Shore was within a shot of pushing its championship hopes over the top, but came up short Monday in a 43-39 loss to Eagle Academy in the Central Group I final.
Inspired by the unlikely return of A.J. Schwartz, Marlboro has been one of the state's most dangerous teams in February and has a third straight Central Group IV semifinal to show for it.
Will Surdez did most of his damage in the second half and Colts Neck overpowered Brick Memorial over the final five minutes Wednesday in a Central Jersey Group III quarterfinal win.