It would be an understatement to say that the sub-regional contest between the Marlboro Dukes and Hastings Yellow Jackets was a little weird. After being postponed and moved to Marlboro High School, spectators were not allowed in the game due to coronavirus, with the decision to allow media being made only hours prior to tipoff.

“It was fine, honestly. The kids played hard, it was a little awkward early on, but the kids filled [the gym] with noise, they played really hard, there wasn’t any difference in the intensity of the game, I felt,” said Marlboro Head Coach Mike Koehler. “Guys were still diving after loose balls; the kids were still encouraging each other. They play just as if they would have if people were here.”

“The kids adjusted to it beautifully.”

Unfortunately for the Dukes, they fell to the Yellow Jackets by a score of 48-45. Marlboro mounted a second quarter comeback after an early deficit, but couldn’t hold on in the fourth quarter.

“In the first quarter we were down 13-5 and went on a 20-9 run to finish the half. That was a great sign and we played great in the third quarter. That fourth quarter is where we really hurt ourselves, they went on an 8-0 run to take the lead,” said Koehler.

“We didn’t make some good decisions, especially in the fourth quarter. Some quick shots early [in the shot clock] and a couple three’s in transition for them.

It wasn’t as much of our defense as it was taking quick shots and getting out of our rhythm.”

Dukes’ senior CJ Faircloth led the scoring effort for Marlboro with 14 points. He had five total field goals, with two from beyond the arc.

“We needed to just keep it going, but we didn’t,” said Faircloth. “Anybody can use [current events] as an excuse, but it’s not an excuse. We just didn’t do what we had to do to win.”

Faircloth continued, discussing his team’s effort and their season.

“We gave it all we had, everything that we could. We just fell short tonight,” he said. “I’m happy we were able to make it here with the teammates that I have.

It was a great season and atmosphere on the court, off the court and in school.”

Koehler pointed to some of the reasons that could have made up for the three points that his team fell short.

“We went 4 for 11 from the line. In a game like this you need to make them all,” he said. “We didn’t stop playing. I thought we played well, we just didn’t make some smart decisions.”

Collin Casey added nine points for the Dukes, while Korbyn Samuels scored 7 points.

The game ended for Marlboro without a final shot attempt. After a turnover, the Dukes didn’t have enough time to foul. The clock hit zero and the Yellow Jackets were headed to the Regional Championship.

The game was live streamed online for parents, students and fans of both teams to watch, as they weren’t allowed into the gym.