Manasquan Celebrates Historic Dual State Championships with Polar Plunge
Manasquan, NJ – March 16, 2023 — In a remarkable showcase of local talent, both the boys and girls basketball teams from Manasquan High School clinched state championships on the same day, marking a historic achievement for the small Monmouth County borough. Following a celebratory fire truck parade, nearly three dozen players took to the icy waters of Manasquan Inlet Beach to commemorate their victories in true seaside style.
Despite the Atlantic Ocean’s frigid 40-degree temperature, the players joyfully dove into the surf, with boys star Griffin Linstra bringing along the Group 2 state championship trophy for a memorable dunk. "The water was really cold, but it didn’t even matter in the moment," said Shea Donnelly, an all-state guard from the girls team. The spontaneous plunge has become a cherished tradition, symbolizing the unity between the two teams.
Manasquan, affectionately dubbed “Hoopsville, N.J.,” has transformed into a state basketball powerhouse. With an impressive combined record of 483 wins over the past decade and five state championships since 2021—two for the boys and three for the girls—the once-overlooked basketball programs have taken the state by storm.
This success stems from a decade of hard work, starting with the girls’ team’s rise to prominence featuring the Mabrey sisters. Both programs have seen a cultural shift, with their achievements inspiring camaraderie that fuels each team’s success. Coach Andrew Bilodeau noted the evolving reputation of "these kids from the beach," now recognized as formidable competitors on the state’s basketball scene.
As players celebrated under the setting sun, they solidified their legacy in both the annals of sports and the hearts of their community, proving that with determination, even the smallest towns can achieve greatness.
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