CLARK, NJ- After a sluggish performance in the first half, the Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders boys varsity basketball team hit the reset button at halftime and came back to win 68-58 against their conference opponent, the New Providence High School Pioneers.
The Crusaders, who finished last year with a 22-5 record and an appearance in the NJSIAA Central, Group 2 State Sectional Final, made the needed adjustments to win.
The teams went into halftime tied at 30-30, after Johnson held a 16-15 lead during a fast-paced, back-and-forth first quarter.
“We knew that New Providence was going to be a difficult opponent to beat,” Johnson head coach Dave Kennedy said. “We had to slow down. Opening night is very exciting for both teams.”
As the third quarter started, New Providence held a 35-30 lead with 6:50 left in the third quarter, before Johnson senior Joe DiProfio ignited an 11-0 Crusaders scoring run with a three-pointer to cut the deficit down to 35-33.
He made the score 36-35 Johnson with a basket and junior Brandon Hund got into the mix with a three-pointer of his own to make it a 39-35 lead and added another basket making it 41-35.
Full Coverage of Johnson Boys Varsity Basketball Home Opener Win Over New Providence Here
