SOUTH AMBOY, NJ–On Monday night, GMC Hoops traveled over to South Amboy Middle/High School to take in action from opening night of the 2016 Raritan Bay Summer League. In the first game of the night, South River was in action against Heat JV.
The Rams weren’t at full strength with several players including Michael DeSantis playing on the school’s baseball team, which won the Central Jersey Group 1 Championship, and play in a state semifinal on Tuesday while Derrick Whitaker was in attendance, but didn’t play.
The rest of the Rams battled from a 26-17 second half deficit with an 11-0 spurt capped by a three with 1:41 remaining for a 28-26 lead. However, the Heat JV responded with a basket at the 1:30 mark, and pulled out the 29-28 win with a free throw at the 59 second mark. South River had several chances down the stretch to get the victory, but was unable to score. Below are game notes from the action:
First Half
16:30–Arrive–Heat leads SR 5-4.
15:31–SR–scores four straight points on a couple baskets for an 8-5 lead.
13:15–SR–hits three from left wing for an 11-5 lead.
10:00–Heat on an 8-0 run including a putback and a three for a 13-11 lead.
5:00–Heat score four of last six points for a 17-13 lead.
2:30–SR–layup in the paint for a 17-15 Heat lead.
0:00–Heat swipe a steal, but miss layup as time runs out for a 17-15 halftime lead.
Second Half
10:10–Heat open 2nd half on a 9-2 run for a 26-17 lead.
8:41–SR–sinks three from right corner for first points in almost 10 minutes for a 26-20 Heat lead.
5:25–SR–converts a three point play for an 8-0 run and a 26-25 Heat lead.
1:40–SR–knocks down three from right corner for a 28-26 lead. First lead since midway point of first half.
1:31–Heat respond with layup to tie game at 28-28.
59.3–Heat fouled and makes 1 of 2 FTs for a 29-28 lead.
0:00–SR had several chances down stretch, but couldn’t score as Heat win 29-28.