There was a packed gym at Colonia High School this evening for a battle of two of the top teams in Middlesex County as #21 St.Joseph’s of Metuchen took on the host Patriots, ranked #22 in the ReportIt Top25.
The first quarter saw St Joe’s jump out a 5 point lead led by St.Francis(PA) commit, Jeremy Clayville, who hit a long three. Colonia battled their way back, led by one of the top sophomores in the state, 6’6" Aiden Derkack. Derkack scored the last 4 points of the 1st Quarter with a slashing drive to the basket, giving the Patriots an 11-7 lead after 1.
In the second, St. Joe’s was able to move the ball well and found success several times under the basket by looking in the post to Owen Griffin, who made several tough shots. Behind Griffin, St Joe's was able to take a 22-17 lead into the break.
Coming out of the break, Colonia was able to find scoring in a balanced effort, led by James Curet and Jaden Jones, who went to the basket and beat St Joe’s on several back door cuts. Dave Caruso hit several three pointers from deep in the left corner to keep St Joseph’s in the lead 30-28 after three.
The Fourth Quarter was played at a high level of defensive intensity as both teams caused turnovers at mid-court. St Joe’s jumped out to a 5 point lead led by Clayville and the inside play of Griffin, who was fouled several times. Colonia, not to be outdone, fought back after a steal and thunderous dunk by Derkack. Colonia was down 2 late but a clutch three pointer gave them the lead at 42 to 41 with 21 seconds to go. St Joe’s called a time out and with the ball in the experienced Clayville’s hands, he worked the clock down to 9 seconds, drove the lane and passed the ball to Sophomore Ryan Hilongos who hit a jumper from just inside the three point arc in the left corner. Colonia had the final chance but a last second shot fell short and St. Joe’s pulled out a huge win in the GMC Red Division by a final of 43-42.
Case Agency Player Of The Game
Ryan Hilongos, Saint Joseph's Metuchen
Hilongos was not the leading scorer on the night. Nor did he grab the most rebounds. Both of those were stats for teammate Owen Griffin. He did, however, hit the biggest shot of the ballgame, propelling St Joe's to a major road victory in a top 25 tussle.
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