The Rams traveled to Roselle on Thursday for their final conference game. The Rams extended their winning streak to three games by defeating Rahway at home after losing two crucial games to Delbarton and Cranford. Scotch Plains and Oratory have been tied for the conference lead since Oratory’s home loss to Cranford, and this has not changed in the slightest. With Oratory’s game against SPF on the 31st at “The Coliseum,” they needed to stay busy in preparation for the big title.
Roselle basketball has taken a turn for the worse after posting a 23-5 record and winning the Union County Valley Division the previous season. Roselle is currently 1-12, with their only win coming against a cross-county opponent. Aside from their victory, the smallest point margin they have lost is 15 points, with everything else being 30.
The OP Rams jumped out to an early 14-0 lead. This would continue, with the boys going for 10 more points to finish the quarter while allowing only 4 points. A key component of their success in this game was their ability to make quick passes against the zone and execute their press aggressively, preventing Roselle from passing half court on various possessions. The second quarter was a bit different, as Roselle began to fight. They were able to get back into the game by hitting a few three-pointers and consistently grabbing defensive rebounds. Oratory was taken aback after defeating Roselle by 54 points and allowing only 5 at the halftime break. Roselle scored 14 points in the second quarter while allowing only 7 points from Oratory, bringing the first half score to 31-18.
Coach Daugherty spoke to the boys at halftime, telling them to take care of business and not mess around with a team they were clearly superior to. When the boys returned for the third player of the game, the momentum quickly shifted back to OP. Senior Captain John Pirone and junior Max Cook finished their games in the third quarter, with Pirone scoring 18 and Cook going for an even 16. Oratory outscored Roselle 20-2 in the third quarter to lead 51-20 with 8 minutes remaining in regulation.
Oratory’s starters were able to rest for the remainder of the game, while the role players gained valuable time. These guys scored ten points and allowed eleven to Roselle’s starters, with Henry Bolster leading the way. Aside from the fourth quarter, Bolster played a variety of minutes in the game, earning the nickname “The Chain” for his career-high 6 points, fighting for rebounds, and locking down the interior defensive play. The game finished with a final score of 61-31, improving OP’s record to 12-4.
This weekend, the Rams will play two games against top and bottom county opponents, as New Prov visits Michael AJ Farell Court for their first meeting of the year and travels to Johnson for a rematch with Westfield.
