Just as it did during its 2022 state-championship run, Middletown North has caught fire in May, winning a public division title and advancing to the Shore Conference quarterfinals.
Steve Svenson shook off a rough first inning to spin a gem and Dylan Passo stayed hot at the plate Monday as Red Bank Catholic beat a surging Middletown North squad.
Turnover on the rosters and on the sideline makes Class B North one of the most balanced, intriguing divisions in the Shore Conference for the coming season.
Middletown North has changed its fortunes over the last three weeks and it has come just in time to carry the Lions to their first Shore Conference semifinal appearance since 2004.
Four teams remain in the Shore Conference Boys Soccer Tournament, including a No. 13 seed that has not made it this far in 18 years. How will it all go down in Neptune on Thursday?
Cranford's protest of Middletown North's victory in the Group III championship was denied, allowing the Lions to return to celebrating their first ever state championship.