After a 15-point win over Hillside launched the Rams into MaxPrep’s algorithmic NJ Top 10 Ranking (including being placed over St. Rose, who is ranked #2 by both the Star-Ledger and NJ.com), Oratory Prep traveled to Rahway for an in-conference matchup. Although there were various defensive triumphs, as exemplified by how the Rams only allowed 5 first-quarter points, their abysmal first quarter in terms of offensive output led to OP trailing at the end of quarter 1. However, the Rams would proceed to punch Rahway in the mouth with a strong 19-9 run in the 2nd quarter that established a lead OP would never relinquish. Building on the momentum out of the half, the Rams would outscore Rahway 15-8 in the 3rd quarter to firmly go up 38-22 with just one quarter to play. Oratory would then finish strong and grasp a 50-32 win to improve to 4-0 and remain undefeated. John Pirone was once again the Rams leading scorer with 21 points, 5 made three’s, and 7 rebounds. The Junior guard duo of Max Cook (13 points, 7 rebounds) and Asher Bradley (10 points, 5 assists, 2 steals) largely contributed to the victory. Patrick Coniff also added 11 rebounds.
Just one week later, the Rams would open up in their very own Holiday Tournament by hosting Newark Academy. With a misleading first quarter leaving a 10-9 score on the board, OP Hoops would come out hot in the 2nd quarter. OP’s scoring outburst in the 2nd was led by Asher Bradley who followed his 8-point first quarter with an 11-point second quarter to give him 19 at halftime. Despite being on the bench for a large majority of the half with 3 fouls, John Pirone added 8 points in the little time he played to help propel the Rams to a 34-21 lead going into the locker room. In the 3rd quarter, threes from Nick Servitto and Henry Bolster increased Oratory’s lead while strong interior play from Patrick Coniff would make the potential for a comeback an afterthought. Entering the 4th quarter, the lead stood at a dominating 53-28. Finally getting steady playing time with four fouls, Pirone would quickly hit two threes and have an and-1 layup to continue his streak of having 20 points in every single game. This would put the Rams up by over 3o points; as a response, the refs implemented damage control by running the clock even during dead balls so that the lead would not increase to 40. The final box score of the Ram’s 68-38 point victory showed Asher Bradley scoring 23 points while dishing out 6 assists and swiping 4 steals. John Pirone contributed 20 points while Nick Servitto scored 10 points and had 3 steals. Patrick Conniff also played a complete game with a stat line reading 8 points, 10 rebounds, 4 blocks, and 4 steals. OP Hoops knocked down 11 threes and had 13 steals in the victory.
