PASSAIC COUNTY TOURNAMENT: #2 EASTSIDE OVERTAKES #3 KENNEDY 61-52!

Paterson,N.J…..Kennedy looked like they would finally break the hold that Eastside has on them as they took as big as an 8 point lead in the 4th quarter! But,the Ghosts came on to erase the deficit and win going away 61-52 to move into the Passaic County Tournament Championship!

Junior Nhaz Smith(pictured) who is making a strong case for County Player of the Year led the attack with 24 points and 5 assists and gave Eastside the lead for good 47-45 with 3:36 in the 4th on a short jumper! Kennedy made some crucial mistakes late that were costly and Eastside took advantage! Kennedy looked to have the momentum and a chance to break Eastside’s 13 straight win streak over them, by taking a 40-36 lead into the 4th quarter! Kennedy was led by Senior’s Jordan Rodriguez, Tymere McMillan and Brian Patterson in taking the lead and extending it! Eastside however made their run and finally caught Kennedy as Sophomore Lamar Johnson made a couple of back breaking threes and Senior Terra Gatling again took control of the boards holding the Knights to one shot! Johnson finished the game with 19 points, including 4″triples” and 5 rebounds and Gatling scored all 7 of his points in the 2nd half to go with 13 rebounds! Rodriguez led Kennedy with 16 points and McMillan finished with 14 points!