Opening week of the state playoffs continues, and JSZ has a ton of action for you!
Blair 53 St. Benedict’s 51 | Boys | Prep A Final
(1) Blair claimed their first Prep A Championship since 2019 following a 53-51 win over rival (2) St. Benedict’s. Blair led 28-18 at halftime and extended their deficit to almost 20 in the third quarter before St. Benedict’s was able cut it to 44-39 entering the fourth. The Grey Bees kept the game close down the stretch of the final quarter, but were unable to force overtime. Sophomore Deron Rippey Jr. finished with 20 points for Blair while David Johnson also had 20 for St. Benedict’s, five star prospect Chidi Nwigwe ended his evening with 11 points.
JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights and postgame reaction from Blairstown:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of St. Benedict’s is brought to you by Newark Beth Israel Medical Center.
Chatham 69 Randolph 50 | Boys | North 2, Group 3 Opening Round
The Cougars blew things open with a 15-3 run to close the third quarter on their way to a first round victory over the Rams. Ryan Leach spearheaded a balanced attack with a game-high 19 points for eighth-seeded Chatham (13-11). Michael MacAniff chipped in with 18 points and Will DesMarais poured in 17 points in the victory. Ryan Kress finished with a team-high 16 points for ninth-seeded Randolph (14-14). Chatham advances to face top-seeded Cranford in the North 2, Group 3 quarterfinals next week.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Chatham:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Chatham is brought to you by Cooperman Barnabas Medical Center in Livingston.
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Randolph is made possible by Ramapo College.
Barnegat 72 Timber Creek 61 | Boys | South Group 3 Opening Round
The 12th-seeded Bengals built a seven-point lead after the first quarter and never looked back, as they stunned the fifth-seeded Chargers. Mason Krey led the way with 23 points in the victory. Jamari Smith scored 16 points, while Cole Toddings added 13 points for Barnegat (17-9). The Bengals move on to face fourth-seeded Moorestown in the sectional quarterfinals on Tuesday.
JSZ’s Mike Frankel has the highlights and interviews from Gloucester Township:
Colts Neck 52 Carteret 39 | Boys | Central Group 3 Opening Round
The Cougars busted open a 31-29 lead at the end of three quarters with an 11-0 run to move on in the Central Jersey Group 3 playoffs. Michael Belcher led Colts Neck with 14 points. The Cougars will face Hopewell Valley in the second round.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Colts Neck:
Red Bank Regional 68 Freehold Boro 36 | Girls | Central Group 3 Opening Round
The Bucs were on fire in the opening quarter with a 27-3 run highlighted by Riley Wheeler’s hot hand. Wheeler led RBR with 15 along with Zoe Gulley who also scored 15. Red Bank will host 12th seed Carteret in the second round.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Little Silver:
