5 Takeaways from Marlboro vs. Manchester
The WOBM Christmas Classic tipped off on Saturday from the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River. The first game took place between No. 6 Marlboro and No. 11 Manchester. It was a fast paced game full of action and excitement…
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Continue ReadingThe WOBM Christmas Classic tipped off on Saturday from the RWJBarnabas Health Arena in Toms River. The first game took place between No. 6 Marlboro and No. 11 Manchester. It was a fast paced game full of action and excitement from the opening tip.
Marlboro, fresh off an opening game win over CBA on Friday night, found themselves trailing by nine late in the first half. They were able to go on a 8-0 run to cut their deficit to only one at halftime. Manchester got comfortable from deep going 5-10 over the first 16 minutes. Josh Hayes led the way with 12 points in the first half. Jack Seidler was the high man for Marlboro with 16 first half points.
The third quarter saw Marlboro come out firing on all cylinders. They opened on a 11-2 run to take a 49-41 lead. From there, it was too much for Manchester to handle. It was the Mustangs picking up a 85-76 win. Here are five key takeaways from the opening round matchup.
Marlboro is For Real
This is a team that was underrated coming into the regular season. After an opening season blowout win on the road against CBA, Marlboro proved once again that they have arrived in the Shore Conference. They are a team that can shoot from deep and do it on a consistent basis. The Mustangs knocked down seven three’s in their win over Manchester.
Seidler and Alex Ratner combined for 56 points in the win. Ratner led the way with 30 points and six assists. Seidler added 26 of his own to go along with nine rebounds.
Manchester Features True Big Man Presence
At 6’7, Wyatt Hasselbauer is going to give teams some problems this season. The sophomore scored 28 points in Manchester’s opening round loss to Marlboro. He did his best to carry Manchester back from a second half deficit with 24 points in the final 16 minutes.
There are not many teams that can dominate down low on both the offensive and defensive end. Manchester will be one of those teams as Hasselbauer is a nice compliment to Josh Hayes and Savon Myers.
Marlboro Proves to be a Second Half Team
Much like their first win over CBA, Marlboro exploded in the second half to build a lead. The Mustangs trailed by one point at halftime but outscored Manchester 23-14 in the third quarter to create some separation. Against CBA the night before, Marlboro went on a 10-0 run to begin the fourth quarter and balloon their lead to 19. There is something to be said about a team that can perform in crunch time during the second half. That one thing is that the team will be a successful one.
Mustangs Pressure Too Much for Manchester
Marlboro had trouble with their press in the first game but the necessary adjustments were made entering this Christmas tournament. Marlboro did not shy away from pressure and they caused Manchester to panic while in bouncing and trying to get the ball over half court. The Mustangs created multiple turnovers which led to easy baskets down low and some open three’s on the perimeter.
Youth on Full Display in Round One
Outside of Ratner who is a senior, Marlboro us full of talent in the sophomore class. Seidler leads the way along with Vincent Spatola, Jonathan Spatola, and Jay Ratner. Marlboro has built a young core that will propel their program for years to come. Seidler has scored 26 points in each of the Mustangs’ first two games.
As for Manchester, Hasselbauer leads their youth movement. Myers and D’Maari Brown are also sophomores who have a high ceiling at Manchester. They are a talented group that can get to the basket and score around the rim with contact. The future is bright for both teams.