Our cameras hit the road to bring you exciting first-round playoff hoops action from around the Garden State. Check back as we continue to post coverage from 2.21.
Linden 57 Hillsborough 42 | Boys | North 2, Group 4 First Round
(12) Linden defeated (5) Hillsborough 57-42 behind a 16-point performance from senior Hashim Nadir to advance to the North 2, Group 4 Quarterfinals. The Tigers maintained a healthy lead throughout the first half but began to pull away in the third quarter following eight points from Nadir to begin the second half. Senior Naz Robinson finished with 11 points for the reigning Sectional Champions who will look to get back on track after dropping five of six games entering the match-up.
JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights and reaction from Hillsborough:
Jackson Memorial 46 Howell 44 | Boys | Central Group 4 First Round
Brady Adams scored 21 points and sank the game-winning three-pointer just before time expired to give the #11 seed an upset on the road against the sixth seeded Rebels. The fourth quarter produced great post-season drama as the game was one possession throughout the final eight minutes. Chris Meehan gave Howell a 43-41 lead with two minutes to go. Jackson Memorial tied the game on a Dez Jones drive with 27.5 seconds to go. Following a David Orloff free throw, Jackson Memorial had 14.6 seconds to get the win and Adams delivered the clutch shot.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Howell:
Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Howell is brought to you by Monmouth Medical Center’s Southern Campus
Toms River North 73 Toms River East 30 | Boys | South 2, Group 4 First Round
Micah Ford had 21 points and scored his 1000th career point in the third quarter of the Mariners dominating home win. TRN will host Shawnee this Monday in the South Jersey Group 4 quarterfinals.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights from Toms River:
Lyndhurst 63 Caldwell 51 | Boys | North 2, Group 2 First Round
The eighth-seeded Golden Bears pulled away in the fourth quarter to clinch a first round win over the ninth-seeded Chiefs. Anthony Pizzuti led the way with a game-high 26 points in the victory. CJ Baillie scored 15 points, while Ramapo commit Matthew Slaby chipped in with 12 points for Lyndhurst (18-9). Joe Giannetta finished with a team-high 16 points, with Lance Jenkins adding 15 points in the loss for Caldwell (13-12). Lyndhurst will face top-seed Arts in the North 2, Group 2 quarterfinals next week.
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Lyndhurst: