Brookdale Community College– The Middletown North Lions (ranked #4) were defeated by a score of 54-43 in the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament by the number one ranked Colts Neck Cougars.

    North dug themselves an early hole by making only one field goal through the first quarter and a half, a hole that they could never escape. They never once led in the game after the first quarter, as they constantly made runs to make the score close, but could never fully complete their runs.

    Senior point guard Eric Youncofski displayed a tremendous effort in defeat, making key passes and leading the team with 13 points. Senior forward Tim Frawley also contributed with 10 points.

    Colts Neck was led by a double-double from Hunter Wysocki, with 16 points and 12 rebounds. They employed a zone defense that seemed to give Nor

th some problems, as they maintained a lead throughout the duration of the game.

The semifinals were the farthest that North has ever made it in the Shore Conference tournament, which is an accomplishment in it of itself. The ‘North Nation’ was at full throttle in their support throughout the tournament, as Senior Jason Huelbig has called them the team’s, “Sixth man.”

The student section will get to see their beloved Lions’ basketball team for at least one more game this season, as the New Jersey state tournament begins next week. North will host Brick in the first round of the tournament on Tuesday, February 28.

As always, students are encouraged to take part in the ‘North Nation’ and help support their team. Hopefully they will have a few more victories to cheer about during the state tournament.