Newark………. Junior guard Brandon James had a night to remember in Passaic County Tech’s 81-51 blowout of Barringer H.S. in the North 1 Group 4 State playoff game. James made 6 three pointers on his way to a career high 37 points. PCT led throughout holding a 41-30 halftime lead. The Bulldogs then went nuts in the 3rd quarter scoring 29 points and taking a 70-42 lead going into the 4th. Junior Xavier Nieves added 12 points and 8 rebounds for Tech. Joe Nickerson led Barringer with 16 points. PCT now meets Kennedy H.S. Thursday at J.F.K.

Paterson……….. Ridgewood H.S. came in game and ready to play as big underdogs to Kennedy H.S. However after a solid 1st half, Kennedy  finally figured things out in their 57-53 North 1 Group 4 State tournament game. It took Senior Shondel Stewart the 2nd half to get it going offensively as he scored 17 of his 23 points in the stanza. While Stewart was trying to get straight, Senior point guard Zahir Young(pictured) was on from the get. Young played a tremendous floor game. He was all over the court scoring 14 points and dishing out 7 assists. But more importantly he was a terror on the defensive end, accounting for 7 steals and harrassing Ridgewood guards all over the floor. When the Knights were struggling offensively he made buckets until Stewart and company got into the game. Kennedy struggled with Senior James Albano who went for 26 points and 7 rebounds. He scored 18 of his points in the 1st half. Ridgewood led at the half 33-26, but Kennedy came out and tied the game at 38 on a Jaquan Williams (13pts,7 rebs) put back. Kennedy then took the lead on a couple Stewart baskets and maintained the lead the rest of the way.

Teaneck……….. Senior Owen Barnes came out ready! His 29 points led Teaneck H.S. to a 71-53 win in their North 1 Group 3 State tournament contest. Senior Kyle Steinbergin added 14 points and Senior Jonathan Blue scored 10. Teaneck came out slow in the 1st half leading 24-15 at intermission. The 3rd quarter belonged to Teaneck and Barnes as they turned the score into a 42-26 lead to end the quarter. Sam Pressler led Wayne Hills with 14 points.

Notes : Hoop Journal would like to acknowledge a few of the seniors that played their last highschool game for Wayne Hills. Joe Brandl, Chris Fonti and Sam Pressler are a few from Hills. Hoop Journal would like to congratulate them on their careers. BEST FOR THE FUTURE!