Tickets to state finals were on the line on Wednesday night, and JSZ has plenty of action for you!
Freehold Boro 73 Mainland 68 | Boys | Group 3 Semifinal
The Colonials opened at a meteoric pace that ultimately gave them enough buffer to stave off the Mustangs in a gritty win. Freehold Boro (24-7) built a 23-7 lead after a wild first quarter that set the tone for a well-rounded performance. Four different players scored in double digits, headlined by Brian Tassey’s team-high 22 points. Mainland (26-7) battled back from that slow start in an effort led by Cohen Cook, who led all scorers with 37 points. Freehold Boro will face the reigning Group 3 state champions, Ramapo, in the state final on Sunday.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction from Monroe High School:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Freehold Boro is made possible by Monmouth Medical Center.
Newark Tech 65 Paterson Charter 55 | Boys | Group 1 Semifinal
Newark Tech advanced to their second consecutive Group 1 Championship following a 65-55 win over Paterson Charter. Newark Tech controlled the first two quarters to lead 30-21 at halftime. However, a push from Paterson Charter in third would see the Lions cut the game to 44-41 to end the third quarter. Malcolm and Marcus Bragg kept The Terriers ahead down the stretch as the duo combined for 32 points in the victory. Malcolm had 15 points and 12 rebounds while Marcus ended his evening with 17 points. Newark Tech, losing in the final last year will take on College Achieve Asbury Park.
JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights from Bloomfield:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Newark Tech is brought to you by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
College Achieve 96 Pitman 59 | Boys | Group 1 State Semifinal
Deuce Jones scored 15 of his 21 points in the first quarter to lead four College Achieve players in double digits on the way to a huge second half and the school’s first state finals appearance in their first season of existence. College Achieve will take on Newark Tech this Sunday in Toms River.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Monroe High School:
Mainland 45 Ewing 43 | Girls | Group 3 State Semifinal
Sydney Stokes beat the buzzer in the closing moments of regulation to send the Mustangs to the state finals. Mainland (30-1) trailed by 12 heading into the fourth and outscored the defending champs 24-10 in the final frame. UMass commit Kasey Bretones led the way with a game-high 18 points. Stokes, a Fairleigh Dickinson commit, finished with eight points and 13 rebounds. St. Joseph commit Rhian Stokes had a team-high 15 points for Ewing (26-6). Mainland will face Chatham for the Group 3 state championship on Sunday in Toms River.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Deptford:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Ewing is brought to you by Princeton Orthopaedic Associates.
Shore Regional 48 Wildwood 42 | Girls | Group 1 State Semifinal
The Blue Devils surged ahead in the fourth quarter to advance to their third straight state title game. Conley Smolokoff led the way with 20 points for Shore (18-11). Reese Fiore added 17 points in the win for the Blue Devils. Macie McCracken scored 17 points and grabbed 20 rebounds for the Warriors (23-8) in the loss. Shore will face University in the Group 1 state final on Sunday in Toms River.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights from Deptford:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Shore is made possible by Monmouth Medical Center in Long Branch.
