Absegami Boys' Basketball Team Downs District Rival at Boardwalk Classic

For this year, bragging rights among Greater Egg Harbor Regional School District boys’ basketball teams belong to Absegami.

This is because of  the Braves’ 56-49 win over the Pirates in the consolation game of the Ernie Troiano Senior Bracket at the Boardwalk Classic at the Wildwoods Convention Center on Friday, Dec. 28.

No other games between the teams are scheduled this season, and neither team is scheduled to play Oakcrest this season.

Vladimir Shustov led the way for the Braves in Thursday’s win with 17 points, two blocks, two steals,  and nine rebounds, according to statistics on the tournament’s website. Darryl Loveland had 14 points, one assist, two steals and 10 rebounds.

It was a hotly contested game throughout, featuring three lead changes in the first half. Absegami owned the largest lead of the first half, with the Braves building a 19-9 lead with six minutes, 23 seconds left in the first half. Cedar Creek battled back, putting together a 13-3 run to tie the game at 22-22.

A Vinnie Nelson bucket with 53 seconds left in the half gave the Braves a 24-22 halftime lead. The Braves maintained that lead through the third quarter, taking a 40-33 advantage into the final eight minutes.

Absegami once again stretched its lead to 10 midway through the fourth at 45-35. Despite another Cedar Creek rally, Absegami was able to hold on for the victory.

The Braves picked up their second win of the season and snapped a four-game losing streak. Cedar Creek fell to 3-3.

For Absegami, Abdul Anderson had 11 points, one assist, two steals and five rebounds. Jaleel Christmon had 11 points, one block, two steals and seven rebounds.

Nelson had three points, two steals and a rebound. Justin Rice had five assists, two steals and a rebound.

Jake Knight led Cedar Creek with 14 points, a blocked shot and four rebounds. Chris Newman had 10 points, three assists, two steals and two rebounds. Caleb Graves had 10 points, seven assists, six steals and two rebounds.