Passaic……….It didn’t start out good for Passaic H.S. in their 77-70 lost to East Orange Campus. They lost their best defensive player in Junior Andre Dixon with 6:30 of the 1st quarter with a foot injury and with the exception of Senior Tyshon Pickett shot the ball horribly. Still they found themselves taking the game into overtime on 2 free throws by Senior Najee Salaam and sending it into a second overtime on a jumper by Pickett. East Orange Campus had control of the game most of the contest because of the play of 6’7 Junior Mario Moody Jr (pictured #23)and Junior point guard Tyrone Kornegay(#1). Moody was spectacular scoring 26 points and grabbing 13 rebounds, but the most impressive aspect of his game was his shot blocking ability. He swatted away 7 shots and intimidated on at least a half dozen more. Kornegay was the best guard on the floor going for 22 points and dishing out 8 assists. With the help of Muhamadu Kaba ( 10 pts,7 stls) and Domonique Depts (9 pts, 4stls) it looked like it would be an easy night for the Jaguars. They took a 45-33 lead into the 4th quarter, but Passaic to their credit did not give in. They cut the lead to one 58-57 on a Pickett bucket. After Kornegay went one of two from the line, Salaam hit two clutch free throws with 7 seconds on the clock to send the game into it’s first overtime 59-59. Moody took over in the beginning of the overtime but Passaic again found itself with a chance to tie. Pickett’s jumper with 21 seconds left sent the game into another overtime. The final overtime was all East Orange as they tired the Indians out and Moody and Kornegay closed the show. Passaic’s Pickett ended his highschool career with 31 points and 12 rebounds and Salaam finished with 14 points, 15 rebounds and 4 steals. East Orange will move on in the North 1 Group 4 playoffs

Note: Hoop Journal would like to acknowledge the highschool careers of seniors Gilbert Morales, Najee Salaam and Tyshon Pickett. Salaam(far right) and Pickett(right) in particular both left their names in a school full of past legends.They will not soon be forgotten. HOOPS JOURNAL HOPES FOR THE BEST IN THE FUTURE!

Paterson………….Playing without Seton Hall recruit Fuquan Edwin, Paterson Catholic used balance scoring from four players to begin their Parochial B State playoffs with a 79-61 win over Morristown-Beard. Sophomore Kyle Anderson led the attack with a game high 20 points to go with his 9 rebounds and 8 dimes. He punctuated his performance with a one-handed  dunk down the lane that caught Morristown-Beard completely by surprise. Junior Derrick Randall added 19 points and 5 rebounds and Junior Myles Mack finished with 18 points and 3 steals. Fordham recruit Jayon James(pictured) scored 13 points and dished out 9 assists. Pittsburgh football recruit Trevor Clemmings came in the game and made his presence felt with 6 points and 7 rebounds and Junior guard Jahmir White added 6 rebounds and 2 steals off the bench. Even though Morristown-Beard played hard PC was never in real trouble the entire game. Al-Jonan Jones 14 points led Morristown-Beard. Edwin should be ready to go Saturday! 

Little Falls…………..The game was much anticipated and the build up for it had the place ready to go off! Then the game started and  Wayne Valley took a 5-2 lead. Seemed like it would be a barn burner. Then Passaic Valley went to work and before you knew it they had took a 25-9 lead at the end of the 1st quarter. By all accounts the game was over as they won 68-60 in their North 1 Group 3 quarterfinal State contest. After Wayne Valley’s short lived lead, Passaic Valley went to work led by the play of Senior guard Dom Coiro(pictured) who finished with 17 points and 8 assists and ran PV’s offense brilliantly. Everyone touched the rock and made the most of their opportunities. Mike Governali knocked down 5 treys for 15 points, Anthony DiSanti had 9 points and 14 tough rebounds, Nick DiCristina had 7 points, 4 rebounds and 4 assists and Dave Clough came off the bench and added 6 rebounds. The surprise came from 6’2 Sophomore forward Olumide Olajide( pictured #22). He started and right away provided energy for the Hornets. Olajide scored 12 points and added 8 rebounds. Passaic Valley shot 13 of 20 from the floor in the 1st half, while Wayne Valley shot 6 for 27. Senior Nick Siljee was scoreless in the half and although he finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds he was missed in the stanza. Senior point guard Jason Rosenberg also did not have a great shooting day but he still was able to will himself to a 18 point, 10 assist effort. Sophomore Chris Homsi gave a glimpse of Wayne Valley’s future scoring 11 points and grabbing 8 rebounds. The Hornets dominated the glass, out rebounding WV 37 to 24. Wayne Valley made a run late in the game getting 3 point buckets from Siljee, and Juniors John Larranaga and Mike Verrilli, cutting the lead to 5 with 43 seconds, but Coiro made 4 free throws late to ice it.

Note : Hoop Journal would like to acknowledge the achievements of Wayne Valley seniors Keith Greve, Mark Tucker and particularly Jason Rosenberg and Nick Siljee(pictured). Siljee finished with over 1,00 points in his career and will leave as one of the best shooters the school has ever had to go with his brother Paul. Rosenberg will truly be missed. His gritty play and will to win will never be forgotten (which is what he wanted!). Finished with over 1,000 career assists! HOOP JOURNAL WISHES NOTHING BUT THE BEST IN THEIR FUTURE!