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Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ
It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.
Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.
At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
- Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ
- Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ
- Is Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ Actually Legit?
- What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ?
- The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
- Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
- What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
- The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ
If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:
- Digestion
- Hormones
- Breathing
- Muscles
- Nerves & Brain
- Sex & Libido
- Body Circulation
- Organs & Heart
In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.
Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ
Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.
These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.
In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.
Is Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ Actually Legit?
One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.
Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:
- Neck Pain
- Back Pain
- Post-Stroke Aphasia
- Muscle Pain
- Lactation Issues
- Lower Back Pain
- Asthma
- Allergies
- Vascular Dementia
- More
Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.
What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?
When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.
Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.
Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.
Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.
How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?
This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.
During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.
Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.
What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ?
There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.
Relief from Chronic Pain
Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.
That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.
When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.
Migraine Headache Relief
If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.
A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.
The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.
Improved Sleep
For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.
A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.
Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.
Better Recovery from Surgery
While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.
The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.
The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.
Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.
To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.
There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ, including the following:
- Increased Range of Motion
- More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
- Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
- Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
- Less of a Need for Pain Medications
- Boosted Mood & Energy
- Better Quality of Life Overall
You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.
Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.
It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:
- Professional Athletes
- Football Players
- Soccer Players
- Baseball Players
- Construction Workers
- Landscapers
- Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
- Public Officials
- Police Officers
- More
Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.
Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.
What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?
Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.
Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.
What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:
- Sports Injuries
- Headaches
- Sciatica
- Lower Back Pain
- Neck Pain
- Insomnia
- Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
- More
Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.
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The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Colts Neck, NJ
New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Colts Neck, NJ
With leading scorer fouling out, Colts Neck boys basketball comes back, reaches state final
Jake Matsonhttps://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2025/03/11/nj-shore-boys-basketball-colts-neck-ocean-city-state-semifinal-lukas-sloane-dillon-younger/82227110007/
DEPTFORD -- With 2:37 left in the boys basketball Group 3 state semifinal between Ocean City and Colts Neck on Tuesday, it appeared that a valiant comeback would come up short.The Cougars' star senior Lukas Sloane had single-handedly cut Ocean City's five point lead to just one point, and he added to that heroic effort with yet another score to give his team a 44-43 lead. But just a few moments later, Sloane fouled out with a team-high 17 points.What seemed like an unfortunate ending was just the start of another...
DEPTFORD -- With 2:37 left in the boys basketball Group 3 state semifinal between Ocean City and Colts Neck on Tuesday, it appeared that a valiant comeback would come up short.
The Cougars' star senior Lukas Sloane had single-handedly cut Ocean City's five point lead to just one point, and he added to that heroic effort with yet another score to give his team a 44-43 lead. But just a few moments later, Sloane fouled out with a team-high 17 points.
What seemed like an unfortunate ending was just the start of another chapter in the most miraculous story of the Shore basketball season. After Ocean City swiftly regained the lead, Colts Neck shut out the Red Raiders in the final two minutes. It set the stage for senior Dillon Younger as he drove into the paint with a clunky and gritty move that was finished off with a 10-foot jumper through contact to give the Cougars a 46-45 lead.
"Our best scorer is out," Younger said. "I needed to just step up. And obviously our whole team got us there. Rebounding, defense, making them turn over the ball. So I just knew it was my time to get that basket."
Appropriately, the Cardiac Cats capped off the comeback victory with two defensive stands. Colts Neck beat Ocean City 47-45 and secured its place in the state championship at Rutgers on Saturday. It wasn't pretty, but it got the job done. And it was the perfect finish for a team that has been defined by a willingness to win by any means necessary.
"We all knew we had it in us," said Younger. "We love each other. We're good friends off the court."
Colts Neck travels well: The Den
The love extended to the devoted student section, The Den, that provided home court advantage throughout the team's run to a sectional championship and traveled to give the Cougars a home court advantage even while being 70 miles from home. The Den stormed the court in the aftermath of the momentous victory.
"The Den didn't travel an hour and 30 minutes to watch us lose," Sloane said. "I had to get the fans what they wanted."
The constant for the Cougars was their defense, and senior Dan Buoncore set the standard with multiple steals including a steal-and-score in the closing minutes of the fourth.
"I love my teammates. Us seniors, we've been playing together for four years, we've been staying ready for this moment," said Buoncore. "And most importantly we play defense."
The Cougars overcame a 10-point deficit late in the third quarter to topple an impressive Ocean City that came into the game with a 22-6 record. The Red Raiders were beset by a devastating injury just 18 seconds into the game when the team's lone senior and leading scorer, Ben McGonigle, exited the game with an apparent ankle injury. But that loss seemed to galvanized the talented group as they seized control in the second quarter and extended their lead in the third. Luke Tjoumakaris had a game-high 21 points for Ocean.
But Colts Neck would not be denied. And no matter how much the Cougars had struggled in various aspects, they found ways to turn those shortcomings into strengths. They were an abysmal 10 of 20 at the free throw line and struggled on the glass, but the turning point of the game came when Sloane crafted a three-point play. He made his first free throw and grabbed his own offensive rebound on the second and put it back in for a score to cut Ocean City's lead to 41-40 midway through the fourth quarter.
"This is my senior season, I've gotta give it all that I got," Sloane said. "I don't think we crashed the boards one time, so I was thinking, let's give them something they ain't seen. He came out with the ball on his hip and I just took it and scored."
Colts Neck coach Steve Jannarone admitted he wasn't thrilled with the principle behind the play, but praised the execution from the star senior.
"That same play, he did it against Ewing and I was ready to strangle him," the coach said. "So the fact he ignored me and got it was to his credit because he knows what can and can't do."
That level of confidence is a theme for Colts Neck, as they've made fools out of naysayers and established themselves as the Shore Conference's unsung elite team. This run is particularly impressive given the recurring state-wide narrative that this winter was a "down year" for boys basketball at the Shore.
"I think the Shore speaks for itself," Jannarone said. "Anybody that thinks we have to prove anything hasn't been watching."
Next: Colts Neck vs. Ramapo in the Group 3 final
They'll face reigning state champion Ramapo in the Group 3 final, giving the Cougars one more chance to stun the entire state with another upset. But it's difficult to imagine how any moment could top the theatrics of Tuesday night's semifinal.
"It's just surreal," said Younger. "All my friends here - it's just an amazing experience. Can't ask for better."
'We just believe in ourselves': Colts Neck is a boys basketball state champion for first time
Jake Matsonhttps://www.app.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2025/03/15/colts-neck-boys-basketball-nj-shore-state-final-ramapo-steve-jannarone-lucas-sloane-dillon-younger/82412362007/
Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.BASKETBALLAsbury Park PressPISCATAWAY -- The forces of destiny that permeated the Colts Neck boys basketball team were as omnipresent as the external doubt. But on the grand stage at Jersey Mike's Arena for the Group 3 state championship Saturday night, the Cougars left no room for doubt.Facing reigning st...
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BASKETBALL
Asbury Park Press
PISCATAWAY -- The forces of destiny that permeated the Colts Neck boys basketball team were as omnipresent as the external doubt. But on the grand stage at Jersey Mike's Arena for the Group 3 state championship Saturday night, the Cougars left no room for doubt.
Facing reigning state champion Ramapo, the Cougars faced the same chorus of sports soothsayers that had said the team would lose to Ewing and Ocean City. The silence of the doubters was as deafening as the booming student section as Colts Neck outmaneuvered the bigger and talented Raiders to win 54-46 for the first state championship in program history.
With leading scorer fouling out, Colts Neck boys basketball comes back, reaches state final
Coach Steve Jannarone couldn't ignore the fate that always seemed to surround his team, dating back to innocuous trip to see his son. They went out to dinner at an upscale restaurant that required a suit jacket, and Jannarone bought an elegant green piece for the occasion
"I bought this jacket and I kid to my wife, if we get something green, it'll be something I can wear in the state finals," Jannarone said. "I had been rocking a 20-year-old polo for the whole tournament, so it was a big decision to try it out. And it worked. So there's definitely something going on."
Whether it was the fashion gods or the basketball gods, there was always something good going on about this year's most unlikely state champ. The Cougars scrapped their way through the first two quarters while Lukas Sloane kept the team afloat with 13 of the team's 15 points at halftime.
After trailing Ramapo 20-15 at halftime, the Cougars could do no wrong as they surged in the next 16 minutes. They made eight of their nine field goal attempts in the third quarter and shrunk the Ramapo lead to 38-37 heading into the fourth. Fresh of his late-game heroics against Ocean City, junior Dillon Younger had nine points in the third quarter. The results laid bare that Colts Neck was built for these moments.
"In the Shore, we play a lot of teams that are bigger and more physical," said Sloane. "We just have that hustle that I don't think any team in the state has. That's why we came out on top."
The defensive hand placement was immaculate as they ruined the Raiders' rhythm with blocks and steals. The ball movement was a work of art as scoring opportunities flowed to seniors Dan Buoncore, Jack Freid and Bryce Belcher, who made back-to-back shots to give Colts Neck the defining 43-41 lead midway through the fourth as they rode that momentum to the finish line.
"We just believe in ourselves," Younger said. "We believe in each other especially. Lukas believed in us to hit all these shots, he was carrying us in the beginning. Our chemistry is the best."
Colts Neck embodied team basketball in a way that it galvanized the community beyond just the student-athletes on the team. The Cougars' student section, The Den, dwarfed its counterpart from Ramapo. The vocal coalition of community members and alumni roared at each turning point, just as they had all through the team's incredible playoff run.
"It's really great for the whole community to come out," Belcher said. "The Den has been supporting us all year and it has been truly amazing for us to just perform in front of them. It's the greatest feeling in the world."
The Cougars were a team that faced an unfathomable climb to the top. They embraced each fateful twist and turn of their journey.
Before the state championship, Jannarone didn't shy away from reminding his team of the stakes of the moment and what it would mean if his players could deliver the first boys basketball state championship in school history.
"We talked about how they matched a legacy by winning a sectional. By winning the next one (in the state semifinal against Ocean City), they'd surpassed it," Jannarone said. "The talk today was: win this and you can never be surpassed."
Colts Neck scraps their way to victory against Ramapo
The start of the game could not have been uglier for fans hoping to see high-flying offensive basketball. After three scoreless minutes, Ramapo got the first points of the game on free throw and added the game's first field goal with 4:20 left in the first quarter. It was a slog, and it was exactly what Colts Neck needed.
Ramapo never seemed to fully recover from that opening offensive funk while Sloane kept Colts Neck afloat by scoring all of his team's six first quarter points. The Raiders held a 10-6 lead, but that seemed to foreshadow the Cougars mucky path to victory.
All the while Sloane buoyed his team and reached double figures before another Colts Neck player could put the ball through the net. Ramapo inched forward to an 18-12 lead before the Raiders found themselves stuck in the mud again, going scoreless for four minutes before scoring the final bucket of the second to hold a 20-15 lead at halftime.
The foundation of bricks in the first half only augmented Colts Neck's gritty style of play in the third. The Cougars surged immediately to keep pace with Ramapo's best offensive stretch of the game, steadily shrinking the lead largely thanks to their hot hand from beyond the arc.
Colts Neck was only 5-for-15 from three-point range in the game, but all five makes came in the third quarter. None of them were bigger than Younger's two makes, the first of which tied the game at 33-33 and the second of which was a four-point play that gave Colts Neck a 37-35 lead, their first of the game, with 57.5 seconds left in the third.
Ramapo answered to hold a 38-37 lead heading into the fourth quarter, but the Raiders were running out of answers.
They relinquished the lead for good after Belcher's back-to-back scores that put Colts Neck up 43-41 with 3:52 left in the game. The Cougars played an astute game of keep away to bleed off more than a minute of game time. Clutch scores by Bouncore and Freid in quick success gave the team a two-possession lead and put Ramapo into intentional foul territory.
The final minutes were as much of a slog as the first minutes, all signifying that Colts Neck had executed their strategy to perfection.
Sloane finished with game-high 20 points in addition to 12 rebounds. Freid was the other Cougar in double figures with 11. Younger was the do-it-all point guard as he finished a well-rounded performance with nine points, eight assists and six rebounds. Belcher and Bouncore each finished with seven points.
In first ever appearance, Colts Neck takes first ever state title
Just 27 years after its inception, Colts Neck became the first high school in the Freehold Regional School District to win a boys basketball state championship. It's one more stunning factual element to an unlikely story.
The Cougars didn't have a shred of momentum heading into the playoffs. They lost by 30 points to Manasquan in their exit from the Shore Conference Tournament, and ended the regular season with a loss to Sayreville that brought their record to 14-9.
Of course, fate intervened for a team that can sparsely be explained in any other way. Lukas Sloane himself emerged as a star and doubled his scoring output as a senior. But the clutch performances of Buoncore, Younger and Belcher were what got the team to Rutgers to play for a state title.
In a Shore Conference basketball season that been repeatedly denigrated as a down year for the league, Colts Neck was battle-hardened enough to seize a state crown. If this is a down year, then things are certainly looking up for basketball at the Shore.
Boys basketball photos: Group 3 final - Ramapo vs. Colts Neck, March 15, 2025
Tom Horakhttps://highschoolsports.nj.com/game/1027158
Boys Basketball New Jersey's Fastest Growing University NJSIAA Group Tournament, Final Round, Group 3 Colts Neck 20-9 • 6-4 Shore - A North5...
Boys Basketball
New Jersey's Fastest Growing University
NJSIAA Group Tournament, Final Round, Group 3
20-9 • 6-4 Shore - A North
54
FINAL
46
19-11 • 4-3 Big North - Freedom
at Rutgers
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Game Video
03/15/2025 Colts Neck at Ramapo - Group 3 final Boys Basketball
Game Leaders
Points
Lukas Sloane #12
Colts Neck
20
#23 Ryan Goldman
Ramapo
12
Rebounds
Lukas Sloane #12
Colts Neck
12
#11 Charlie Wingfield
Ramapo
8
Steals
Dillon Younger #10
Colts Neck
3
#10 Finn Marrah
Ramapo
2
Sat, March 15, 2025, 6:00pm
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Colts Neck (20-9) | 6 | 9 | 22 | 17 | 54 |
| Ramapo (19-11) | 10 | 10 | 18 | 8 | 46 |
Mike Kinney | Mar 15, 2025
Kevin Minnick | Mar 15, 2025
Matt Bove | Mar 15, 2025
Player Stats
Colts Neck
| 2PT | 3PT | FTM | FTA | PTS | REB | AST | BLK | STL | GP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dillon Younger | 1 | 2 | 1 | 3 | 9 | 6 | 8 | 0 | 3 | 1 |
| Jack Freid | 5 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 11 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Dan Buoncore | 1 | 1 | 2 | 2 | 7 | 2 | 4 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Bryce Belcher | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 2 | 3 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Lukas Sloane | 7 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 20 | 12 | 0 | 4 | 2 | 1 |
| Nate Sloane | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Nolan Duddy | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Andrew Tomkovich | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Miles Schneider | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| James Novak | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals: | 16 | 5 | 7 | 11 | 54 | 24 | 18 | 6 | 7 | 10 |
Ramapo
| 2PT | 3PT | FTM | FTA | PTS | REB | AST | BLK | STL | GP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| A.J. Greig | 2 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Finn Marrah | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 5 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Peter Keith | 4 | 0 | 1 | 2 | 9 | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Charlie Wingfield | 4 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 8 | 8 | 5 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Ryan Goldman | 4 | 1 | 1 | 4 | 12 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Jack Sposa | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Michael Moody | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Connor Young | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Luke Carbone | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals: | 16 | 3 | 5 | 10 | 46 | 23 | 10 | 2 | 3 | 9 |
Team Stats
| CN | R | |
|---|---|---|
| Defensive | ||
| Rebounds | 25 | 23 |
| Assists | 16 | 10 |
| Blocks | 5 | 2 |
| Steals | 4 | 2 |
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Colts Neck Inn Steak House Completes Major Renovation
Stacey Feintuchhttps://bestofnj.com/features/food/colts-neck-inn-steak-house-completes-major-renovation/
olts Neck residents familiar with the Colts Neck Inn Steak & Chop House will notice a difference the next time they dine at the restaurant. For one thing, the restaurant is now rebranded as the Colts Neck Inn Steak House. But perhaps more noticeable is the complete overhaul of both the interior and exterio...
olts Neck residents familiar with the Colts Neck Inn Steak & Chop House will notice a difference the next time they dine at the restaurant. For one thing, the restaurant is now rebranded as the Colts Neck Inn Steak House. But perhaps more noticeable is the complete overhaul of both the interior and exterior.
The renovation was long overdue says George Mavrookas, whose father, Louis, owns the spot. He says it’s been more than 20 years since the last renovation. The project took four months to complete, but the Colts Neck Inn Steak House is now ready to serve. Gone is the outdated dark mahogany woods and burgundy and green color palettes. In its place is a mixture of grays, blacks and golds. “It’s a sexier, more modern look,” George says. The whole interior, including the dining room, bar, and banquet rooms have all been completely renovated. This even extends to plates, flatware, and booths.
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The menu still boasts traditional steaks, filets, and ribeyes (which are hand cut and never frozen). However, these classic dishes are plated with new sauces and sides. For example, the ribeye steak was previously served with a baked potato and vegetable of the day. But now, they serve it with fingerling potatoes, grilled asparagus, chimichurri, and steak sauce. “We wanted to make sure that each plate feels unique,” George explains.
New to the Colts Neck Inn Steak House are contemporary dishes such as sushi and a raw bar. They also serve chicken parmigiana, chicken dishes, salmon, and halibut. Meanwhile, the kids’ menu offers options like pasta and chicken tenders with French fries.
As for the new liquor menu, they offer specialty martinis like Peach Passion. This combinesGrey Goose Peach + Rosemary Vodka with Peach & Passion Fruit and bubbles. The Spiced Pear is also popular, with Captain Morgan Spiced Rum, pear nectar, fresh lemon, and cinnamon. Signature cocktails include the Apple Bourbon Smash and Spicy Pineapple Margarita. Of course, they also have draft beers, champagne, sparkling wine, and white, red, or rose wines.
The Mavrookas family has owned the Colts Neck Inn Steak House since the 1970s. (It’s been in the family for three generations at this point.) They also own the Colts Neck Inn Hotel next door. Established in 1717, the Colts Neck Inn is the oldest inn in New Jersey and the sixth oldest in America.
Visit the Colts Neck Inn Steak House at 191 County Road 537 W in Colts Neck. To learn more:
| Visit Their Website | Follow on Instagram | Follow on Facebook | Call 732-462-0383 |
See the Latest Restaurants Open in New Jersey.
Does this Restaurant accept Reservations?
Yes, they accept reservations.
Are there Gluten-free options?
Yes, they have gluten-free options.
Are there Vegetarian options?
Colts Neck Inn Steak House offers vegetarian dishes, yes.
Does this Restaurant offer Takeout?
They offer takeout, yes.
Does this Restaurant offer Delivery?
No, they do not offer delivery.
Do they have a Liquor license?
Yes, they serve a variety of cocktails.
Is there a Kids’ menu?
They have a kids’ menu, yes.
All Photos: © Colts Neck Inn Steak House
Ten generations of Lairds over centuries have run America's oldest distillery in Colts Neck
Susan Bloomhttps://www.app.com/story/money/business/main-street/2025/02/12/laird-and-company-in-colts-neck-is-americas-oldest-distillery/78242855007/
Seven-minute read0:001:11COLTS NECK - Growing up in Freehold and Brielle, Lisa Laird (Dunn) was born into a family whose Monmouth County-based, pre-Revolutionary War roots as producers of apple jack brandy and other spirits earned them the unique position of America’s oldest distiller.Today, as president of the 10th-generation Laird & Company in the ...
Seven-minute read
COLTS NECK - Growing up in Freehold and Brielle, Lisa Laird (Dunn) was born into a family whose Monmouth County-based, pre-Revolutionary War roots as producers of apple jack brandy and other spirits earned them the unique position of America’s oldest distiller.
Today, as president of the 10th-generation Laird & Company in the Scobeyville section of Colts Neck, Laird couldn’t be prouder to carry on a family legacy that’s synonymous with outstanding apple spirits and three centuries of distilling tradition.
“Our family’s ancestors immigrated from Scotland to Monmouth County in 1698,” said Laird, a Wall resident. “Because apples were prevalent in New Jersey by the late 1600s and cider production was flourishing, my ancestors began distilling apples.
"Although we were distilling for close to 100 years prior, we designated 1780 as the official start of our company in Monmouth County based on my fourth great-grandfather Robert Laird’s account book showing records of sale,” Laird said.
“In our original distillery, which was located right near the Colts Neck Inn at the corner of Routes 537 and 34, our product was hand-crushed and the stills were heated by wood fires,” Laird said. “The facility burned down in 1851, however, at which point then-owner Samuel Laird’s son Robert rebuilt it a mile and a half down the Old Burlington stagecoach trail, where we’re still headquartered.”
Today, as they did centuries ago, “we make apple jack, an apple brandy made from apples which are crushed, fermented and then distilled,” Laird said. “Historically, it was called ‘Jersey Lightning,’ and New Jersey and Monmouth County in particular were well-known for the production of apple jack.”
While apple jack has since become a much smaller category and is significantly more expensive to produce than other spirits like bourbon and vodka, “our company’s heart and soul is apple jack and we offer eight expressions, including our historic unaged apple brandy called ‘Jersey Lightning,’” Laird said. “In order to survive, however, we’ve diversified by producing other spirit brands such as vodka, gin and bourbon, importing wines and spirits, and providing contract packaging services for other companies.”
Among other changes over time, “we no longer distill in New Jersey; it takes 7,000 pounds of apples to make one barrel of apple jack and apples aren’t as plentiful in New Jersey as they once were,” she said. Instead, “we distill and barrel our products at our distillery in Virginia, then ship them to our 155,000-square-foot bottling plant and barrel warehouse here in Scobeyville to age them for up to 12 years.”
According to Laird, pricing for the company’s apple jack varies by product.
“Mixed with a neutral grain to lighten up the flavor profile for the consumer’s changing palate, our Laird’s Blended Apple Jack (vodka with an apple brandy base) is our most widely distributed product and retails for $22, while our five-year-aged version commemorating our 10th generation, Laird’s Tenth Generation Apple Brandy, retails for $42,” she said.
“Our Laird’s Straight Apple Brandy Bottled in Bond ($30) is gaining popularity in the bartending community, as is our Laird’s Straight Apple Jack 86 ($27). Laird’s 7½-Year-Old Apple Brandy, created in 1964 to commemorate New Jersey’s 300th anniversary, retails for $40, and since 1999, we’ve also offered our cru Apple Brandy, which is aged for 12 years and presented in beautiful hand-bottled and hand-labeled packaging for $99.”
As single cask whiskies became popular, she added, the company also introduced its Laird’s Single Cask Apple Brandy, which retails anywhere from $60 to $90 depending upon its age.
As the market’s largest producer of apple brandy, “our sales are predominantly here in the U.S.,” Laird said, “but we’re also available in 16 other markets worldwide.”
Rediscovering the product
Though she grew up an only child, “my father never made me feel that it was expected of me to join the family business,” said Laird, who originally wanted to be a veterinarian based on her love of animals.
But after graduating from Washington College in Maryland and working her way through most of the company’s functions, including production, quality control, accounting, sales and management, she officially took over as president — the first woman to do so in Laird & Company’s history — in 2024.
“My father Larrie was running the company until last year, when he felt it was time to step back,” she explained. “He remains active overseeing our production and teaching that process to my son Gerard, 29, who represents our 10th generation. My daughter Laird Emilie recently joined the company as well and is based in North Carolina, where she helps oversee sales in our southern market.”
Among industry trends, Laird & Company has grappled with the consumer’s changing preferences.
“It’s been a difficult year for the industry as a whole over the past 12 to 18 months, as the younger generation isn’t drinking as much alcohol as past generations, partly influenced by the recent legalization of marijuana in many states,” Laird said.
“On a positive note, however, the bartending community has been rediscovering and embracing our product," she said. "Laird’s Apple Jack has been around since the invention of cocktails and many bartenders are recreating classic cocktails using fresh and original ingredients, which has put Laird’s Apple Jack and Apple Brandy back into the forefront at metro-area bars and restaurants here and around the world.
"Trends are cyclical and many consumers preferred white spirits to brown ones during the 1980s and 1990s,” she said. “Bartenders and consumers appreciate our history and authenticity, and the recent rediscovery of our product has been an uplifting time for our company and brand.”
As for challenges, rising costs are an ever-present concern.
“New Jersey is an expensive state to operate a business in and prices of raw materials and transportation continue to increase, especially since the pandemic,” Laird said. “As a result, we’re always focused on reducing costs.”
“Beyond apple brandy, where we’re a dominant player, we also compete in other categories that are very competitive,” she added. “We’re a small family business going up against large conglomerates with big pocketbooks and marketing budgets. Many smaller, family-owned businesses like ours are being bought up, but we’ve made concerted efforts to keep our business in the family because there’s simply too much pride, heritage and legacy.”
'My ancestors' legacy'
Looking ahead, “we’re always considering new product ideas,” Laird said. “One of our more recent introductions is a new barrel-finished whiskey series — Irish, corn, and bourbon — that we finish aging in our apple brandy barrels and sell for about $40 a bottle.”
“In mid-2024, we introduced ready-to-drink canned cocktails which sell for $14.99 for a four-pack,” she continued. “Included in the series are Laird’s American Mule (comprised of Laird’s Apple Brandy, ginger, and lime), Lisa’s Lemonade (comprised of apple jack and lemonade), and our Five O’Clock brand (comprised of orange crush and pink lemonade). We also offer our ready-to-serve Laird’s Old Fashioned Cocktail made with apple jack and retailing at $13.99 for 375 milliliters.”
“This year, we’re considering introducing other low alcohol-by-volume products like apple cordials and liqueurs,” she said. “We’re always developing and tasting new formulas.”
In her role leading one of the nation’s oldest companies and its nearly 50 employees, “I hope to be able to pass a financially stable business down to my children and for Laird & Company to continue to be a thread and part of New Jersey, our community and its history,” said Laird, who recently enjoyed serving as a guest judge on the Discovery Channel show “Moonshiners.”
“Most New Jerseyans don’t know who we are or that America’s oldest spirit is headquartered right in their backyard," Laird said. "We’re hoping to break ground this spring on a new cultural center/event space/museum on our premises to help showcase our company and our New Jersey history related to this industry.”
Among her favorite parts of the business, “I love the opportunity to carry on my ancestors’ legacy,” Laird said. “I’m sure our forefathers would never have believed that we’d still be in operation this many generations later and I take so much reward and pride in continuing this heritage.”
At the same time, Laird enjoys the new life being infused into her company’s classic product.
“It’s been so exciting and humbling to travel the world and have bartenders prepare me a Laird’s Apple Jack cocktail,” she said. “Whether I’m in Hong Kong, England, Denmark, Australia or here in the U.S., I love to see the creativity and appreciation for the brand using different flavors and ingredients. Bartenders are happy to meet me and they always thank us for continuing to distill and offer this historic product.”
Laird & Company
Location: 1 Laird Road, Colts Neck
Phone: 732-542-0312
Owners: The Laird family
Founded: 1780
Website: lairdandcompany.com
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