The Rams basketball team has recently gone on a four-game losing streak after starting the season 12-4. Following their division loss to SPF, the Rams suffered losses to Hoboken last Saturday, as well as New Providence and Westfield the previous week. Their recent struggles would have an impact on their county’s seeding. The Rams received the #9 seed in this year’s tournament, resulting in a first-round home game. Their opponent was Governor Livingston, a close town rival.
Despite their struggles on offense, the Rams’ style of play appeared to be one of their strong suits. As they won the tip, Senior Captain John Pirone hit a three to put the Rams ahead, followed by three more threes for a total of four in the first quarter. Max Ince, Henry Bolster, and Pat Coniff each had one after the first, giving the Rams a 31-6 lead.Junior Max Cook had his own shooting party in the second quarter, scoring four points and laying up for a total of 16 in his “Flu Game.” The Rams led 50-16 at halftime, making the game an absolute blowout. The momentum remained constant for the rest of the game, thanks to John Pirone, who added ten more points in the third quarter. The Rams maintained their lead throughout, with Cole Schickling hitting a three, Jalen “J2 Breezy” Brogdon making a basket, and Jack Olohan scoring his first career varsity points. The final score was 67-29.
The Rams with the win set a date with Union on thursday in the UCT second round, in which the winner gets to play #1 seed Elizabeth in the quarterfinals. While their record sits at 13-8, the Rams can definently make a run if they continue this play up consistently.
