Varsity Boys’ Basketball Outshoots Ridge 54-44

Last night, varsity boys' basketball defeated Somerset-County rival Ridge High 54-44, bringing the team to 7-0 for the season. All eyes were on the Knights, as the game marked the first matchup against a Skyland Conference opponent this season, and GSB and Ridge have vied for Somerset County championships over the past several years. Gill claimed the championship last year, besting Ridge 48-39, but this year’s squad is younger and less experienced. This far, Coach Mergin Sina and the players haven’t let that slow them down. Last night’s game was no exception, with several underclassmen making big contributions. Leading the scoring was point guard Alexander Schachne '18 with 15 – nine of those from three-pointers that he sank in the first half of the game. Close behind was Dallas Hoffman '18, making five baskets and one three-pointer to contribute 13. Freshman Jake Betlow added 12 to the scoreboard, seven of them from free throws. Rounding out the underclassmen on last night’s line up were Timothy Chaney '18 and Paul Mulcahy '19, who added a bucket. 

 

While the freshmen and sophomores came up big last night, as the season continues to unfold, the experience of the team's seniors will become increasingly valuable. Boding well for the team is the reappearance of the talented senior forward Julius Stoma. Stoma, who has been out this season with an injury, came into the third quarter and almost immediately sank a three-pointer. Among the other senior talent in last night’s line up were Adam Mitola, consistently one of the team's leading scorers, who contributed seven points, and Connor Klementowicz '16 who added two more.

 

Looking ahead, some key Skyland-Conference matchups will be against Rutgers Prep tomorrow and against Bridgewater Raritan on Thursday, January 14. On Sunday, January 17, the team will face powerhouse Roselle Catholic (currently ranked third among the NJ.com top 20) at the Eric LeGrande Invitational.