The Hillsborough Raiders defeated the Rancocas Valley Red Devils 86-84 in a very close meet on Feb. 10 for the semifinal round for the NJSIAA tournament. Senior James McChesney placed first in three events including two individual races and one relay. By winning their race sophomore Matthew Kunkiewicz, and seniors Pranav Sharma, McChesney, and Brandon Honwad secured the win for the Raiders.

“It was definitely a close meet. We started off a bit rough, losing a few touch-outs and not getting all the times we wanted,” said senior Chris Ji. “But we really closed it out in the back half, especially in that last relay. The entire team was jumping and screaming as we watched those four guys win the event and the meet for the team, and it was truly an amazing experience.”

The team was in the same position last year after they beat Toms River North in semifinals and then they experienced an unfortunate loss against Hunterdon Central in the finals. This year is different because the team took down Hunterdon Central in their last meet, and are now after the championship title they were deprived of last year.

“We are ready to swim faster than ever before,” said senior Jacob Simon.

The last time the Raiders competed against East Brunswick was 2013, where Hillsborough won 92-78. On Friday Feb. 14 boys swimming will be competing at 4:30 at East Brunswick for the sectional state championship title. 

200 Free – (1:48.27) – James McChesney

100 Fly – (0:56.45) – George Mitev 

100 Free – (0:49.29) – James McChesney

400 FR – (3:27.15) – Matthew Kunkiewicz, Pranav Sharma, Brandon Honwad, James McChesney