Andrew Pace
New Jersey high school basketball has seen its fair share of thrilling games and talented players. In recent memory, the Manasquan Boys Basketball team defeated Madison to claim the Group 2 championship in 2025, marking their second state title in three years. Senior Griffin Linstra's game-winning shot against Camden in the Group 2 semifinals was a highlight, redeeming himself after a similar shot was controversially disallowed the previous year. Other notable teams include Don Bosco Prep, who had a notable victory against rivals Bergen Catholic, and Hudson Catholic, who finished 11th in the final NJ basketball poll.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date | 16th March 2025 |
| Event | NJSIAA Group 2 Championship game |
| Venue | Piscataway, NJ |
| Winner | Manasquan Boys Basketball |
| Winning Score | 67-56 |
| Opponent | Madison |
| Star Player | Griffin Linstra |
| Previous Winner | N/A |
| Previous Year Score | N/A |
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What You'll Learn
Griffin Linstra's winning shot for Manasquan Boys
The Manasquan Boys basketball team completed a storybook season, winning the New Jersey state championship. The team's success was largely due to the exceptional performance of Griffin Linstra, whose clutch shot with 2.7 seconds remaining secured a 44-43 victory over Camden in the NJSIAA Group 2 semifinal. This win held particular significance as it came just one year after Linstra's potential game-winning shot against Camden in the final second was incorrectly overturned by officials, resulting in a controversial loss for Manasquan.
Griffin Linstra, a senior at Manasquan High School, played a pivotal role in the team's success over the past two seasons. His buzzer-beating game-winner against Camden in the 2024-2025 season avenged the controversial loss from the previous year. Linstra's talent and impact on the team were undeniable, as he consistently led the way with impressive stats. In one instance, he achieved a double-double with 21 points and 14 rebounds, showcasing his dominance on the court.
The Manasquan Boys basketball team's triumph extended beyond the semifinal win over Camden. They went on to defeat Madison 67-56 in the championship game, securing their second Group 2 title in three seasons. This victory further solidified the program's historic rise and served as a fitting send-off for the ten seniors on the team, including Linstra himself. Linstra's determination to raise the standard of Manasquan basketball was evident, and his impact on the team's success will be long remembered.
Linstra's winning shot against Camden was a defining moment not only for the Manasquan Boys basketball team but also for Linstra personally. It showcased his resilience and determination to bounce back from the controversial loss of the previous year. His performance garnered attention and recognition, with Manasquan head coach Andrew Bilodeau acknowledging the drama and significance of Linstra's game-winner. Linstra's talent and clutch performance under pressure solidified his place in the team's history and contributed to a memorable season for the Manasquan Boys basketball program.
Griffin Linstra's winning shot for the Manasquan Boys basketball team encapsulates the essence of high school sports: talent, determination, and resilience. His performance inspired his team and elevated the program to new heights. Linstra's impact extended beyond the court, as his dedication and skill inspired a new standard of excellence for future Manasquan basketball players to aspire to. The dramatic and historic win over Camden, followed by the Group 2 championship victory, served as a testament to the power of perseverance and the sweet taste of redemption.
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Don Bosco Prep's Jordan Ghee and Brady Loughlin
Jordan Ghee and Brady Loughlin are both members of the Don Bosco Prep Varsity Boys Basketball team. On December 22, 2023, the team won their City of Palms 5th Place Semi-final game against Columbus High School with a score of 79-74. The team also won their City of Palms 5th Place Final game against IMG Academy High School on December 23, 2023, with a score of 96-92.
Brady Loughlin was tagged in the video "Columbus (FL) vs Don Bosco Prep (NJ) Highlights", which has over 2.1k views. He was also tagged in the video "4 Steals vs DePaul Catholic". Additionally, Brady has been added to the Don Bosco Prep 2024-25 basketball roster. On January 2, 2024, the Don Bosco Prep Varsity Boys Basketball team, including Brady, won their game against DePaul Catholic High School with a score of 68-34.
Jordan Ghee was also tagged in the "Columbus (FL) vs Don Bosco Prep (NJ) Highlights" video, as well as in the "Don Bosco Prep (NJ) vs Long Island Lutheran (NY) Highlights" video. The Don Bosco Prep Varsity Boys Basketball team, including Jordan, lost their City of Palms - Quarterfinals game against Long Island Lutheran High School on December 20, 2023, with a score of 55-58.
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Hudson Catholic's Omari Moore
Hudson Catholic High School in New Jersey has produced several notable basketball players over the years. One such player is Omari Moore, a 6'3" shooting guard or point guard in the class of 2025. Moore, a native of Plainfield, NJ, has generated interest from several colleges and is currently ranked as one of the top players in the country at his position.
Moore's size and athleticism make him an outstanding prospect. He uses his length to affect games on both ends of the court. On offense, he has a smooth shooting stroke and can create his shot effectively. On defense, he possesses the lateral quickness and length to guard multiple positions.
Moore's versatility is showcased by his ability to play both the shooting guard and point guard positions. As a point guard, he demonstrates excellent court vision and playmaking abilities, able to find open teammates with precise passes. He also has the ball-handling skills to create space and get to his spots on the floor. At shooting guard, Moore can focus on scoring, where he has a natural ability to get to the basket and finish creatively around the rim.
Hudson Catholic has been a powerhouse in New Jersey high school basketball for years, and Omari Moore is a key part of their success. With his combination of size, skill, and athleticism, Moore is a highly touted prospect with a bright future in the sport. He will undoubtedly be a player to watch as he continues to develop and refine his game.
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Camden squad's controversial win against Linstra
The Camden Panthers and the Manasquan Warriors faced off in a highly anticipated New Jersey high school basketball game on Tuesday, March 5, 2024. With a spot in the NJSIAA Group 2 state finals on the line, the game was a back-and-forth battle that came down to the final seconds.
In the closing moments, Camden's Alijah Curry sank two free throws to give his team a narrow 46-45 lead. With only 5.8 seconds left, Manasquan drove down the court for one last chance to win the game. The ball ended up in the hands of Griffin Linstra, who put up a shot that appeared to beat the buzzer and secure a thrilling victory for Manasquan. The Warriors erupted in celebration, believing they had pulled off a massive upset over the heavily favored Panthers.
However, the referees had a different opinion. After conferring at midcourt, they controversially reversed their initial call, ruling that Linstra's shot had not been released in time. This decision outraged the Manasquan team, their fans, and even some members of the media, who believed that the referees had made a blatant mistake. The video replays seemed to support this belief, showing that the ball had clearly entered the basket before the buzzer sounded.
The New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) acknowledged the mistake, admitting that a "'bad call' had been made. They issued an apology to both teams and expressed their understanding of Manasquan's frustration. Despite this, they stood by the referees' decision, citing bylaws that prohibit the use of audio or video evidence to challenge an official's judgment.
The controversial ending left a bitter taste for the Manasquan squad, who felt they had been robbed of a hard-fought victory. Head coach Andrew Bilodeau passionately voiced his disappointment, stating that the referees' decision had unfairly impacted his players. Meanwhile, Camden moved on to face Newark's Arts High School in the next round, while Manasquan was left to grapple with the disappointing outcome.
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Columbus' City of Palms Classic title
The Columbus City of Palms Classic title is an annual high school basketball tournament that has been called the best in America. The tournament began in 1973 as a local Christmas tournament, but it has since grown into a national event, with teams coming from all over the country. The tournament has seen 202 NBA draft picks, including 121 first-round picks, eight No. 1 selections, and six NBA Rookie of the Year winners.
In 2024, the Miami Christopher Columbus Explorers took home the 51st annual City of Palms Classic title, defeating the Montverde Academy Eagles 59-57 in a thriller. This was the first City of Palms Classic title in school history for the Explorers and the first for a Miami-Dade County program since 1996. The Explorers, ranked No. 2 in the nation, pulled out a tough 77-71 win over IMG Academy in the semifinals to advance to the championship game. In the final game, the Explorers had a 54-47 lead with just under a minute left, but Creighton commit Hudson Greer came up with some huge baskets to bring Montverde back within one possession. The Explorers were led by junior guard Jaxon Richardson, who averaged 18.5 points and 73.3% shooting for the tournament, and forward Cameron Boozer, who was named co-MVP alongside IMG guard and Arkansas commit Darius Acuff.
The 2023 City of Palms Classic was won by the Panthers, who bested Columbus 61-44. The tournament celebrated its 50th anniversary that year, with Vice President of Classic Basketball Inc. Donnie Wilkie reflecting on how the tournament had grown and changed over the years.
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Frequently asked questions
The Manasquan Boys Basketball team won the 2024-25 New Jersey Boys Basketball rankings. They defeated Madison 67-56 in the NJSIAA Group 2 Championship game.
Griffin Linstra was the standout player in the Manasquan Boys Basketball team. He scored the game-winning shot in the Group 2 semifinals against Camden.
Don Bosco Prep and Hudson Catholic were in the running for the championship.
Cornell-bound Brady Loughlin and senior Jordan Ghee were the standout performers for Don Bosco Prep.
