NEWARK, NJ- The Linden High School Tigers boys varsity basketball team took to the floor looking for their sixth consecutive sectional championship against the team they beat on their home court the past two seasons.
After falling into an early deficit, the third-seeded Tigers (ranked No. 9 on NJ.com’s Top 20) struggled in the second quarter and never recovered, losing to the top-seeded Newark East Side High School Red Raiders (ranked No. 8 on NJ.com’s Top 20) 57-52 in the NJSIAA North Jersey, Section 2, Group 4 Sectional Final Monday afternoon in Newark.
From the opening tipoff, the Red Raiders used the energy of the crowd to take the early lead. Senior Shamir Johnson powered the Red Raiders with eight points in the quarter, along with two three-pointers. Linden fell behind 15-7 with 1:22 left in the opening quarter, before going on a run.
Senior Mikey Watkins drained the long three-pointer and was fouled on the play (missed free throw), cutting the lead down to 15-10. Following free throws from Johnson of the Red Raiders and Linden senior Louis Rodriguez, the Tigers trailed the Red Raiders 17-12 after the first quarter.
The second quarter would prove to be the ultimate unraveling of Linden’s struggles in the game. The Red Raiders held a 22-12 lead over the Tigers, but on the defensive end, kept Linden from getting any close shots and keeping their lead intact.
Linden senior Tavon Jones drained two three-pointers in the quarter, but the Red Raiders were able to respond to Tigers baskets, taking a 31-18 lead into halftime in front of the roar of the crowd.
Linden’s offensive struggles carried over to the third quarter, their deficit getting bigger as the second half began. The Tigers got no shots in the third quarter, getting all their points in those eight minutes at the free throw line.
