We Are the Champions: White Drops Black, Wins Modick Park Title

Kyle Henderson and Matt Tobin led the way with 18 and 17 points, respectively, as Team White rolled to a 64-50 win over Team Black in the Modick Park Men's Basketball League championship Thursday night.

After facing a tough battle in the first half, Team White led by just three points. Team Black was able to limit White's second-shot opportunities with solid rebounding on the defensive boards. While Team White was relying on the outside shot, Team Black spread the ball around and patiently waited for open looks at the basket.

Dan Albanese and Art Marinoni led Black with eight first-half points apiece, and Albanese's tenacious defense was a key factor in holding Tobin, whose 1,227 career points rank third in Hopatcong High School history, to just six points at halftime.

But Team White found its groove in the third quarter. Its defense came alive as it limited Black to just seven third-quarter points. Team White began clogging up the passing lanes. Ivan Bertrand and Mike Pryor forced several turnovers.

"We had great overall leadership in the second half," Pryor said. "I just tried to play tight defense."

Added Henderson: "We decided to buckle down on defense in the second half. Plus, we started hitting our shots."

While the weather was cool and calm early in the game, increasing wind gusts forced both teams to adjust their approach as the game progressed.

Despite the unfavorable conditions, Tobin found his range, and Henderson dropped in 10 fourth-period points as Team White pushed their lead well into double-digits and cruised to victory.

 "As the wind picked up, it was important to take the ball to the rim instead of shooting from the outside all the time," Tobin said.

Art Marinoni led Team Black with 13 points. Albanese followed with 12 points. Hopatcong Patch editor Brendan Kuty chipped in 10 points.

"We where able to limit their second-shot opportunities in the first half," Marinoni said. "In the second half, we allowed them too many second opportunities, and they kept hitting their shots. That was the difference in the game."

But regardless of who won or lost, members of both teams confirmed that Thursday's game was ultimately about enjoying a summer night in Modick Park with good friends.

"I'm definitely very competitive," Albanese said. "Of course I love to win. But this is all about having fun, getting outside and having a chance to run around and play ball with my good friends."

Tobin said: "For me, this is a good way to stay in shape and have some fun with friends."

However, if Team Black thought that a friendly atmosphere and a laid-back vibe would negate bragging rights for the winners, Pryor suggested they think again.

"Kuty and Albanese are friends. Brendan comes to my work at Dunkin Donuts for coffee all the time. So I'll be sure to remind him who won the game," Pryor said.

W   13  16  12  23      — 64  

B    12   14   7   17       — 50

White:  Kyle Henderson 18, Matt Tobin 17, Amar Buljko 12, Ivan Bertrand 9, Mike Pryor 8

Black: Art Marinoni 13, Dan Albanese 12, Brendan Kuty 10, Brandon Olenic 8, Mike Bird 4, Vinny Marinoni 3