Jersey Shore has come so far, so fast. The Bulldogs reached their first district final since 2001 Friday and chances are Dincher and her teammates will remember seeing someone else receive the gold medals they desired so much and use it as fuel.

That goes double since all but one player returns next season.

Emmie Rowe played a tremendous game, scoring 28 points and not missing a shot after the first quarter and Central captured its third straight district title, defeating Jersey Shore, 51-30. While the Bulldogs were denied their first district crown since 1997, they have started something big and now have the state tournament to be excited about. Jersey Shore likely will host District 2 runner-up Wyoming Area next weekend.

“I’m really proud of my team and how hard we worked to get here,” Jocelyn McCracken said after scoring eight points, grabbing six rebounds and adding three assists. “We haven’t really played on this big of a stage before and I think this is really going to help us in the long run.”

Peyton Dincher of Jersey Shore drives to the basket away from the defense of Lindsey Bull of Central Columbia Friday night at Milton High School March 3, 2023. Central won 51-30. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“I think they know what it takes to get here. They want to get over that hump, but we’re moving on,” Jersey Shore coach Darrin Bischof said. “We get a game against Wyoming Area, so we’re excited for that challenge.”

Central (23-3) presented an immense challenge after romping to the HAC-II championship, decimating two previous playoff opponents by 77 combined points and returning every starter from last year’s district champion. Still, Jersey Shore (19-6) showed no fear and went right at the Blue Jays.

Cailyn Schall opened the scoring with a 3-pointer, McCracken scored off a putback and Dincher drained a 3-pointer as Jersey Shore took an 8-2 lead just a little more than two minutes into the game. Sophia Stover hit another 3-pointer which made it 11-6 before Central rallied and tied it at 13-13 entering the second quarter.

Still, it was a strong opening statement, especially after Central had allowed just 36 points in its two district playoff victories.

“We were confident,” McCracken said. “We can compete against anybody, it’s just a matter of finishing shots but we were ready.”

Peyton Dincher of Jersey Shore puts up a shot against Central Columbia Friday night at Milton High School March 3, 2023. Central won 51-30. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Central has made life miserable for opponents the last three years with its swarming full-court pressure. Jersey Shore, though, handled that press well and turned the ball over just eight times over the last three quarters. The Bulldogs also were able to produce quality shots throughout the game, but after the hot start, those shots would not fall.

As Jersey Shore cooled, Central heated up and went ahead, 25-15 at halftime. The Bulldogs were hanging in and trailed by eight three minutes into the third quarter before Rowe ignited a 3-point barrage which stuck a dagger through their title hopes.

Rowe drained consecutive 3-pointers before Caitlyn Weatherill added another on the next possession and, in a flash, Central led, 35-18. Rowe, the HAC-II MVP, put on a shooting clinic, going 10 for 10 from the field and line over the last three quarters. She also produced a double-double with 10 rebounds, while Alyx Flick added 10 points and Maddy Blake seven rebounds.

“Central is good for a reason. They’re two-time defending champions for a reason, but I was so proud of us for handling their speed well,” Bischof said. “We got back on defense and didn’t give up a lot of transition.”

Jersey Shore never stopped competing hard, diving after loose balls and playing ferocious defense. Central pushed the lead to 25 in the fourth quarter, but the Bulldogs fought back and Schall’s 3-pointer cut it to 49-30.

Peyton Dincher of Jersey Shore tries to pass out of the defense of Central Columbia Friday night at Milton High School March 3, 2023. Central won 51-30. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

“The ball movement was there,” Bischof said. “I feel for them because we came down with a plan and they were working that plan and it just didn’t pan out.”

As disappointed as the Bulldogs were Friday, they now turn their attention toward another big opportunity. No Jersey Shore team has won a state tournament game since 2001, so this team which has risen from three wins to 19 in just two years, will keep working toward another goal, knowing that this journey is not over.

Jersey Shore also captured its first league championship since 1996 earlier this season. The Bulldogs are tenacious, and bonded. Now, they also are more experienced.

“Playoff tournaments aren’t like anything else,” McCracken said. “This experience is definitely going to help us for the state tournament.”

JERSEY SHORE (30)

The Jersey Shore watch as Central Columbia get their gold medals Friday night at Milton High School March 3, 2023. Central won 51-30. DAVE KENNEDY/Sun-Gazette

Peyton Dincher 1 4-4 7, Jocelyn McCracken 3 1-2 8, Cailyn Schall 3 1-2 9, Sophia Stover 1 0-0 3, Celia Shemory 0 1-2 1, Rachel Lorson 1 0-0 2, Rayne Herritt 0 0-0 0. Totals 9 7-10 30.

CENTRAL (51)

Emmie Rowe 10 5-6 28, Alyx Flick 3 4-4 10, Caitlyn Weatherill 1 2-2 5, Lindsey Bull 1 0-0 2, Haley Bull 0 2-2 2, Maddy Blake 1 0-0 2, Erin Prezioso 1 0-0 2. Totals 18 13-14 51.

Jersey Shore 13 2 5 10–30

Central 13 12 14 12–51

3-pointers: Jersey Shore 5 (Schall 2, Dincher, McCracken, Stover); Central 4 (Rowe 3, Weatherill).

Records: Central 23-3. Jersey Shore 19-7.