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.

Eastside's Spaulding and Dantzler

     Wayne……..   Senior Terrell Spaulding had a career day and got needed help from senior Allen Dantzler who made his season debut in a 74- 67 victory over Passaic County Tech. Spaulding played probably his best game of his career scoring 26 points,pulling down 15 rebounds and handing out 3 assists. He continually made big plays for the visiting Ghosts, even going 11 for 12 from the free throw line and making 5 out of 6 in the final minute. The 6’3 Dantzler made his first appearance of the season after missing the beginning of the season with a chip in his back. He came off the bench early and scored 20 points, grabbed 9 rebounds and blocked 3 shots. They offset the play of Passaic County Tech’s junior guard Brandon James who scored 26 points and dished out 5 assists. Eastside led at the end of the 1st half 32-24 as Tech ( with the exception of James) shot the ball poorly. Eastside’s turnovers in the half kept the game that close. The 2nd half was a game of runs as Tech came out of the gate strong, going on a 13-3 run to start the half and take a 37-35 lead. But just as fast Eastside, led by Janif Green ( 9 pts.,2stls.) went on their own 14-2 run to take a 49-39 lead into the final stanza. The Ghosts dominated the glass as they outrebounded the Bulldogs 48-20 as 6’3  senior Chris Albuquerque added 10 rebounds to help Spaulding and Dantzler. James main help came from 6’3 junior Xavier Nieves who had 12 points, 4 assists, 5 steals and was the only player to compete under the boards with 9 rebounds, but he fouled out with 2:00 left in the contest. Senior Travon Johnson came off the bench and gave the Ghosts a lift wth 8 points, 5 rebounds and 2 assists. The Bulldogs came as close as 4 points, but Spaulding’s free throws late iced it.