Collier, teamwork make Freehold click
Colonials back in thick of A Central race
BY TIM MORRIS
Staff Writer

PHOTOS BY CHRIS KELLY staff Above, Freehold’s Shawn Collier shoots over Colts Neck’s Gary Timmer during their game on Jan. 20 in Freehold. At left, Tyrell Budd tries to score along the baseline.

Anything that Brian Donahue got from Shawn Collier this year was going to be a plus for the Freehold Borough Colonials.

Collier spent the last two years receiving home instruction due to his asthma related illness.

"I had seen him play as a freshman and he knew that he had talent," recalled Donahue.

Collier was able to return to school and the basketball team this year with some very unexpected results on the hardwood. He’s become a major player for the Colonials and they are a better team for it.

"He’s really contributed," Donahue said. "Having him helps. I monitor his minutes, but he’s the type of kid who never wants to leave a game."

The 6-4 Collier has blended in perfectly on the front line with All-District forward Tyrell Budd. Collier led the team in scoring through the first 10 games at 15 a game, followed by Budd at 14.

"Everyone double-teams Tyrell," noted Donahue. "Sean pops open and he’s been hitting his shot."

Budd, who is also 6-4, and Collier have given the Colonials a very formidable front line.

Since the start of the season, Donahue has made some changes in the lineup. He has promoted sophomore John Weldon to point guard and moved Sean Carter from the point to small forward.

"Sean’s natural position is on the wing," Donahue explained. "John was going to be our point guard next year so I decided to go with him a shot this year."

The Colonials have been protecting the basketball since moving Weldon to the point and another sophomore, Craig Schultz, to the two guard.

"We’ve cut down on our turnovers," Donahue pointed out.

Joe Manzo, a 6-5 forward/center who started last year, is now coming off the bench as a sixth man. He is a proven scorer who can provide a scoring spark and he has adjusted well to his new role.

Sophomore Ryan Cuneo, 6-2, has played his way into the lineup and contributes with his three-point shooting.

With Colts Neck’s upset of undefeated Manasquan last Wednesday, the Colonials (7-4) were given new life in the Shore Conference A Central Division. The Colonials are 4-2 and trail Rumson-Fair Haven and Manasquan, who are both 5-1. With games against both teams upcoming in the second half of the season, the Colonials can control their destiny.

Whether a division title is in the offing or not, Donahue knows what it is going to take for his team to remain a contender and return to the state playoffs.

"We started slowly this year, but we’re starting to come around," Donahue said. "We’re starting to play better as a team. We can be a real tough team if everyone plays together."