Pennsville swamps Salem, rallies twice to trim Egg Harbor Twp. in Wednesday wrestling
PENNSVILLE – Trevor Waddington’s pin over Marco Florian at 285 clinched Pennsville’s 39-36 victory over Egg Harbor Twp. Wednesday and set up the Eagles’ sweep of the night. They also swamped Salem 64-0.
The Eagles rallied from 15-0 and 24-21 deficits against EHT. Robbie McDade’s 18-second pin at 157 gave them the lead the first time, then after falling behind again they clinched the match with a forfeit victory (190) and pins by Elias Lussi (215) and Waddington (285).
Waddington also scored a pin in the Salem match.
PENNSVILLE 39, EGG HARBOR TWP. 36
120: Tyler Thomas (E) won by forfeit
126: Peter Steed (E) pinned Christopher Daniels, 4:40
132: Dugan Matthew (E) dec. Randy Hall, 7-5
138: Travis Hagan (P) won by forfeit
144: Joseph Maurer (P) pinned Tyler Schumacker, 1:29
150: Sky Eppes (P) dec. Clarence Mays, 5-3
157: Robbie McDade (P) pinned Logan Benson, 0:18
165: Calvin Johnson (E) dec. Cole Campbell, 5-0
175: Reed Orbach (E) won by forfeit
190: Connor Ayars (P) won by forfeit
215: Elias Lussi (_ pinned Kaiden Vakera, 0:40
285: Trevor Waddington (P) pinned Marco Florian, 3:20
106: Jayson Garcia (E) pinned Lucas Thomas, 3:18
113: Aidan Schlemo (E) won by forfeit
PENNSVILLE 64, SALEM 0
113: Gina Shinn (P) pinned Jasmine Johnson, 3:10
144: Cameron Palmer (P) pinned Oliver Mitchell, 2:42
150: Esther Baptiste (P) maj. dec. over Gabrielle Johnson, 11-1
165: Cole Campbell (P) pinned Jajuan Anderson, 1:08
215: Cristian Blyler (P) def. Jahquan Gooden, DQ
285: Trevor Waddington (P) pinned Emanuel McFarlande, 1:49
NOTE: Other weights decided by forfeit.
Category: SALEM
Salem loses heartbreaker
Salem opens big lead in first quarter, but Pitman rallies to claim a two-point win on a pair of Fisicaro free throws with 7.3 seconds left
WEDNESDAY’S BOYS SCORE
Pitman 64, Salem 62
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
SALEM – It was an early regular-season game on the eve of the winter solstice. A month from now as teams are jockeying for playoff positions people probably won’t even remember it.
But you can bet the Salem Rams won’t forget.
The Rams opened their Tri-County Classic Division schedule Wednesday night in a game as intense as any you’ll find in February and lost to Pitman 64-62 in a game that went down to the wire. Call it a Classic classic.
“As a team we’re obviously disappointed,” Rams senior Jabez DeJesus said. “We knew they were going to come in and punch us right back; they weren’t going to go without a fight.”
It was a game that had everything for the Rams (1-2) and had to have the Panthers (3-0) hurrying to the bus thinking they got away with one.
The Rams had control of the game early, were tied at halftime, rallied from nine down at the start of the fourth to tie the game after Pitman’s star player fouled out, and then lost it at the end.
Pitman’s Michael Fisicaro hit two free throws with 7.3 seconds left to break a 62-all tie. The Rams had two shots at the end to win it or tie it, but Xavier McGriff missed from the right side and Paul Weathers’ turnaround jumper from the foul line with the rebound and Pitman’s Sonny Myers in his face hit off the backboard as the buzzer sounded.
“I was just thinking I’ll make this shot for my team,” Weathers said. “It was really quick.”
The Rams looked like they were going to run the Panthers out of the gym. They jumped out to a 17-2 lead in the first five and a half minutes and led 19-4 with sharp shooting and smothering defense, but then the game started to change.
Salem’s top players started getting in foul trouble, Pitman star Elijah Crispin, Steohen Devanney and Fisicaro started getting involved in the scoring and the Panthers outscored the Rams 46-25 on either side of halftime to take a 53-44 lead into the fourth quarter.
“We started off strong and once the second quarter came we kind of took our foot off the gas, we got too comfortable,” DeJesus said. “We knew they were coming for a run, but still we didn’t do anything defensively to stop it.”
The Rams have won the first quarter in all three of their games this season and the fourth quarter twice, including Wednesday, but it’s been a different story in the second and third. They’ve won only one of the six middle quarters they’ve played – the second quarter against Woodbury – and only that by two points.
“We just have to get better with the middle quarters,” Salem coach Anthony Farmer said. “We start off pretty hot and then we finish strong. We’ve just got to get the middle quarters. We’ve got to be able to fight through adversity whatever that may be out there.”
It was a 57-51 game with four minutes left when senior guard Anthony Farmer went on a personal tear and outscored the Panthers 11-5, tying the game three times in the final three minutes. Farmer scored 16 of his team-high 25 points in the fourth quarter. DeJesus had 14 (seven in the first quarter) and Weathers had 10 points and 12 boards.
Crispin led four Pitman scorers in double figures with 16 points. He also had eight rebounds and eight assists, but fouled out on an offensive foul at midcourt with 37 seconds left and the Panthers leading by 62-60. Devanney (13 points, 8 rebounds) followed him to the bench 12 seconds later.
So with two of the Panthers’ big weapons now out, the game seemed right for the Rams to get. Farmer tied it on two free throws with 25.4 to play. Fisicaro was fouled by McGriff with 7.3 seconds left and sank what proved to be the winning free throws.
“This game right here is going to stay in my head because I’m disappointed we didn’t get the outcome we wanted,” DeJesus said. “But I’m happy that we have a chance to learn from our mistakes. We’ll see them again in the season.
“We’re not going to let this hang into our heads. We’ve got a whole season left – all the way to the beginning of March.”
PITMAN 64, SALEM 62
PITMAN (3-0) – Peter Kostiuk 2 0-1 4, Stephen Devanney 6 0-0 13, Hudson Rue 0 0-0 0, Elijah Crispin 3 9-14 16, Trey Tinges 0 0-0 0, Chris Wylie 0 0-0 0, Michael Fisicaro 4 4-4 15, Sonny Myers 2 2-3 6, Greg Petersen 3 2-4 10. Totals 20 17-24 64.
SALEM (1-2) – Ramaji Bundy 2 1-2 6, Anthony Farmer 8 8-12 25, Jabez DeJesus 5 2-2 14, Paul Weathers 5 0-1 10, Xavier McGriff 0 0-0 0, Ty Lecator 2 3-5 7, Joe Tunis 0 0-0 0, Davontae Jackson 0 0-0 0. Totals 22 14-22 62.
| Pitman | 7 | 23 | 23 | 11 – | 64 |
| Salem | 19 | 11 | 14 | 18 – | 62 |
| TRI-COUNTY CLASSIC | OVERALL | DIVISION |
| Gloucester Cath. | 3-0 | 1-0 |
| Pitman | 3-0 | 1-0 |
| Wildwood | 2-1 | 1-0 |
| Salem | 1-2 | 0-1 |
| Clayton | 1-3 | 0-1 |
| Salem Tech | 0-3 | 0-1 |
Cover photo: Two of the premier guards in South Jersey, Salem’s Anthony Farmer (R) and Pitman’s Elijah Crispin, went head-to-head for the first time this season Wednesday night. Farmer brought his team back in the fourth quarter after it lost an early lead, but Crispin got the win.
Tough Tuesday
Boys roundup: Woodstown opens its season with a win at Schalick, Pennsville, Penns Grove and Salem Tech all lose
TUESDAY’S BOYS SCORES
Glassboro 71, Penns Grove 32
Gloucester Catholic 85, Salem Tech 53
Overbrook 67, Pennsville 35
Woodstown 61, Schalick 27
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
PENNSVILLE – When you’re playing a team expected to be one of the best in Group II – even without its full complement of players that will make it even better later in the season – it takes a complete game to have a shot.
Pennsville played what coach Joe Mecholsky considered pretty good defense against Overbrook in its Diamond Division opener Tuesday night, but the Eagles were cold from the field for the second game in a row and fell 67-35.
“We played really good defense, we just couldn’t convert,” Mecholsky said. “Every time we did a (defensive) stand we’d go down and miss a basket. We made probably three D stands and then they’d make the fourth.
“It was 14-8 at the end of first quarter and we missed 10 shots, but we played great 2-3 (defense), we ran them off the 3-point line. They hit a 3 at the (halftime) buzzer or we hold them to 24 points in the first half; that’s something to hang your hat on. We did what we wanted to do, we were happy … we just couldn’t put the ball in the daggone basket.”
The Eagles (1-2) were just 13-for-55 from the field, 3-of-21 from 3-point range. They scored only four points in the second quarter. The Rams (3-0) eventually hit 11 3s and placed four scorers in double figures.
In its last two losses, Pennsville has shot 31-of-120 from the field, 7-of-46 from behind the arc. They hit five 3s in their season-opening victory over Clayton.
“A lot of balls were on the rim, in the rim, out of the rim; we’re just gonna say it was one of those nights,” Macholsky said. “I don’t count Saturday as part of our slump because it was off a back-to-back after running up and down with Clayton (the night before). Tonight, in our own gym, the ball just wouldn’t go in.”
Luke Wood led the Eagles with 11 points. Daniel Saulin had 10 points and 11 rebounds. Peyton O’Brien grabbed 10 boards. Overbrook’s Amare Kee led all scorers with 17 points.
OVERBROOK 67, PENNSVILLE 35
OVERBROOK (3-0) – Shaun Mills 4 1-1 10, Zair Green 5 1-3 12, Amare Kee 6 0-0 17, Lamar Little 5 0-0 14, Kevin Satchell 1 0-0 2, Xavier Wright 3 0-0 6, Elvin Santiago 1 0-0 2, Tory Scott 2 0-0 4. Totals 27 2-4 67.
PENNSVILLE (1-2) – Luke Wood 4 2-2 11, Peyton O’Brien 1 2-3 5, Daniel Saulin 4 2-6 10, Jayden Thomas 1 0-0 2, Malik Rehmer 1 0-0 2, Cohen Petrutz 2 0-0 5. Totals 13 6-11 35.
| Overbrook | 14 | 13 | 17 | 23 – | 67 |
| Pennsville | 8 | 4 | 14 | 9 – | 35 |
Total fouls: Overbrook 14, Pennsville 11.
WOODSTOWN 61, SCHALICK 27: The Wolverines were the last team in Salem County to open their basketball season and they looked like a team that couldn’t wait to get on the court for real.
Rocco String had 13 points and 11 rebounds, the Wolverines (1-0) placed four scorers in double figures and held the Cougars (1-1) scoreless in the second quarter while opening a 25-7 halftime lead. Blake Bialecki, M.J. Hall and Max Webb each added 11 points to the effort and had all four of the Wolverines’ 3-pointers.
Woodstown’s defense collected 19 steals, with String and Garrett Leyman getting four apiece.
WOODSTOWN 61, SCHALICK 27
WOODSTOWN (1-0) – Blake Bialecki 3 3-5 11, Alejandro Vazquez 1 1-2 3, M.J. Hall 5 0-1 11, Garrett Leyman 3 2-3 8, Max Webb 4 2-4 11, Rocco String 6 1-1 13, Elijah Caesar 2 0-0 4. Totals 24 9-16 61. SCHALICK (1-1) – Reggie Allen 2 0-0 5, Daniel Lis 2 6-8 11, Nylan Sutton 0 1-2 1, Nasir Sutton 1 0-0 2, Jordan Johnson 2 0-0 4, Jase Volovar 1 0-0 3, Sherrod Jones 0 1-2 1. Totals 8 8-12 27.
| Woodstown | 14 | 11 | 18 | 18 – | 61 |
| Schalick | 7 | 0 | 10 | 10 – | 27 |
GLASSBORO 71, PENNS GROVE 32: Charles Graves (26) and Clinton Suggs (24) combined to outscore the Red Devils by themselves.
Graves and Suggs combined for 30 points in the first half. Michael Dougherty joined the fun with all four of his 3-pointers in the second quarter. It added up to a 44-16 Glassboro lead at the break.
GLASSBORO 71, PENNS GROVE 32
PENNS GROVE (1-2) – Roman Gipson 3 0-0 6, Camren Thompson 1 1-2 3, Giomar Conrad 3 1-4 8, Mehki Ballard 0 1-2 1, Khiry Higgs 2-0-0 4, Willie Slocum 2 0-0 4, Karon Ceaser 1 0-2 4, Luis Colon 0 0-0 0, Mr Peterson 1 0-0 2, Brandon Robbins 0 0-0 0, Neziah Spence 0 0-0 0, Jaden Sorrell 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 3-10 32.
GLASSBORO (1-1) – Xavier Sabb 1 0-2 2, Charles Graves 10 5-5 26, Clinton Suggs 9 5-6 24, Michael Dougherty 4 0-0 12, Josh Buff 1 0-0 3, William Boggans 1 0-0 2, Ziaire Tate 1 0-0-2, Marley Crowl 0 0-0 0, Demier Towle 0 0-0 0. Totals 27 10-13 71.
| Penns Grove | 8 | 8 | 11 | 5 – | 32 |
| Glassboro | 21 | 23 | 14 | 13 – | 71 |
GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC 85, SALEM TECH 53: The Chargers hit 10 3-pointers in the game to keep up with Jack Mustaro’s game-high 30 points, but the Rams had too many other weapons.
Six players hit at last one 3 for the Chargers (0-3), with Josh Muntz hitting 3 on his way to a team-high 15 points.
The Chargers trailed by only two after the first quarter, then Mustaro really got going and erupted for 22 points over the next two quarters to help the Rams pull away. The junior guard is averaging 23 points a game this season.
GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC 85, SALEM TECH 53
SALEM TECH (0-3) – Josh Muntz 5 2-3 15, Chase Wills 3 0-0 7, Tyler Zampino 3 0-1 7, Haneef Frisby 3 0-0 8, Antoine Robinson 3 3-4 11, Chase Ayars 1 0-0 3, Daviontae Russell 1 0-0 2, Brown 0 0-0 0. Totals 19 5-8 53.
GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC (3-0) – Carlos Mendez 3 2-2 8, Jack Mustaro 12 3-6 30, Trey Battle 5 3-3 15, Billy Ginipro 3 0-0 6, Kyle Guldin 1 0-0 2, Ehthan Dugue 2 0-0 6, Nick Calzonetti 0 2-2 2, Brody Gates 1 2-2 4, Jack Punt 3 0-0 7, Pancoast 0 0-0 0, Kybron Ricks 1 2-2 4. Totals 31 14-17 85.
| Salem Tech | 18 | 13 | 8 | 14 – | 53 |
| Gloucester Cath. | 20 | 21 | 23 | 21 – | 85 |
Cover photo: Woodstown’s Blake Bialecki fires up a shot from the top of the key in the Wolverines’ season opener against Schalick. (Photo by Ellen Sickler)
Monday roundup
Tough day for the four Salem County basketball teams in action Monday; also includes track and swimming report
MONDAY’S BASKETBALL SCORES
GIRLS
Pitman 45, Salem 36
GCIT 38, Salem Tech 12
BOYS
GCIT 75, Salem Tech 41
Wildwood Catholic 72, Salem 53
By Riverview Sports News
WOODSTOWN – Salem Tech focused on putting the wraps on GCIT’s Mark Hallman, but by the time the defense settled in, it was too late.
Hallman hit five 3-pointers and scored 23 of his 30 points in the first quarter as Gloucester Tech handled a Chargers team still trying to find itself, 72-53. The junior hit seven 3-pointers in the game. He is averaging 21.7 points with 14 3-pointers in the Cheetahs’ first three games.
“I prioritized our defense to slow him down, but by that time the lead was too big,” Chargers coach Bryan Riley said.
Haneef Frisby, playing point guard for the first time for injured Antoine Robinson, led Salem Tech with 14 points. Tyler Zampino had 10 points with all three of his team’s 3-pointers and Chase Wills had eight steals.
“We’re a young team trying to figure things out,” Riley said. “Last year we had Brandon Bermudez, who was our leading scorer, and him graduating we have to find our identity. Somebody’s got to step up and score.”
GCIT 75, SALEM TECH 41
GLOUCESTER TECH (2-1) – Trent Phillips 0 0-0 0, Michael Stanwood 5 3-4 13, Carl Schmidt 5 0-0 13, Mark Hallman 10 3-7 30, James Donahue 0 0-0 0, Patrick Monoghan 2 1-1 5, Brady Johnson 0 0-3 0, Gavin Shaneline 1 0-2 2, Amad Traeore 1 0-0 3, Ian Malgapo 3 0-0 9, Charles Donaldson 0 0-0 0. Totals 27 7-14 75.
SALEM TECH (0-2) – Chase Wills 3 0-1 6, Josh Muntz 2 1-1 5, Tyler Zampino 3 1-2 10, Haneef Frisby 5 4-8 14, Joseph Hayes 0 2-2 2, Gio Holmes 0 0-0 0, Daviontae Russell 0 0-4 0, Chase Ayars 2 0-1 4. Totals 15 8-19 41
| GCIT | 28 | 17 | 19 | 11 – | 75 |
| Salem Tech | 7 | 14 | 10 | 10 – | 41 |
Wildwood Catholic 72, Salem 53: Freshman Tymear Lecator had a breakout game leading three Salem scorers in double figures with three 3-pointers and a career-high 16 points, but Wildwood Catholic played hard, physical on the glass and steadily pulled away. Jabez DeJesus had 12 points and Paul Weathers 11 for the Rams.
“Going on the road is never easy,” Salem coach Anthony Farmer said. “We have to go back and watch film and figure out to to learn from it.”
| Salem (1-1) | 14 | 15 | 14 | 10 – | 53 |
| Wildwood Cath. (2-1) | 11 | 23 | 21 | 17 – | 72 |
GIRLS
Pitman 45, Salem 36: Miya Villari scored 20 points and grabbed nine rebounds to lead the Panthers. Ryann Foote led Salem with 11 points and nine rebounds. QwenNazha Johnson-Logan had nine points, eight boards and four blocked shots for the Rams.
PITMAN 45, SALEM 36
PITMAN (2-0) – Miya Villari 8 3-7 20, Angelina Lindner 3 6-8 12, Jessica Betz 1 0-0 2, Evelyn Wisley 2 1-5 5, Audrey Duffield 3 0-0 6. Totals 17 10-20 45.
SALEM (0-2) – QwenNazha Johnson-Logan 4 1-2 9, Ava Rodgerss 2 1-2 5, Marissa Bower 3 0-0 7, Ryann Foote 3 5-8 11, Ameriyona Hunter 1 2-2 4, Carlysia Pierce 0 0-0 0. Totals 13 9-14 36.
| Pitman | 12 | 8 | 19 | 8 – | 45 |
| Salem | 7 | 10 | 12 | 7 – | 36 |
Gloucester Tech 38, Salem Tech 12: Ava Friel scored 10 points and Sophia Molinari and Maggie Duer combined for 15 points on five 3-pointers to lead GCIT.
GCIT 38, SALEM TECH 12
SALEM TECH (0-2) – Kaylin Beardsley 2 0-0 5, TiRonna McGaha 2 0-0 4, Morgan VanDover 1 0-0 2, Lavae Scott 1 0-0 2. Totals 6 0-0 12.
GCIT (3-0) – Sophia Molinari 3 0-0 9, Maggie Duer 2 0-0 6, Leanne Riddick 1 1-1 4, Ava Friel 5 0-0 10, Savanna Shute 2 1-1 5, Sofia McKay 1 0-0 2, Giannone 1 0-0 2. Totals 15 2-2 38.
| Salem Tech | 2 | 5 | 2 | 3 – | 12 |
| GCIT | 13 | 7 | 19 | 8 – | 38 |
Track
TOMS RIVER – Salem’s girls finished third in three relays (shuttle hurdle, sprint medley, 4×200) and finished tied for sixth in SJTCA’s third winter meet Monday. Dominique Lewis and Ryann Mulhorn finished fourth and sixth, respectively, in the girls shot put. Schalick was 11th.
Swimming
Woodstown 96, West Deptford 74: The Wolverines (2-0) won three individual events and all three relays. Thomas Boyles won the 50 free and swam legs on all three relays. Sabastian Smith won 100 back and 100 free and swam leadoff on the 200 medley and 400 free relays.
This week’s schedule
Here is the Salem County high school sports calendar for the week of Dec. 18-23
MONDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
Penns Grove at Paulsboro, 4 p.m.
Pennsville at Kingsway, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at GCIT, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
GCIT at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem at Wildwood Catholic, 6 p.m.
WRESTLING
Millville at Schalick, 5 p.m.
INDOOR TRACK
Salem, Schalick in SJCTA Meet, Toms River
SWIMMING
Woodstown vs. West Deptford at Riverwinds, 3:30 p.m.
BOWLING
Salem vs. Lindenwold, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
TUESDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
Glassboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Gloucester Cath. at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Overbrook, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Overbrook at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Glassboro, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Gloucester Cath., 5:30 p.m.
BOWLING
Salem Tech at Gloucester City, 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
BASKETBALL
Pitman at Salem, 7 p.m.
WRESTLING
Schalick, Salem, Egg Harbor Twp. at Pennsville, 5 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clayton, 6 p.m.
WINTER TRACK
Penns Grove, Salem in Polar Bear Meet, Pennsville, 3:30 p.m.
BOWLING
Salem in Holiday Tournament, Laurel Lanes, 3:30 p.m.
THURSDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
Schalick at LEAP, 4 p.m.
Clearview at Woodstown, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Gloucester Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Boys
Gloucester Tech at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
LEAP at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Cumberland, 5:30 p.m.
SWIMMING
Schalick vs. Gloucester Cath. at GCIT, 4:45 p.m.
Salem vs. Triton Regional at GCIT, 7:15 p.m.
SATURDAY
BASKETBALL
Boys
Cherokee at Penns Grove, 1 p.m.
WRESTLING
Pennsville, Penns Grove, Schalick in Cumberland Duals
Woodstown, Seneca, St. Joseph at Mainland, 9 a.m.
INDOOR TRACK
Salem vs. TCC, Toms River, 9 a.m.
What a start
Salem opens its season with an intense victory over Woodbury behind MVP Farmer, Bundy
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
PENNS GROVE – Anthony Farmer was the last one to get back to the locker room for the post-game meeting. His father, the coach, had already begun his remarks. When you’re the player of the game there are a lot of demands on your time.
Farmer scored 19 points and was right in the middle of all the key moments in the game leading Salem to a 67-56 victory over defending Group I champion Woodbury in their season opener Saturday in the Red Devil Classic.
Before rejoining his teammates in their sanctuary, the senior guard had to negotiate a gauntlet of well-wishers and interviewers following the MVP trophy presentation. But it’s an experience he wouldn’t trade for the world.
“It’s a hassle, everybody asking questions, but I embrace that kind of stuff and that’s what I do it for,” he said. “I love the feeling, it’s a very good feeling and I hope to feel that plenty more times.”
Salem had several leads that seemed comfortable, but Woodbury rallied every time. The Rams never put the Herd away until the final two minutes.
It was a 10-point game early in the third quarter, but the Herd rallied behind some big shots by Jajuan Solomon and Troy Lindsey and eventually took a 42-41 lead on R.J. Heighler’s 3-pointer right before the horn.
The most important minute of the game came early in the fourth quarter and Farmer was right in the middle of it.
The Rams had regained the lead 45-41, but the way teams were making runs in the game that could change in an instant. Farmer went the length of the floor for a layup and then made a steal near midcourt and finished the play with a layup from underneath the basket.
When freshman Ty Lecator followed with a 3-pointer to cap an 11-0 run, Salem led by 10 once again. This time they didn’t let it go. The Herd got within five with two minutes left, but the Rams didn’t let them get any closer.
“I knew I had to make a play,” the guard said. “I’m one of the leaders on the team and they need me, they’re depending on me, and I felt like at that time I know I needed to make a play. Thank the man above I was able to do that.”
“That definitely was a big stretch for us; we needed to make plays,” Farmer the coach said. “That’s his job, he’s a senior, he’s been around. He’s a calm kid, he made the plays that needed to be made as a senior.”
Ramaji Bundy also played a big role. He banked home a 3 from the side-court logo at the end of the first quarter to put Salem up by six. He plunged in the dagger with a minute to go when he hit a 3 to put the Rams up eight.
“Bundy was special all night, man,” Farmer the coach said. “Just some of the plays down the stretch that maybe didn’t show up in the box score. He was huge, getting deflections, chasing balls around, just being active. That’s what he is for us.
“When he’s making shots and scoring for us that’s a bonus, but his energy and effort and leadership is really what we rely on.”
SALEM 67, WOODBURY 56
WOODBURY (0-2) – Troy Lindsey 6 0-0 15, Jajuan Solomon 4 2-7 10, Dorian Dunbar 3 4-6 11, Amara Sacko 1 1-4 4, Isaiah Dulaney 0 0-0 0, R.J. Heighler 7 1-6 16. Totals 21 8-20 56.
SALEM (1-0) – Ramaji Bundy 6 1-1 16, Anthony Farmer 7 4-6 19, Jabez DeJesus 3 1-2 9, Paul Weathers 6 4-4 16, Xavier McGriff 0 0-0 0, Ty Lecator 1 4-4 7, Antoine Rogers 0 0-0 0, Kyree Little 0 0-0 0, Joe Tunis 0 0-0 0. Totals 23 14-17 67.
| Woodbury | 11 | 15 | 16 | 14 – | 56 |
| Salem | 17 | 17 | 7 | 26 – | 67 |
Tough way to start
Gloucester Catholic goes out fast against Woodstown to spoil Straughn’s coaching debut; Penns Grove pulls away from Clayton for county girls’ only win of the night
FRIDAY’S GIRLS SCORES
Glassboro 44, Salem 29
Gloucester Catholic 69, Woodstown 41
Penns Grove 47, Clayton 38
Pitman 52, Schalick 14
Wildwood 64, Pennsville 30
Overbrook at Salem Tech
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
GLOUCESTER CITY – The moment she saw it on the schedule Kara Straughn knew her first game as the Woodstown girls basketball coach was going to be a tough one.
Straughn made her head coaching debut Friday night and it didn’t go well as the Rams handed her and the Wolverines a 69-41 loss.
“I knew it was going to be a tough game even if it wasn’t my first game,” Straughn said. “I was still going to have the same amount of nerves just because of who they are. They’re a team, a program, a coach … you cannot not honor and respect them as a whole.
“I knew it was going to be a difficult game because of who they are and going up there adds a whole ‘nother level of anxiety. I knew off the bat it was going to be a difficult game and we just didn’t match up.”
The Rams took advantage of their size and placed four scorers in double figures. Jazhara Green led the way with 17 points. Talia Schumate had 15, Jalyn Moore 13 and Julianna DiFebbo 12.
Talia Battavio led Woodstown with five 3-pointers and 17 points, but their next two scorers – Megan Donelson and Shannon Pierman – had 12 apiece.
The Rams jumped out to a 21-11 lead in the first quarter and Woodstown just couldn’t put enough together to overcome the deficit.
“Matchup-wise it wasn’t there tonight,” Straughn said. “My girls played their hearts out, but we just couldn’t piece things together. We would get a couple stops and then we would throw the ball away sometimes. We just couldn’t put it all together.”
GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC 69, WOODSTOWN 41
WOODSTOWN (0-1) – Talia Battavio 5 2-2 17, Megan Donelson 4 3-4 12, Alyssa Baber 0 0-0 0, Gianna Maiorini 0 0-0 0, Shannon Pierman 5 2-2 12, Lauren Hengel 0 0-0 0, Jala Thomas 0 0-0 0, Lizzy Daly 0 0-0 0, Brae DiGregorio 0 0-0 0. Totals 14 7-8 41.
GLOUCESTER CATHOLIC (1-0) – Jahzara Green 7 3-3 17, Julianna DiFebbo 5 0-0 12, Talia Schumate 6 3-5 15, Katherine Lange 4 0-0 9, Jalyn Moore 5 2-2 13, Alyssa Elliott 1 0-0 3, Yazaniah Schumate 0 0-0 0, Maya Hutchinson 0 0-0 0. Totals 28 8-10 69.
| Woodstown | 11 | 14 | 12 | 4 – | 41 |
| Gloucester Cath. | 21 | 17 | 19 | 12 – | 69 |
PENNS GROVE 47, CLAYTON 38: A veteran and a newcomer took over a close game in the fourth quarter and led the Red Devils to their opening-night victory
Jameelyonna Horace and transfer RaNiyah Wilson combined for 15 of their team’s 17 points in the fourth quarter as Penns Grove pulled away.
Horace knocked down two of her three 3-pointers and scored eight of her game-high 16 points in the fourth quarter. Wilson went 3-for-4 from the free throw line and scored seven of her 11 in the quarter.
The Red Devils held a 19-14 halftime lead, but the Clippers closed the margin to 30-29 entering the fourth quarter behind eight of Rainelle Blocker’s 13 points.
PENNS GROVE 47, CLAYTON 38
PENNS GROVE (1-0) – Jameelyonna Horace 6 1-2 16, Syanna Robbins 0 0-0 0, Brianna Robbins 5 0-0 10, Amani Taylor 0 0-7 0, Rolande Delva 0 0-0 0, RaNiyah Wilson 4 3-4 11, Arianna Dowe 1 0-0 3, Zoey Caesar 1 1-2 3, Semijah Hines 0 0-2 0, Jamira Lewis 0 0-0 0, JaNiyah Cummings 2 0-0 4. Totals 19 5-17 47.
CLAYTON (1-1) – Jordyn Jones 1 0-2 2, Rainelle Blocker 4 5-6 13, Rosalina Pereira 2 0-2 4, Janice Blair 0 0-0 0, Napria Loatman 0 0-0 0, Sophia Petsch 0 0-0 0, Deondria Simon 1 0-0 2, Ava Delaney 5 0-0 14, India Williams 0 0-0 0, LaNiya Carr-Archie 1 1-4 3. Totals 14 6-14 38.
| Penns Grove | 8 | 11 | 11 | 17 – | 47 |
| Clayton | 11 | 3 | 15 | 9 – | 38 |
WILDWOOD 64, PENNSVILLE 30: After enduring a 90-minute bus ride to the game, the Eagles had trouble getting on track and fell behind 46-14 at halftime.
The Warriors took advantage of the friendly confines to hit eight 3-pointers in the first half to open up their big lead. Leading scorer Macie McCracken (22) and Rebecca Benichou (13) both hit three 3s in the half.
Nora Ausland led Pennsville with nine points. She had the Eagles’ five points in the first quarter.
“They played in the South Jersey Group I championship last year (against Woodstown) for a reason; (coach Teresa Cunniff) has always had a solid program,” Pennsville coach Sam Trapp said. “They are a very good shooting team and executed man defense well, which we struggled against. We had several open looks, but could not finish at the basket.
“We are still figuring out who we are and what our strengths are as a team. Hoping to have a better showing and boost our confidence next week.”
WILDWOOD 64, PENNSVILLE 30
PENNSVILLE (0-1) – Calli Ausland 0 0-0 0, Nora Ausland 3 1-2 9, Taylor Bass 3 1-1 7, Sofia Belitsas 0 0-0 0, Kylie Harris 0 0-0 0, Anikka Macalino 1 0-0 2, Malani McGee 0 0-0 0, Isabelle Saulin 1 2-4 4, Avery Watson 0 0-0 0, Marley Wood 2 4-6 8. Totals 10 8-14 30.
WILDWOOD (1-0) – Sophia Wilber 2 4-6 8, Angela Wilber 4 0-0 11, Macie McCracken 9 1-1 22, Kaliah Sumlin 3 1-1 7, Rebecca Benichou 5 0-0 13, Cydnee Silian 0 0-0 0, Ashley Nagle 1 0-0 3, Janet Gonzalez 0 0-0 0. Totals 24 6-8 64.
| Pennsville | 5 | 9 | 12 | 4 – | 30 |
| Wildwood | 20 | 26 | 17 | 1 – | 64 |
GLASSBORO 44, SALEM 29: Tamia Smith (17) and Kezia Brackett (15) combined to outscore the Rams (0-1) themselves. Ava Rodgerss led Salem with 11 points.
This week’s schedule
Regular season for basketball, wrestling gets underway for teams in Salem County for the week of Dec. 11-16; x-indicates scrimmages
MONDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Palmyra at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
x-Penns Grove at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
Boys
x-Kingsway at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
x-Maple Shade at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
x-Pennsville at Palmyra, 4 p.m.
x-Schalick at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
TUESDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
x-Burlington Tech at Salem, 3:45 p.m.
x-Penns Grove at Pleasantville, 4 p.m.
x-Woodstown at Kingsway, 4 p.m.
Boys
x-Gloucester Christian at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
SWIMMING
Schalick vs. Millville at YMCA of Vineland, 3 p.m.
INDOOR TRACK
Pennsville, Salem in SJTCA Meet, Toms River
BOWLING
Salem vs. Salem Tech, Wood Lanes, 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
BOWLING
Salem Tech at Washington Twp., 4 p.m.
THURSDAY
WRESTLING
Palmyra at Pennsville, 5 p.m.
SWIMMING
Salem vs. Pitman at GCIT, 6 p.m.
BOWLING
Salem vs. Clayton, Bolero Lanes, 4 p.m.
FRIDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
Glassboro at Salem, 5:30 p.m.
Overbrook at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Penns Grove at Clayton, 5:30 p.m.
Pennsville at Wildwood, 5:30 p.m.
Schalick at Pitman, 5:30 p.m.
Woodstown at Gloucester Catholic, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Clayton at Pennsville, 5:30 p.m.
Pitman at Penns Grove, 5:30 p.m.
Salem Tech at Schalick, 5:30 p.m.
WRESTLING
Pennsville in Howdy Duncan Invitational at William Penn, 4:15 p.m.
Woodstown at West Deptford, 5 p.m.
SWIMMING
Schalick at Camden Co. Tech, 3:30 p.m.
SATURDAY
BASKETBALL
Girls
Audubon at Pennsville, noon
Red Devil Classic
Bridgeton at Penns Grove, 4:30 p.m.
Boys
Pennsville at Deptford, noon
Red Devil Classic
At Penns Grove
Pitman vs. Burlington City, 11 a.m.
Woodbury vs. Salem, 1 p.m.
Lindenwold at Penns Grove, 6:30 p.m.
WRESTLING
Pennsville in Howdy Duncan Invitational at William Penn, 10 a.m.
Penns Grove in Schalick Tournament (with Haddon Heights, Mainland, Oakcrest, Pt. Pleasant Beach, WW-P North, WW-P South)
Woodstown in Delaware Valley (Pa.) Tournament
INDOOR TRACK
Woodstown at Bennett Center, Toms River
Getting their wings
One of the perks playing in the Division II semifinals is the trip comes with a plane ride, it’ll be a new experience to many Kutztown players
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
There’s a lot about playing in the Division II national semifinals that is new to a lot of the players on the Kutztown football team, not the least of which is the way to get there.
Life in Division II athletics doesn’t usually come with flying around the country, but the Golden Bears are leaving on a jet plane Thursday for their biggest game in program history at top-seeded Colorado School of Mines.
It’s not another long ride on a bus. This time it’s a flight halfway across the country – and there’s a big group of players who have never flown before.
“That’s what I’m really looking forward to about this game, other than winning, which is No. 1,” Tyreek Husser, a senior tight end from Woodstown, said. “That’s been something we’ve been talking about all week. There’s a decent amount of guys who haven’t flown in a plane before, so I’m glad I’m not the only one and I can share that experience with some of the other guys.
“Once we found out we were flying we’ve all been talking about it, trying to find little tips and tricks to get through it. I’m a little nervous, but I feel once you get up in the sky the nerves will go away. It’ll be more nerves for the game.”
Justin Harris, a defensive back from Salem and the longest tenured of the four Salem County players on the team, is an experienced flyer and has advice to comfort the first-timers.
“I’d tell them to make sure you’re in a comfortable fit, you don’t want to be uncomfortable in an already uncomfortable situation,” he said. “Get some headphones, listen to your favorite music. Get a neck pillow, for sure, and just rock out with your music. The flight isn’t too long, maybe like four hours. We’re used to those six-hour bus rides.”
The Bears better get used to it. If they beat the Orediggers Saturday, there’s another plane ride in their future – to the national championship game in Texas.
Coming up: Kutztown veterans Harris and Husser have come through a lot to reach this weekend’s opportunity
Tis the season
Salem County basketball teams hit the court with scrimmages this week; Salem gets it started at Cinnaminson Monday
By Al Muskewitz
Riverview Sports News
SALEM – When Anthony Farmer answers the phone and right off the bat apologizes for the raspiness of his voice, you know exactly what time of year it is.
“That means basketball season is here and we still have work to do,” he said.
It’s the price a coach pays for trying to get the most out of a team he believes has the potential to be pretty good.
Salem’s boys lost a couple dynamic scorers and rebounders off last year’s 13-13 team and a 6-8 transfer starter who didn’t make it through the first semester, but Farmer is confident his Rams have the makings to be even better than the 21-8 team they put on the floor in his first season two years ago.
That team enjoyed a 15-game winning streak in the middle of the season and wound up losing in the South Jersey Group I finals. They started last year with equally high hopes and a pair of top 20 wins, but went through some early-season turmoil and never quite recovered.
This year hopes are high.
“I’m excited about this year’s team,” he said. “I think we can get back to where we were a few years ago and in fact go even further. Salem hasn’t had that level of success in quite some time.”
His optimism is rooted in a veteran team with size inside and guard play that’s expected to be the strength of the team. The backcourt is anchored by senior Anthony Farmer and will get a boost from Tymear Lecator, a 6-1 transfer who is expected to be one of the top freshmen in the state.
The Rams are the first in Salem County to get things started Monday in a scrimmage at Cinnaminson. Everyone else in the county hits the court start Tuesday.
“Just (looking) for the guys to compete, not hang their head,” Farmer said. “It’ll look ugly at times because you’re not there, but just do the little things, compete, share the ball, take the right shots; just go in there and do the things that people don’t write about, but things that win games.”
The Rams open the season for real against defending Group I state champion Woodbury in Penns Grove’s Red Devil Classic. Later this month they’ll travel to Bayonne for a holiday tournament in which they’ll face a Charlestown (Mass.) team that went 21-5 a year ago. They have set up a GoFundMe page to help defray expenses on their first overnight tournament trip.
Here is this week’s scrimmage schedule:
MONDAY
Boys
Salem at Cinnaminson, 3:45 p.m.
TUESDAY
Girls
Schalick at Cumberland Christian, 4 p.m.
Woodstown at Gateway, 4 p.m.
Haddon Twp. at Penns Grove, 4:15 p.m.
Boys
Cumberland Christian at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Gateway at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Triton at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
WEDNESDAY
Girls
Pennsville at Millville, 4 p.m.
Camden Academy at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Kipp at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Schalick at Clearview, 4 p.m.
THURSDAY
Girls
Paulsboro at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
West Deptford at Schalick, 4 p.m.
Camden Co. Tech at Salem Tech, 5:30 p.m.
Boys
Egg Harbor Twp. at Penns Grove, 4 p.m.
Paulsboro at Pennsville, 4 p.m.
Salem Tech at Camden Co. Tech, 5:30 p.m.
FRIDAY
Girls
Camden Tech at Woodstown, 4 p.m.
Boys
Salem at Bridgeton, 4 p.m.
SATURDAY
Boys
Brandywine at Woodstown, 10 a.m.
Riverview Sports News 