Marlboro was tested early in the season by Shabazz, a game they were less than spectacular playing. Since that game, Marlboro has ripped through the competition to a 14-1 record, leaving a question whether they could compete with a team with the talent of a Shabazz at this point in the season.

Test number one came a week ago Saturday against Archbishop Carroll (PA), a team that holds victories this season over No. 1 Shabazz and No. 5 Willingboro. Despite a double-double from Marlboro's Chakhia Cole and a 13 point, four assist performance from Pollack, Marlboro dropped their second game of the season 51-44. Marlboro was in the game, down by four with 30 seconds, but had to start fouling to stop the clock. Carroll wasn't missing their freethrows.

Test number two came just three days later against No. 4 St. John Vianney. Pollack hit two clutch freethrows with two seconds left to secure the 49-45 victory. Pollack led all scorers with 20 points, 14 coming in the first half.

Then, back to conference play on Thursday, Pollack had a double-double of 13 points and 12 assists in a 50-38 win over Manalapan.

Marlboro does not begin tournament play until March 3rd. The NJSIAA announced a first round bye for 17-2 Marlboro, and they face the March 1st winner of the Windsor South and Freehold Township game.