong dribbles to the middle of the key and getting a tightly contested jump shot from the free throw line to drop — as he himself fell to the ground and watched the ball bounce up and then again on the rim before settling through the net, extending his team's lead to 50-39. 

Later in the fourth Lewis was backed by Bryan Antoine, who provided a present for all those present in the crowd with his final basket at 4:25 left in the game, as he came away with a steal and breakaway two-hand highlight finish — reaching the Ranney lead to 59-44. 

That play effectively sealed the deal, bringing fans to their feet and sending some of the sold-out crowd to the exit in anticipation of the final result, which ended up as a 12-point triumph for the Panthers, 61-49.

Kahlil Whitney sunk a three from the corner and Josh Pierre-Louis pushed for a layup in transition closing out the scoring for Roselle Catholic in the final minutes. 

The two seniors, Whitney and Pierre-Louis finished with 15 and 13 points each, respectively, in the loss for the Lions. 

Playing in front of his future coach John Calipari who was in attendance, Whitney added five rebounds, three assists, and two steals, while draining three 3-point attempts in shooting 6-16 from the field. 

Meanwhile, the soon to be Runnin' Rebel, Pierre-Louis tallied four rebounds, one assist, and four steals, going 5-12 in his field goal attempts and sinking 3-4 from the free throw line.  

However, the tandem combined for 17 turnovers between them, illustrating how frustrating they found it be against the Ranney D [-efense]. 

In reference to the head-to-head matchup between the two All-American wings from Ranney and RC, Lewis offered his thoughts on being charged with the task of covering Whitney saying, "It's a normal defensive day. I knew my job going into the game was to guard Kahlil and slow him down. I think I do a solid job every time I guard someone. Being that is my main focus." 

"Defense is a mental thing. It's a skill for everyone to develop, but it's just effort. Defense is just effort and a mindset. Knowing you have to guard a player like that, you just lock in and do those things," Lewis added on his defensive performance. 

While much of the focus and fanfare of the game and "Jersey Shore Challenge" event itself was set around the two senior tandems of Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis of Ranney with Kahlil Whitney and Josh Pierre-Louis representing RC, there certainly was a significant amount of talented prospects that played, outside of those four individuals. 

Leading the way for the Lions along with Whitney and Pierre-Louis, 6'11 junior Cliff Omoyuri was the tallest player on the floor and played like it — particularly in the first half when he scored 13 of his 15 points.

Omoyuri was highly impressive in the opening half, throwing down a couple one hand slams, in addition to an impressive, perfectly-timed two-hand put-back dunk off a miss by Pierre-Louis. 

His play in the first two quarters was pivotal in keeping Roselle Catholic within a four point margin at the end of both periods. Blocking four shots and collecting 10 rebounds, in clinching a double-double, the athletic big has Auburn, Rutgers, Seton Hall,West Virginia, and UConn on his heels.

Moreover, with the way he performed, while having John Calipari in attendance, it wouldn't be a surprise to see Kentucky come calling for Omoyuri — if they haven't yet, already. 

Another of Roselle Catholic's key players and one it's three nominees for the McDonald's All-American Game is uncommitted senior Colby Rogers. 

Though Rogers was unable to get into a groove, having had some foul trouble throughout the game — collecting two fouls early in the first half and then picking up his fourth before the beginning of final quarter — he displayed some definite traits that will be of benefit to whatever college program he chooses.

Draining two 3's, he finished with six points, three rebounds, and two assists while playing staggered minutes due to foul trouble. However, when in the game Rogers was the primary defender against Lewis and played some effective on and off-ball defense against his childhood friend — helping hold the All-American to 3-13 shooting from the field.

Entering his senior year with offers from schools such as Canisius, Wagner, Robert Morris, East Carolina, Fairleigh Dickinson, and NJIT, the 6'5 wing has garnered some additional interest with his play thus far this season — having had Boston University, UNLV, and Temple track his talents recently. Rogers came up huge last week draining six 3's and scoring 24 points in allowing Roselle Catholic to escape 48-47 over Gill St. Bernard's — the same team that bounced back and beat Ranney 62-60 just two days later.

When asked about what is needed to get the four key players for Roselle Catholic in Whitney, Pierre-Louis, Omoyuri, and himself going at the same time, with the state tournament looming soon and another possible rematch with Ranney, Rogers mentioned,"We got to regroup and just come together as a team. Tonight you can tell we weren't cohesive and that's what killed us."

"The coaching staff does a good job. It just falls on us, when we have our lapses during the game. We can't have lapses like that, especially against good teams. So we just have to focus on not having lapses in staying consistent."

For Ranney they had a number of players a part of their supporting cast that deserved praise for their cohesiveness, as mentioned by star Scottie Lewis after the game stating, "Every headline is 'Scottie and Bryan, Bryan and Scottie'. But they don't talk about all the hard work Ahmadu (Sarnor) puts in behind the scenes, the 1,500 shots Alex (Klatsky) gets up every single week, the work Phil (Wheeler) puts in watching game film, being a sponge. Chris (Autino) working his ass off every single day." 

"It's just a collective group. We do everything together. We couldn't do what we do without them. They're owed all the glory."

Of the teammates Lewis mentioned, three of the four are seniors in Sarnor, Klatsky, and Autino. Yet, the biggest difference maker of that group in the game was junior Phillip Wheeler. 

Having recently become eligible after sitting out 30 days to begin the season, per transfer rules of the NJSIAA, the 6'9 Wheeler had a huge presence in the paint, coming off the bench to deliver a double-double — with 10 points and 12 rebounds, while adding two seals and two assists. 

He showed admirable hustle on a couple of plays, including one where he saved the ball from going out of bounds under his own basket, flinging it behind his back before it bounced directly towards to Antoine for an easy two.

In another instance, Wheeler came away with a steal near the sideline by mid-court and threw a pass ahead to Antoine for an uncontested deuce. 

Wheeler came up huge in the second half — helping limit Omoyuri who controlled the paint in the first half — and specifically in the four quarter when he had three dunks, including an impresive baseline drive and flush. He then closed out the scoring for Ranney with a strong, two-hand put-back slam to put them up 61-44 with two minutes left to play. 

Having transferred from Rumson Fair-Haven, where he starred as sophomore last season helping lead them to a sectional title, Wheeler was rumored and reported over the summer to be going to Roselle Catholic — before he arrived at Ranney. 

Speaking on going up against RC, Wheeler — who has gained the attention of Cincinnati, Florida, Lasalle, Seton Hall, St. John's, and Villanova — mentioned, "I really had no emotions coming into this game. I just felt like I needed to play my game and show everyone what I got."

As for the senior supporting cast, Ahmadu Sarnor stepped up big in what was just his second game of the year — having to miss Ranney's first 16 contests this season. 

A strong 6'2 guard with the build of a running back, Sarnor plays with a similar-style to that of someone with a football background, pressing opposing guards with a physical, downhill attacking mentality on offense and defense. He quietly came up big for Ranney during the game, scoring 12 points and drawing a couple charges on the defensive end. 

Scottie Lewis specifically spoke highly of his fellow senior teammate Sarnor, saying "He runs the floor, he scores pretty well, he distributes the ball."

"He's a floor general. He's a very underrated player, but he's one of the best players in the state. One of the best point guards in the state, in my opinion," said Lewis in closing about his senior teammate.

The two other seniors who join Antoine, Lewis, and Sarnor in the starting lineup for Ranney are Alex Klatsky and Chris Autino.

Both players have been four-year starters and significant contributors to the rise of The Ranney School's basketball program. 

Similarly, both Klatsky and Autino know will they will continue their careers as student-athletes.

The sharpshooting 6'4 Klatsky, who drilled two 3-pointers and was one of the six Mickey D's nominees to play in the game, will head to Florida —his father's alma mater — to play for the Gators along with Lewis. 

Meanwhile the 6'7 Autino, whose been a three-sport star throughout high school, recently committed to Georgetown on a football scholarship as a promising tight end prospect.

Last but certainly not least, of all the talented players on the floor and highlights that occurred during the game, no one person offered a more memorable moment than that of young Max Holden. 

The two year-old son of Ranney head coach and former National Champion center at Maryland, Tahj Holden, who was diagnosed with a cancer termed neuroblastoma just less than a year ago, was honored during half-time at mid-court — literally bringing the entire sold-out crowd to give the brave young boy a standing ovation, in a special scene to witness.

A portion of the proceeds from the "Jersey Shore Challenge" sponsored by I'm Possible Training will go to MaxStrong — a non-profit organization that assists in the aid of Max's treatment and care.