An Ocean County varsity basketball coach says he is cancer-free after battling the disease for half the season.

Mike Clemente, 32, was diagnosed with cancer in July after a fast-growing tumor had been found wrapped around a main artery next to his heart.

Clemente tells News 12 that he was determined to do whatever it would take to fight the disease for his family and his love of basketball.

Clemente began aggressive treatment in late July at Monmouth Medical Center.

“"He chose a treatment so aggressive that during each round of chemo - there were six - he spent five straight days in the hospital, took two weeks off, and then came back to do it all over again,” said Clemente’s wife, Allison.

Through the battle, Clemente pushed himself to make it to basketball practice.

Clemente says he is grateful for the clean bill of health he has received after an exhausting fight.

"I give my wife and my baby girl the biggest hugs every single day now,” he says. “Because you just never know."

Clemente says two years is the goal to show no signs of recurrence.