Here are highlights from the 2nd half and overtime of St. Augustine’s dramatic win over top seeded and top ranked St. Joseph’s in the 2016 NJSIAA Non-Public A South Championship at Jackson Liberty High School. Leading 27-20 at the half, the Hermits of St. Augie’s based in Richland, began the second half on a 28-22 run including a two handed jam by Justyn Mutts to lead 55-42 midway through the fourth.
However, St. Joseph’s battled back with a strong finish to regulation with an 18-5 tear that was highlighted by a couple dunks from Bree Tyree to force overtime. In the extra session though, Saeed Nelson opened things up with a three point play, and the Hermits came up with huge free throws down the stretch including two from Walt Harvey to pull out the thrilling 69-67 win.
Four different players scored in double figures for St. Augustine including Nelson with 31 points, Harvey (14 points), Marlon Hargis (11 points), and Mutts (10 points). Alanzo Frink led the way for Joes with 26 points while Tyus Battle chipped in with 15 and Bree Tyree added 12. With the win, St. Augustine improved to 29-1 overall and advanced to the Non-Public A State Championship for the first time since 2011. St. Joseph’s, which made its 4th sectional finals appearance in the last five years, finished its season at 22-6.