On February 3, 2026, Johnson (ALJ) basketball came to Degeata Hall to take on the Oratory Prep Rams. In their previous meeting this year, the Rams lost by eleven points. That game, however, the Rams were up at halftime. Both teams had similar records against common opponents meaning this game was going to be close.
Johnson came out hot starting up 4-0. However Mike Dragone hit a three. Then the process repeated. Johnson went on a run, but Mike Dragone hit a three to keep the game close. Both teams traded scores for the rest of the quarter. MJ, with ten seconds left, hit a corner three to bring the quarter to a close. 14-12 end of the first.
The second quarter started with Will Kostka getting a block, running down and scoring, Archie then got a block. The momentum completely shifted as ALJ called a timeout. The gym was loud in favor of OP. This momentum didn’t last long as Johnson tied the game back up. Although, Rams went on a 7-0 run. The Rams lead continued to extend all the way to twelve points at one time. Oratory went into the locker room at halftime up nine points.
The third quarter was not the Rams quarter. The offense couldn’t get anything going. They only scored three points in the first seven minutes. Johnson however, scored fifteen in those seven minutes. Johnson took the lead up one going into the fourth. 38-37 ALJ lead.
Lee and Fay hit back to back triples to open up the quarter. They led by two after Johnson called a timeout. The energy was in the building, as this was a must win game for conference standings in the Mountain Division. Six easy points were then scored for the Rams. Johnson was letting easy layups and making bad mistakes. With two minutes and thirty seconds left, ALJ started doubling the ball and fouling. However, the Rams hit big free throws and were able to win 58 to 52.
This is huge for the Rams because now they have their case as the second seed in the conference. Michael Dragone played great, leading the team in scoring with 16. This clutches up a home county playoff game versus Rahway. Also, there is now a chance of two home state playoff games. The Rams are hot!
