The Bayshore Bulldogs captured the boys 10U state AAU Division II basketball championship with a 41-33 win over the Elizabeth Giants on May 9. The Bulldogs jumped out to a 14-3 lead at the end of the first quarter, led by the scoring of Alex Cohen of Rumson, who scored six of his team-high 10 points in the first quarter, and the relentless defense of Jack Donnelly of Rumson (six points, eight steals). The Giants surged in the second quarter and closed the gap to just four points at halftime. Robbie Esser of Belford provided a spark off the bench, scoring a critical three points in the second quarter, which helped preserve the Bulldogs’ lead. The Giants continued their surge in the third quarter, when they took the lead and held it until midway through the fourth quarter. Adrian D’Averso of West Long Branch scored six of his eight points in the third quarter to help keep the Giants’ lead to a point or two heading into the fourth. In the fourth quarter, Bryan Morris of Tinton Falls and Danny Tartaglia of Middletown provided a defensive spark, holding the Giants to just one basket in the fourth quarter, which helped the Bulldogs put together a strong closing run. Tim Rhatigan of Belford ignited the Bulldogs offense, scoring five of his nine points in the fourth quarter, and J.R. Hobbie of Spring Lake (five points) scored on a tough drive down the lane late to help put the game out of reach. The Bulldogs were coached by Matt Donnelly and Tom Rhatigan