RAHWAY, NJ- After being deadlocked in a high-scoring, fast-paced first half, the Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders hoped to carry over some of the scoring momentum into the second half, but an early 9-0 scoring run powered the Indians to a ten-point lead, as they held off the Crusaders by a final score of 74-68 in the first round of the John “Butch” Kowal Christmas Tournament Wednesday night in Rahway.
The Indians led the Crusaders 36-33 at halftime and following a Johnson basket from senior George Visconti, Rahway built up their lead, courtesy of a three-point shot from senior Dashyne Martin, a shot from senior Nick Galette, along with eight points in the quarter from senior Keyshawn Cummings.
During that four-minute span, Johnson trailed Rahway 45-35 and couldn’t keep up with them as the quarter went along.
“We didn’t get enough stops, that’s really what it comes down to,” Johnson head coach Dave Kennedy said. “We have to defend better and rebound better. Hopefully, we can learn from this experience.”
The Indians led the Crusaders 49-39 with three minutes remaining in the quarter and led 54-44 heading into the fourth quarter. The Indians outscored the Crusaders 18-11 in the quarter.
Full Coverage of Johnson-Rahway First Round of John “Butch” Kowal Christmas Tournament Here
