Here are highlights from the action in Don Bosco Prep’s win over St. Augustine Prep in the 2017 Non-Public A State Championship at Pine Belt Arena in Toms River.
Although both teams seemed to struggle to find a rhythm offensively early on, Don Bosco Prep, the Non-Public A North Champion, took advantage of its trips to the foul line to take a 15-8 first quarter lead, and extended it to 33-16 at the half. The Ironmen then led by the score of 54-38 late in the third when St. Auggies rallied.
The Hermits, the defending Non-Public A State Champion, and this year’s Non-Public A South winner, rallied with a 27-12 surge to pull within one point at 66-65 with about a minute remaining. Unfortunately, St. Augustine missed several key free throws down the stretch, and Don Bosco was able to hang on for a 69-66 victory.
Charlie Bagin led four different players in double figures for Bosco with 19 points while Marcellus Earlington added 16. Ronald Harper and Chris Lovisolo chipped in with 10 points for the winners. Earlington also added 9 rebounds for the Ironmen.
Austin Kennedy led all scorers with a game high 22 points while Justyn Mutts chipped in with 15 and Marlon Hargis added 12. Walt Harvey contributed with 8 points and 10 boards in the loss for St. Auggies.
Don Bosco improved to 28-1 overall on the season, and earned the 3rd seed in the 2017 NJSIAA Tournament of Champions, and will face sixth seeded Verona in the quarterfinal round. St. Augustine’s finished its season at 26-3.