Boys Basketball – Toms River North Rolls Through Marlboro and Into WOBM Semis

Toms River, NJ - The Toms River North Mariners improved to 3-0 with an 88-72 win over Marlboro Mustangs Saturday afternoon in the quarterfinals of the WOBM Boys Basketball Christmas Classic at the Pine Belt Arena.

The Mariners never trailed in the contest and after a 16-16 first quarter, outscored the Mustangs in every quarter. Mike Nyisztor led the Mariners in scoring with a game-high 22 points and set the tone early with an inbounds steal and slammed down two points to take an 8-2 lead. Nyisztor entered the contest averaging 11 points per game and added to that average today after connecting on 2-of-3 pointers and 8-of-11 from the free-throw line.

Jaden Rhoden was also a difference maker for the Mariners, going for 20 points on nine field goals and 2-for-2 from the line. Most important was his aggressive ball handling and tenacious defense picking up five steals. Along with Rhoden and Nyisztor, the Mariners ball and defensive pressure came from junior Darrion Carrington who finished with 12 points and nine assists on the day .

The Mariners are making their second straight trip to the WOBM semifinals after playing a complete team game Saturday, getting scoring from seven different players against Marlboro. The biggest frustrations from both benches were the amount of fouls called in this one with the Mariners getting whistled for 25 and the Mustangs 21. The Mustangs could not take advantage of the charity stripe, going 5-for-10 in the fourth quarter and 16-for-25 for the game.

For the Mustangs, CBA transfer Matt Dean made his Marlboro debut after sitting out the transfer time, scoring 18 points. Also for Marlboro, P.J. Ringel and Ryan LaRocca chipped in 13 points each.  The Mustangs with the loss dropped to 2-2 (1-1 A-North).

The Mariners will face Freehold Township in Monday's first WOBM Christmas Classic semi-final matchup at 6:15pm.