The 2021 basketball season was short, but certainly memorable. While most games were played in front of near-empty gymnasiums, JSZ hustled around the state to capture as much of the action as possible. Our JSZ Summer Recap Series continues with the Top 10 boys hoops games of the year!


No. 10: Hightstown Wins Opener, Honoring Late AD Jim Peto

The Rams started the 2021 season with heavy hearts, mourning the loss of beloved Athletic Director Jim Peto. Hightstown honored Peto with a victory over Lawrence. JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez was on the call:

No. 9: Delsea Crusades Back from Huge Deficit to Stun Highland

Trailing by 17 points in the second half, Delsea battled all the way back to force overtime before beating Highland. Sadique Powell led the Crusaders with 28 points. JSZ’s Mike Frankel had the highlights:

No. 8: Spatola Sizzles to Lead Marlboro to SCT Final

Jon Spatola poured in 25 points, as Marlboro knocked off Ranney to punch a ticket to the Shore Conference Pod A final. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis was on the call:

No. 7: Wildwood Wins Inaugural Tri-County Conference Tourney Title

One of the smallest schools in the state made a big impression during the TCC’s inaugural tournament. The Warriors beat Overbrook on their home floor to win the championship. JSZ’s Mike Frankel had the highlights:

No. 6: Roselle Catholic Beats Bergen Catholic in Heavyweight Clash

The Lions got the better of the Crusaders in one of the most anticipated showdowns of the season. Simeon Wilcher and Corey Floyd Jr. both came up clutch in the OT victory for RC. JSZ’s Jay Cook was on hand:

No. 5: Jeffries Hits 2OT Buzzer Beater for St. Thomas Aquinas

With the Trojans locked in a double overtime battle with Hudson Catholic, Tristian Jeffries set off a celebration for STA. JSZ’s Nery Rodriquez was on the call:

No. 4: East Side Sinks SHP Pirates in Overtime

In a North Jersey Public vs. Non-Public powerhouse showdown, the Red Raiders came away with a dramatic OT victory over Seton Hall Prep. David Olaniyi led East Side with 23 points. JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights:

No. 3: Camden Cruises Past St. Augustine to Help Cap Perfect Year

The High didn’t really play in any close games in 2021, because the Panthers were that much better than anyone else they faced. D.J. Wagner led a dominating effort over the Hermits in one of Camden’s signature wins of the year. JSZ’s James Mooney was on the call:

No. 2: The Patrick School Wins a Thriller Over Roselle Catholic

The Patrick School wasn’t an NJSIAA program in 2021, but it still played a schedule that featured plenty of longtime rivals. In yet another marquee North Jersey showdown, the Celtics edged the Lions in a game that went right down to the wire. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis had the highlights:

No. 1: Solomon Strength Leads Manasquan to Shore Crown

An emotional season featured an unforgettable ending for Manasquan. After losing his father to COVID-19, Andrew Solomon hit the game-winner for the Warriors in OT to capture the Shore Conference Pod A championship. JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis was on hand: