Here are highlights from the action in the 2017 NJSIAA Group 1 State Championship between Verona, the North Jersey Section 1 Group 1 champion, and Woodbury, the South Jersey Group 1 Champion.
Verona, led by Travis Jocelyn, jumped out to a 23-10 second quarter lead, and withstood a 14-0 surge by Woodbury in the third quarter to pull away for a 69-54 victory and its first state championship in 59 years.
Jocelyn finished with a game high 30 points along with 9 rebounds. Joe Zecchino added 11 points and 9 rebounds while Zack Zaccone chipped in with 11 points, 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals. Jack Farrell also contributed with 8 points, 6 rebounds, 4 steals, and 3 assists.
Ja’Zere Noel led Woodbury in a losing cause with 27 points and 5 rebounds while Aaron Estrada chipped in with 13 points and 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 2 steals. Dean Triplett added 10 points and 8 boards.
With the victory, Verona improved to 25-5 overall on the season and advances to the 2017 NJSIAA Tournament of Champions, where it is seeded 6th and will play 3rd seeded Don Bosco Prep in the quarterfinals. Woodbury completed its season at 26-6.