[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 51 (Friday, March 22, 2024)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E280-E281]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




 CONGRATULATING THE MANASQUAN HIGH SCHOOL'S AMAZING BIG BLUE WARRIORS' 
                           BASKETBALL PROGRAM

                                 ______
                                 

                       HON. CHRISTOPHER H. SMITH

                             of new jersey

                    in the house of representatives

                         Friday, March 22, 2024

  Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr Speaker, I take this opportunity to 
congratulate and commend the athletes, managers, staff members and 
outstanding fans of the Manasquan High School Big Blue Warriors' 
Basketball Program.
  The 2023-2024 season had moments of great excitement and profound 
heartbreak, but there is no doubt that both the boys and girls teams 
demonstrated true grit and sportsmanship to the delight of sports fans 
across the Garden State--and perhaps the entire country.
  First, let me congratulate the members of Manasquan's girls Group 2 
state-wide championship team In a rout, on March 9th the Warriors 
defeated Madison with a nearly 2-1 victory of 47-26.
  Coach Lisa Kukoda led her fiery squad to the championship title with 
the Warrior team after wrapping up a tremendous 26-5 wins over losses 
on the season.
  Likewise, the boys team, under the leadership of Coach Andrew 
Bilodeau, had a tremendous win-loss record on the season--finishing 
with 23 wins to 7 losses.

[[Page E281]]

  The players on both teams displayed talent, dedication, tenacity, 
skill and the hearts of champions.
  But this year the boys team was challenged to go to the highest 
levels of sportsmanship, humility and grace--and they met the 
challenge.
  Despite clear and compelling video evidence proving the timeliness of 
a Warrior's game-winning shot--at the buzzer in the semi-finals--the 
refs reversed their call and gave the game away. Ultimately, they 
denied the Warriors their rightful advancement to the state finals--an 
unbelievable turn of events.
  At some point in his or her career, every athlete must wrestle with 
the agony of defeat. Few, however, are called upon to deal with a blown 
call that crowns a wrongful winner in the semi-finals.
  Today, no one believes that Manasquan lost that game. Yet when the 
powers that be refused to right the wrong, the Manasquan Warriors 
remained unfairly ``boxed out'' of their rightful victory.
  Especially worthy of note is this team's actions at the subsequent 
championship competition later that week
  Despite the great disappointment and emotion from players, family, 
fans and the community that the New Jersey State Interscholastic 
Athletic Association (NJSIAA) would not overturn what it acknowledged 
as an officiating error, Coach Bilodeau and his persevering Warriors 
attended the state finals game, showing the highest character and 
class. They congratulated Camden High--the inadvertent benefactors of 
the officiating miscue--and gave them a standing ovation upon their 
victory in the championship game.
  Such civility and strength of character is deeply admired, and it 
will serve these Warriors well in any and every future endeavor.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for all of my constituents in 
Manasquan when I say that we could not be prouder of the way both the 
girls and boys teams acted on and off the courts. To have both teams in 
the playoffs in the same year, in the same sport, in the same final 
days offered spectacular and legendary memories for fans and players 
alike.
  The Manasquan boys team's handling of the costly and admitted 
referees' error was remarkable and admirable. Still, reforms are needed 
at the NJSIAA who issued an apology but offered no justice.
  I strongly support the efforts at the state level, including by my 
good friend and Manasquan's Assemblyman Sean Kean, to help maintain the 
integrity of high school sports.
  Assemblyman Kean's legislation aims to prevent a similar situation 
from occurring again by prompting the use of instant replay in NJ 
playoff tournament basketball games. The National Federation of High 
School Sports guidelines allow state high school associations to use 
video replay during basketball championships. States other than NJ have 
done so since 2015.
  Mr. Speaker, both the Manasquan High School girls and boys teams give 
us reason to celebrate their achievements. Well done to all of the 
players, coaches and managers who make us proud.
  The 2023-2024 Manasquan High School Girls Basketball Varsity Program 
Members:
  Players Katie Collins, McKenna Karlson, Carlie Lapinski, Hope 
Masonius, Shea Donnelly, Shannon Heine, Grace Love, Olivia Shaughnessy, 
Ava Frith, Jordyn Hollawell, Lily Johnson, Shannon Looney, Logan 
McCarthy, Rose Latesta, Managers Kristina Walthall, Juliann Martell, 
Kylie Rothery, Kathy Minchala-Ramirez, Paige Donnelly, Caroline Watson, 
Findleigh Tuite, Head Coach Lisa Kukoda; Assistant Coaches Keara Homan, 
Rich Kirk, Sarah Kurtz, Joe Roman, Bill Shaughnessy.
  The 2023-2024 Manasquan High School Boys Basketball Varsity Program 
Members.
  Players Ryan Frauenheim, Alex Konov, Jason Larned, Ryan Mulvaney, 
Luke Roy, Mike Nitta, Julian Walthall, Dan McManus, Griffin Linstra, 
Matteo Chiarella, Brandon Kunz, Keegan Hertel, Jack O'Reilly, Jack 
Lattimer, Logan Cleveland, Rey Weinseimer, Managers Rylie Eldridge, 
Sophia Bilodeau, Reagan Prime, Lily McKiever, Charlotte Michko, Head 
Coach Andrew Bilodeau, Assistant Coaches Ryan Ritchey, Colin Eldridge, 
Sean Fitzgerald, Ed Breheny, Jack Heenan, Bob Wright.
  Under the direction of Manasquan Superintendent of Schools Dr Frank 
Kasyan, High School Principal Robert Goodall, Athletic Director Donald 
Bramley, and Athletic Trainer Kevin Hyland.

                          ____________________