The boys varsity basketball played a fiery game against Watchung Hills on their home court on Feb. 3. After narrowly winning 60-50 against the Warriors on Jan. 31, the varsity players shared a mutual confidence for this rematch.
Head coach Timothy Palek shared his thoughts on the rematch before the game started. “We just had a close game with them, but we won,” he said. “We expect another tough battle today.”
“I feel good. We just beat them Saturday, so we’re just going to sweep them again,” said senior Yuvaan Iyer.
“I feel more confident in this match, since we won the last time,” senior Eric Albee added.
A small ceremony was held for the class of 2026. Each senior player on the team walked across the court alongside their family members and were also commended for their accomplishmentsin academics. The announcer also added the players’ college choices and acceptances.
During the game, as the clock lit up, both teams aggressively attacked the rim when they had the ball. The score stayed close in the first period. Hillsborough managed to maintain a lead by just a few points throughout the entire quarter. By the end of period one, the Raiders held onto the lead by just a few points, with a score of 15-11.
The second period was no different. Players were coming at each other with more speed and connecting passes. Although they managed to make attacks on the opposing team’s hoop, shots were missed, bouncing off the rim. As the buzzer rang, Hillsborough managed to keep an 8-point lead, and the remaining score held at 28-20.
Coming out of halftime, the third period was the most intense. With Hillsborough and Watchung Hills already at each other’s necks, they both took as many opportunities as they could on offense, while simultaneously slacking their defense. “We played our offense well, but our defense was bad,” said Palek. “We can only try and improve.” The Raiders still maintained their comfortable lead, ending off the third period with a 50-40.
With their 10-point advantage, Hillsborough focused on maintaining their lead. Defensive walls for both teams were easier for the players to break through. With their constant shots and unexpected interceptions, the Raiders didn’t let down for the rest of the game, and when the buzzer rang, they celebrated a 66-53 victory.
After winning the game, the players show gratitude and triumph from their rematch against Watchung Hills. “I thought the game went well because we were able to defend their main shooter,” said junior Kai Williams. “They’re our rivals, so it’s important we played aggressively.”
The Raiders went on to end their season at the final round of the NJSIAA Central Jersey, Group 4 Tournament with a 55-47 loss to Montgomery. The team wrapped up with an overall record of 22-8.
