NORTH 1 GROUP 3 FINAL: BERGENFIELD HOLDS OFF TEANECK TO WIN “CHIP” 71-69!

Bergenfield,N.J…..After four straight season’s on the top, Teaneck will have to give it’s title up at least this season as Bergenfield behind 6’5 Junior Jovani Haskins 29 point, 11 rebound effort defeated the defending Sectional champs 71-69! Bergenfield came out fast and took a 17-4 1st quarter lead and a 37-18 halftime lead, behind the 19 points by Haskins(pictured) in the session! Everything seemed to go Bergenfield’s way for 3 quarters as they led by as much as 23 points, 46-23 midway in the 3rd quarter! But, someone forgot to tell Teaneck Freshman guard Ja’Quaye James that the game should be over! Teaneck, behind James made a furious comeback in the 4th quarter as they outscored Bergenfield 27-12 in the quarterand cut a 58-42 deficit to 70-69 with 26.3 left in the game as James connected on a “triple”! The key play came when, with 10 seconds remaining Bergenfield’s missed free throw was rebounded by Haskins and he was fouled on the play! He made 1 of 2 from the line to make the score 71-69! Teaneck had one last chance but James runner in the lane just fell off! Senior James Hamilton who played a terrific game added 21 points and 5 rebounds for Bergenfield and Senior D.J. Haskins contributed 9 points and 7 rebounds! James scored 13 of his 22 points in the 4th quarter! Teaneck had to overcome foul trouble from their other star guard Leondre Washington who still managed to score 18 points in the contest! Senior Tyler Dearing added 13 points for Teaneck! Bergenfield will now face Colonia at East Orange H.S. Thursday at 8pm!

 

NOTES:  Gardenstatehoops would like to acknowledge the Highschool careers of Senior’s Tyler Dearing and Zach Olukanni! Dearing(left) came into his own this season as the third guard who came off the bench and consistently put up big numbers for the Highwaymen! Olukanni(right) was one of the most underrated players in the area who was asked to do so many things as Teaneck’s only post man! Many times he was Teaneck’s unsung hero! Olukanni is being looked at to play on the College level and will get every opportunity to do that! Congratulations and good luck to both players and their families on their careers and future!