Reischel's Free Throws Edge Colts Neck

Needing a victory to keep his team’s Shore Conference Tournament hopes alive, Jarelle Reischel stood at the foul line knowing that it came down to his ability to make two free throws to send Point Pleasant Beach to a date with Christian Brothers Academy in the Round of Eight.

With five seconds remaining, the senior calmly drained both foul shots and propelled the Garnett Gulls to an exhilarating 51-50 victory over Colts Neck on Thursday night.

“There was no doubt in my mind he was making those foul shots,” Point Beach head coach Nick Catania said. “There is nobody I’d rather have at the line, best player on the Shore.”

“I was just trying to think positive thoughts”, Reischel said. “It’s like the end of every practice, no different.”

The star forward appreciated the help he received from his teammates in the first half, when he was held to only two points.

 “Everyone stepped up. If my teammates weren’t there, we’re down 20 at half,” Reischel said.

Colts Neck had one objective on defense: shut down No. 30.

“It was apparent their game plan was to stop him (Reischel)," Catania said. “It came down to other guys on this team making plays and I’m proud to say he was able to set them up, he’s more than just a scorer.”

It helped Point Beach that it was able to shoot the lights out from 3-point range.   The Gulls' six first-half treys helped gain a 25-24 edge at the half.

From there, Reischel took over.

Reischel scored 15 of his 17 total points in the second half, including his team’s last six baskets in regulation.

The transformation from facilitator to scorer had taken place.However, late in the fourth quarter, it appeared Reischel’s tremendous second half might not be enough.

Colts Neck’s Hunter Wysocki completed an eye opening 3-point play which gave the Cougars a 50-49 lead with only 22 seconds to play.

Cantina opted not to call a timeout to set up a play following the backbreaking turn of events.

“I liked our chances better of having a quick scramble play by not allowing the defense to set up and I knew our guys would find a good look,” Cantina said.

However, there seemed to be little doubt in the Point Pleasant Beach gym about what player was going to have the ball in his hands with the game on the line.

“Just the way I like it," Reischel said.

Fortunately for Point Beach, it  had a closer at the line with a chance to finish off the Cougars.

Up next for the cardiac Gulls in the Shore Conference Tournament is top-seeded CBA, always a tough opponent.

“Not many secrets, best of the best, we’ll be ready,” Catania said.