High School Ice Hockey:
South Jersey High School Ice Hockey Final Four Preview
Saturday, February 17, 2001
By Mike Costantino
SJSports Staff Writer
The semi-finals are set for the SJHSIHL and there was only one surprise of the four teams that are in is Shawnee who upset Cinnaminson. With the win, the Renegades gets to challenge Washington Township and in a rematch from last years semifinals. Eastern will take on defending league champion Clearview. Both series are the best of three, with the first games being played at the Skatezone in Voorhees on Monday night. Let's take a look at the matchups:
Township vs. Shawnee
Team speed- Anderson, Gori, Zaccaria just to mention a few give Township a huge edge, but Shawnee has some size that could cause some minor problems. Edge to Township.
Goal tending- the two-headed system of Buckalew and Sezchech has worked well for Coach Brown, and although Shawnee's Sutphin had a five hundred record, his goals against was 3.83. Slight edge to Township.
Defense- both teams play solid defense; Shawnee was third in the league in fewest goals allowed, Township was first, and usually covers its mistakes with its speed. Edge to Township.
Intangibles- Township was unbeaten and is expected to win; Shawnee is the underdog and has nothing to lose. I suspect Coach Brown's calming demeanor will continue throughout. Edge to Township.
Prediction- Shawnee will play hard and not quit, but Township has too much depth and speed. Township in two.
Eastern vs. Clearview
Team speed- Becker is arguably one of the quickest skaters in the league, but with both Gooch's and Coble, Clearview has the answer. Slight edge to Clearview.
Goal tending- Eastern's Ramsay started strong and is just a freshman and Weisenbach can be solid. Call it even.
Defense- Warrington and Fadako are both offensive defensemen as are Gooch and Coble. Slight edge to Clearview.
Intangibles- Clearview is the defending champ and seems to be playing its best hockey, Eastern is talented but young.
Prediction- Eastern will keep coming at you but Clearview will use its physical play to prevail. Clearview in two.
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