Benji Shue of Bergen Catholic, one of the best throwers in state history, won his third straight title in the shot put in a great NJ duel with CBA's Marcus Blasucci on Saturday night at the Arcadia Invitational in California.
The University of Texas-bound Shue was leading Blasucci by a quarter of an inch when he unloaded a throw of 63-0 on his fifth attempt, his best throw this season and No. 3 in NJ this season.
Shue, a lefty spiner, took the lead for good with a 61-6.25 on his second throw, and Blasucci responded with a 61-6 on his third attempt, which earned him a runner-up finish.
Shue's series consisted of 59-2.25, 61-6.25, 61-3.50, Foul, 63-0, Foul.
Shue, the New Balance National champion in the discus last year, owns PR's of 69-2 in the shot put, which is No. 2 in NJ outdoor history, and 205-4 in the discus, which is No. 5 in NJ history.
Blassuci, a senior and one of three CBA throwers who went over 56 feet in the competition, also had a strong series with four throws of 60 feet - 59-0.75, 60-2.50, 61-6, Foul, 60-1.75, 60-9.
CBA's Albert Yodakis finished 10th with a 56-6 and Cameron Feiler placed 12th with a throw of 56-3. Yodakis also placed 7th in the discus with a PR of 159-4.
This is the deepest NJ has ever been in the boys shot put with 10 guys with PR's of over 60 feet, the most in NJ history.
With Shue, and national indoor champs Anthony Liakhnovich of Hammonton (PR of 66- 3.75), Peter Donini of Delbarton (65-10.75), and Jonathan Harris of Delsea (65-6) leading the charge in the circle, could we see just the third thrower state history to hit 70 feet!!!!?? Nick Vena of Morristown owns the state outdoor record with the 75-10.75 he launched in 2011 and Braheme Days of Bridgeton threw 70-8 indoors in 2012.
It could happen!!!
