Ramapo Falls to Highwaymen

Teaneck High’s boys basketball team overwhelmed Ramapo, 84-46, Thursday night in the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA North 1, Group 3 tournament.

The second-seeded Highwaymen (26-2) gave up the opening two points to the No. 7 Green Raiders (15-10) but went into cruise control and allowed just an additional free throw from their visitors to end the quarter with a 17-3 lead. Teaneck held a double-digit advantage to the final buzzer.

“We did what we had to do,” said Teaneck head coach Jerome Smart. “We knew if pulled away early, we’d be in good shape.”

Teaneck got worthy efforts from Chris Jones, who dumped in 18 points, and Joel Hernandez, who posted 12.

The athletic Hernandez was also a key component in effectively moving the ball through the baffled Ramapo defense.

“[Jones and Hernandez] were both solid but we’re not about individualizing. We expect a workman-type effort from each player,” Smart said.

That philosophy was evident, as Teaneck stifled the Green Raiders on both ends of the court. Big man Neville Fincher (8 points) had three monster stuffs in the early going and electrified the home crowd with a thunderous dunk near the close of the third quarter to put Teaneck ahead, 61-34.

 “We’re playing well so we’re going to stick with what we’re doing,” said Smart. “Concentrate on defense first and make adjustments from there.”

Teaneck got double-digit scoring from Travis Saltus and Brandon Davis, who had 11 and 13 points respectively, as well as an impressive effort from a deep bench.

For Ramapo Tyler Wood was the high-scorer with 16 points, including four 3-pointers. T.J. Hunt and Pat O'hagan scored seven apiece.

The Highwaymen play next on Saturday at 8 p.m. at home. Their opponent will be the winner of No. 11 Sparta-No. 3 Pascack Valley.