Roses Rally, Defeat Manasquan

With a number of big games across the state, the Shore Conference basketball community turned their eyes to the sold out gym at Manasquan HS gym this evening as the two top teams down the Shore played in a key  game early in the season.

Both teams traded scores from the opening tip,  but after a St Rose Free throw miss, Brandon Kunz and Ray Weinseimer each hit 2 three  pointers to put Squan in a favorable position early, up 10-4. The period ended with tough defensive play with some flashes on offense. Evan Romano hit a tough jumper for the Roses, but senior guard Griffin Linstra scored as time was running out to give Manasquan a 12-6 after one.

The Second period saw Jayden Hodge start finding his groove after missing the season opening loss to Paramus Catholic. He managed to score on a twisting layup, but Manasquan seemingly had a counterpunch for every salvo from Saint Rose. They scored inside on a layup and then a tough jump shot by Kunz to lead 16-8.

Saint Rose kept it within punching distance as Avery Lynch and Evan Romano each scored a basket. Logan Cleveland hit a pair of shots to stretch the lead to 6 , but then Hodge buried a long 3 pointer from the top of the key as the half ended with Manasquan holding a slim lead at 24-21.

The third quarter started with both teams clamping down on defense, forcing missed shots and turnovers. Both teams traded baskets through the quarter as Griffin Linstra and Tyler Cameron each scored 4 points in that stretch. The quarter ended with Ray Weinseimer hitting a jumper and a three ball as Squan stretched the lead to 8 at 37-29.

The fourth quarter began with Manasquan looking like they were pulling away, taking an 11 point lead at 42 to 31 behind Logan Cleveland. Then the entire momentum swung and the vibe changed. The Warriors went into a  more deliberate set on offense with 6 minutes to go in the game.

 After a missed shot and turnover, St Rose began to make their move as Hodge scored on two three pointers and then Brian Ebeling had a steal and also scored on a long three as the lead was cut to three points at 44 to 41.

St Rose continued to pressure Manasquan into turnovers and Evan Romano was fouled going to the basket twice, converting the lot of free throws as the Purple Roses took the lead at 45 to 44. Manasquan missed several shots and was forced to foul. Ebeling and Hodge took turns making free throws as St Rose outscored Squan 21-8 in the final stanza to win 50 to 45 in very physical defensive minded game.

Jayden Hodge led the Purple Roses with 18 points followed by Evan Romano with 8 and Tyler Cameron had 7.

Mansquan was led by Ray Weinseimer with 17, followed by Logan Cleveland with 10 and Griffin Linstra with 8.