EAST BRUNSWICK, NJ–Prior to the start of the 2015 East Brunswick/GMC JV Championship between 2nd seeded South Brunswick and top seeded St. Joseph’s, GMC Hoops took in just about all of the varsity contest between Rutgers Prep and East Brunswick in a non-conference clash between two schools tuning up for their respective state tournaments. Thanks to the shooting of juniors guard Matt Ross and Mike Vick as well as senior guard John McHenry, the Bears jumped out to a 13-3 lead, and didn’t let Rutgers Prep get any closer than three points the rest of the way in a 66-54 victory. Ross ended up with 21 points while McHenry chipped in with 19 and Vick added 13 in the win. Levi Holmes led all scorers with 26 including a dunk in the waning moments of the contest while teammate Karl Charles contributed with 10. Below are game notes from the action:
First Quarter
4:05 left in first at EBHS, and we’re taking in a bit of varsity action between the Bears and Rutgers Prep before the JV final. EB up 10-3 after score by Mike Vick.
0:00 End of first quarter and EB leads 13-5 after a three from way out on the right wing by Matt Ross put the Bears up by 10. Rutgers Prep had two field goals and made just 1 of 4 from the foul line. East Brunswick had 3 FGs, 23s, and made one of two from the foul line. Ross led all scorers with 6 points while Vick chipped in with 4. Levi Holmes had 4 for RU Prep.
Second Quarter
0:00–Game has gone to the half with EB leading 19-13 after RU Prep outscored the Bears 8-6 in the quarter. Argos on a 10-6 run since Ross’ three gave EB a 13-3 lead. EB first half scoring: Both Matt Ross and Mike Vick lead Bears with 8 points each. Rutgers Prep first half scoring: Karl Charles leads the Argonauts with 6 points (all in 2nd) and Levi Holmes has 4 (all in first). EB only had one FG and made 4 of 4 from the line. RU Prep had two FGs and made 4 of 6 from the foul line. Karl Charles led all scorers with 6 points in the frame while Vick led EB with 4.
Third Quarter
2:37 left in the third and EB still leading 28-22 after a score by Levi Holmes for Rutgers Prep. Both teams have scored 9 points so far in the period.
0:00 End of third and EB clinging to a 34-31 lead after a circus shot by Justin Sewnarine went in as he was fouled. He missed the bonus free throw. RU Prep creeps a bit closer by scoring 9 of the last 15 points of the period.
Fourth Quarter
4:17 left in the game and EB leads 46-40 after a layup off steal by Matt Ross.
3:19 Left and RU Prep gets a layup from Levi Holmes for a 50-45 EB lead.
11 seconds left and that’s a rap as Addis Ralph throws this one down to help give EB a 64-52 lead.
0:00–Game over and EB wins 66-54. East Brunswick scores 32 points in the fourth quarter while RU Prep scores 23. Ross scores 13 points in the second half while McHenry adds 11 and Vick chips in with 5. Holmes leads the Argonauts with 22 points in the second half.