Paterson………..East Orange came into hostile territory and pulled off a tremendous win against Kennedy H.S. 73-65 to win the North 1 Group 4 Sectional Championship. East Orange, a #8 seed beat the #2 Knights behind the play of 6’7 Junior Mario Moody who scored 21 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked 6 shots. Moody was a beast and when Kennedy did finally neutralize him, Junior point guard Tyrone Kornegay took over scoring 22 points including 6 free throws at the end of the game. Senior Shondel Stewart finished his career going out in style scoring 28 points with 8 rebounds and Senior Zahir Young  also played a solid game with 14 points, 5 assists and 4 steals. After a 17-17 tie in the 1st quarter, the Jaquars held a slight lead the rest of the way as  Kennedy played catch up. They finally cut the lead to two 65-63 on a 3 point shot by George Nunez, but a steal by Muhamabou Kaba( 11 pts, 6 rebs, 5 asts) helped East Orange hold on to the lead for good. East Orange will now face Plainfield at the Dunn Center in Elizabeth for the Group 4 North title.

Notes: It goes without saying that Hoops Journal would like to acknowledge the Seniors on Kennedy H.S. on a tremendous season. Jaquan Williams, Jamille Barnes and Zahir Young(#2) all had outstanding seasons and each has a chance to play at another level. Hoop Journal would like to send a special one to Shondel Stewart. Stewart( with trophy) is a special talent and it has been an absolute pleasure to see where he has taken his game. He was last years All Journal Passaic County Player Of The Year and of course is in the running once again. Journal nicknamed him the calculator for how quick he can put numbers up and we witnessed moments of scoring brilliance throughout his career. Hopefully things work out where he can be the Division 1 player that he is! HOOPS JOURNAL WOULD LIKE TO WISH THE BEST FOR THESE SENIORS IN THE FUTURE!

Old Tappan………. The game was hard fought, high intensity, a little sloppy and as competitive as a highschool game can get, but in the end Old Tappan just made a few more plays than Teaneck H.S. and it was enough to give them the North 1 Group 3 State Sectional Title by a 49-47 score. Senior Tom Messina led O.T. in scoring with 19 points, 3 assists and 3 steals. But the unsung heroes were Juniors Sammy Elias(#33) and Nick Bianco(pictured). Elias scored 11 points with 8 big ones coming in the second half when Old Tappan needed someone else to score. He consistently got into the lane for short jumpers. Elias was the offensive surprise, but the defensive surprise came from Bianco. He was a force in the middle, blocking 9 shots in the contest and making the biggest play of the game when teammate Chris Besserer missed the front end of a one and one with the score 47-45. Teaneck controlled the rebound, but Bianco came from behind to steal the ball and give Besserer another chance after he was fouled again and this time he converted them both to give Old Tappan a 49- 45 lead with 11.3 seconds left. Teaneck pulled out to an 11-3 lead in the 1st quarter as Sophomore Chris Jones came out fast scoring 6 quick points and playing solid defense on Junior point guard Shane McLaughlin. Teaneck took a 13-5 lead at the end of the quarter. Old Tappan came back in the 2nd behind Messina, outscoring Teaneck 15-7 in the quarter to cut the lead to 22-20 at the half. The Highwaymen held a slight lead most of the 2nd half, but with 4:20 left in the 4th Messina’s 3 point play gave Old Tappan it’s first lead of the second half 41-40. That’s when the fun began down the stretch in this game with each team making hustle plays and hustle mistakes. Teaneck only got a combined 18 points from it’s senior trio of Owen Barnes, Jonathan Blue and Kyle Steinbergin. Blue did collect 7 rebounds in the game. Junior Branden Davis accounted for 9 rebounds and Junior William Thompson had 7 boards as they out rebounded Old Tappan 29-20. Jones led the scoring with 12 points. Old Tappan got 7 points and 6 rebounds from Mclaughlin. Besserer added 6 big points and 4 rebounds.

 Note: Hoops Journal would like to congratulate Teaneck’s seniors on another great year. Vance Steinbergin, Justin Hodge, Owen Barnes, Jonathan Blue and Kyle Steinbergin( pictured left to right) were a special group that was a part of the sectional title team last year. These guys  have been a part of Hoops Journal from the start and they will truly be missed. They all have a future on the college level. Hoop Journal Wants To Thank You For a Tremendous Ride!

Although this website is about Highschool basketball players, every now and then you meet a special person in the basketball world who has truly gotten what this is about. Teaneck’s Coach Curtis March coached his last game for the Highwaymen and he will not only be missed by Teaneck players,but the whole Northern New Jersey basketball community. March was not only a winner of games,but a winner of young men. These players will understand later in life what you really have done for them. It has been a true pleasure to meet you and of course Hoop Journal hopes you enjoy your retirement to the fullest. THANK YOU MR. CURTIS MARCH AND CONGRATULATIONS ON THE SUCCESS YOU HAVE HAD!