The boys’ basketball team was able to punch its ticket to the NJSIAA Non-Public, North B sectional championship by defeating Montclair Immaculate 75-57 on Monday night.
Gill knew it would have its work cut out as the Lions entered the game as the 15th-ranked team in New Jersey. The Knights certainly stepped up to the challenge, however, as they led by 23 points at the end of the third quarter to put things out of reach.
“We were hitting on all cylinders,” said head coach Mergin Sina. “We have so much more balance now and can even go eight-deep in a lineup, and we have never been able to do that before. It is always good to get to the sectional finals because it is a huge goal of ours, and I truly feel this is one of the toughest groups in the country, so it is a big accomplishment to make it.”
Leading the way for Gill was Paul Mulcahy ’19 as he just missed out on another triple-double by posting 20 points, 13 rebounds, and nine assists to go along with three steals.
He was not the only Knight to have a big game, however. Zach Martini ’20 had a huge night with 18 points and 13 rebounds and Denver Anglin ’22 (14 points), Will Soucie ’20 (10 points, seven rebounds), and Tristian Jeffries ’21 (10 points) had strong showings as well.
“A lot of people do not realize it but we have six players averaging double figure points,” Sina said. “When you have that, it is hard to guard all the players on the court and it makes it very difficult for opposing teams to defend.”
Gill will have to wait until later tonight to know who their opponent will be in the sectional championship as Roselle Catholic will face Hudson Catholic in their semi-final matchup. Hudson Catholic upset the sixth-ranked team in New Jersey, the Patrick School, to make it to the semifinals and Roselle Catholic is currently the second-ranked team in the state.
Either opponent will be a challenge for Gill, but Sina is confident in his team.
“I believe we have the team that can get this game and win the section,” he said. “I really feel good about where the kids are and how locked in they are to not only win a sectional championship, but hopefully a state one as well.”