The Hoboken Redwings maintained the lead against the Whippany Park Wildcats for most of the first half in Round 1 play of the NJSIAA tournament.
The second half was a different story.
The Redwings were unable to contain the smart offensive play of the Wildcats, and most notably Chris Jones, who scored 15 of his 27 points in the half. Hoboken lost the game 61-53.
The gymnasium at Hoboken High School was nearly full and emotions ran high in the crowd and on the benches.
In first quarter play, the score remained close with the lead being exchanged back and forth numerous times. Hoboken Senior Eddie Canary made a 4-point play with 1:18 left in the quarter to give his team a 1 point lead 12-11. The Wildcats dominated the boards on offense and defense however, and the quarter ended with the score tied 15-15.
The second quarter featured a barrage of 3 pointers from both teams including 2 ringers by Hoboken's Jeremy Rodriguez, who finished the night with 5 total. Whippany Park continued to move the ball expertly on offense and, but Hoboken's outside shooting was keeping them alive. The first half ended with Hoboken up by 3 points, 27-24.
The game's momentum shifted in favor of the Wildcats only a minute into the second half, when Lou Passero made a 3 point play to tie the game. The Wildcats took control and their lead steadily increased as the minutes passed. The Wildcats' lead grew to 5 points, but Hoboken's Jeremy Rodriguez sank two more 3-pointers and the quarter ended with the Wildcats up by only one point, resulting in a score of 41-40.
In the game's final quarter, Canary connected on a 3-point play and tied the game one last time with 5:03 left to play. But Whippany Park's strong team play and superb offensive passing converted to important baskets by Kyle Waddon, Chris Zafonte and Chris Jones. Jones hit a series of clutch free-throws in the game's final minutes to secure the win for the Wildcats.
Whippany Park's high scorers were Chris Jones with 27 points, Chris Zafonte with 11 points and Kyle Waddon with 9 points.
Hoboken's Canary and Rodriguez had 18 points and 15 points, respectively.
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The Redwings finished their season 11-15.
