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THREE STARS OF THE WEEK (Dec. 31-Jan. 6)
George Cote, Delbarton, G, Jr.
The junior recorded the first shutout of his career this week in a 5-0 win over St. Augustine, in a rematch of last season’s Non-Public state final (won by St. Augustine in overtime). Cote stopped all 24 shots that came his way. He has a more than solid .926 save percentage in six games with the Green Wave this year.
Luc Jansson, Gill St. Bernard’s, G, So.
Jansson put together a big-time performance for the Knights in their biggest game of the season to date. He stopped 40 of 41 shots in backstopping his team to a 1-1 tie with West Morris in a battle of the top two teams in the Haas Division this season. He has a .933 save percentage to his name this season in leading the Knights to a 4-1-1 start.
Athena Halewicz, Madison (girls), F, So.
The sophomore had a big week for the Dodgers during their turnaround season, as she had a goal and two assists in a dominant win over Westfield. Then, in a game at Prudential Center against Randolph, she scored two goals- including the game-winner in overtime- to lead her team to a 2-1 win. The Dodgers are now 5-1, which is the best start in program history.
MORRIS-SUSSEX HOCKEY REPORT TOP 10 RANKINGS (through Jan. 6)
1- Delbarton (7-1)
Last week: 1
In their only action of the week, the Green Wave took down St. Augustine, 5-0 in a Non-Public final rematch.
2- Randolph (8-0-1)
Last week: 2
The Rams continued their winning ways this week with a 3-1 win over Morristown-Beard, followed by a 9-0 win over Summit.
3- Pope John (7-4)
Last week: 3
The Lions suffered a tough, 10-0 setback to Bergen Catholic, but bounced back the next day with a 6-2 win over St. Peter’s Prep. Games with Morristown-Beard and Seton Hall Prep loom this week.
4- Chatham (7-3)
Last week: 4
The Cougars suffered a 4-2 loss to reigning Public A champion Ridge, but bounced back by taking down Mount Olive-Hopatcong-Hackettstown, 7-2.
5- Morristown-Beard (4-3-1)
Last week: 5
The Crimson lost, 3-1 to Randolph in its only action of the week. It will be tested this week with games against Pope John and St. John Vianney.
6- Morris Knolls-Hills (4-4-1)
Last week: 6
Knolls-Hills defeated Mendham, 4-1, in its only action of the week.
7- KJS United (6-3)
Last week: 7
KJS continued their strong season with a pair of resounding wins over Bernards-Somerville-Middlesex and Mountain Lakes-Boonton this week. It is a perfect 3-0 in the Halvorsen Division to date, and will have a chance to improve on that with games against Mendham and BSM this week.
8- Morristown (3-5-1)
Last week: 8
Morristown fell short against Bridgewater-Raritan in an out-of-conference game, but bounced back with a big third period rally against Madison. A game with Hunterdon Central looms as a big test on Tuesday.
9- West Morris (7-0-1)
Last week: 9
The Wolfpack suffered their first blemish of the year in a 1-1 tie with Gill St. Bernard’s, but still remain unbeaten. It has a big week ahead with games against Chatham, Watchung Hills, Roxbury, and Gill St. Bernard’s.
10- Gill St. Bernard’s (4-1-1)
Last week: NR
The Knights remain tied for first place in the Haas Division after a 1-1 tie with West Morris. Games with Roxbury, Montville, and West Morris this week could have a big say in where this team finishes in the Haas standings.
Also considered: Madison (4-7), Newton-Lenape Valley (7-3), Bernards-Somerville-Middlesex (3-6-1), Mendham (4-5-1)
E-mail Mike Gurnis at michaelgurnis@gmail.com
Morris-Sussex Hockey Report 