Middle School Team Takes Rumson Country Day in CJ Athletic League Championship

Monday night, March 9, may have marked the final basketball game of the season, but what a way to end it! The Middle School Boys’ Basketball Team, along with Coaches Scott Hall and Justin Campbell, took the win in the Central Jersey Athletic League Championship(CJAL), beating Rumson Country Day (RCDS), 37-31.

With a huge crowd in attendance, both teams were motivated for what turned out to be a highly competitive and exciting game, and although winning the Championship was challenging, the Middle School boys were propelled by the same effort and desire they showed throughout the season.

Starting the season with eight straight wins - seven of them being against conference teams - the team travelled to RCDS and lost a heartbreaking game to the Gators 30-27, which helped motivate them during the rest of the season. The team then went on a 6-2 winning streak with the two loses coming from games against conference opponents Keansburg and West Long Branch.

The Panthers earned the number one seed in the CJAL tournament, giving them a first round bye. In the semi-final match up against Ambassador Christian, the team flexed its’ muscle with an overpowering performance. The Panthers came right out of the gate and took a commanding lead early and never looked back as they won with a final score of 41-19. This win propelled the boys into the championship game against RCDS.

The team knew the championship game was going to be tough, but their drive to win gave them the edge over their opponents. Neither team was able to get their offense clicking in the first quarter, but Ranney came away with a 3-0 lead and the momentum. In the second quarter, the Panthers offense capitalized on several steals that their pressure defense was able to create. With the momentum still in the Panthers favor, they ended the half with a 12-4 lead. In the third quarter, both teams scored several baskets. “But the Panthers stay focused,” said Coach Hall. “They maintained momentum and the lead and ended the third quarter 22-12.” In the fourth quarter, the Gators mounted a slight comeback, but were never able to take the lead away from the Panthers. With the Gators fouling at the end to save time, the Panthers hit several key foul shots. “Those key shots and the team’s absolute focus on winning, put any hope of a comeback for RCDS to rest,” adds Coach Hall. By the time buzzer sounded Ranney had pulled out a 37-31 victory.

The Panthers finished the season with an overall record of 16-3, and an in-conference regular season record of 13-1. The Middle School Boys’ Basketball Team will be honored along with all members of Ranney’s Middle School winter sports teams during the end of the season breakfast, schedule for Friday, March 13, in the Dining Hall.

“It was a tremendous effort,” said Tom Moriau, Director of Athletics. “The team deserves congratulations for a great game and an outstanding season!”

For additional information on all Ranney School news, please contact the Communications Department at communications@ranneyschool.org.