Chatham mounts remarkable comeback to win the Group II Championship.

At halftime, the Chatham Cougars may have felt that they missed the train heading to the Tournament of Champions. The lightning fast and furious Haddonfield Bulldogs ran up and down the court during the first half and irked Chatham’s offense, holding the Cougars to only 5 points in the first quart. But, at half time, the Cougars regrouped, focused on the team effort and relied on each other while using their depth to wear down the Bulldogs. The Cougars may have just caught their own train, called momentum, and rode it all the way to the Tournament Champions. Along the way, the Haddonfield Bulldogs may been asking for the license plate on that vehicle as, what started off to be, solid victory turned into one of the most memorial upsets in Morris County Basketball history.

The Sixth-Man, Chatham’s Whit-Out Crazies, dominate the Haddonfield section and are a major force. The student section turned the RAC into a home court in the second half on the way to the Group II Championship.

The Chatham Cougars improved to 31-1 and tallied onto their already impressive, now 30-game, winning streak with a 48-42 come from behind stunner over perennial Group 2 power Haddonfield (26-5). As any one of the Chatham players or coaches will tell you, it was not one spark that helped mount the comeback, but a team effort. In what may have been a speech worthy of Coach Rockne’s Gipper speech, Coach Ervin had his team leaving the locker believing. Coach’s plan was simple ... allow no lay-ups, contest all threes and pound in inside. It all seemed logical after the fact. In fact, Billy Oliver, an ever-present scoring force, MVP of the Morris County Tournament, a well know warrior in the paint, was 0-5 from 3-point land. You don’t have to go back and reread that, he was 0-5 from behind the arc. Going inside was the obvious plan. But, surprise, surprise, 6’-8” Oliver was not the offensive go-to guy in the third. Group 2 Final MVP Kevin Conroy was lights out. The 6’-6” Senior turned in a Jordan-esk third quarter knocking in 13 points, after a 6-point 1^st half. The Cougars outscored the tiring Bulldogs 20-10 in the 3^rd frame and stole any momentum that Haddonfield had so dominantly built in the first half.

Opening the second half down 30-19, Conroy notched his first two just 52 seconds into the quarter. The Cougars forced a turnover with swarming-D on the other end. On the return trip, Conroy was fouled going to the hoop and was able to convert on 1 of 2 of the free throw. The Chatham crowd, that was ready for the second half just as much as the players, was louder than ever and it was beginning to feel like a Chatham home game. Not good for the Bulldogs, as the Cougars were undefeated at home. Bulldog Senior Spencer Reed took it to the hoop for two and put the lead back to 12, just 23 seconds later. Conroy, making the best of his coaches’ advice, was fouled going to the basket and converted both free throws, getting Chatham back to ten. Another Conroy basket and Chatham was within eight until Haddonfield’s Keith Hurley hit one of two free throws. Senior Cougar Matt McHugh added two followed by a huge three from Andrew Kovonuk cut the deficit to a comfortable six. If there was ever a time that the Cougars won over the neutral fans, right there and then was it. The RAC erupted, giving the feel of the best March Madness games and momentum officially jumped into the crowd with the white-out sixth man sitting high up in the rafters. The basket was the Cougars’ first from 3-point land and made the Morris County School 1-9 from deep.

Haddonfield answered after the ensuing time out with two just twenty seconds later, giving the South Jersey school a 37-29 advantage. Conroy, not to be outdone, answered with a long range two. The scoring spree continued, as Haddonfield standout Greg Steinberger knocked down a three. The nine point lead with less than two minutes o play in the 3^rd may have seemed like a comfortable lead, but Chatham, inspired by their outrageous fans, rolled off the final six points of the quarter. Oliver’s easy lay-up was sandwiched between two Conroy baskets and just like that, the lead was cut to three entering the final frame.

The Bulldogs tried to slow Chatham down in the fourth, but to no avail. Haddonfield had hit their first, and only, field goal of the 4^th to gain a 42-37 lead, only to watch shots fall short or bounce out the rest of the way. The Cougars literally took over the court. Offensively, Chatham scored the final 11 points of the game and sported a 17-2 run over the final 10 minutes of the Championship Game. Oliver, who had been quiet all night, converted both free throws with 4:05 left and gave the Cougars their first lead since the 4:00 mark of the first quarter. Things went back to normal for the seasoned Cougars. Oliver was then fouled the next trip back down the court and turned in the conventional three point play. With Cougars flying high, fatigue had set in for Haddonfield. Andrew Kovonuk was left wide open and made the best of it, banking in an easy look from the block. The Senior Guard gave Chatham a 46-42 lead with just 2:30 left to play. Kovonuk added another basket to close the scoring secure the first Group 2 State Championship for Chatham Basketball.

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Chatham’s #22 Kevin Conroy on his Jordon-esk third quarter: “Coming in we knew that we had the height advantage on them. The whole game we just wanted to get it down low and pound it inside. Luckily, I got some open looks and I was able to finish them.”

Coach Todd Ervin on his team’s total team effort and the keys to winning this game on the defensive end: “To beat a team like Haddonfield without Billy scoring a lot is just a team win.” And on the solid defense, “We had to defend at the end. I don’t know how many over the backs they had in the fourth quarter, but I know that Burt (Burton Gildersleeve) had two great block outs, got two over the back calls, so I mean that’s what won the game. Defending them … yeah. Defending them was the difference.

Coach Todd Ervin on off-the-bench stand out Andrew Kovonuk : “We got a couple of easy looks from (Andy) Kovonuk penetrating off of breaks … which were big baskets. He fed Billy (Oliver) for a three point play. He kept us in it. He played his normal game. He’s just relentless defensively. On offense he’s really aggressive. He tried to get the basket and drive. He’s a pass first player. He gets in there and gets us some great looks.”

Kevin Conroy on not giving up after the first half: “We are one of the few teams in the state that can go nine deep. So, we just want to wear team down. We knew with start to wear them down with us pressing the whole game. I think that would lead to easy buckets.”

The Chatham starters on the win: “It’s just awesome, it’s a Holiday … This is just as good as Christmas.”

A Chatham player on the great Chatham Sixth-Man/White Outters: “Our students have been great all year. They’ve been behind us. We were undefeated at home. They made our home court really hard to play at. It’s just a tribute to them too … this Group Championship.”

Oliver on his three blocks in the last 2 minutes and the teams’ great defense in the second half: “It’s a great feeling getting your hand on the ball like that, but it was not just the blocks. I don’t think they scored in the last three minutes.” - Actually 5:39 – “ It was all attributed to our defense.”

Randolph 4 - Watchung Hills 2

Rams overpower Warriors, 4-2

March 9, 2007

Randolph (20-0-5) v. Watchung Hills (15-8-2)

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The Rams held true to their #1 seed by ousting Watchung Hills, 4-2, from the NJSIAA/Devils Tournament at Codey Arena (or good ole South Mountain, as us old time hockey rats know it).

The Rams opened the game up with bang. Senior Jeff Zamor picked up a loose puck in the corner and moved towards the Watchung Hills keeper, Dan Schroeder. Zamor made a nice move and took Schroeder top shelf giving the Rams an early 1-0 lead. “I just wanted to fake the pass, get the goalie to bite and hit the top corner. I saw him bite, saw the top corner and hit it,” said the senior about the opening goal.

Watchung Hills, coming off a 4-0 win over Ramapo, answered less than two minutes later. Ellie Klein found a loose puck in front the net and converted to notch the game up at one. The early action faded as both teams tightened up. The Rams killed the only penalty of the first period and held a 6 to 2 advantage in shots.

As one Hills fan put it, “”It’s amazing how it could all change in a couple of minute.” A couple of minutes, a quick burst and a mind for the net enabled the top seeded rams to explode to a 4-0 lead.

About halfway through the first, Rams Defenseman Kyle Krannich fanned on a shot just above the circle. An eager Chris Maloney picked up the loose puck and fired a low shot that finds the back of the net. The goal gave the Rams lead 2-1. Just two minutes later, the Rams took advantage of a power play as Rob Kral was able to gain his balance and composure just in time to burry the puck through the five-hole for a 3-1 lead.

Kral on his game winning goal: “I was able to get control and find my balance. It was such a great pass. I think it caught them off guard. I just gained my composure and shot.”

With a little less than two minutes to play, Hills defense man Brendon Liptke fired a rocket that Swenson covers on his blocker; The save and covered resulted in a face off deep in the Rams zone. The smart cover enabled Randolph to set up their final goal.

Junior, Forward Chris Tamminga beats the Warriors defense and deeks the keeper for the near side deposit and an important 4-1 lead.

The final Watchung Hills goal was scored by Ellie Klein. The 4-2 victory advance to the Meadowlands and will face Morris Knolls for the fourth time this season. The Golden eagles beat Fair Lawn 5-1 in the night cap. Randolph out-shot the Warriors 20 to 12. The victory for Randolph was their 13th out of the last 14 and sixth in a row since losing to CBA on February 16^th.

Click on Pictures for more Photo Action from the game.

Kinnelon runs to Championship Game (3-2-07)

A Thirty-Four Point 2nd Half is too much for the Cougars

Kinnelon runs to Championship Game (3-2-07)

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Every time Kinnelon tried to put the game out of reach, Cresskill’s Colleen Ahern had the answer. The Colts battled through a slow tempo and methodical first half only to explode for 34 points in the second. The Colts had no answer to stop Ahern in the first, so what do you do in the second? Switch the tempo and play Colt’s style basketball. The quiet first half was a vast contrast to the scoring bonanza of the run-and-gun, fast paced style at which Kinnelon excels.

Kinnelon improved to 18-7 with a 56-48 victory over Cresskill in Group I action. Kinnelon, the top seed in Group I – Section I advances to the finals against Butler. The Bulldogs beat New Milford in overtime. The Championship Game will be held at Bayonne HS on March 5 at 6:00 PM. It will be the first game of a double-header with the second being the North I, Group III Final - Old Tappan v. Teaneck at 8:00

Kinnelon opened to a quick 9-2 lead just 2 minutes into the first quarter. Stephanie Prall hit for five of the nine in the run, but five straight points form Colleen Ahern cut the lead to two as the quarter expired.

Prall dropped a bucket just 15 seconds into the quarter, but Cresskill may have just found their legs between quarters. The Cougars jumped to 14-11 lead with about 4 minutes left in the half. Then, both teams unleashed their offensive weapons. Prall, Vicky Koziol and Hayley Ryan combined for the Colts’ thirteen points of the second frame. Most importantly the trio helped spark a 7-0 run to close the half and give the 1-seed a 22-18 lead going into the intermission. With single digits on the clock and the Colts up by one, Hayley Ryan took a rebound off of a desperation three and put it back for the basket and one. Ryan completed the traditional three-point play.

Kinnelon reverted back to the style of play that guided them to 17 victories prior to this afternoon’s show. Prall and Masterson, both seniors playing in their final game in the Kinnelon gym, combined for 28 of the Colt’s 34 second half points. Kinnelon may have turned up the heat just at the right time. The Colts did not have an answer for the sophomore standout from Bergen County. Ahern connected on nine field goals and went 12 of 15 from the free throw line to lead all scorers. Ahern not only dropped 30, she added 15 rebounds, most on the offensive end. Cresskill Senior Megan Thomas added six points in the fourth quarter, but the Cougars could not cut the lead below six in the closing quarter.

The Colts looked much more comfortable running and pushing the ball and were able to answer every all but one of Cresskill’s scores in the fourth. Kinnelon held a 50-38 lead with 3 minutes left on the clock when Thomas and Nicole Barretta converted baskets. Barretta’s basket and one cut the lead to 50-43. Seven points was as close as this strong Kinnelon squad would allow. Thomas’ basket with 12 seconds left closed the scoring at 56-48.

The Colts led for all but 5 minutes in the second quarter, but seemed control the pace of the game. Cresskill managed to stay within striking distance, but the Kinnelon Seniors would not allow a comeback. Kinnelon starts four seniors. Stephanie Prall finished with 20. Melissa Masterson knocked down 17. Hayley Masterson added 11 and Vicky Koziel scored four with 5 rebounds and 6 assists.

	KINNELON (17-7): Prall 5-4-2-20, Masterson 6-2-1-17, Ryan 4-3-0-11, Koziol 2-0-0-4, T. Prall 2-0-0-4 Totals: 19-9-3-56 CRESSKILL (16-8): Thomas 3-0-0-6, N. Barretta 1-1-0-3, Ahearn 9-12-0-30, Cerone 1-1-0-3, Azelby 1-0-0-2, Durakis 2-0-0-4 Totals: 17-14-0-48 1st Q 2nd Q 3rd Q 4th Q Final Kinnelon 9 13 17 17 56 Cresskill 7 11 14 16 48

(4) Hanover Park 44 - (5) Morristown 34 (1-10-07)

CT Quarterfinals @ Morris Knolls (1-10-07)

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Momentum is a fickle thing in most high school basketball games. In a County Tournament Quarterfinal match up on a neutral court, momentum shifts can be the life blood of the game. Hanover Park used a 19 point fourth quarter to erase a one point third quarter deficit into a ten-point victory. The Hornets sank 10 of 12 free throws in the final frame to edge away from the Colonials. Lindsey Cassinis lead all scorers and tallied 14 points in the fourth quarter. The senior guard may have played the best game of her high school career leading advancing the Hornets to the final four.

Hanover jumped out to a 6-0 and 7-2 lead early in the first quarter. Cassinis tallied 4 of those 6, with Ashley Addison scored the other two. The Colonials were able to cut the lead to 7-5. With just about two minutes left to play in the opening quarter Alycia Ryan's three pointer put the Colonials within two. Cassinis closed the first quarter scoring with a layoff off a well executed inbound play to give Hanover a 9-5 lead.

The second quarter went well for the Hornets. Cassinis and Jenna Wormann answered Ryan's opening basket and the Hornets lead 13-7 with just under six minutes left in the first half. The Hornets jumped out to a 21-10 lead with just under a minute left in the half. Hanover was in control and looking to enjoy a double digit lad at the half. Three sport standout Alycia Ryan dropped a two and picked off a Hanover pass for a uncontested lay up as time ran out in the half. The four point run was just a taste of the what Morristown had in store for the third quarter.

Trailing 21-14 to start the third, Morristown continued their momentous run, knocking in 9 more unanswered points. Imani Ladsen hit for two. Ryan added four and a three by Caitlyn McGuire gave the Colonials their first lead of the game. Cassinis answered with a lay up a few seconds later to tie it at 23 with just about 3 minutes to play.

The Colonials took a 26-25 lead into the fourth. Ryan, who finished with 19 points added a two free throws near the six minute mark giving Morristown a three point lead at 28-25. Cassinis answered with a lay up and the game was tied at 28. Hanover took the momentum and never looked back. The Hornets outscored the Colonials 16-6 to close the game, most on free throws.

Hanover advance to FDU for the second year in row. The Hornets hung tough threw a Morristown charge early in the third maintained composure late from the line, when games of this importance are won.

Chatham 31 - Mtn Lks 21

7 -seed Chatham upsets #2 Mountain Lakes

Morris County Quarterfinals (2-10-07) at Kinnelon HS

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Chatham used a combination of timely scoring and smothering defense to get past Mountain Lakes 31-21. This time of year, teams match up so well, that it takes a little extra to get past your next opponent. The Chatham Cougars had that little extra. In a game that featured two of Morris County’s top teams, the Cougars settled back in a solid zone and denied every interior pass. If Mountain Lakes did complete an inbound, the defense swarmed and prevented any clean looks at the rim. Despite both teams executing their offense and moving the ball as planned, both well-prepared teams denied any and every shot.

Every point was valuable in this low scoring affair. The first quarter ended knotted at seven. Val Berger took a quick look at the clock and saw 6 ticks left, squared up and launched a three that hit nothing but net tying the seven.

Both teams continued to battle inside and force untimely passes, denying any quality looks and simply creating turmoil for their opponent. Helen McHutcheon hit the first hoop of the second quarter giving Chatham the lead at 9-7. McHutcheon hit again with just about 2 minutes remaining until half tying it back up at 13. The first half saw five ties and seven lead changes. Again, Berger worked her late quarter magic creating a steal and knocking in a lay up with 15 seconds on the clock. The basket gave Chatham a 15-13 half-time lead, a lead that they would never relinquish.

The Cougars scored the 1^st five points of the second half and up’d the lead to 20-13. But scoring wasn’t what the cougars were doing beat. Chatham utilized their speed and athletic ability to match up with the Lakers size and deny the ball to the Lakers’ main threat Merdith Aronson. Aronson still managed 10 points, leading all scorers with Val Berger’s ten. This is where the Cougars put more of a strangle hold on the Lakers’ offense. According to Chatham Coach Joe Gaba, “We sunk into our 2-3 zone and used our speed to the cover the court.” Chatham’s vise grip held the Lakers to only 3 points in the final frame.

The win improved Chatham to 16-4 and moves the Cougars to FDU to face West Morris. The Highlanders took Kinnelon early today at Morris Knolls. The Cougars have lost only four games all season, both on back to back games against Mendham, then Hanover. West Morris has dominated Hills Division foes, beating Morris Hills by 16 and Parsippany by 27.

Delbarton 5 - Mo-Beard 0

Delbarton skates past Mo-Beard, 5-0

February 9, 2007

Delbarton (16-1-2) v. Morristown-Beard (8-9-3)

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Throw out the records, there is never any lack of energy and excitement when Delbarton and Mo-Beard face off at Mennen. Delbarton is enjoying a fantastic season and coming off amazing wins over Seton Hall Prep and Lawrenceville. Morristown-Beard had just recently made it back to 500 winning 3 of three last four, including a 2-0 shout win over Chatham. Last year’s regular season meeting ended in a 2-2 tie.

Delbarton used four different scorers and two keepers to record a shut out over the Morris County rival at Mennen. The Green Wave successfully defended seven Mo-Beard power plays and used a furious first period en route to the shutout victory.

Mo-Beard, with only two seniors on the Varsity line-up, came out of the gates looking to match the Green Wave’s speed and size and catch New Jersey’s #1 ranked team off the big win hangover. The Green Wave would dash any thoughts and take an early lead. Senior forward Zach Williams sent a low liner through the five-hole and the first shot of the game gave Delbarton a 1-0 lead.

The Green Wave were relentless and continued rocketing shots at the sophomore keeper Doug Taylor. Taylor turned in thirteen saves during the opening period. The Crimson’s keeper best series of the first game shorthanded and while trailing 1-0. Delbarton launched three quick shot from just outside the crease. Taylor knocked down the first, was able stop the second and the covering he third. The ensuing face-off to Taylor’s right was won the Green Wave. Thad Williams took the puck, made a few good moves around two defenders and moved in on Taylor. The Junior defenseman fed freshman Charles Orzetti, who buried the puck in the near side, just under Taylor’s outstretched pad.

Late in the first, Delbarton Assistant Captain Alex Velicheck picked up a loose puck just outside of the Crimson Blue line and walked in on Taylor. The Sophomore forward picked the top shelf just over Taylor’s blocker, making it a 3-0 game. Delbarton out shot the Crimson 16-4 during the opening period.

Delbarton score the lone goal in a more evenly played second period. Matty Shilling took a shot from just inside the blue line that most of the rink did not even see. The low rocket gave the green Wave a 4-0 lead.

Morristown-Beard continued to fight and challenge the mighty Green Wave. Delbarton made a goaltending change with 3:45 left in the second period. The Crimson challenged Senior John Storms immediately. Storms made six saves in the closing minutes of the second period. Morristown-Beard could not muster a goal despite four power plays in the middle frame.

The Delbarton Senior keeper turned in another cluster of saves early in the third keeping the Crimson off the scoreboard. First, shorthanded, Storms was sharp on a save and a rebound. A few minutes later at even strength, the senior keeper turned away a flurry of shots including a desperation blocker stop followed up with a cover to end the barrage.

Zach Williams closed the scoring with a shorthanded goal. Williams sped in on a break away and found the back netting with 10:40 left the game. Delbarton’s penalty killing unit held tight and was a major factor in keeping the game out of reach of the young Crimson.

Randolph 45 - Livingston 30

Rams tame Lancers

Randolph 45 (11-5), Livingston 30 (4-9) [1-22-07]

Randolph, NJ – Randolph improved to 11-5 on the season with a 45-30 win over Iron Division spoiler Livingston. The Rams took eight of fourteen bouts on Alumni Day. Among the Rams’ victories were a wins by fall in the first two bouts by Junior Kyle Tufts (bumped to 189) and Sophomore Mike Suk (bumped to 215). The win moved the Rams to 7-2 in the Iron Division.

Rams’ Jumior Rob Garone took a forfeit at 285 giving the Rams an immediate 18-0 lead. After a scoreless two periods, Freshman Brian Wrede started the final period on a defense. Wrede earned a reversal about thirty seconds into the third and was able to hold off an attack by David Seigel to win 2-1. Randolph increased the lead to 21-0 before the Lancers earned a team point. Dan Melamed was awarded a forfeit at 112.

Leading 21-6 going into 119, the Rams used a trifecta of pins to add 18 more team points. Steve Vitale (119) and Kyle Bieg (130) recorded first period falls. Rob Smith (125) lead 4-3 before pinning Dylan Kane 1:44 into the second period. After a scoreless first, Smith sunk in a cradle off the opening whistle. Kane broke the pinning attempt and escaped. Just as Kane earned two for a take down about one minute later, Smith reversed Kane to his back and was able to squeeze for the pin.

The Rams and Lancers traded first period pins at 130 and 135. Essex County Standout Zach Kane pinned Darren Cimbal near the minute mark.

The Rams lead 39-12 going into the match of the night. Both standouts for their respective teams, Sean Robertson and Sean Collins wrestled carefully and smart. Both wrestlers were well aware that any mistake would be exploited by the other talented wrestler. After numerous ties up in the first resulting in a 0-0 second period start, Collins started on defense. Collins was hit with two stalling calls allowing Robertson to lead 1-0. Another third period stalling call increased the lead to 2-0. Those two penalties points were the difference as the Lancer gained 3 team points.

The victory was the second of five straight rolled off by the Lancers (135 – 160). Lancers’ Phil Shetson pinned Jon Matos, followed by a tech from Alex Atamian at 152. Matt Weber outscored Kevein Hantke 8-4 in the thirds period to record a major, 21-10.

Rams Senior Travis Hughes was involved in a tough battle before sticking Josh Macin just tenths of a second before the second period buzzer went off. The Rams travel to Jefferson for a Quad with the Falcons, Kearny and Paramus on Saturday; Followed by a Monday (1-29) tri-meet with Howell and High Point before the much awaited Morris County Tournament on February 3^rd.

• 189 Kyle Tufts (R) pinned Rafe Kaplan (L), 1:46
• 215 Mike Suk (R) pinned Brian Asman (L), 0:34
• 285 Rob Garone (R) won by forfeit
• 103 Brian Wrede (R) dec. Dan Siegel (L), 2-1
• 112 Dan Melamed (L) won by forfeit
• 119 Steve Vitale (R) pinned Justin Estevez (L), 1:25
• 125 Rob Smith (R) pinned Dylan Kane (L), 3:44
• 130 Kyle Bieg (R) pinned James Atamian (L), 1:07
• 135 Zach Kane (L) pinned Darren Cimbal (R), 0:55
• 140 Sean Robertson (L) dec. Sean Collins (R), 2-0
• 145 Phil Shetson (L) pinned Jon Matos (R), 3:19
• 152 Alex Atamian (L) tech. fall Matt Santamaria (R), 16-1
• 160 Matt Weber (L) major dec. Kevin Hantke (R), 21-10
• 171 Travis Hughes (R) pinned Josh Macin (L), 3:59

Madison 50 - Millburn 20

Madison continues showing strength

Madison went into the Paul J. Finn, Jr. Memorial Tournament knowing that they could have a date with destiny against NJ Top 10 David Brearley. The only way to get an opportunity to square off with the talented Bears was to earn it. Earn it, they did. The Dodgers handled Verona in the opening bout. The first win moved the Dodgers to the front gym and match against host Millburn. All Teams assembled in the front gym and watched a 15 minute documentary about Paul Finn. The presentation entitled “Gentle Giant” was ESPN worthy and should be sent to the NJSIAA hall of fame. The touching film motivated many and touched all. Madison dominated the Hillbillies from Verona and took an opening match victory, 64-8. Dave Dew (160), Bill Hutchinson, Kyle Kaufmann and Ryan Colwell provided the Dodgers. Madison had many motivations as they moved from the back gym to the main gymnasium. A focused Dodgers’ group turned in a dominating 50-20 victory over the Millers. Madison opened to a 23-0 lead before giving up a team point. Hutchinson pinned Sam Ford to give the Dodgers a 6-0 lead. Hutchinson lead 7-3 and turned a single into a pinning combination to record the fall. Kyle Kaufmann lead 13-4 going into the third. The Dodger Junior earned a takedown and three near fall, just missing a pin, before taking down Kevin McArdle for the 15 point lead and tech fall. Mike Hall and Javier Vasquez went out and earned quick pins as the Dodgers built a 23-0 lead. Millburn took back 5 points with a 21-5 tech fall at 103. Madison’s freshman 112-pounder trailed 3-0 moving late in the third period. Ryan Colwell escaped and a takedown with only three seconds left in the match tied it up and forced overtime. Coldwell had Greg Pollock on his back, at the edge of the mat, but was awarded no back points. All three of the overtime periods ended with no scoring change. Pollock rode out the 4th over time and earned the 1 point for the 4-3 decision. Mike Serillo, Christian Mazzocchi, Jason Benesky and Steve Martin quickly brought home 24 more points for the Dodgers. Serillo pinned Derek Weber in twenty-three seconds. Mazzacchi pinned in 44 seconds. Benesky and Martin also recorded first period falls. Andrew Conley took home a tough victory over Eric Rice. Conley lead 2-0 early in the first, only to trail 3-2 before reversing Rice in the final seconds. Conley earned the only point of the second period, an escape giving the Dodger a 5-3 lead. Rice escapes early in the third and a takedown up’d the score to 6-5 in Rice’s favor. Conley’s reversal in the final twenty seconds and his ability to hold down Rice proved to be enough to secure the win. The 50-20 victory over the Union County school set up the desired match with New Jersey top 10, David Brearley in the finals of the Paul Finn Tournament. Kyle Kaufmann gave the Dodgers a 3-0 lead as the top Morris County wrestler defeated Hany Elshikh 8-6. Ryan Colwell was the next Dodger to earn team points, an 11-1 victory over Allen Phillips. Mazzocchi pulled the Dodgers within 5 with a 7-2 victory over John Calderon. Benensky, Conley and Hutchinson all recorded victories top total 25 points for the Dodgers in a strong showing against one of the best team in New Jersey. MORE PHOTOS - CLICK HERE

Whippany 44 - Bernards 31

At the beginning of the week, the Whippany Park Wildcats were one of only three undefeated teams in Morris County. A day after defeating Newark Academy, the Wildcats hosted Mt. Olive. The Marauders, ranked #1 in Morris by Morris County Varisty.net, the Daily Record and the Star Ledger, had suffered a devastating upset to Livingston the night before. The Wildcats wrestled tough and held their own, even leading 19-18 heading into the 152 bout. Mt Olive swept the rest of the matches on way to a 48-19 victory.

How is this important? A wrestler is a different breed of athlete. There is no one else on the mat but you and the man than wants to pins you. You can only rely on yourself, your training and your instincts. The Wildcats returned to the mat with a 44-31 victory over Bernards. This used to be a bitter rivalry before Bernards bailed on the Colonial Hills Conference last year.

Starting at 160, Ray Protasiewicz pinned Alvero Gonzalez midway through the third period, giving the Wildcats a 6-0 lead. Bernards took the next two bouts, a one point loss at 171 as Mountaineer Marty Faulborn used 4 late points to erase a 3-0 deficit. A pin at 189 gave the Somerset County School a 9-6 lead.

Dave Crotty pinned Max Fawcett at 215 as the Wildcats regained the lead, 12-9. Crotty lead 2-1 at the end of the first. Fawcett started on defense and managed to escape knotting the match at 2. With less than ten seconds left in the second, Crotty went for a head lock and sunk it in throwing Fawcett to his back and securing a pin just tenths of a second before the buzzer sounded. The Mountaineers quickly took back the lead with a second period pin at 285.

Steve Godine took a forfeit at 103 and an instant lead swap went right back in the Wildcats favor. Chris Mignone at 112 made sure that Wildcats would add to the lead. The Senior Captain lead 5-0 after the first, nearly pinning Clay Schaufler. Mignone started on top and put Schaufler to his back and worked for the pin.

The next match proved to be a tough fought battle by both wrestlers. Bernards’ Justin Schuler held a decisive edge in the first period but lead only 2-1 after two minutes. Second period saw the wrestlers starting in neutral and Schuler earning his second takedown of the match. Wnek was careful not to give up any points, but could also not manage any points. Trailing 4-1 at the start of the third, Wnek used a burst of energy and a bit of dynamic quickness to earn a reversal with 1:07 left in the third. Not a few seconds later, Wnek nearly pinned Schuler and earned 3 near fall. The five 3rd period points stumped any momentum that Bernards seemed to regain during the match and the victory gave Whippany a 27-15 lead.

Anthony Palma majored Kevin Prosicki at 125 as Bernards began to mount a comeback. Prosicki was strong the entire match and refused to be pinned by the strong wrestler.

Bernards, who had choice at 130, sent out Rich Russenello (ranked #2 in the state by the Gannett – behind Milanos from Jefferson & 5th by the Star Ledger), looking to neutralize Ficchi. But the Whippany Coaching staff pulled a great coaching move and bumped Ficchi to 135. The Mountaineers received the desired result, a Russenello pin and thus closed the team score gap to 27-25. But, the move may have took the match for the Wildcats. Joe Ficchi led 13-0 over Alex Zorrillo, before winning by fall with just 2 seconds left in the match.

Bernards took a stunning win at 140. CJ Engelberger was controlling Joe Homza. Engelberger had taken down Homza five times, and earned back points on three of those occasions. But Homza, a great athlete at Bernards, was strong enough to fight off each pin attempt and either reverse Engleberger to his back or escaped. Homza had nearly earned pins twice, after nearly being pinned himself. But, a third period reversal by Engelberger was countered with a headlock and resulted in a surprise pin for the Mountaineers. The pin gave the Mountaineers their first lead since 285.

Rob Hernandez at 145 locked up the team victory for the Wildcats. Hernandez used a series of takedowns and ensuing cuts to tech Billy Youngblood. The five team points gave Whippany a 38-31 lead with one match left. Mike Riccardi, who was in control the entire match, pinned Dan DeDiego near the end of the second period to end it with a final score of 44-31.

The win set up a match between Brearley (#11 by Gannett and #10 by the Star Ledger) and Whippany Park.

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Mt. Olive 4 - Montville 1

Marauders conquer Mustangs

Morris Twp, NJ - The Mt. Olive ice hockey team defeated Montville 4-1 on Thursday night at Mennen. Montville came into the game off a close 3-2 defeat to Park Regional. The Marauders looked to stop a two game losing streak and had a full week between games. The week gave Mt. Olive plenty of time to practice and prepare and the Marauders came out of the gates like a readied Thoroughbred. Not 50 seconds into the game, Mt. Olive already had two shots on net. Mustangs’ keeper Robbie Brown stopped both and the Mustangs were able to kill the ensuing first penalty.

After nearly ten minutes of scoreless play, Mt. Olive took a 1-0 lead. Dominic Potente scored on the power play, stuffing in a rebound. Not even twenty seconds later, Mt. Olive’s Brian Diaz was robbed by Brown with a glove save as Diaz was in 1 on 1. Mt. Olive continued to pressure, and poured on 12 shots in the first period. The Marauders did take advantage of the next penalty a connected on a power play goal 4:01 left in the first. A Potente shot from the point was saved, but kicked out into the crease off of Brown’s chest. With the puck just out of reach of Brown, Diaz was able to push the puck to John Bellamente who had all day to hit the open side. The second power play goal doubled Mt. Olive’s lead to 2-0.

Mt. Olive continued to pressure Brown and the Mustangs, but could not break through in the second, despite 12 shots on goal. Montville held Mt. Olive scoreless on al three second period power plays, including a 5-3 power play that lasted 1 minute and 9 seconds. Dan Lyons took the puck from a Mustang player near Mt. Olive blue line and skates cross ice, forcing a two on none break away. Brown was able to intercept the pass with his glove and keep the game at 2-0.

Mt. Olive came out strong in the third period. Potente added his second goal just 43 seconds into the period. But, about 3 minutes into the third, Montville turned it up a few notches and showed a fire that had been missing all game. Trailing 3-0, the Mustangs began to attack. Anthony Pinella ruined the shut out bid after taking a pass on the goal line, near the bench-side corner, crossing in and fires a rocket top shelf, cutting the lead to 3-1. Both teams had apparent goals waved off before Bellamente sealed the victory with maybe the night prettiest goal. Short-handed, Bellamente beat the Montville defense, but lost the puck when Mustangs’ keeper Brown poked the puck loose. The puck laid unattended for a few a few brief seconds, just enough for Bellamente to regroup from behind the net and slide the puck into the open side.

In goal, Montville's Robbie Brown allowed four goals and had 28 saves; almost all were quality scoring chances. Brown was most impressive during a three minute stint about 5 minutes into the third. Brown was being peppered with shots. Dominic Potente and John Bellamente both had two goals and an assist. Dan Gillette stopped all 16 of 17 shots he faced, including making 9 saves in the 3^rd period.

The Marauders face off Saturday against Roxbury. There will be no rest for the Mustangs as the face off at 9:15 Friday night against Scotch Plains-Fanwood at Union. The Raiders play an independent schedule and are currently 5-8-1 on the 2007 season. This will be the second meeting between the Mustangs and the Raiders. Montville edged Scotch Plains-Fanwood 5-3 on December 30^th. Montville is the only Morris County School on the Raiders’ schedule until they face Kinnelon twice on the 27^th and the 2^nd.

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Roxbury 3 - Mo-Town 3

Morristown and Roxbury tie (1-9-07)

Roxbury saw its five game winning streak (and 7 game unbeaten streak) come to an end last Thursday with a 7-3 defeat at the hands of the Jefferson Falcons. The Gaels looked to start another streak against the Morristown Colonials. The Colonials, playing in the Charette Division, came in with a 9-2 record overall. The Haas division Gaels held a 7-3-1 record during their first 10 outings. The Colonials also were coming off a game against the Falcons, a 7-6 loss on Saturday. So, the hockey faithful strolled into Mennen expecting a tight one. Morristown had lost to the Gales just two weeks ago, 4-2, may have had that on their mind. No matter what, the Fans got what they expected, a well played, tight 2-2 match.

Much to the delight of the attending energetic fans, both teams worked for a few quick shots, just a few minutes into the game. But the Gaels began dominating early on. But the Hass Division team was able to spark to red light. Morristown also had a few nice opportunities, Anthony Lagalante and Steve Gemaldi moved the puck well together, but a few nice passes could not muster a shot on net

The Colonials finally regained momentum and scored the first goal on a 5 on 3 power play. Morristown had just hit the post and managed to keep the puck in the zone when Joe Stellato an unassisted goal with 8.53 left in the period. Morristown increased the lead when Lagalante feed Gemaldi from behind the net. Gemaldi, camped out in front, was able to bury the puck for a 2-0 Mo-town lead. Lagalante gave the Colonials a 3-0 lead on an unassisted, short-handed goal near the 10 minute mark of the middle frame. Legalante stole the pass meant for intended for a Gaels’ defenseman. The Colonials’ starting center then buried the puck for what looked like a comfortable lead.Morristown Keeper, Ben Rennie, was strong making many quality saves and denying a few rebounds. But, the Gaels potent offense could not be denied.

Less than s minute later, the Gaels were able to respond. Utilizing their speed and intensity, the Gaels closed the second period with three unanswered goals. Adam Rayho’s even strength goal at 9:31 of the seconds was sandwiched between two ringers by Sean Martens. Rayho scores his first as the puck glided off the keeper’s glove and trickled slowly past the line with 5.25 left in the period making it 3-2. Followed by Martens, who ties it up with 1:48 left in the 2nd period.

The fans were just as outstanding. The great chants and banter add to the fun of the game and create an atmosphere hard to find at most high school sporting events.

The closing period went scoreless, but did not lack action. Jerry Riccardello utilized his great speed and puck handling skills in hopes to give the Gales a lead. But the goalies and solid defense helped end the game knotted at three. Both defenses had top come up big. The final period was filled with penalties. The play tightened up and tempers began to flare. But most importantly, the keepers remained composed.

The 3-3 tie moved the Colonials record to 9-2-1 and the Gaels to 7-3-2. Morristown faces Parsippany, a team they 10-goaled early in the season, on Saturday before squaring off with West Morris just one day later. Roxbury must face Parsippany Hills on Thursday. The Gaels took care of the Vikings 4-1 just a few days ago, but no game can be overlooked. Why? Because the Gaels have an undefeated Pequannock squad on January 13.

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Roxbury (3-3) 45 - 41 over Randolph (3-3) [1-5-07]

Roxbury starts ‘07 on the right path

Roxbury (3-3) 45 - 41 over Randolph (3-3) [1-5-07]

It does not matter which sport, which season, or the records, when Randolph and Roxbury get together, one of Morris County’s most heated rivalries comes alive. Randolph boys won 43-28 over the Gaels at Roxbury High School. The Rams used a solid opening quarter, up by 5 and outscored Roxbury in every quarter on the way to victory. Randolph up’d their record to 4-3.

The Girls teams played in Randolph. In a game where Roxbury controlled the pace of the game and controlled the ball for the majority of the battle, the Rams kept themselves in position to win. The Rams used a late third quarter barrage and played lead swap for a 7 minute spurt during the final two quarters. But, Roxbury finished with a 6-0 run during 2 minutes of the fourth frame to gain an eight point lead at 42-34. The Rams outscored Roxbury 8-3 during the final three minutes, but the lead proved to be too much. In the spirit of this rivalry, Randolph fought last second as Kathleen Naddaff added four points with less than 8 seconds to go.

Roxbury came out of the gate firing, opening to an 8-0 lead after 3 minutes had ticked off the clock. Freshman Cori Youngans opened the game with a steal and a lay-up. Sarah Gage added back to back buckets as part of that 8-0 opening run. And just as the Gaels fan base began to celebrate and imagine a blow out victory, the Rams found that little orange rim. Christine Tompeck took a nice pass from Candice Sphock grab the Rams their first. Seconds later, Shannon Fiscus turned a steal into 2 points. On the returning trip back down into Rams territory, Sphock grabbed an offensive rebound and cut the lead to 8-6 with a strong put back.

The Lady Gaels went scoreless for nearly two minutes before Gage (5 points in the opening quarter) hit the opening end of a one and one to stop the 6-0 Rams run and up the lead to 9-6. A free throw by Youngans and a basket from Erica Desmaind closed the scoring for the Gaels. Sphock was key for the Rams in the final minute of the first with a steal and basket to tie the game at 10. She also added another hoop with 16 seconds left to knot the game at 12.

The Lady Gaels used a swarming press and some great defense to stall the Rams. Sphock started the 2^nd as she ended the first, scoring the Rams first three points. But a 9-3 Roxbury run over the first 6 minutes of the second quarter up’d the Roxbury lead to 21-15. The Rams could only muster six points in this quarter, but a block by Naddaff at the buzzer helped keep the deficit to four, 22-18.

Randolph opened the second half with a strong third quarter, outscoring the Gales by 4. In a quarter that had 6 lead changes and ending in a 31-31 tie, Sphock was outstanding, dropping 8 points including the basket that gave the Rams their first lead of the game. Trailing by 1 (25-24), Naddaff sprawled out on the floor for a loose ball and immediately looked up court to hit Caroline Lisee. Lisee worked the ball up the court and hit Sphock for an easy lay-up and the lead. Naddaff added seven, with two blocks, for the quarter.

Roxbury open the final frame with a basket from Magdziak to retake the lead for good. Ironically, the Gaels only made two field goals in a quarter where they scored 14 points. The other 10 points came on free throws. Roxbury hit 10 of 18 free throws in fourth quarter and 14 of 23 in the game.

Roxbury slowed down the pace of the game around the 6 minute mark, once they gained a 35-32 lead. The Gaels used a quality passing game and excellent ball control to keep the ball out of the Rams possession. With the Gaels in the double bonus for most of the 4^th quarter, the plan worked well. Roxbury improved to 3-3 with the 45-41 victory.

Both teams left the game with a 3-3 record. Both schools have an important week coming up with the Rams facing Morristown and East Orange on their schedule. Roxbury has Columbia and Morris Knolls.

The Coaches notes: Both teams are 3-3 after a tough schedule in December and it does not get much easier for either team. It’s important for both teams to finish January above .500 if they want to be playing in the post season. These are two teams that right of the bubble for the Morris County Top 10. The Star Ledger has Randolph at 9. Both teams are capable of beating any team in the top 10. Come Morris County Tournament time, look for these two teams to be seeded 9-13. I would not want to be the higher ranked team facing either one of these two teams. Roxbury

ROXBURY (45): Beal 0-0-0-0, Campione 1-0-0-2, Davenport 0-0-0-0, Desmond 5-5-0-15, Gage 5-5-0-15, Magdziak 2-1-0-5, Younghans 1-3-1-8 Totals: 14-14-1-45

RANDOLPH (41): Egan 0-0-0-0, Fiscus 1-0-0-2, Lisee 0-0-0-0, Miniovich 0-2-0-2, Naddaff 4-7-0-15, Papalia 0-0-0-0, Sphock 7-3-1-20, Tompeck 1-0-0-2, Maughn 0-0-0-0 Totals: 13-12-1-41

	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Final
Roxbury (3-3)	12	10	9	14	45
Randolph (3-3)	12	6	13	10	41