Spartans set on success

By DANNY SHIN

Staff Writer

To win the division. To make a deep run in the Shore Conference tournament. To play well in the State tournament.

These are the goals of the Ocean Township Spartans boys’ varsity basketball team. The Spartans have a 6-7 record and are in fourth place in the Shore Conference Class B North division. The Spartans started strong out of the gates, winning six of their first eight games, including close victories against Matawan and Rumson-Fair Haven. However, their biggest win came on Jan. 11, when the Spartans grinded out a three-point victory over Neptune.

“It was definitely a big win for us since we haven’t had much success against Neptune in the past,” said sophomore and Ocean varsity member Jonathon Zimmerman.

But ever since that big win, the Spartans have hit a cold streak, losing their past five games, with four of those losses by at least 10 points or more.

“Even though we’re a good defensive team, I think we some trouble rebounding at times since we’re undersized. But I think that’s just a matter of being more consistent,” said Zimmerman.

Looking ahead, the Spartans hope to get back on track in their final seven games of the regular season, with one of those matchups being a road bout against the rival Scarlet Fliers of Neptune.