Oratory Prep Basketball and Delbarton face off in the regular season of basketball each year. These games have been very close year to year. From the time I have been here we edged out a win 64-62 at their place, a win at home 58-47, and then a one point loss on a game winning layup last year. Each game between Delby and Oratory is one each fan remembers since there are many highs, lows, and triumphs during the game for both sides.
It was a dog fight in the first quarter between Oratory and Delbarton as the Rams were only ahead by 1 point. After coming out winning 18-17 after one quarter, the Green Wave had to retaliate. Delbarton went for 11 points in the second quarter, as the Rams saw their lead deplete before them down three at the half. With some major games coming up and Delbarton having 10 wins, this game was massive for power points. The Rams know that they needed to play with a certain fire and edge to get a win in one of the most packed scenes Oratory has had in at least a year. After being neck and neck with them once again to start the second half, Oratory started to pull away from the Green Wave after Connor Lee’s 2 straight threes. Using the big man, junior Brandon Lissade, was very effective for Oratory in the second half as Lissade would have 18 points on the day. The Rams outscored Delby by 9 in the third (23-14) to see a 48-42 lead. The Rowdies played a huge role in the game as well by being loud all the game in a sold out student section crowd. Their noise would play into the 4th quarter result as a couple breakaways would allow Oratory to steal the game. Brandon Lissade would put the exclamation point on the win with a Jam thanks to a nice pass by Ryan Fay. Lee would win Big State Sports player of the game with his 18 point performance, hitting a total of three three point shots in some very big situations. Junior Ryan Fay adds to an impressive season with 17 of his own, as well as senior Henry Bolster winning “The Chain” for what would go down as a dog defensive performance. Oratory now sits 10-3 with Paterson Eastside coming to town Tuesday at 6.
