Boys Basketball – Manasquan Tops Holmdel for the Third Time to Reach CJ 2 Semis

MANASQUAN - Some times the third time is a charm and other times it is proof that the first two times were no fluke.

For the third time this season, the Manasquan boys basketball team defeated Shore Conference Class A Central division rival Holmdel - its latest triumph a 56-42 win over the Hornets Wednesday in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group II quarterfinals.

Manasquan - the top seed in the CJ II bracket - won each of its two regular-season meetings vs. the No. 8 Hornets by more than 20 points and by an average margin of 23.5 points.

Wednesday's clash was closer by the final buzzer but the Warriors put the game away in the third quarter. After taking a 28-17 lead into halftime, Manasquan began the third on a 14-3 run to open up a 42-20 lead on Holmdel.

PHOTO GALLERY: Holmdel at Manasquan by Paula Lopez

Manasquan junior Alex Galvan drives on Holmdel sophomore Alex Baker (left) and junior Jack Giamanco (right). (Photo by Paula Lopez)

Junior Alex Galvan led a balanced offensive effort by Manasquan with 15 points to go with nine rebounds while senior Brad McCabe also joined him in double-figure scoring with 13 points.

Freshman Ben Roy chipped in nine points, six rebounds and three assists with junior Kieran Flanagan also adding eight points and five assists for Manasquan. Senior Xander Korolik scored all seven of his points in the first half and also grabbed seven rebounds.

Holmdel managed to stay competitive during the first half by making a concerted effort in limiting Manasquan's dangerous transition game. The Hornets were within 23-17 late in the second quarter before Manasquan scored the last five points of the half to grab an 11-point lead at the break.

Junior Jack Giamanco scored a game-high 16 points off the bench to lead Holmdel and junior Derek Chan added 11.

Holmdel will return 11 of the 12 players who played on Wednesday next season while Manasquan is in line to return five of its top seven rotation players as well.

Manasquan's run in the NJSIAA Group II Tournament will continue Friday against No. 4 Governor Livingston in the sectional semifinals in Manasquan.