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McGuire Falcons win NJ state title

Members of the McGuire Falcons, run by the 87th Services Squadron Youth Programs, and Kevin Hansen (far left), the team’s coach, pose before the New Jersey State Semi-final game for high school March 7. The team won the game against St. Mary’s of the Lakes of Medford, N.J., 54-52, and claimed the state title. (Courtesy photo)

McGuire Falcons win NJ state title

McGuire Falcons Senior Point Guard and Team Captain Marcell Hughes, son of Master Sgt. Marcus Hughes, 421st Combat Training Squadron, secures a rebound during the N.J. State semi-final game. The Falcons are the first team from Burlington County, N.J., to win the state title since 2000 and the first team ever from McGuire to win. (Courtesy photo)

McGuire Falcons win NJ state title

McGuire Falcons Senior Center Alex Sotomayor, son of Master Sgt. Ben Sotomayor, 816th Global Mobility Readiness Squadron, goes up for a two-point shot during the N.J. state semi-final game March 7. The team won the game against St. Mary’s of the Lakes of Medford, N.J., 54-52, and claimed the state title. (Courtesy photo)

McGuire Falcons win NJ state title

Published March 10, 2009
By McGuire Youth Programs
87th Services Squadron

McGUIRE AIR FORCE BASE, N.J. -- The McGuire Falcons, run by the 87th Services Squadron Youth Programs, won the New Jersey State Title with a 54-52 win over St. Mary's of the Lakes of Medford New Jersey March 7.

The Falcons were down 11 at the half, but got back into the game with a stellar defensive performance by Marcus and Marcell Hughes, sons of Master Sgt. Marcus Hughes, 421st Combat Training Squadron.

"Winning the state title means that we came together as a team and accomplished something many cannot say," said McGuire Falcons Senior Power Forward Marcus Hughes, Jr. "Being part of this team and representing Team McGuire was like a dream come true."

McGuire Falcons Senior Guard Donnie Redding was named MVP of the state tournament after scoring 24 points in the championship game.

The Falcons finished the season 21-5. The Medford team was 25-1 coming into the game. This is the first state title in the history of McGuire AFB.

"Winning the state title for these youth from McGuire and Fort Dix just shows how special it is when a team comes together," said Kevin Hansen, McGuire Falcons coach. "They peaked at the right time and pulled off the six wins in a row to be called state champions. It was kind of like the NCAA tournament as each game was very close. The tenacious man-to-man defense by Senior Forward Cajiid Ceruit and guards Matt, Marcus and Donnie were the keys to the victory over Medford."