After going 13-13 last year and falling just short of a Mountain Division Title, Oratory Prep basketball is looking for more success in the 24-25 season. After having very high expectations with freshman guard Archie Mueller, Morris Catholic transfer Connor Lee, St Peters Transfer Marcus Johnson, and Brandon Lissade returning from injury, the Rams discovered returning three year starter Max Cook would be sidelined for a month with a foot injury. This not only meant that the boys needed to learn a new way to play together, but would need to be the tougher team both mentally and physically. The first task of the season, on the road to the Mountain Division title, would be the Cranford Cougars.
For the past three seasons, Oratory and Cranford have split the season series at both one a piece. Last season it was the Rams who prevailed at the Cougars place, while Cranford won when playing at DeGeata. Cranford had a very successful season last year going 21-7 and reaching the semi-finals in the Union County Tournament. But after losing their top 3 scorers due to graduation, Cranford will look upon their role players to get heavy minutes this season. Oratory is no stranger to losing members of their team, only having one remaining starter from last year who is out for the first few games due to injury. With this new, young team, Oratory looks to have some success in the long run this season.
The game against Cranford started off very slow on both sides. There were many turnovers for both the Cougars and the Rams, but Oratory ended up winning in that category. Cranford at the end of the first quarter would see themselves ahead, being up 19-16. Their offense would not stop there as their continuous mid ranges and second quarter buzzer beater would have them up 35-30 at the half. Oratory needed to change their game plan in the second half. What was needed? Playing more hands up defense and getting rebounds off the initial miss. This adjustment would pay off as the Rams’ 15-8 run in the third quarter would have them up by 1, their first lead of the game, going into the fourth. Oratory controlled the pace in the fourth quarter being up as much as 4, before Cranford’s layup and free throw would contribute to another lead change. Ryan Fay and Brandon Lissade lead the Rams to eventual victory by taking the lead right back, before another lead change occurred. That was until junior Marcus Johnson hit a clutch three pointer to put them ahead 61-59. Cranford tried to tie the game up with a three pointer, but it was denied by a Lissade block, and eventual Fay intentional foul and trip to the free throw line. Fay and Lissade combined for 48 points in Varsity debuts. Lissade also had his first career double-double having 28 points and 12 rebounds. The boys are 1-0 for the third time in three consecutive seasons, as they look to continue this great style of play vs JP Stevens in the annual “Hypemas” game.
