West Orange Boys, Girls Ousted from Tournament

Considering the season it's experienced, it wasn't surprising that the West Orange High boys basketball team was in Saturday's Essex County Tournament first-round game with Newark Central in Newark.

The Mountaineers, the No. 20 seed, trailed No. 4 seed Newark Central 37-31 as the fourth quarter started, but fell 51-41. Newark Central raised its record to 15-2, while the Mountaineers dropped to 5-12.

The Mountaineers cut the Central lead to 39-33 on junior Carlo DeChavez' bucket with 7:25 left in regulation. But Central scored the next eight points.

"They were big, physical and deep (off their bench) and we had to play them when they are on a roll," said Mountaineers' coach Mark Cacciacarne.

Senior Duane Morgan had another strong game. He scored 15 points adding nine rebounds, four blocks, three steals and an assist.

"He was the best player on the court," said Cacciacarne, adding that he was pleased with his team's effort.

Senior forward Christian Smith had 10 points, five rebounds, a steal and assist. Senior Darius Moore added sevcen points.

West Orange plays Technology in Newark Monday afternoon, then at Weequahic Tuesday afternoon before playing host to West Side Thursday afternoon. Despite a losing record, the Mountaineers can still qualify for the North Jersey, Section 1 Group IV tournament.

A win Monday would help a great deal.

The West Orange girls also lost its first-round game. The Mountaineers, the No. 16 seed, lost 45-21 at No. 3 East Orange Campus. West Orange trailed 30-12 at the half as it had its four-game winning streak. The Mountaineers are 8-8.

West Orange sophomore center Chisom Amaefuna scored 11 points, pulled down four rebounds and made two steals. Junior guard Allison Mejia had four points, four assists, a steal and an assist.

West Orange will play host to West Essex Tuesday afternoon, then play at Nutley Thursday afternoon.