The Rams had three scrimmages thus far in preparation for their home opener on December 14th against rival Summit. The Rams played some quality opponents in Chatham, Mount Olive, and Pope John. They played last season as well. The difference in these games was the way OP executed their various offensive plays as well as their ability to sink the three pointer consistently.
Vs Chatham
The Rams traveled a few miles to Chatham High School in a rematch from last year. The Rams started off very hot outscoring Chatham 21-6 in the first quarter. Asher Bradley led the scoring for the Rams with 17 first half points, most of them coming from hard contested layups. John Pirone would follow with 17 of his own, most of them coming off of his signature corner three. The Rams would not stop there and be up 45-13 at the half. The Rams would go onto win the game 75-42, in which almost everyone on the squad contributed with a three. Max Ince would have a very solid game going 3-3 from the three point line, totaling for 9 points.
Vs Mount Olive
The very next day the Rams would face another Morris County Opponent by playing Mount Olive for the second year in a row. The key for the Rams in this game would be their strong defense and their ability to rebound. Senior Captain Patrick Coniff led the Rams in rebounds with 5, and led the defense as well by only allowing Mount Olive to 3 first quarter points. Unlike the Chatham game, Oratory’s ability to hit the three pointer was significantly lower, and resulting in less production overall on the offensive side. The last quarter features Mount Olive coming a bit back into the game, but the Rams held on to win 56-42.
Vs Pope John
The Rams played Pope John last year on their senior night, where brother of now captain John Pirone, scored his 1000th point to cap off his legendary Oratory career. The Rams yet again played very tough defense, shutting out the Lions in the first quarter, and scoring 13 points of their own. Asher Bradley led the scoring yet again for the Rams with 12 first half points. As most of Op’s starters sat the second half, most of the guys who sit the bench got to play as well. A key highlight this game featured was junior Jalen Brogdon going for ten points in the first quarter with five rebounds as well. Senior Cole Schickling sank a three pointer, with two flashy assists to Jalen Brogdon and Jack Olohan. The Rams would go onto win their third straight scrimmage 64-25, showing that they can be a dominating force in Union County this season. BE THERE THURSDAY VS SUMMIT 7:00
