Manasquan’s buzzer-beater was waved off in the Group 2 state semifinals. The NJSIAA admits a mistake was made but the Warriors are still not playing in the state finals. Watch our comprehensive coverage of the story
It’s a story that has gained nationwide attention. Manasquan’s Griffin Linstra scored as time expired to give the Warriors a 47-46 win over Camden in the NJ Group 2 state semifinals until officials conferred and took the basket away in controversial fashion. Multiple video angles showed that the ball left Linstra’s hands well before the clock struck zero. Here’s the video of the final sequence provided by Matt Manley and the Shore Sports Network:
Manasquan immediately filed an appeal with the NJSIAA which upheld the referee’s decision to overturn the basket citing the fact that instant replay can not be used to determine the outcome of games. The following morning of the Warriors heartbreak, JSZ spoke with Manasquan head basketball coach Andrew Bilodeau who said his hearts hurt not only for his kids but Camden’s as well.
The NJSIAA released a statement at 12:40 pm the day after the game admitting a mistake had been made in a statement
NJSIAA STATEMENT – Manasquan v. Camden Basketball Game
3/6/2024 12:40 pm
“NJSIAA understands Manasquan’s frustration regarding the outcome of last night’s game. We never want a contest to end with controversy or confusion.
“Here, all of the events happened within the final second of the game. One of the three officials counted the basket as beating the buzzer. The three officials then met at half court to confer. A second official saw the ball in the shooter’s hands when the buzzer sounded. The officials then waived off the basket. Later, after being shown video clips, the second official agreed the basket should have counted.
“That said, the rules are clear — once game officials leave the “visual confines of the playing court,” the game is concluded, and the score is official. So, while the officiating crews’ reports indicate that a post-game review of footage of the play in question convinced them that the basket should have counted, the results could not then and cannot now be changed.
“Also, NJSIAA Program Regulations, Section 14 – which governs the use of video – states, ‘No video or audio recording may be used to review or challenge the decision of a sports official.’ In addition, NJSIAA Bylaws, Article VII, Section 1 prohibit protests ‘based upon an official’s judgment or misinterpretation (misapplication) of the playing rules.’ The ruling on the court is, exclusively and by rule, what determines the game winner.
“Unlike in college or the pros, there is no instant replay review in high school basketball in New Jersey. These are the rules of the game that all schools agree to follow, and which have been upheld on appeal. We apologize to the Manasquan team for the error.”
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