NJSIAA admits refs robbed Manasquan of last-second upset over Camden in state semi

NJSIAA admits refs robbed Manasquan of last-second upset over Camden in state semi

Updated: Mar. 07, 2024, 2:21 p.m.|Published: Mar. 06, 2024, 2:18 p.m.

By Brandon Gould | NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

Griffin Linstra’s eyes lit up in shock. He knew he’d just become a Manasquan legend.

Everything happened so fast in the last 5.8 seconds on Tuesday night, with no time to think - only to react. And that’s what Linstra did when he grabbed an offensive rebound with a second left and released it from his hand with 0.6 on the clock. That shot fell through the net as the rest of the time came off the and landed in the hands of Kentucky commit Billy Richmond.

Manasquan had done it. The Warriors stunned powerhouse Camden, 47-46. … After his game-winner, Linstra pivoted, planted his feet and used an explosive leap to deliver a crashing shoulder bump into a wave of Manasquan students after one of the biggest shots in state playoff history. He took off down the court with his teammates to celebrate the win.

That celebration did not last long. … A minute later, the Manasquan side of the gym was shocked when the referees got together and reversed the call, taking the basket off the board and handing Camden a 46-45 win and a spot in this weekend’s Group 2 championship game. It was a jaw-dropping final decision.

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