Boys and Girls Hoops Teams Advance to State Sectional Semi-Finals

Both the boys' and girls' basketball teams put on quite a show last night in the Gov. Livingston High School blue gym, earning different types of victories while achieving the same goal -- to reach the state sectional final four.

In the opening game of a double header, the boys' squad took a 14-point 1st quarter lead before holding off a furious comeback by Shabazz, who trailed by ten before tying the game in the middle of the 4th quarter.

The Highlanders then went on a 7-0 run to take control -- holding on for a 71-67 victory. The win moves GL into the state sectional semi-final round.

Junior sharpshooter Logan Kelley tossed in a game-high 28 points, while Mike Cranston added 18, going 6-for-6 from three-point range. the Highlanders hit an impressive 9-of-10 from outside the arc on the night.

GL will travel to face top-seeded Raritan Friday night in the Central Jersey, Group 2 playoffs.. The Rockets beat Matawan Wednesday night to improve to 23-2.

The girls' team had the same result, albeit they were never in trouble from the get-go as they rolled past visiting Roselle in the second game by a final of 53-33. 

The Lady Highlanders rushed to a 18-6 lead after the first quarter and led 31-17 at the half.

Junior guard Alyssa Polimeni led all scorers with 17 points, while Kevin Ferguson added 13 to help GL improve to 19-5 on the season.

Sam Dowling chipped in with 8 points, Mallory George 5 points and Kim Osieja three points.

Second-seeded Gov. Livingston will go for their 20th win when they host third-seeded Rumson on Friday at 7:00 p.m. 

Check back for highlights and interviews from both of last night's games -- only here on Patch.

And don't forget to check out the highlights and interviews from Monday's quarterfinal games as well, when the boys defeated North Plainfield and the girls cruised past Shore Regional. Share them with friends and add them to your Facebook page!