If you search for the word “robbed” on Google and click images, the Manasquan boys’ basketball team should pop up. The Manasquan Warriors were robbed of a title after a grueling battle during the NJSIAA Group 2 semi-final game against Camden in the Central Regional High School gymnasium. 

Despite clear video evidence proving that the Warriors had won the game, this is what the referees saw: 5.9 seconds on the clock with senior #4 Alijah Curry on the free-throw line for Camden. Curry sinks the shot and makes the score 45-46 with Camden leading by one. The Warriors push their way down the court and Manasquan’s freshman, #2 Rey Weinseimer, puts it up deep from three for a close shot. There are now about two seconds left and the offensive rebound falls into junior #12 Griffin Lanstra’s hands and he puts it back up CLEARY with 0.5 seconds left on the clock for an easy layup, WITH 0.3 seconds to spare. The bench erupts seeing a seemingly clear-as-day Manasquan win to move to the finals. Then the worst possible scenario for the Warriors erupts – Whistles sound and the referees huddle claiming no basket was put up before the buzzer sounded. The referees leave the building and keep the decision final, sending Camden to play Arts High School in the final and sending Manasquan home to wonder what they did to deserve this unjust call. 

Lawsuits are filed against the referees and appeals are filled out. However, due to the NJSIAA ruling, no matter the video evidence, the ruling of no basket stays, and Camden goes on to play Arts at Rutgers University. 

Members of the Warriors squad of boys were seen in the stands of the game applauding at Camden’s win over Arts giving them their 13th state championship title, just a day after the terrible call from their game before… talk about sportsmanship! The Manasquan boys deserve the praise of many and the applause of all for keeping their chins up through this ordeal.