Boys swim defeats Marlboro to advance in state competition

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The team gathers to celebrate after learning they defeated Marlboro to advance to the sectional championship.

Lindsey Baum, Staff writer

In the Central Jersey Public A Semi-finals, Hillsborough defeated Marlboro easily to advance to the sectional final.

On Feb. 12, Hillsborough achieved a score of 123 at home to defeat Marlboro, which was only able to compile a score of 47.

Winning all events but one, Hillsborough again showed its depth with a near-sweep of both the individual and relay events.

Seniors Derek Kosydar and Josh Franco, and freshman James McChesney led the charge for Hillsborough, winning two individual events apiece.

Kosydar won the 200 freestyle in a time of 1:53.67, while also winning the 100 butterfly in 55.95. He was also a member of the winning 200 medley relay.

“Marlboro upset Hunterdon Central in the previous round, so we knew that we couldn’t take any chances,” Kosydar said. “I’m proud of how well our team performed top to bottom, and I’m excited to take on Rancocas Valley on Friday.”

Franco’s two wins came in the 200 individual medley and the 100 backstroke, swimming 2:01.79 and 57.66, respectively. As for relays, Franco competed in both the 200 freestyle relay and the 200 medley relay.

In his first sectional competition, McChesney shone, taking the top spot in the 50 freestyle and 100 freestyle, in times of 22.93 and 51.90, while also contributing in the 200 medley and freestyle relays.

Hillsborough’s final individual win came courtesy of senior Evan Morgan, who won the 500 freestyle in 5:20.72.

Next, Hillsborough will face Rancocas Valley on Friday, Feb. 16, at the Neptune Aquatics Center in the section finals.