SPORTS

HNT/GMC Boys Basketball Top 10

Lauren Knego
@laurenknego
Linden's Joey Krempa (2) shoots over the Patrick School's Jamir Harris on Jan. 3, 2017 at Kean University.

1. Linden (6-2): The Tigers had a three-game win streak snapped with a loss to the No. 1 team in the state, the Patrick School on Jan. 3, but bounced back with wins over Plainfield and Pope John. Linden will face Union on Tuesday and travel to Elizabeth on Thursday before hosting the Patrick School in a rematch next Tuesday, Jan. 17.

2. St. Joseph (8-0): St. Joseph has been averaging close to 56 points a game so far this season, and has yet to lose a game. The Falcons, No. 1 in the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division at 3-0, will host Westfield on Tuesday, and will travel to South Brunswick in a rematch of last year's GMC Tournament final on Thursday. St. Joseph will close out the week at Old Bridge on Saturday.

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3. Woodbridge (8-0): Thanks to its loaded, balanced offense, Woodbridge has yet to lose a game so far this season. Harry Rutkowski (13.1 ppg.), Kemari Persol (11 ppg.), Keshaun Henry (11 ppg.), Quran Robinson (10.2 ppg.) and Hura Blaine (10.2 ppg.) have combined to lead the Barrons, which is in first in the GMC White Division at 3-0. Woodbridge will travel to White Division opponent Sayreville on Thursday and will face Immaculata on Saturday in the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout at Montgomery. On Sunday, Jan. 15, Woodbridge will play Scotch Plains-Fanwood at the Allstate Eric LeGrand Classic at Kean University.

4. Sayreville (7-3): Since snapping a five-game win streak, Sayreville has gone 2-2 in its last four games, with losses against Gill St. Bernard's and Mater Dei Prep. The Bombers have won their last two games over Edison and Bayonne and will look to keep the win streak going when they face Woodbridge on Thursday, New Brunswick on Saturday and will have a huge test when they face St. Mary (Eliz.) on Sunday at the Allstate Eric LeGrand Classic at Kean.

5. South Brunswick (6-1): The Vikings had a five-game win streak snapped with a loss to GMC Red Division foe Piscataway on Jan. 3. South Brunswick bounced back with a win over East Brunswick, and will look to get back on track against Pennington on Monday, and will host Red Division rival St. Joseph (Met.) in a rematch of the GMC Tournament final on Thursday. On Saturday, the Vikings will face Bridgewater-Raritan in the Coaches vs. Cancer Shootout at Montgomery.

6. Carteret (8-1): Since falling to Matawan on Dec. 27, Carteret has won its last four games and is averaging close to 60 points a game during those victories. The Ramblers, No. 1 in the GMC Blue Division at 4-0, traveled to Perth Amboy on Monday and will play Perth Amboy on Wednesday, Spotswood on Friday and will Hillside on Sunday at the Allstate Eric LeGrand Classic at Kean.

7. Old Bridge (6-3): After suffering back-to-back losses, Old Bridge has won its last two games against J.P. Stevens and Bishop Ahr. The Knights will travel to J.F. Kennedy on Tuesday, Monroe on Thursday and will host St. Joseph (Met.) on Saturday.

8. Piscataway (3-5): After a three-game losing streak, Piscataway has won its last three games against Morris Knolls, Monroe and dealt South Brunswick its first loss of the season. In those three wins the Chiefs are averaging 68 points per game with D'Ondre Dent leading the way with 13.9 points per game. Piscataway will travel to Lakewood on Thursday and will host East Brunswick on Thursday. At halftime, the team will honor its 1994 Group IV championship team. On Saturday, the Chiefs will travel to J.P. Stevens.

9. Rahway (5-1): After starting the season 4-0, Rahway was dealt its first loss of the season, falling to A.L. Johnson 36-35. The Indians bounced back with a win over New Providence, and will look to keep the streak going when they play North Plainfield on Thursday and Roselle on Saturday.

10. Middlesex (5-2): After starting the season 1-2, Middlesex has won its last four games, averaging close to 60 points a game. The Blue Jays hosted Koinonia on Monday and will close out the week against Bishop Ahr on Wednesday and South Plainfield on Friday.

Records through Sunday. Staff Writer Lauren Knego: lknego@gannettnj.com; on Twitter: @laurenknego