Camden High School's boys' basketball team will compete in the state Group 2 final after a final appeal by Manasquan to delay the championship game was rejected by a state appeals court.

Manasquan's attempt to dispute a last-second call that favored Camden in a semifinal match has sparked a legal and procedural debate, ultimately upholding the game officials' original decision.

• The Panthers (29-2) will face Arts (24-8) for the state Group 2 title at Jersey Mike's Arena.
• Camden erased a 17-point deficit, leading to a controversial ending where a last-second shot by Manasquan was initially ruled invalid but was later acknowledged as valid by video replay.

• The NJSIAA and the appeals court upheld the officials' initial call to not allow a replay based on video evidence, emphasizing the finality of on-court decisions.
• The legal battles and appeals process surrounding the disputed call have created significant attention on both high school basketball and officiating standards.
• Camden Mayor Victor Carstarphen expressed support for the refs, highlighting the challenges of officiating and praising the efforts of both teams in the contentious game.

Camden will proceed to the state final, facing Arts in a highly anticipated matchup that follows a week of intense scrutiny and controversy over the semifinal's disputed call.

The legal decision to uphold the result of the controversial semifinal sets the stage for an emotionally charged final, underscoring the intensity and stakes of high school sports competitions.