MONROE, NJ–On Sunday night, GMC Hoops traveled down to the Monroe Sports Center to take in some playoff action from the MJBL High School Spring League. The Monroe Falcons were in action in the Western Division semifinals, and overcame a 29-12 halftime deficit with a 33-10 surge in the second half, and hung on to advance to the Championship with a hard fought, 47-45 win over the Howell Hurricanes. Below are game notes from the action:
First Half
15:37–HH–jumps out to an 8-2 lead on back to back threes.
12:03–HH–scores on a layup and a baseline jumper for a 10-0 run and a 12-5 lead.
11:07–MON–scores on transition layup while being fouled. Makes bonus FT for a 12-5 HH lead.
10:08–HH–hits third three of the half for a 15-5 lead.
6:00–HH–after MON three from right wing closes gap to 18-8, HH scores five unanswered for a 20-8 lead.
3:48–MON–now trails 23-10 after a 5-2 run including a three and a putback by HH.
0:00–HH–closes half with a 6-2 run thanks to back to back threes from the left wing for a 29-12 lead at the half. HH hit 7 threes in the first half.
Second Half
15:54–MON–timeout after hitting a three from the left corner to cap a 5-0 run and close the gap to 29-17.
15:11–HH–calls timeout after MON hits another three off a no look pass by Eddie Pinto to close the gap to 29-20.
12:45–MON–on a 5-3 run on a three from the right wing and then a steal for a layup by Pinto for a 32-25 HH lead.
7:45–HH–draws charge on MON during baseline drive to the basket. Score counts tho for a 34-31 HH lead.
4:38–MON–hits another three from left side to cap a 27-10 rally and tie the game at 39-39.
3:49–MON–takes a 42-39 lead on a trey from the top of the key. HH timeout.
1:54–MON–timeout after a score by HH while being fouled. MISSED BONUS FT to close gap to 45-41.
1:30–HH–steals pass and goes in for a two handed dunk to close gap to 45-43.
1:15–MON–Pinto drives in to bank a folate for a 47-43 lead.
54.3–HH–draws foul and makes both FTs to close gap to 47-45.
16.1–MON–timeout after stopping HH from scoring.
4.0–HH–timeout after MON called for violation on foul shot by Pete.
1.2–HH–fouled on floor.
0.0–MON–steals inbounds to preserve 47-45 win. MON out scores HH by a 35-16 margin in 2nd half.
Monroe will take on the Ocean Renegades in the West Division Championship.