Manasquan won its first ever NJSIAA state title with a dominant performance Saturday night at Rutgers -- a red-hot performance that means an ice-cold gift from its coach.
St. Rose had Roselle Catholic reeling through three quarters, but the defending state champs showed in the fourth quarter why they are New Jersey's top team.
Manasquan's stars stepped up on offense and stepped in on defense in crucial spots to help the Warriors hold off Middle Township and reach their first state final since 2004.
St. Rose got within closing distance of its first NJSIAA sectional title since 2004 and turned to 6-foot-8 star Matt Hodge to finish off Bishop Eustace.
Ryan Frauenheim helped Manasquan overcome some early struggles and the Warriors banded together for a strong second half that secured a Central Jersey Group II title win at South River.
Shore was within a shot of pushing its championship hopes over the top, but came up short Monday in a 43-39 loss to Eagle Academy in the Central Group I final.
The topic of school bullying has resurfaced in conversations everywhere following the recent tragedy in Ocean County after the brutal bullying assault of Adriana Kuch at Central Regional High School earlier this month.