Trojans Get Out in Front Early and Never Look Back in Win Over Edison
EDISON, NJ—Entering its pivotal GMC White Division clash against top ranked Aquinas, the fifth ranked Edison was hoping for some magic. Instead it got the dark clouds of doom associated with playing the top ranked Trojans. St. Thomas Aquinas usually leaves no doubt when it plays the second tier division teams of the White. However, the Trojans got out in front early, and never looked back in a 71-37 rout of the Eagles.
Aquinas outscored Edison 20-6 in the first period, and 27-9 in the third to take a commanding 60-25 lead. Ten different players scored for the Trojans. Senior guard Adam Silas and junior forward Terrell Pitts each scored a game high 16 points to lead the way. In addition, Silas collected 6 assists, 4 steals, 2 rebounds, and 2 blocks. Pitts added 3 rebounds, 3 steals, and 2 assists.
Sophomore guard, Jaden Kelly chipped in with half of the team’s six three pointers to finish with 9 points, 3 assists, and 2 steals. Jalen Pichardo, Samar Abdullah, and Chris Santner each contributed with 8 points while Pichardo pulled down a game high 12 boards. Philip Unangst (3 points), Sherief Guinyard (2 points, 5 rebounds, 2 assists, and a block), Kamal Lee (2 points, 2 rebounds, and an assist), and Tyler Kadi (a point and a rebound) rounded out Aquinas’ scoring.
Senior forward, Elisha White led Edison in defeat with 14 points, 7 rebounds, an assist and a steal. Teammate Niko Barnes chipped with 10 points, 2 rebounds, and a block. Justyn Britton (4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 3 steals, and a block), Joe Greer (4 points, 4 rebounds, 3 blocks, and an assist), Brian Hobson (3 points and 4 rebounds), and Jonathan Baio (3 points and a steal) rounded out the Eagles scoring.
Aquinas Leaves No Doubt by Seizing Control Early
St. Thomas Aquinas outscored Edison 44-20 inside the arc, 18-12 from long distance, and 9-6 from the line. In addition, the Trojans outrebounded the Eagles by a 28-21 margin. Aquinas also dominated in assists (16-7) and steals (15-6) as well. Edison only managed a tie in blocks (5-5). Accordingly, the visitors from the north side of Edison outscored the home team in each of the first three periods.
Since February 2020, the two teams have played four times with Aquinas winning each by an average margin of 28.8 points per game. The Trojans took control right away by scoring the games first 8 points in just 2:27. Kelly highlighted the run with two threes. Aquinas added 6 more points over the next 2:36 before Edison finally got on the board. The Trojans ended the frame by scoring 6 of the last 10 including a transition layup by Abdullah for a 20-6 lead.
At this point, Edison showed signs of life by scoring 8 of the first 10 points to close within single digits at 22-14. Highlighting the rally was a three pointer from Brian Hobson, and a traditional three point play from Elisha White with 5:46 left in the half. Unfortunately, the Eagles were unable to get any closer. Instead, the Trojans put the game to bed with an 8-0 run over 3:10 capped by a Pitts score for a 30-14 advantage.
Finally, Aquinas scored 3 of the last five points of the second for an 11-2 spurt to finish the half. To make matters worse, Abdullah spearheaded the defense with a rejection in the waning moments of the period as the Trojans led 33-16. St. Thomas Aquinas would continue to pour it on as play resumed in the third.
Trojans Silence Doubters by Breaking Game Open
After ending the first half by scoring 11 of the last 13 points, the Trojans picked up where they left off to begin the third. Aquinas scored 7 of the first 9 points of the second half for a 40-18 lead. Capping the run was Pitts with a running one hander off the dribble at the 5:21 mark. The Trojans continued the onslaught by scoring 20 of the last 27 points of the frame. Consequently, Aquinas led 60-25 as Guinyard wrapped up the huge third quarter with a two handed dunk.
The reserves played much of the fourth for Aquinas as Chris Santner and Philip Unangst combined for all 11 points. Baio provided a bright spot for Edison with a three pointer late that drew a roar from the home crowd. However, it was too little, too late as Aquinas rolled to another win. With the victory, the Trojans improved to 18-0 overall including a 13-0 mark in the GMC White.
As a result of the loss, Edison had its three game winning streak snapped. In addition, the Eagles dropped to 11-5 overall on the season and 8-4 in White Division play. Both teams return to action with home games on Thursday. Edison is slated to host Sayreville while Aquinas takes on Colonia. With a victory over the Patriots on Thursday, St. Thomas Aquinas will clinch the White Division title.