Manasquan Warriors girls basketball who was another top team this year along with Ocean Township had a good test against Rumson-Fair Haven yesterday in the Semifinal Round of NJSIAA Tournament. Rumson is a very well coached team that is led by Dave Callahan as they were coming in at 18-8. Then you have Manasquan who has been dominant all season with a record of 22-5 and coach Lisa Kukoda looking to add another big milestone in her career. Rumson has a lot of talented team that matches up well with any school and it wasn't going to be easy for the Warriors. This game could go either way between these two teams.
Both teams drew fouls early in this game as Hope Masonius for Manasquan and Erin Reid with Rumson set the tone at free throw line. The foul calls were crazy for both teams and some was missed also at the same time. The Warriors had flow to their offense as Rumson has trouble defending Hope Masonius, Shea Donnelly, Olivia Shaughnessy and Katie Collins. Rumson did a great job of keeping the game close in first half with help from Raquel Guidetti, Ella Mason, Erin Reid and Sylvie Notine. Manasquan had a 17-10 lead going into the second quarter with some momentum.
The second quarter was a different story for Rumson as they made some key adjustments on defense and only gave up 6 points to Manasquan's high powered offense. Erin Reid did a great job of taking over along with Sylvie Notine with great shot selection, settling down their offense and making sure everyone was at the right spot. The Warriors offense just went cold in second quarter for some reason and couldn't capitalize on their lead. For Rumson to make a big run like that, it shoes they never give up, fight till the end and coach Callahan having confidence in his Players. This game was tied at 23-23 at halftime with all momentum shifted to Rumson now.
Manasquan Warriors and head coach Lisa Kukoda's halftime adjustments would pay off in a huge way as they turned this game around. They outscored Rumson 33-16 in second half with Hope Masonius heating up from the floor and Shea Donnelly hitting key three pointers. Manasquan broke the tie, extended their lead to 9 as they had a 42-33 lead going into the fourth quarter. Rumson was lost in second half with the defense not stepping up to the plate. Their best shot was when this game was tied at 23-23 during halftime. The warriors dominated fourth quarter putting up 14 points and giving up only 6 as they get a 56-39 victory improving to 23-5.
Head coach Lisa Kukoda gets her milestone 300th victory for Manasquan Warriors girls basketball as they will now face New Providence in the NJSIAA Tournament Final Round Central Jersey Group 2 on Friday March 1st at 6:00 Pm Eastern.
Leading scorers for Manasquan
Hope Masonius 17 points
Shea Donnelly 16 points
Katie Collins 11 points
Olivia Shaughnessy 9 points.
Photo Credit 📹 Mike Franco
Here is Head Coach Lisa Kukoda taking a group picture with her players after getting 300 career wins.
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