Defensive-minded Paulsboro wins sectional title again

Paulsboro coach Sean Collins doesn't mind going to his bench.

If anything, his team's defense gets better when his reserves hit the floor.

"It seems like it amps up even more," Collins said of the pressure defense that carried Paulsboro to an 81-59 victory over Schalick on Tuesday night in the South Jersey Group 1 title game.

Senior forward Saleem Little scored 24 points, and senior swingman Theo Holloway added 20 for top-seeded Paulsboro (28-2), which won its third sectional title in the last four years.

Paulsboro advanced to face the Shore-Point Pleasant Beach winner in the Group 1 state semifinals Thursday at 7 p.m. at Toms River North.

Senior Mike Holloway (no relation to Theo) scored 29 points with 13 rebounds in his last game for third-seeded Schalick (21-9).

"It hurts," said Mike Holloway, a Fairleigh-Dickinson recruit. "But we had a great season. I'm proud of my team."

Paulsboro's relentless pressure defense forced 32 turnovers in the first three quarters.

The Red Raiders got big lifts off the bench from players such as Tyrique King (eight points, four steals) and Kyle Jones (five points, three steals).

"People always say, 'Paulsboro has athletes,' " Collins said. "If I got them, I'm going to use them."

Schalick 11 15 11 22 - 59

Paulsboro 12 27 25 17 - 81

S: Mike Holloway 29, Tyler Lunsford 3, Superior Ryan 4, Sha'Mirr Kennedy 7, Troy Johnson 14, Nate Camilli 2.

P: Saleem Little 24, Theo Holloway 20, Brandon Hamilton 3, DeShaun Burgess 4, John Pellegrini 8, Tyrique King 8, Kyle Jones 5, Charron Quarles 2, Dehron Holloway 4, Steve Priest 3.