PASSAIC COUNTY FINALS: EASTSIDE WINS 3RD STRAIGHT TITLE 49-47!

Wayne Valley H.S. Wayne,N.J… Junior Al-Jumu Johnson’s “triple” proved to be the winning basket as Paterson Eastside came from 8 points down in the 4th quarter to win their third consecutive Passaic County title in a 49-47 victory over Wayne Valley!

Playing in Wayne Valley’s home gym, Eastside was on the verge of losing  this game as Wayne Valley had gone ahead 38-30 with 5 minutes left in the contest! Eastside went on a 9-0 run started by two steals from Senior Terra Gatling which was capped off by a driving layup from Sophomore Yoheily Ortiz to make it 39-38! Senior John Zarka’s “triple” gave Valley back the lead 41-39! Gatling to Sophomore Lamar Johnson for a three point play put the Ghosts ahead 42-41! Senior Nick Giuliano’s “triple”  and Senior Alex Kokos “triple” around two free throws from Gatling gave Valley a 47-44 lead with about a minute left! But two free throws from Junior Nhaz Smith  set the stage for a forced shot from Valley that Eastside turned into a dagger “triple” from Al-Jumu that proved to be the winning score 49-47! Smith led Eastside with 19 points and Al-Jumu Johnson(right) finished with 13 points and 3 steals! Gatling(bottom right) chipped in 7 points and pulled down 13 rebounds! Giuliano led Wayne Valley with 20 points and Senior Nick Goodwin added 10 points and 7 rebounds!