Teaneck and Linden Advance to T of C Semifinals
TOMS RIVER, NJ–On Tuesday evening, GMC Hoops traveled out to Pine Belt Arena in Toms River to take in the two quarterfinal round games in the 2016 NJSIAA Tournament of Champions. The first match-up was between 5th seeded Teaneck and 4th seeded Newark Westside followed by the nightcap contest between 6th seeded University of Newark and 3rd seeded Linden.
Teaneck overcame a 21-18 second quarter deficit with an 18-8 surge for a 36-29 lead at the half, and led by double digits before coming away with a 71-62 victory and a date with top seeded, top ranked, and undefeated, St. Anthony’s in the semifinals. Linden trailed 5-2 early on, but then ended the first period on a 13-5 tear for a 15-10 lead, and continued to gradually pull away from there for a 62-47 win, and a date with 2nd seeded St. Augustine’s in the semis. Below are capsules on the two games:
#5 Teaneck (27-4) vs. #4 Newark Westside (25-7)–In a clash of two up-tempo teams, Teaneck overcame an early second quarter deficit to take the halftime lead, and led by 15 points in the fourth quarter before coming away with the 9 point victory. The Highwaymen took an 18-15 first quarter lead before Westside opened the second with two three pointers from the left side for a 21-18 lead at about the 6 minute mark. Led by Juwuan Daniels, Teaneck roared back by scoring 18 of the last 26 points of the first half including a three point play by Daniels late in the second for a 36-29 lead going into the intermission. In the second half, the Highwaymen increased its advantage by as many as 15 before the Roughriders, led by Isaiah Reyes, rallied to pull within seven in the fourth. Teaneck didn’t let Westside get any closer than that as it went on to win, 71-62. Five different players scored in double figures for the Highwaymen including recent 1,000 point scorer, Ja’Quaye James (17 points), Nicholas Walker and Jawaun Daniels (15 points), Adrian Baucom (10 points and 11 rebounds), and GeAni Bannerman (10 points). Isaiah Reyes led the way in a losing cause for Westside with a game high 22 points while Quayon Williams-King added 15 points and 11 rebounds, and Yasim Hooker chipped in with 13. With the victory, Teaneck improved to 28-4 overall on the season, and advanced to the TOC semifinals, where it will face top ranked and top seeded St. Anthony’s. Newark Westside, the Group 2 state champion after its thrilling come from behind victory over Camden at Rutgers (85-83), completed its season at 25-8.
#6 University (18-10) vs. #3 Linden (23-5)–For the second time in three years, Linden reached the Tournament of Champions, and earned the highest seed for a public school. Meanwhile, University, which avenged a loss in last year’s Group 1 State Final by defeating Paulsboro in this year’s state championship (63-45), was making its third appearance in the T of C. Early on, the Phoenix, led by Tariq McKenith and Zamir Wright, scored 5 of the first 7 points, but Linden took control by finishing the quarter on a 13-5 run to take a 15-10 lead into the second. The Tigers then scored 10 of the 16 points in the second to take a 25-16 lead at the half. University opened the second half on a 16-12 run to pull within five at 37-32 thanks to a three pointer and conventional three point play by Wright. Unfortunately, the Phoenix were unable to get any closer as Linden finished the game on a 25-15 surge to come away with a 62-47 victory. Tavon Jones led the way for Linden with a game high 24 points while William Phelps added a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds and Tafair Lowe chipped in with 11. Tariq McKenith led University in a losing cause with 16 points while Samir Wright added 13 and Marad Banks chipped in with 11. With the win, Linden improved to 24-5 on the season, and advanced to the T of C semifinals, where it will take on 2nd seeded and Non-Public A State Champion, St. Augustine. University finished its season at 18-11.