Ocean City wins the 2026 NJSIAA Group 3 Boys Basketball State Championship.
(Photo by Christopher Shannon/OnNJ Sports)
March 15, 2026

IMAGES: Ocean City Captures First Boys Basketball State Title in 62 Years

By Christopher Shannon

2026 NJSIAA Group 3 Boys Basketball State Championship - Ocean City vs. Colonia

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Action from the 2026 NJSIAA Group 3 Boys Basketball State Championship game between Ocean City and Colonia. (Photo by Christopher Shannon/OnNJ Sports)

In its first appearance in a state championship game since 1972, Ocean City claimed their third overall boys basketball title, and first since 1964, with an entertaining 55-46 victory over Colonia in the 2026 NJSIAA Group 3 Boys Basketball Championship game on March 15 at Jersey Mike’s Arena.

Luke Tjoumakaris recorded a double-double for the Red Raiders with 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Lenko led all scorers with 24 points.  Dean Lappin orchestrated the Ocean City offense with six assists while collecting three steals on defense.

Colonia was led by Jayce Rodriguez’s 22 points.  Nfa Clyne and Jayden Johnson were the only other two Patriots to finish near double-digits scoring with seven and six points, respectively.

With the win, Ocean City concludes their season with a 26-6 record, while Colonia finishes their season at 21-11.

About the Author

Christopher is the Photo Editor at OnNJ Sports.  You can often find Christopher along the sidelines at sporting events in Northern Jersey, or at West Point photographing athletic, and other, events there.  Christopher’s favorite events that he has had the opportunity to cover, so far in his career, include Penn State football White Out games and Army-Navy football games.  While Christopher enjoys photographing a wide variety of sports, his favorite to cover include football, volleyball, basketball, gymnastics, and lacrosse.

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