We’re getting closer to championship weekend at Rutgers and tonight 4 more teams punched their tickets! An insane ending in Manasquan and Camden leads our coverage in a pivotal Group 2 semifinal rematch. Plainfield/Ridgewood and Lenape/Montgomery decide the boys Group 4 final while Hillsborough takes on last years girls Group 4 runners up, Cherokee. Plus reigning girls’ Group 2 champs Manasquan square off in a semifinal rematch with Middle Twp.!

Manasquan 44 Camden 43 | Boys | Group 2 State Semifinal

Griffin Linstra had the ball in his hands with the game on the line for a second straight year. After a buzzer beater against Camden was overturned a year ago ni a story that grabbed national headlines, Linstra made the game winning shot with 2.7 seconds left in a story of deja vu’ and redemption. The Warriors got a 12 point third quarter from Ray Weinseimer to take a 39-34 lead at the end of three quarters. Camden took the lead in the fourth on an Emmanuel Joe-Samuel three-pointer with 1:18 left but after two missed free throws, the stage was set for Linstra’s heroics. Weinseimer and Logan Cleveland each had 14 while David Munro led all scorers with 18. Manasquan will face Madison for the Group 2 state championship.

JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from an incredible semifinal!

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Manasquan is made possible by Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey.

Plainfield 60 Ridgewood 51 | Boys | Group 4 State Semifinal

Johnny Jackson gave it his all in his final high school game, but it wasn’t enough to slay the Cardinals – who have been on a warpath to reach the Group 4 state final all season long. NaJai Hines had 20 points and 10 rebounds – good for his 25th-straight double-double this year, to pace Plainfield (28-3) in a big win. Roleplayer Tylor Hunter set a season-high with 14 points in the victory for the Cardinals. Jackson, who beat Stage 4 cancer this winter, dropped a game-best 25 points in the loss for Ridgewood (26-4). Plainfield will clash with Montgomery Sunday night at Rutgers University in the Group 4 final.

JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights from The Dunn Center in Elizabeth:

Montgomery 62 Lenape 32 | Boys | Group 4 State Semifinal

The Cougars blew things open early with a 15-0 run in the first as they avenged a loss to the Indians on this stage a season ago to reach their first Group 4 state final. Christian Hill had 15 points in the first half as the Monmouth track and field commit finished with a game-high 18 points. Ethan Lin poured in 12 points, while Bohdan Biekietov added 11 points for Central champion Montgomery (25-5). Mehki Carter went for a team-high nine points for South champion Lenape (20-10). Montgomery will face Plainfield for the Group 4 state title on Sunday night at Jersey Mike’s Arena.

JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Central Regional High School:

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Montgomery is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates.

Hillsborough 49 Cherokee 34 | Girls | Group 4 State Semifinal

Hillsborough (25-6) lost in last years Group 4 semifinal, but tonight the Raiders avenged their loss with the win over Cherokee (20-9). Francesca Schiro had 24 points, while Mya Loniewski added 13. The senior duo combined for 37 of Boro’s 49 points. Hillsborough beat the Chiefs who were looking to reach their third Group 4 Championship in four seasons. Boro’ will face West Orange on Sunday in a rematch of their game from their final game of the regular season!

JSZ’s Tyler Mroz has the highlights and reaction from Central Regional High School:

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Hillsborough is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates.

Manasquan 60 Middle Twp. 42 | Girls | Group 2 State Semifinal

Shea Donnelly scored 20 points and 7 rebounds highlighted by a 10 point outburst in the third quarter to bust open a three point game to lead Manasquan back to the Group 2 finals to defend their state championship. Kayden Clark had 13 points and 7 boards with Olivia Shaughnessy adding nine and Grace Love chipped in with eight. Middle Township (27-6) was led by Reagan Powell’s 14 points. Manasquan (24-5) will take on Madison on Sunday at Rutgers for the Group 2 state finals.

JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Monroe: