Though it took overtime, the Toms River North Mariners were able to hold off a challenge from the Monroe Falcons and avoid an opening round upset in this weekend's WOBM Christmas Classic.
The Mariners were aided in large part by having three of their players reach double digits in scoring, which featured junior Alex Levchenko putting up 25 points, along with sophomore Karl Blum's 10 points.
Toms River also benefited from the play of junior Sean Martin, who recorded a double-double in the contest. Though he put up 16 points, including the go-ahead basket in overtime with 1:58 to go, it was his impact under the boards late in the contest that helped propel the Mariners to victory.
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Overall in the contest Martin recorded 10 rebounds and 3 steals, including one with under 30 seconds remaining in regulation that helped keep the game tied and bring it to overtime where the Mariners would go on to post a victory in a contest that was tight throughout.
The Falcons were led in scoring by Victor Sorrento's 22 points. However, the Mariners were able to limit him to 0 points in the fourth quarter and just 2 in the overtime period.
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The Mariners will now advance to the quarterfinals to face #5 St. Rose on Dec. 27 at 6 p.m. at the Poland Spring Arena. Monroe will now face Southern in the loser's bracket on Dec. 27 at 11 a.m. in the Toms River High School North Gymnasium.
