Spotlight: Eastern senior Brett Knoblauch

Knoblauch is the new "Microwave" for South Jersey's new No. 1 team.

Like Vinny Johnson of the NBA's Detroit Pistons of the 1980s and early 1990s, Knoblauch supplies instant energy and offense for top-ranked Eastern.

"I don't mind coming off the bench," Knoblauch said.

Knoblauch and senior Jordan Ifill form an ideal combination for Eastern at point guard. The 6-foot-2 Ifill, a physically imposing defender, often starts and usually focuses on shutting down the opposition's top playmaker.

The 5-10 Knoblauch bounces off the bench to supply a little more scoring punch.

"Jordan is so much of a better defender than I am," Knoblauch said. "He can shut down anybody."

Knoblauch gave then-No. 2 Eastern (16-1) a big boost in Saturday's 84-74 victory over then-No. 1 Paul VI. In the second quarter, Knoblauch scored six points, four of them on twisting, up-and-under layups that brought the Vikings' fans in the near-capacity crowd to their feet.

"That gets everybody going," Knoblauch said of his dazzling shots. "It's a morale booster. We all feed off the energy."

   - Phil Anastasia