Sports
This Week in Brick Sports: Teams Secure Conference Tournament Bids
Dragons, Mustangs continue to impress on the ice.
A few weeks ago, the thought of Brick Memorial and Brick Township potentially facing off for a third time this season seemed improbable.
The Dragons toppled the Mustangs, 7-1, in their second meeting, but since then, both teams have catapulted into Handchen Cup competition.
So goes this week in Brick sports.
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Mustangs
Heading into the week, the Mustangs ice hockey team was two games below .500. They continued their hot streak, stunning Middletown South on the road, 3-1, and beat St. John Vianney, 1-0 , at Wall to reach. 500.
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The team hit the road once again, taking on Hunterdon Central on Friday. Despite trailing late, Justin Apgar scored his second goal with 21.8 seconds left to come away with a tie. Brick Memorial sits at 8-8-4 and will need to beat either Jackson Memorial on Sunday or CBA on Monday to qualify for states.
The boys basketball team rebounded nicely from a tough five-game stretch. On Tuesday, the Mustangs hit the road to topple Toms River North, 85-76, and on Friday, they were on the road again for a win over the Freehold Township Patriots, 53-41.
The Mustangs are back over .500 with a record of 9-7 and are hopeful of a Shore Conference Tournament bid.
Dragons
This week, the Dragons faced their toughest test of the season. Taking on CBA -- the only team that has beaten them all season -- Brick took the thrilling game 5-4. After jumping out to a 3-0 lead, goalie Eddie Rafferty slammed the door late as the Dragons kept their winning streak alive.
The following night, Brick took it to Freehold Township, winning 5-0 as the Kearns brothers looked strong as always. They have a record of 17-1-1 with a streak of 15 games as they push towards the playoffs.
In a struggling season for a young basketball team, the Dragons earned another victory this week in defeating Pinelands Reigonal just days after Pinelands topped Brick Memorial. The coaches have remained optimistic throughout the season and they're record currently stands at 4-17.
What to Watch
For the upcoming week, the game to watch is Brick Memorial vs. Jackson Memorial hockey. The Mustangs will need to win to qualify for states, in hopes that their game against CBA on Monday won't mean much. The puck drops at 5:25 p.m. at Ocean Ice Palace on Sunday, Feb. 13.
