Dragons' Trip to Semifinals Highlights the Winter Season

For the past four months, Brick Township has witnessed marvelous performances in basketball, wrestling and ice hockey.

The Dragons' ice hockey team proved to be the most impressive, finishing 22-3-1 and earning a trip to the NJSIAA Public B semifinals, losing 5-3 to divisional rival Middletown South.

Let's wrap up the winter season as well as look forward as the weather warms up for the spring.

MUSTANGS

For Brick Memorial, the boys basketball team finished 12-10.  The Mustangs, who entered the NJSIAA state tournament seeded 13th, shocked West Windsor-Plainsboro South in a thrilling 62-59 win. Memorial lost in the second round against Jackson Memorial, but it was another successful season for head coach Ed Sarluca, qualifying for both the conference and state tournaments.

On the ice, the Mustangs had an up-and-down season, finishing with a record of 10-11-4. Brick Memorial played a thrilling game against Toms River South in the first round of the Handchen Cup, but lost 2-1 in overtime. Earning a 12-seed in the state playoffs, the Mustangs topped Pascack Valley in the first round but lost to Ridge in the second round.

Joeseph Ghione, a freshman wrestler, did well at the NJSIAA state finals at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City. The 103-pound Ghione finished in fifth place.

DRAGONS

Brick's ice hockey team proved to be one of the most lethal during the season, finishing 22-3-1, including an 18-game win streak, before losing in the NJSIAA Public B semifinals to Middletown South after winning the Shore Conference  A championship.

Patrick Kearns was named the division's MVP.

Brick earned a two-seed in the Public B state playoffs and were the top seed in the Handchen Cup.

In basketball, it was a year of learning and maturity for the boys, who finished with four wins -- including an opening night victory over Mater Dei.Co-head coaches Tim Puglisi and Chris Hughes remained patient throughout the season, with their most impressive win coming at home over Pinelands Regional.

The Lady Dragons qualified for the NJSIAA state playoffs.

In wrestling, Connor Brennan, a 152-pounder, finished in third place after a semifinal-round loss at Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City.

Spring Ahead

As everyone looks forward to the warm days of spring, Brick and Brick Memorial will be eager to begin play outside.  Lacrosse, baseball, softball, and track and field should provide plenty of entertainment.