Here are highlights from the action in top seeded Patrick School’s win over third seeded Don Bosco Prep in the 2017 NJSIAA Tournament of Champions Final held at Sun National Bank Arena in Trenton.
Leading by only two at 55-53 with 4:40 after a putback by Bosco’s Chris Paul, Patrick School tightened up on defense, and finished the game on a 14-2 tear including one of two FTs by Nick Richards and two FTs by Jordan Walker as well as a driving layup by Marcus McClary and a score by Walker for the 69-55 victory.
Patrick School won its first TOC title since 2009, and sixth overall. TPS, which was formerly St. Patrick’s, closed in 2012, and then reopened as TPS. Walker led four different players in double figures with 17 points for the Celtics while handing out 5 assists.
Vladir Manuel played his best game in the TOC as he and Jamir Harris each added 12 points. Marcus McClary chipped in with 10 points and 5 rebounds while Al-Amir Dawes contributed with 9 points and Kentucky bound Nick Richards helped out with 7 points, 7 rebounds, and 3 blocks.
Paul led all scorers with a game high 19 points for Bosco while Ron Harper and Marcellus Earlington each chipped in with 13 points. Harper also picked up 7 rebounds and 2 blocks while Earlington added 4 rebounds and a block.
With the victory, Patrick School finished its season at 29-4 overall while Don Bosco Prep, which knocked off second seeded Linden in the TOC semifinals, finished its season at 30-2.