The Marlboro High School boys’ basketball team made a huge statement on the road in its season opener against Christian Brothers Academy on Dec. 20 in Lincroft.
Led by a career-high 29-point performance by sophomore Jack Seidler, the Mustangs roared past CBA to a 85-70 victory to start the season off 1-0.
“To come play on opening night at CBA. A place with great history, and going up against a well coached team to start the season is amazing. To come in here and get a win, is even better,” said Marlboro coach Mike Nausedes. “The guys fought hard. Our team has a lot of confidence now after getting a win like this.”
After CBA went on a 10-0 run to tie the game at 47-47 with 5:04 to go in the third quarter, Marlboro stormed back with a 17-8 surge of its own to end the quarter to take a 64-55 lead into the final quarter.
A 10-0 run to begin the fourth quarter helped the Mustangs cruise to a huge victory in Shore Conference A-North Division play to begin the season.
Sophomore Jonathan Spatola was a big part of Marlboro’s dominant second half run, scoring all 14 of his points from the four minute mark of the third quarter on. Spatola knocked in three buckets from downtown, with his third one from behind the arch helping Marlboro get out to a 70-55 lead in the first two minutes of the fourth quarter.
Senior Alex Ratner knocked in 25 points with four three-pointers in the victory for Marlboro.
For the Colts, junior Colin Ferrell scored nine of his team-high 16 points in the first quarter. Fellow classmate Ryan Cremen produced a 15-point performance in his season debut, while sophomore Ryan Mabrey connected on 14 points for CBA.
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