Playoffs are in full swing and JSZ brings some stellar clashes from the hardware! Blair Academy and The Patrick School clash for the Prep ‘A’ Title, Ridge pulls out a stunner against Elizabeth, and a South Jersey team wins their first playoff game since 1993. Don’t miss all the action!
Blair Academy 74 The Patrick School 71 | Boys | Prep “A” Tournament Championship
A battle between two boys hoops teams among New Jersey’s most talented was certainly as good as advertised as Blair Academy defeated The Patrick School 74-71 on Thursday to win the state Prep Open championship for the third straight year.
The Buccaneers held a 36-26 lead a lead after the first half, but the Celtics closed in during the 3rd quarter, cutting the lead to 58-54. With under 5:00 to go in regulation, Patrick School freshman Flory Kuminga made his second of back-to-back threes to give them them a 67-65 lead. Then, with the score 68-66, Blair junior Peti Rosta made his first field goal of the game to tie it. His second came off a three-pointer their next time down the court to take a 71-68 lead! Back down the floor, Kuminga drilled his fourth three-pointer of the quarter to tie it back up. With 10 seconds left, Duke commit Deron Rippey Jr. set up Kamsi Awaka underneath the basket for what ended up being the game-winner.
Rippey led the Buccaneers with 27 points while Kuminga led all scorers with 28 and 26 points in the second half alone.
JSZ’s Ryan Sudol has full highlights + reaction from Blairstown:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of The Patrick School is made possible by Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth
Ridge 54 Elizabeth 53 | Boys | North 2, Group 4 First Round
Sidd Narayanabhatla’s turn around jumper in the paint with 15 seconds left capped off a 14 point comeback to give the #10 seed an upset on the road. Narayanabhatla and Jake Springsteel had 14 points each to lead the Red Devils (15-12), who travel to 2nd seed Linden in the second round. Elizabeth (16-11) had 23 points from Jayden Johnson and 19 from Jalen Maldonado.
JSZ’s Sean Dugan has the highlights and post-game reaction from a thriller at the Dunn Center:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Elizabeth is made possible by Trinitas Regional Medical Center in Elizabeth
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Ridge is brought to you by Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset.
Vineland 43 Central Regional 41 | Boys | South Group 4 First Round
For the first time in 33 years, the Fighting Clan have won a playoff basketball game. Despite trailing for much of the first three quarters, Vineland (21-5) outscored Central Regional (16-10) 22-17 in the second half to secure the playoff win. James Lawson led the way with a game-high 24 points and knocked down several clutch shots, including a four-point play. Vineland now punches its ticket to the quarterfinals, where the Fighting Clan will clash with top-seeded and reigning section champion Lenape.
JSZ’s Tyler Mroz has the highlights from Vineland:
