It was the perfect script for the Central Regional. Coming into its game against Point Pleasant Beach with a 3-10 record against one of the Shore’s top teams, things looked bleak when Walter Maldonado turned the ball over in the final minute of a 44-44 game. Maldonado got redemption when he stole a pass and delivered a game-winning layup with just one second left on the clock in a 46-44 stunner. But the upset victory paled in comparison to much bigger wins for the Central Regional basketball program. The Point Beach triumph was part of the Coaches vs. Cancer Showcase which raised money for Monmouth Medical Center’s Cancer Services Program in Long Branch. Central head coach Mike Clemente was diagnosed with mediastinal non-Hodgkin lymphoma last summer and battled through five months of intense chemotherapy. The fact that he’s on the sidelines leading his team is more remarkable than any win on the court. JSZ’s Jay Cook shows the emotional and inspiring story of how basketball and his team helped Mike Clemente score the biggest win of his life:
Watch highlights of Central Regional’s 46-44 win against Point Pleasant Beach in Bayville:
