Schools
Raiders Boys Hoops Outlasts Watchung Hills
Undefeated Hillsboough hosts 3-0 Bridgewater-Raritan next.
A close game and a hostile road atmosphere at Watchung Hills did nothing to intimidate the Boys Basketball team.
The Raiders played tough, out-rebounding the Warriors and hitting clutch shots to beat Watchung Hills by a score of 45-37.
“On the road, it’s difficult. You don’t want to give (Watchung Hills) any more advantages than they already have,” said Raiders head coach Ian Progin. “We had our guys handle the pressure.”
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Talk about pressure—it was a one point game in favor of Hillsborough heading into the fourth quarter. The Raiders, however, were able to use their opportunities to get on a roll as the final period progressed, outscoring the Warriors 16-9 in the period to pull away late.
“That’s something we kept impressing upon them,” said Progin. “There are no second chances in the fourth quarter.”
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The Raiders also got a big boost throughout the game from guard Devonn Foster. Foster, who stands at 6’4”, hit four of five shots from beyond the arc on the way to a 21-point performance, while also notching five rebounds for Hillsborough (3-0).
“The biggest thing I did was rebound,” said Foster. “I’m a 6’4” guard, so I should be rebounding. I think my rebounding helped; it gave them less of a chance and gave us more.”
His shooting performance, however, was not lost on the Raiders.
“Devonn really got us going in the first half,” said Progin. “He made some big shots.”
It was a triumphant, bounce-back shooting performance for Foster after scoring just four points against Phillipsburg on Tuesday.
“On Tuesday, my shot wasn’t that good against Phillipsburg,” said Foster. “Today, I just came out ready to play. I was pumped up.”
Other key performers for the Raiders included Matt Hornich, who finished with eleven points, and Nick Alaimo, who finished with eight. Senior forward Greg Faenza also had a big day in a supporting role, providing five rebounds and three assists for the Raiders.
“Greg Faenza made some key shots and some key plays for us when we needed them,” said Progin.
Steve Weidlich of the Warriors led all Watchung Hills players with 16 points.
The Raiders’ next regular season contest will take place on Jan. 3. Hillsborough will play host to Bridgewater-Raritan High School, whose Panthers also sit undefeated at 3-0.
