UNION, NJ- The Arthur L. Johnson High School Crusaders boys varsity basketball entered Saturday night’s game looking to get back on track after a tough loss on Thursday. They faced off against the St. Peter’s Prep High School Marauders (Jersey City) in the second of four games in the Investors Bank Scholarship Challenge at Kean University.
They played toe-to-toe with the Marauders throughout the entire game, getting to within 54-51 with 37 seconds left, but in the end, came up short, losing to the Marauders by a final score of 59-51.
Although trailing most of the game, the Crusaders hit timely shots to give themselves a chance at a potential comeback, something the team was impressed with reflecting upon their efforts after the game.
“We competed against a great team and we had a chance to win,” Johnson head coach Dave Kennedy said. “I think we bounced back from a tough loss at New Providence [79-65 loss on Thursday].”
From the opening tipoff, the Crusaders and Marauders went right to work. Halfway through the first quarter, St. Peter’s Prep held an 8-7 lead over Johnson. They would increase their lead to 11-6, before senior George Visconti drained a shot and senior Joe DiProfio’s three-point shot tied the game at 11-11.
St. Peter’s Prep held a 15-11 lead over Johnson after the first eight minutes of play and the quarter that followed, presented the same type of rhythm.
Johnson scored four straight points to tie the game at 15-15 just a little over a minute into the second quarter. They would lead by a score of 22-20 with under four minutes remaining in the quarter, receiving baskets within that span from junior Brenden Kelly and DiProfio.
Full Coverage of Johnson-St. Peter’s Prep Investors Bank Scholarship Challenge Here
