High School Hoops: Sam Abam Leads LHS To First-Round Victory

Sam Abam scored 10 of his 16 points in a decisive first quarter for Livingston high school as it downed Morristown, 54-36, in the first round of the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 tournament in Livingston.

The Lancers (16-5), the top seed in the bracket, stormed to a 20-6 advantage after the first and led 31-19 at halftime. A 13-5 third quarter helped Livingston build a 44-24 bulge. Marc Schoefel contributed three 3-pointers and 11 points, while Dan Abrahams finished with eight.

The upbeat mood of the hometown fans was supported by the LHS Cheerleaders, the DJ and the constant scoring.  (See our View Finder photo essay for photos of the game).

Livingston will take on Paterson Eastside, the ninth seed, in the quarterfinals on Wednesday in Livingston. Paterson East Side edged Bloomfield, 59-58, in the first round on Monday.

Also on Monday, in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 tournament, Livingston’s girls team, the 11th  seed, dropped a 54-45 decision to sixth-seeded Union City in Union City. Sydney Friedman, Sam Rothernberger and Ece Cetinkaya each put up eight points for the Lancers, which ends its season at 10-13.