Destroyers Overcome Early Deficit To Defeat Guvs In Season Opener, 50-49
SOUTH AMBOY, NJ–On Friday night, the Dunellen Destroyers and South Amboy Governors opened up their schedule with a key early season Gold Division clash at South Amboy Middle/High School. These two teams have been the division winners the past two seasons so this game had major importance although it was only the first game. South Amboy jumped out to a 17-12 first quarter lead, and at one point in the first half, the Guvs led by 15 points before Dunellen rallied to take a 28-27 lead at the intermission. From there, the game was nip and tuck as both teams exchanged leads all the way down to the wire. Dunellen, which switched its defense from man to man to zone after falling behind, got a three point play by Abe Kelly (4 points) with nine seconds remaining for the go aheaad score in a 50-49 victory.
Matt Regan attempted to give the Guvs the victory with a last second shot, but it was off the mark. Senior guard, Luke Francisco, led the way for the winners with a team high 18 points on four field goals, a three pointer, and seven foul shots while teammate Jonard Hall added 17 points on five field goals and seven free throws. Joe Charmello of South Amboy led all scorers with 20 points on six field goals, two threes, and two foul shots while senior Dustin Devoe chipped in with 13 points on five field goals and a three pointer. With the victory, Dunellen started the season at 1-0 while South Amboy fell to 0-1.