Here are highlights from the action in the 2017 NJSIAA Semifinals between fourth seeded Teaneck and top seeded Patrick School at Pine Belt Arena in Toms River, New Jersey.
Patrick School led by Jordan Walker and Nick Richards, scored the first 7 points of the game, and led 10-2 before Teaneck rallied with a 9-0 run to take an 11-10 lead. From that point on through the rest of the first half, the underdog Highwaymen gave the top ranked Celtics all they could handle.
Patrick School would get a layup late in the first half by Bul Ajang to take a 33-31 halftime lead, and then scored the first 10 points of the third for a 12-0 run, and a 45-31 lead. Taking advantage of Teaneck’s struggles from the perimeter, Patrick School eventually led 60-44 midway through the fourth after a putback dunk by Richards.
The Celtics would score 4 of the last 5 points including a nifty move late in the game by Al-Amir Dawes to wrap up the 64-45 victory. Patrick School, which outscored Teaneck 31-14 in the second half, improved to 28-4, and played Don Bosco Prep in the TOC Final.
Teaneck concluded its season at 27-7. Richards led TPS with a double-double of 26 points and 11 rebounds along with 3 steals while Walker added 14 points, 4 assists, 3 rebounds, and a steal. Dawes chipped in with 7 points, 4 rebounds, and 2 assists.
Leondre Washington led Teaneck with a team high 17 points, 5 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Corey Gordon chipped in with 13 points, 5 rebounds, and 2 blocks.