Eastside Rally Falls Short To Passaic 73-68!

Passaic's Pickett

     Passaic…….. Down 19 points to start the 2nd half Eastside Highschool came roaring back to eventually tie the game, but fell short 73-68 to Passaic Highschool as the Indians had 5 players in double figures led by Tyshon Pickett’s 16 points to go with 12 rebounds. Passaic’s team effort was able to overcome the individual performance of 6’2 senior Terrell Spaulding who had an outstanding game with 28 points and 8 rebounds. Passaic came out the box fast as 6’5 senior Najee Salaam (10 pts., 6 rebs.) scored a quick 6 points before getting into foul trouble that plagued him throughout the game. Passaic led 17 -10 at the end of the 1st quarter and then outscored Eastside 27-15 in the 2nd quarter as guard Buhu Mack (11 pts., 3 stls.), guard Shakir Rhodes (10 pts., 5 asts. ) and forward Andre Dixon (13 pts., 3 rebs.) all played a big hand in building the 19 point lead. To it’s credit Eastside did not quit and came out strong in the 3rd quarter outscoring Passaic 26 – 9 behind Spaulding, 6’5 Allen Dantzler ( 12 pts., 3 blks), 6’2 Travon Johnson ( 9 pts., 6 rebs.) and guard Khalil Anderson (7 asts.). Trailing by 2 going into the 4th Spaulding made a short jumper in the lane to tie the score at 53.  That was when the Ghosts seemed to run out of gas! Even though they played hard and kept it close Eastside always seemed a step behind as Passaic forced some turnovers  and made their free throws late in the game. Eastside is now 7-6 and meets Bergen Catholic Wednesday. They will also play  Kennedy H.S. Saturday as they  need to stay at .500 or above to qualify for the States before the February 6 cutoff date.

                                                      Paterson Catholic –  101                                Elmwood Park – 51 

Paterson……..  Knowing that they were one of the better B.P.S.L. teams  Elmwood Park actually thought it had a chance to stay in the game against the #6 ranked Cougars. That was solved within the first few minutes of the game as P.C. scored the first 21 points of the game and by all accounts that was it. Seton Hall recruit Fuquan Edwin scored 27 points in minimal playing time as he conected on 7 threes to lead the Cougars. Junior Myles Mack added 15 in the blowout. Elmwood Park was led by Ryan Velez with 20 points and 6’6 Ryan Belisle with 15.