Boys and girls middle school teams win championships
Boys will play at Garden State tourney in Neptune Feb. 27
On Feb. 21, both girls and boys Asbury Park Middle School teams defeated Union Beach to claim Bayshore League Championship titles, according to a release from the school district.
This year’s wins mark the second consecutive year both Asbury Park Middle School basketball teams have won championships. Last year, the girls and boys were crowned champions of the Shore Intermediate Scholastic Basketball League.
The Lady Bishops held onto a one-point victory [33-32] despite Union Beach’s last-minute comeback. The win comes just weeks after the team lost to Union Beach 34-31, giving them the number one seed and home-court advantage in the tournament. Lady Bishop player Nalah Tinsley was the team’s high scorer with 14 points. Amani Turner scored eight and Tierra Gamble scored six key points in the second-half.
Deyonna Carter was instrumental on the defensive end, shutting down Union Beach’s star player, according to Head Coach Robert Cuccurullo.
The Lady Bishops finished the season with a league record 6-2, and 10-5 overall.
Tinsley was the named the Lady Bishop’s Most Valuable Player by Cuccurullo for showing her talents not only on the court, but also in the classroom. Carter was named Defensive Player of the Year and Gamble Most Improved Player. Yvonne Newsome earned the Sportsmanship Award. Tinsley, Carter, Turnur and Amyah Bryan return to play next year.
The boys Blue Bishop team defeated Union Beach 54-36, finishing the season 19-1. Tywan Thomas and Donte Abrams poured in 14 points each. Nazreon Reid scored 11 points, three of which were dunks [shown above].
Tahjmir Berardesco and Javin Higgs played outstanding defense to help seal the win, not only in this game but throughout the season, according to Head Coach Barry Baity.
The boys defeated Plainfield’s Hubbard Middle School 49-37 to claim their own Asbury Park Middle School Invitational Championship tournament and will continue their off-season play during the Garden State Basketball Tournament at Rebounds and Hoops in Neptune. They are scheduled to take on Dwight Englewood Middle School on Feb. 27 at 6:15 p.m.
Rebounds and Hoops is located at 1930 Heck Ave. in Neptune.
[Asbury Park Middle School Girls Basketball championship team members Deyonna Carter, Yvonne Newsome, Amani Turner, LaTarra Irizarry, Tierra Gamble, Mollie Bland, Nalah Tinsley and Amyah Bryan are joined by Head Coach Robert Cuccurullo and Assistant Coach Lindsey Olsen.
Asbury Park Middle School Boys Basketball championship team members Javon Higgs, Nazreon Reid, Xavier Banks, Kymar Ponds, Tahjmir Berardesco, Tywan Thomas, Javione Pearson, Jaking Agostini, Kyrie Moore, Donte Abrams, Miguel Diaz and Michael Morris are joined by Athletic Director Dr. Walter Barrett, left, and Head Coach Barry Baity, right.]
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