MIDDLESEX, NJ–In the nightcap of the GMC Hoops Gold and Blue Division Doubleheader, Bishop Ahr traveled to Middlesex High School to take on the Blue Jays. Middlesex jumped out to a 14-6 lead, and managed to hang on to a 27-26 edge at the half despite several rallies by BGA. In the second half, Middlesex increased its lead to 49-39 before Ahr rallied with a 9-1 spurt that included several free throws by sophomore Alex Santiago and a couple scores by junior Sean Kudelka to pull within two on a couple of occasions late. Jake Robel then scored a layup and the Jays made several free throws to put the game away for the 55-51 victory. Chris Hendricks led MHS with 13 points including a perfect 7 of 7 from the line. Tyler Ha added 12 while Jake Robel chipped in with 11. Kudelka led all scorers with a game high 15 for BGA while Donny Fackina added 12 and Alex Santiago chipped in with 11. Below are game notes from the action:
First Quarter
Now at Middlesex where the Blue Jays lead Ahr, 14-13 after one. Middlesex led 12-6 with 2:08 left in the first quarter before Ahr finished the frame on a 7-2 run.
Second Quarter
3:14 left in the first half and Middlesex leads Ahr 23-21 after a three from the right side of the key by Ryan Coke.
0:00–Game has gone to the half with Middlesex leading Ahr, 27-26. Middlesex first half scoring: Jays led by Tyler Ha and Chris Hendricks, who each have 7. Bishop Ahr’s first half scoring. Donny Fackina leads the Trojans with 7 while Corey Ciszek added 6.
Third Quarter
0:00–End of third and Middlesex leads Ahr, 39-37. Jays outscored Trojans by a 13-11 margin. Highlighted by a steal for a layup and a dunk by Jake Robel.
Fourth Quarter
4:28 remaining in the game and Ahr calls time trailing 45-38 after Middlesex’s Jake Robel sank a jumper.
3:00–MID–now leads 49-39 after a floater off the window by Chris Spencer. Jays open 4th on a 10-2 spurt. Ahr yet to score a field goal.
1:30 left in the game and Ahr calls time after an Alex Santiago layup closes gap to 50-46. Trojans on a 7-1 spurt.
49.9 seconds left in the game and Middlesex calls time with the ball and a 52-48 lead. Sean Kudelka scored earlier for Ahr to close the gap to two.
0:00–Game has just ended with Middlesex hanging on to upset Bishop Ahr, 55-51. Ahr had pulled within two on a couple of occasions late, and even had a chance to pull within one, but couldn’t get closer. Missed FTs down the stretch hurt. Middlesex’s scoring in the second game: Chris Hendricks led the Jays with 13 including a perfect 7 of 7 from the line. Tyler Ha added 12, and Jake Robel added 11 all in the 2nd half. Bishop Ahr’s scoring in the 2nd game: Sean Kudelka led the Trojans with 15 points while Donny Fackina added 12 and Alex Santiago chipped in with 11.