It was standing room only in the Freehold High School (FHS) gymnasium Monday night, as the girls Varsity basketball team took on Neptune High School (NHS) in the Sectional Championship game.

Parents, students, school staff and administration all watched as the Colonials worked to catch up with NHS who came out with an early lead. While both teams worked to advance, the game was extremely aggressive resulting in numerous fouls. At the half, the Colonials trailed by 8 with a score of 10 to 18.

After the half, the game became even more aggressive; the foul line is where the majority of the points came from and provided Freehold with an opportunity to close the gap. By the end of third, the Colonials only trailed by four with a score of 22 to 26.

While the score fluctuated, the fouls did not – causing two Neptune players to be fouled out of the game. As the last quarter ticked down, FHS senior Kim Dana was able to tie the score at 36 with one of her multiple trips to the foul line when there was only about two minutes left in regulation.

The tie did not last long, as NHS quickly rebounded, bringing the score to 36 - FHS and 38 - NHS. After a few minutes of back and forth, the end of regulation resulted in a tie score of 43.

In overtime, Neptune started off with a lead, but the Colonials kept up the pressure and were able to take the lead with under a minute left in overtime thanks to Dana at the foul line again.

With only a few seconds left in overtime, FHS senior Camerin Spahn ventured to the foul line with a tie score of 48. After two successful free throws, FHS led NHS 50 to 48 and became the Champions of the Central Jersey Group III Final.

The FHS girls will continue to advance in the NJSIAA tournament and will travel to South Jersey to take on the South Jersey III Winner.

Are you a big fan of the Colonials? You'll also want to see:

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• Athlete of the Week: Off the Court with Camerin Spahn
• Athlete of the Week: Off the Field with Ryan Kasten
• Freehold Student Athletes Commit to Division I Schools