CLARK, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders boys varsity basketball team found themselves in a low-scoring, defensive battle in the first half of a game against the Oratory Prep High School Rams (Summit) before breaking away to win 51-39.
The Crusaders’ defense, was key to their success as the Rams struggled to move the ball and find shots within the inside area of the basket. Instead the Crusaders forced them to do extra passing and looking, leading to turnovers and opportunity for Johnson.
“We started pressuring full-court and as we started adding more pressure on defense, we got some quick turnovers, which led to easy scores for us. Whenever you can get points off your defense, it helps out your offense,” Johnson senior George Visconti said.
Johnson led Oratory Prep by a score of 11-6 after the first quarter and didn’t allow their first basket of the game until the final two minutes of the quarter. Senior Ross Wildes scored his four points on back-to-back shots to keep his team in front.
During the second quarter, the Crusaders and Rams traded shots back-and-forth. The Rams got within 14-13 with 5:28 left in the second quarter, but the Crusaders slowed the Rams on defense, allowing chances to score.
“Our defense really helped us in the first half,” junior Brandon Hund said. “We weren’t shooting really that well at all. We were making shots, but weren’t shooting well as compared to other games. Us [starters] playing five people as one on defense always helps because the chemistry is always there.”
Hund and Visconti led the offensive charge for the Crusaders, with Hund adding eight points in the quarter, while Visconti tallied five.
Full Coverage of Johnson Boys Varsity Basketball Win Over Oratory Prep HS Here
