Chargers Knock Off Seventh Ranked Monroe On Gerhart FTs, 44-40
SPOTSWOOD, NJ–The Monroe Falcons swooped into Spotswood on Saturday, January 5th to take on the Chargers in a crossover game. As always the fans voiced their opinions from the opening announcements, as this is always an intense rivalry no matter the sport.
The game started out with each team feeling one another out, both teams running patient offenses and playing each other straight up in man-to man defenses. The game although finishing 44-40 heated up quickly in an exchange of field goals and fouls.
Spotswood’s tandem of Ross Gerhart (13) and Cody Pace (13) as was Monroe’s Justin Mitchell (13) were all quieted by good defense from the opposing side. But today Spotswood would get strong play from everyone one the floor. Each player and/or substitute used his time in the game to prove his worth to the team and the final outcome of the game.
The first half came to a close with the seventh ranked Falcons holding a slim lead 25-21. However, the Chargers were not to be denied, as the third quarter began with strong man-to-man defensive pressure resulting in a turn over and score. Soon the Chargers took the lead on a lay up by Senior Nick Olesinski and the game intensified.
At the end of three periods Spotswood owned a one point lead, 33-32.
The 4th quarter was a seesaw battle with teams exchanging baskets and fouls, neither wanting to take control of the opportunities given by their opponent. Pat Dwyer then stepped up and turned in outstanding defense and dove on a loose ball and had aenough presence of mind to call for a time-out, which would be Spotswood’s last. Dwyer, who finished with 10 points, scored five in the final stanza.
It was a total team effort, with Dwyer and Olesinski both having their best games of the year and the bench support by James Pareti’s all out play and Mike Laming’s passing and lone free throw, set up what were the decisive points of the game, two free throws by Ross Gerhart. With the victory, Spotswood improved to 3-5 overall, and 2-4 in conference play while Monroe falls to 6-3 overall, and 4-1 in the GMC.
| Team | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Total |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spotswood (3-5) | 8 | 13 | 12 | 11 | 44 |
| Monroe (6-3) | 10 | 15 | 7 | 8 | 40 |