RANDOLPH, NJ – What a comeback and what a win! The 'Road Warrior' and third-ranked Monarchs overcame a late 20-point deficit, forced overtime and later won by an 89-88 final thanks in large part to a lay-in with 4.7 seconds remaining by sophomore guard DaMaryon Fishburn (Detroit, Mich./Trillium Academy).
 
The thrilling win led the Monarchs to the Turkey Hoop Shoot Championship and a perfect 7-0 record to start the season. All seven games have been played away from home, including five true road games and a pair of neutral-site battles. Of those seven contests, the Monarchs have earned two wins over Top 25 opponents and another over a team who entered the season ranked.
 
Less than 24 hours after picking up a hard-fought ranked win to begin their time in New Jersey, the Monarchs hit the court again, this time in the Turkey Hoop Shoot Championship against the host County College of Morris Titans.
 
The day didn't start in the Monarchs' favor as a sluggish start, combined with a red-hot shooting effort from the Titans, led to a 44-32 halftime deficit. The Titans remained hot to start the latter half as the Monarchs eventually trailed by 20 points, 60-40, with 12:13 left in regulation.
 
Showcasing a championship effort, the Monarchs rallied and outscored the Titans 39-19 over the final 12:13 of the second half to force the overtime period.
 
In overtime, the Monarchs were in control early before once again fighting off foul trouble as three members of the Blue & White fouled out late in the game. Finishing the game with five active players, the Monarchs refused to back down as Fishburn put the exclamation point on the comeback win with a drive to the basket that resulted in the game-winning layup with 4.7 seconds remaining.
 
Three Monarchs tallied 20 or more points on the day as Marlon Williams (Benton Harbor, Mich./Benton Harbor) paced the offense with 23 points to go along with eight rebounds and five assists. Josh Hines (Macomb, Mich./Dakota) was next with 22 points, five rebounds, two assists and two blocks, while Fishburn finished with 20 points, nine rebounds and three assists.
 
Jotham Nweke (Oak Park, Mich./Loyola) was the fourth and final Monarch in double figures scoring with 14 points, adding eight rebounds and a pair of blocks. Caron Williams (Mount Clemens, Mich./L'Anse Creuse) finished with six points, five rebounds and three assists and Jalen Jenkins (Belleville, Mich./Belleville) checked in with four points, three boards and three assists.
 
Due to a cancellation by Tuesday's opponent, the Monarchs will not return to game action until Dec. 6 when they finally host their 2024-25 home opener against Mid Michigan College. Tip-off for the special matinee matchup is set for 3 p.m. in Warren.