Hear Them Roar! The Jersey Lions Snag a Big Win at Montclair State

The Jersey Shore Lions Proved It was Their Day Against Connecticut’s CBA At Montclair State University

The Jersey Shore Lions After an Impressive Victory // Photos Courtesy of Scott Kennedy
The Jersey Shore Lions After an Impressive Victory // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy

The Jersey Shore Lions are one dedicated basketball team. The Lions players understand that the key to

Ellie Kennedy Goes In for the Lay-Up // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy
Elli Kennedy (#20) Goes In for the Lay-Up // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy

success on the court is to keep their technique sharp and to play as much as possible. When these players are not practicing with their high school teams, the Lions are coached under head coach Steve Heath and assistant coach Bob Marcotte to continue their training during the offseason. The Lions always work hard, getting in their extra minutes with other regional teams. One of the Lions recent competitions was held at the Montclair State University basketball gym against Connecticut team, CBA. The girls and

Grace McMullin (#35) Blocks an Opponent While Cortland McBarron (#10) Takes the Ball to the Net // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy
Grace McMullin (#35) Blocks an Opponent While Cortland McBarron (#10) Takes the Ball to the Net // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy

coaches knew it would not be an easy match-up, but knew a win would be possible with determination and a game-plan.

The Lions were aware that CBA was a tough draw. The Connecticut team was a known challenger, frequently and consistently beating teams on their schedule. But the Jersey Shore Lions are not one to back away when things get difficult.

After a tumultuous game of play, the Lions bested the

Grace Colucci (#3) Is All Smiles // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy
Grace Colucci (#3) Is All Smiles // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy

traditionally high scoring CBA team, finishing the nailbiter of a game just two points ahead.

The Montclair Dispatch spoke with head coach Steve Heath to talk about the victory. “CBA came down from Connecticut, beating their first opponent by 30 points. In fact, in all 3 of their games, they scored no less than 45 points. We held them to 31. Leading the offense was Cortland McBarron with 12

From Left to Right: Grace Mundt, Bridget Mikolajczyk, Ellie Kennedy, and Grace Colucci // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy
From Left to Right: Grace Mundt, Bridget Mikolajczyk, Elli Kennedy, and Grace Colucci // Photo Courtesy of Scott Kennedy

points, and Elli Kennedy with 10 points and Grace McMullin had 8 rebounds. The difference was the smothering defense, holding their leading scorer to only 6 points.” The Lions were able to hold on to win the game by a tight margin of 33-31.  

It is clear that the Lions have great chemistry. Part of this can be attributed to the familial bond between a few of the players. Elli Kennedy loves playing with her cousins, Grace Colucci and Bridget Mikolajczyk, on the court. An aggressive offense and disciplined defense among all of the players is the secret to the success of the team.

The Montclair Dispatch congratulates the Jersey Shore Lions on a well-deserved victory, and wishes them luck with the rest of their schedule!

 

The author of the article is a Montclair native class of 2017, currently a student at McGill University, studying history and communications within the Faculty of Arts.

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