March 27, 2011
HCV's All-County Team
Who else joins Diane Forker (left) and Lisa Rovatsos (right) on HCV's All-County Team?
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The balls have been put away and the lights have been turned off on a 2010-2011 high school basketball season in Hudson County that certainly wasn't lacking in memorable moments.
This season saw St. Anthony finish undefeated and pick up a fourth mythical national championship in four different decades. The Friars won 33 games, including a March showdown with St. Patrick in what was one of the most anticipated matchups in high school history.
St. Anthony was hardly the only ones to make headlines. The Bayonne girls and St. Peter’s Prep boys continued their dominance in their respective leagues. The Bees won a third-straight county championship while the Marauders took home a fourth-straight championship.
As we say farewell to the season, here are our selections for Hudson County Varsity's Second Annual All-County Team.
2011 HCV All-County Boys Basketball Team
2011 HCV All-County Girls Basketball Team
Final HCV Power Polls: Boys Basketball. Girls Basketball.
Girls Basketball: NJIC announces coaches selections. Coming Soon!
March 23, 2011
Coaches make their picks
Luisa Montalvo was one of three Bees on the All-League First Team.
Recently HCIAL coaches made their selection for All-League honors for boys and girls basketball. Here are the coaches' selections for All-League.
Click Here for HCIAL Boys Honors. Click Here for HCIAL Girls Honors
March 21, 2011
Blake win MVP honors
Antoinette Blake was named MVP of North-South Classic (Photo Credit: Damel Ling).
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
Over the past two seasons, Antoinette Blake has made a habit of racking up double-doubles and wreaking havoc in the paint. In yesterday’s NJSCA North-South All-Star Classic in Toms River, Blake showed the rest of the state what Hudson County has known for a while.
Read More
March 9, 2011
This one stings
Bayonne had no answers Rachel Groom (right), who had 27 points and 21 rebounds.
Click Here for more photos from Bayonne at Edison
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
EDISON – During its state playoff run Bayonne had made a habit of being a giant slayer. The Bees not only overcame the height disadvantages in matchups against Bridgewater-Raritan and East Orange to win and seemingly thrive against the taller foes.
Bayonne was once again faced with a size disadvantage against Edison. This time would be different as the host Eagles dominated inside as they ended the Bees’ season with a 68-53 win last night in the NJSIAA North 2, Group IV title game. Read More
March 4, 2011
Roundup: Pats fall in quarters
Andrea Innis had a double-double in her final game at Secaucus High.
University 56, Secaucus 36
A 23-7 University run in the second half proved too much for the Patriots to overcome as their season ended in the quarterfinals of the NJSIAA North 2, Group I tournament last night in Secaucus. Read More
Complete Sate Basketball Tournament Results and Schedule: Boys. Girls.
March 1, 2011
Confidence restored
Jovanique Meneses (center) goes up for two her eight second-half points.
Click Here for more photos from Livingston at Union City
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – After losing six of its last seven games of the regular season, Union City entered the state playoffs in desperate need of both a win and self confidence.
Last night they got both. Read More
Complete Sate Basketball Tournament Results and Schedule: Boys. Girls.
February 28, 2011
State(s) your case
Jazmin Palma and the Bruins are the top seed in North 1, Group IV.
It’s that time again. The NJSIAA State Playoffs for boys and girls basketball tip off today as Hudson County is heavily represented on both sides. Fourteen teams from Hudson have qualified in the boys tournament and 13 teams have qualified in the girls tournament.
Twelve different teams are in action today, highlighted by the reigning HCT Girls Basketball champs Bayonne. Below you will find the complete list of Hudson County matchups and brackets for the state playoffs.
Boys Basketball State Tournament Brackets
Girls Basketball State Tournament Brackets
Boys Basketball Roundup: Red Wings streak into the states
Girls Basketball Roundup: Innis hits milestone in defeat
February 27, 2011
Bees win third-straight title
Kerrie Kosakowski (3) jumps into the arms of Lisa Rovatsos after the Bees' win.
Click Here for more photos from Bayonne vs North Bergen
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – If the Bees needed any motivation before their Hudson County Tournament championship game all they needed to do was think back 10 days.
Bayonne had suffered its lone league loss of the season that night in North Bergen and star Lisa Rovatsos endured a disastrous game while calls of “Where is Lisa?” rang from visiting crowd. Read More
February 26, 2011
The time has come
Bayonne's Lisa Rovatsos (right) is averaging 14.8 points per game this season.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The time has come for Hudson County’s version of Super Saturday as the boys and girls basketball champions will be crowned today at Saint Peter’s College.
In the opener at 5 p.m., St. Peter’s Prep will be going for a fourth-straight title. But standing in their way is a Marist team which has made upset wins routine of late.
In the nightcap at 7 p.m., Bayonne is one step away from a third-straight title. To get it though, the Bees will need to defeat a North Bergen squad which beat them just 10 days ago.
Below you will find complete previews of both games as we look into the key players and matchups in today’s double-header.
Boys Basketball Final: (2) St. Peter's Prep vs (5) Marist 5 p.m.
Girls Basketball Final: (1) Bayonne vs (2) North Bergen 7 p.m.
February 25, 2011
Roundup: Tide roll in fourth
Rayven Lucas pulled down 12 rebounds for the Blue Tide in their win last night.
Harrison 50, Bogota 35
Nicole Cerqueira led all scorers with 19 points as the Blue Tide used a 21-6 fourth quarter to earn their 11th win of the season last night in Bogota. Read More
February 22, 2011
Bees fall short in Dan Finn
Junior Lisa Rovatsos (right) had 19 points and nine rebounds for Bayonne.
Click Here for more photos from Bayonne vs Lakeland
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – A fourth-quarter comeback from the Bees fell short in the final minute as Bayonne fell 53-52 to Lakeland in the Dan Finn Classic at the John J. Moore Athletics and Fitness Center at NJCU.
Kimmy Bachmann scored the game-winning points for the Lancers (18-5) on a pair of free throws with 27.3 seconds left in the game. The Bees (22-3) would have two chances to regain the lead, but came away empty-handed on each occasion. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Innis, Waters lift Patriots
February 21, 2011
Super Sunday
Amanda Rivera jumps into the arms of a teammate after North Bergen's semifinal win.
After a wild quadruple-header of games at the Yanitelli Center the finals for the Hudson County Boys and Girls Basketball Tournaments.
On the girls side, it will be the top two seeds in the finals. In their first game since suffering its first county loss of the year to North Bergen, top-seeded Bayonne bounced back as they knocked off Peninsula City rival Holy Family. In the finals the Bees will get another shot at the North Bergen team that beat them this past Wednesday. The second-seeded Bruins would pull away late to hold off Secaucus in the day’s opener despite a record-breaking performance from Andrea Innis.
Bayonne 54, Holy Family 39 Game Story. Click Here to View Photos
North Bergen 50, Secaucus 38 Game Story. Click Here to View Photos
February 20, 2011
Roundup: Tide down Indians
Senior Nicole Cerqueira had a double-double for Harrison yesterday.
Harrison 38, Weehawken 25
Nicole Cerqueira posted her 16th double-double of the season as the Blue Tide emerged victorious in a Coaches vs. Cancer matchup yesterday in Weehawken. Read More
February 18, 2011
Roundup: 17 for Secaucus
Sophomore Ariana Simon had eight points and eight rebounds for Secaucus.
Secaucus 57, Harrison 44
Andrea Innis scored a game-high 26 points as the Patriots extended their winning streak to 17 games yesterday in Harrison. Read More
February 16, 2011
All Friar-ed Up
Senior Nadirah Durr scored 12 of her 18 points in the first half for St. Anthony.
Click Here for more photos from Snyder at St. Anthony
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – Dissatisfied with its performance in the Hudson County Tournament, the St. Anthony girls basketball team has found the perfect target for its anger – the rest of the league.
The Friars continued their post-tournament success with their fourth-straight win, this time a 62-46 victory over Snyder yesterday at the C.E.R.C. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Lions, Blue Tide pick up wins. Patriots make it 16.
February 15, 2011
Roundup: Pats make it 15
Shannon Waters had 21 points, 10 rebounds, five asissts and five steals
Secaucus 63, Lodi 39
Andrea Innis and Shannon Waters both had double-doubles as the Patriots met little resistance on the way to their 15th-straight win last night in Lodi. Read More
More Girls Basketball: HCV Power Poll. State Tournament Brackets
February 12, 2011
Won't be 'D'-nied
Ashley Vazzona scored six of his 14 points in the final two minutes for the Bruins.
Click Here for more photos from St. Dominic Academy at North Bergen
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
NORTH BERGEN – It was the kind of shooting performance for North Bergen that can haunt teams during playoff time.
Unable to play their preferred up-tempo, transition game and with their shots not falling, the second-seeded Bruins found themselves in a struggle during the Hudson County Tournament quarterfinals matchup. Read More
February 11, 2011
Rising up to the occasion
Senior Andrea Innis had 24 points, 15 rebounds and six assists for Secaucus.
Click Here for more photos from Kearny at Secaucus
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – For the better part of the past three seasons, the Patriots have had to rely almost exclusively on Andrea Innis and Shannon Waters for offense. As much success as that tandem has provided, Secaucus knows that county and state playoff success will require more than just Innis and Waters putting up points.
The two talented seniors continue to do most of the heavy lifting for the Patriots, but it has become more than just the Innis and Waters show during their recent winning streak.
Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Blake scores 1,000th point in Marist romp
February 9, 2011
Roundup: Marist gets revenge
Junior forward Jasmine Brandon had 21 points and 12 rebounds last night for Marist.
Marist 75, Union City 66
The forward duo of Antoinette Blake and Jasmine Brandon was lethal as the Royal Knights got a small measure of revenge last night in Bayonne. Read More
February 8, 2011
Roundup: Marist bounces back
Junior guard Angela Randle scored a career-high 18 points for the Royal Knights.
Marist 66, Hudson Catholic 28
Angela Randle hit four 3-pointers and scored a career-high 18 points as the Royal Knights won in convincing fashion last night in Jersey City. Read More
February 6, 2011
Jump for joy
Union City players celebrate after defeating Marist in the final seconds yesterday.
Click Here for more photos from Marist at Union City
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – With an all-senior starting lineup, Union City knew this was not the way to go out.
After watching an eight-point fourth-quarter lead disappear the Soaring Eagles came back in dramatic fashion. Shaela Rodriguez connected on a baseline jumper off an inbounds pass with seven seconds left as Union City held off Marist 56-54 in the first round of the Hudson County Tournament. Read More
HCT Girls Basketball Roundup: Secaucus scores 31 in opening quarter
February 4, 2011
Bruins race to 11th-straight
Jazmin Palma had eight assists for the Bruins last night in North Bergen.
Click her for photos from Holy Family at North Bergen
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
NORTH BERGEN – For Jazmin Palma and the Bruins, the ability to play fast is something they hope for whenever they take the floor. With they way they play in those situations, it’d be hard to blame them.
With Palma running the point, North Bergen proved lethal in the transition game as the defeated Holy Family Academy 54-33 last night for their 11th-straight win. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup Marist tops Snyder. Harrison, Secaucus continue streaks
January 30, 2011
Roundup: Tide back at .500
Harrison senior Nicole Cerqueira had a double-double and finished with 16 points.
Harrison 46, Science Park 23
Ten different players scored for the Blue Tide as they reached the .500 mark on the year after a convincing win yesterday in Harrison. Read More
January 29, 2011
Roundup: Smith scores 1,000
Bria Smith (right) scored her 1,000th-career point last night for SDA.
St. Dominic Academy 54, Ferris 36
Bria Smith scored her 1,000th-career point as the Blue Devils breezed to a win last night in Jersey City. Read More
January 27, 2011
Bracket time
The defending HCT Champion Bayonne Bees have the top seed in the girls tournament.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
Last night, the seedings were released for the Hudson County Boys and Girls Basketball Tournaments.
On the boys side, the upstart Hawks of Hudson Catholic have earned the top seed thanks to a 13-3 start and undefeated record within the HCIAL. On the girls side, the defending HCT champion Bayonne Bees are once again the top seed after a 13-1 start.
The Play-In round for each tournament starts this weekend. Below are printable brackets for both the boys and girls. Make sure to keep checking HCV for complete coverage and previews for each tournament.
Click Here to view the Girls Basketball matchups. Printable Bracket
January 26, 2011
Roundup: Pats make it nine
Junior Alyssa Lyndholm scored a career-high 16 points for Secaucus last night.
Secaucus 49, Weehawken 21
The Patriots opened a nine-point lead in the opening quarter and never looked back as they rolled to their ninth-straight victory last night in Weehawken. Read More
January 22, 2011
Roundup: Pats streak hits 8
Andrea Innis led all scorers with 13 points as the Patriots won their eighth in a row.
Secaucus 60, Wallington 20
The Patriots raced out to a 24-3 lead in the opening quarter and never looked back as they posted their eighth-straight win last night in Secaucus. Read More
January 21, 2011
Chemistry lesson
Junior Stefanie Gomes led all scorers with 30 points in yesterday's victory.
Click Here for more photos from Hoboken at Kearny
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
KEARNY – Whether it’s on the court or the soccer field, the chemistry between Kearny’s Janitza Aquino and Stefanie Gomes is apparent. As teammates for the past three years, they have acquired an understanding of where the other one is at any time in the action.
Yesterday was proof of just how powerful a combination they are as Aquino and Gomes combined for 57 points in the Kardinals’ convincing 78-31 victory over Hoboken.
Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Harrison, St. Anthony, Secaucus, Union City win
January 18, 2011
Taking the next step
Jade Medley scored a game-high 14 points for Hudson Catholic yesterday.
Click Here for more photos from Arts at Hudson Catholic
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY - Despite trailing in virtually every game it plays, Hudson Catholic girls basketball coach Felicia Harris-Sellers has tried to preach a message of playing hard throughout and fighting back. Yesterday, the young Hawks saw the reward that can come with it.
The second-year program experienced two more firsts – a come-from-behind win and a winning streak – as they overcame a six-point deficit in the fourth quarter to defeat Arts 32-26 yesterday. It marked the second-straight victory for a team, which went winless a season ago. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Blake sets career highs in Marist win
January 16, 2011
Roundup: Blake dominates
Antoinette Blake (right) had a season-high 30 points for Marist.
Marist 55, Midland 39
Senior Antoinette Blake scored a season-high 30 points for the Royal Knights in a win yesterday in Bayonne. Read More
January 15, 2011
Roundup: Pats' streak hits 5
Danielle Roesing (left) had eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.
Secaucus 49, Hasbrouck Heights 23
Andrea Innis posted a double-double as the Patriots defense limited the Aviators to just seven first-half points last night in Hasbrouck Heights. Read More
January 14, 2011
Roundup: UC flies high
Senior Angie Estrada had eight point as Union City improved to 6-3 on the season.
Union City 69, Ferris 47
Amanda Casillas scored 14 points, one of four different players to score in double figures for the Soaring Eagles in a convincing victory last night in Union City. Read More
January 12, 2011
Roundup: Patriots reign
Shannon Waters and the Patriots have now won four-straight games.
Secaucus 62, Becton 26
Andrea Innis recorded her fifth double-double of the season as the Patriots ripped the game wide-open in the second quarter and never looked back last night in Secaucus. Read More
January 7, 2011
Up to the challenge
Lincoln's Nhire Adams (left) drives past Princess Larcohe for two of her 18 points.
Click Here for more photos from Lincoln at Snyder
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – It was a task which on the surface seemed easier said than done – stopping Snyder’s Tamara Tyre. The electrifying junior entered yesterday’s showdown with a 24 point per game average highlighted by a 38-point outburst against Holy Family.
As difficult as the task seemed it was exactly what Lincoln was able to do. Using a wide variety of defenders, the Lions were able to limit Tyre and the entire Tigers offense as they cruised to a 50-30 road victory. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Secaucus, Marist continue winning ways.
January 5, 2011
Roundup: Blake lifts Knights
Sophomore Alexis Wilson had nine points and five assists for Marist last night.
Marist 65, Holy Family 53
Antoinette Blake continued her torrid start as the Royal Knights built a 17-point lead at the half and never looked back last night in Bayonne. Read More
January 2, 2011
Roundup: Pats bounce back
Senior Andrea Innis had a triple-double for Secaucus on Friday.
Secaucus 62, Hackensack 53
Andrea Innis posted a triple-double to lead the Patriots to victory on Friday in the consolation round of the Lady Hawk Holiday Hoop Jam in Oradell. Read More
December 31, 2010
Hanging on
Ashley Heredia matched her career-high with 18 points off the bench for the Bruins.
Click her for photos from North Bergen vs Secaucus
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
ORADELL – North Bergen head coach Dan Reardon said he couldn’t recall having a team with as much depth as this season’s Bruins squad.
Reardon and North Bergen would need all of it as they held off Secaucus 59-58 in a see-saw affair at the Lady Hawk Holiday Hoop Jam at River Dell High School. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Marist knocked in tournament semifinals
December 29, 2010
Roundup: Marist cruises to next round
Angela Randle scored a season-high 12 points for Marist in the win.
Marist 56, Hudson Catholic 24
Angela Randle drained four 3-pointers as the Royal Knights breezed past the Hawks in the opening round of the Marist Lady Knights Tournament last night in Bayonne. Read More
December 21, 2010
Three party
Bayonne senior hit four first-half 3-pointers and finished with 17 points.
Click her for photos from Bayonne at Marist
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – When the Bees gave up the first nine points of last night's showdown with Peninsula City rival Marist, there was little concern on the Bayonne bench. With the collection of outside shooters, there was little reason to be.
The defending Hudson County champs would respond early and often from the outside, connecting on nine 3-pointers en route to a convincing 71-48 road victory yesterday at Bill DeFazio Court. Read More
December 22, 2010
Roundup: Innis, Patriots keep pace
Andrea Innis is averaging more than 30 points per game this season.
Secaucus 56, Queen of Peace 25
Andrea Innis continued her torrid pace, scoring a game-high 20 points as the Patriots blew the game open with a 23-3 second quarter and never looked back last night in Secaucus.
Read More
December 21, 2010
Rising up
Union City's Angie Estrada drives to the hoop for two of her 18 points yesterday.
Click her for photos from St. Anthony at Union City
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – Union City knows they face a size disadvantage virtually every time it hits the court. But yesterday was another reminder by these Soaring Eagles that defense and intensity can cut any opponent down to size.
Using primarily a four-guard lineup late, Union City's defense stood tall, allowing just three points while forcing seven turnovers in the final 4:30 of the game to hold off St. Anthony 51-44. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Blake's 21 lifts Marist
December 19, 2010
Rising Tide
Harrison sophomore Rayven Lucas led all scorers with 15 points.
Click Here for photos from Harrison at McNair
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – The basketball season is less than 48 hours old and Harrison head coach Al Ruiz can already see the change in his team – changes in demeanor and spirit, as well as the standings.
A team that has struggled in recent years, the Blue Tide now have two wins in as many days after a convincing 50-19 victory over McNair yesterday morning. Read More
December 18, 2010
Roundup: Tyre paces Tigers
Tamara Tyre led all scorers with 26 in Snyder's season opening victory.
Snyder 61, Memorial 32
Tamara Tyre went off for a game-high 26 points as Snyder cruised to victory yesterday in Jersey City. Read More
December 17, 2010
HCV Preview: Lincoln
Junior Timiah Calamito enters her second season as Lincoln's starting point guard.
Click Here for Lincoln girls basketball photos
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
Last season was supposed to be a rebuilding season for the Lincoln girls basketball team. Instead, a talented group of young players took many by surprise by winning 16 games and advancing all the way to the finals of the Hudson County Tournament.
Most of that group returns and the Lions expect to contend once again in 2011. A big reason for that optimism is one of the county’s best collection of post players with Zierra Williams, Breana Bey and Indigo Hatcher. Read More
Girls Basketball Preview: Hoboken
December 16, 2010
HCV Preview: Bayonne
Junior Lisa Rovatsos is one of three returning starters for the Bees.
Click Here for Bayonne girls basketball photos
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The front of the jersey may say “Bees” but for the Bayonne girls basketball team, it might as well be a bulls-eye.
As the two-time defending Hudson County champions, the Bees know that merely being content with past accomplishments. Instead, they seek to not just continue their dominance in the county, but break through as one of the state’s top teams. Read More
Girls Basketball Preview: Holy Family
December 15, 2010
HCV Preview: Secaucus
Andrea Innis is one of two four-year starters as Secaucus returns all five starters.
Click Here for Secaucus girls basketball photos
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
For the Secaucus girls basketball team, this season represents the kind of opportunity which rarely comes along.
While others teams throughout the area have the challenge of replacing key components from last season, the Patriots have no such worries. Secaucus returns its entire starting lineup and the top eight scorers from a team which went 21-5 a season ago and looks poised to be one of the premier Group I schools in the state. Read More
Girls Basketball Previews: Marist, Snyder
December 10, 2010
HCV Preview: North Bergen
Ashley Vazzona is one of three four-year starters for North Bergen this season.
Click Here for North Bergen girls basketball photos
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
With just one starter over 5-foot-5 and the lack of a true go-to scorer, North Bergen is anything but conventional on the court.
Despite these limitations, the Bruins won 17 games a season ago and reached the semifinals of the Hudson County Tournament thanks to a press-heavy system. Read More
Girls Basketball Preview: Kearny looks to grow from injuries
April 19, 2010
HCV's All-County Team
Who else joins Lisa Rovatsos (l) and Bria Smith (r) on HCV's All-County Team?
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The balls have been put away and the lights have been turned off on a 2009-2010 high school basketball season in Hudson County that certainly wasn't lacking in memorable moments. Read More
March 17, 2010
Coaches make their picks
Connie Hayes was one of two Bees to earn All-Division honors in Division A.
Recently Hudson County coaches made their selections for All-Division honors for girls basketball. Here are the coaches’ selections for All-Division teams in Tri-County Hudson Divisions A, B and C Read More
March 4, 2010
Out in front
Freshman Ariana Simon scored nine of her 15 points in the first quarter for Secaucus.
Click Here for photos from High Tech at Secaucus.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – Throughout the season, Secaucus has made a habit of putting games away early on. Despite some stressful moments late in the game, the Patriots once again took a quick lead and made it stick, defeating High Tech 50-43 in the second round of the NJSIAA North 2, Group I tournament last night. Read More
March 3, 2010
Gill powered
Holy Family's Christina Gill (right) scored 16 of her 35 points in the fourth quarter.
Click Here for photos from Marist at Holy Family.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – All season long Holy Family has relied upon the one-two inside combination of Diane Forker and Christina Gill to do the heavy lifting on offense. With Forker and guard Kaydee Murphy sidelined with injuries, the Falcons would need Gill to take her game to a new level.
The senior forward responded with the biggest game of her career, finishing with 35 points and 18 rebounds as Holy Family outlasted Marist 71-61 in the first round of the NJSIAA Non-Public, North B tournament. Read More
March 2, 2010
Roundup: High Tech, Secaucus to meet after wins
Andrea Innis' free throw with nine seconds left led Secaucus past Bloomfield Tech.
Secuaucs 49, Bloomfield Tech 48
Andrea Innis’ free throw with nine seconds left proved to be the difference as the second-seeded Patriots held on for a thrilling win in the opening round of the NJSIAA North 2, Group I tournament last night in Secaucus. Read More
March 1, 2010
Twice as nice
Bayonne repeated as champions after defeating Lincoln 39-33 last night.
Click Here for photos from Bayonne vs Lincoln.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – The front of the jersey might have said Bees, but for the Bayonne girls basketball team, it might as well have been a bulls-eye.
Possessing that target since the opening tip of the season, the Bees showed that they are the best team that Hudson County has to offer after defeating Lincoln 39-33 last night in the final of the Hudson County Tournament at the Yanitelli Center. Read More
February 24, 2010
We meet again
Sophomore guard Tara Flynn and Bayonne are heading to the HCT final.
Click Here for photos from Bayonne vs St. Anthony.
Click Here for photos from Lincoln vs North Bergen.
JERSEY CITY - The final for the Hudson County Tournament is now set and Saturday’s showdown for the title will be a matchup of last year’s HCIAA Coviello finalists.
In the opener, Tara Flynn anchored an impressive defensive display against St. Anthony’s Shonice Hawkins and Lisa Rovatsos scored 11 points in the fourth quarter to propel the Bees into the final.
Read More. Click Here to View Photos
In the nightcap, the third time proved to be the charm for Lincoln. After losing twice to North Bergen during the regular season, the Lions extracted some revenge behind 14 points from Nhire Adams and a double-double from Zierra Williams.
Read More. Click Here to View Photos
February 21, 2010
Friars, Hawkins hold on to top Marist
Shonice Hawkins scored nine points in the final 2:33 for St. Anthony.
Click Here for photos from St. Anthony at Marist Girls Basketball.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – It was late in the fourth quarter and with her St. Anthony team clinging to a two-point lead, Shonice Hawkins knew it was time for her to dominate.
As he has so many times this season Hawkins did just that, scoring nine points in the game’s final 2:33 to lift the fifth-seeded Friars to a thrilling 66-61 road victory over fourth-seeded Marist in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament. Read More
Hudson County Girls Basketball Tournament
Hawkins delivers in clutch for St. Anthony. View Photos
Claros, Bruins set the tone in upset victory. View Photos
Lions offense comes alive in second half
February 20, 2010
Experience a plus
Junior forward Kerrie Kosakowski had 11 points and eight rebounds for the Bees.
Click Here for photos from St. Dominic Academy at Bayonne.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – As winners of last year’s HCIAA Coviello championship and finalists in 2008, the Bees are used to the pressures of playoff basketball.
That experience proved pivotal for top-seeded Bayonne as they survived a second-half scare to knock off eighth-seeded St. Dominic Academy 49-33 yesterday in the quarterfinals of the Hudson County Tournament. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Seaucus wins ninth straight
February 19, 2010
Roundup: High Tech wins 15th
Sybil Lynch had a game-high 14 points and seven steals for High Tech.
High Tech 49, University Charter 28
Jessie Northgrave and Sybil Lynch combined for 19 points in the opening half as the Lasercats took a 31-12 lead into the intermission and never looked back yesterday in Jersey City.
Read More
February 18, 2010
Roundup: Gill gets milestone for HFA
Forward Tre Brooks had a game-high 27 points for Lincoln on Senior Night.
Holy Family 57, Kearny 56
Christina Gill scored 22 points, including the 1,000th of her career as the Falcons held on for the win yesterday in Kearny. Read More
February 17, 2010
Roundup: Denmark, Vazquez lift Marist
Desiree Denmark had 23 points and seven steals for Marist on Senior Night.
Marist 65, North Bergen 56
Seniors Ashley Vazquez and Desiree Denmark combined for 43 points to give the Royal Knights a victory on Senior Night last night in Bayonne. Read More
February 16, 2010
Roundup: HFA wins in last minute
Kaydee Murphy had 11 points, including a key lay-up late in the game for Holy Family.
Holy Family 65, St. Anthony 64
Kaydee Murphy’s steal and lay-up along with a pair of free throws from Samantha Sysak proved to be the difference as the Falcons emerged in a down-to-the-wire affair yesterday in Bayonne. With the victory, Holy Family earned a share of the league title with St. Anthony. Read More
February 14, 2010
Home sweet home
Samantha Sysak scored 17 points as Holy Family advanced to the HCT quarterfinals.
Click Here for photos from Union City at Holy Family.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – Playing in a division comprised of the county’s smallest schools, Holy Family had been nothing short of dominant this season. But how would they fare against the bigger schools that the Falcons once played on a regular basis?
Yesterday, in one of their first cracks against the bigger schools, Holy Family responded with what might have been their most impressive performance of the season – a 70-34 victory over Union City in the first round of the Hudson County Tournament. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Vazquez lifts Marist. Secaucus, Lincoln advance
February 13, 2010
Roundup: Secaucus tames Panthers
Freshman Ariana Simon had nine points and eight rebounds for Secaucus.
Secaucus 62, Wallington 39
Andrea Innis scored 17 first-half points as the Patriots took a 22-point lead into the half and never looked back last night in Wallington. Read More
February 12, 2010
HCT: Bees look to remain on top
Adrianna Allen has averaged 16 points a game for No. 5 seed St. Anthony.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
After five play-in games, the inaugural Hudsson County Girls Basketball Tournament starts in earnest on Friday with eight matchups. Here is a breakdown of some of the teams and players to watch. Read More
February 10, 2010
Loud and clear
Andrea Innis scored 10 third-quarter points for Secaucus against Becton.
Click Here for photos from Becton at Secaucus.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – The Patriots may have had a 10-point lead heading into the half against Becton, but it was hardly the performance that head coach John Sterling has come to expect from his team.
After an extended halftime conversation, Sterling’s message was received loud and clear. Secaucus scored 19 of the next 21 points en route to a convincing 54-39 victory yesterday.
Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Lynch scores 30 for High Tech
February 9, 2010
Roundup: Denmark hits milestone for Marist
Desiree Denmark became the eighth Royal Knight to score 1,000 career points.
Marist 73, High Tech 63
Desiree Denmark scored 17 points to become the eighth girl to score 1,000 points as the Royal Knights won yesterday in North Bergen. Read More
February 5, 2010
Strength in numbers
North Bergen's Jazmin Palma (right) tries to drive past Lincoln's Zierra Williams.
Click Here for photos from Lincoln at North Bergen.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
NORTH BERGEN – For the Bruins it was a true team effort. While North Bergen may not have an easily identifiable standout who will score 20 points every night, that hasn’t stopped them from success in a competitive division schedule.
Last night was no exception as four different Bruins scored in double figures as North Bergen held off Lincoln 56-51 in overtime. Read More
Girls Basketball Roundup: Patriots' Shannon Waters scores her 1,000th point
February 4, 2010
Get your brackets ready
Tara Flynn and the Bees are 13-4 and the top seed in the Hudson County Championship.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
The bracket for the First Annual Hudson County Girls Basketball Championship was released last night with Bayonne taking home the top seed of the 21-team tournament. Connie Hayes and Lisa Rovatsos lead a strong starting lineup which has led the Bees to a 13-4 mark and just one loss to a county opponent. Bayonne has earned a bye and will face the winner of Weehawken and University Charter in this weekend's Play-In Round.
To see where your favorite team is seeded and view all of the matchups, view the tournament bracket image below. Read More
February 3, 2010
Cardiac cats
Sophomore Sybil Lynch scored a career-high 27 points points for High Tech.
Click Here for photos from High Tech at Snyder.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – First-year head coach Nick Fargo knows his High Tech team has dealt with its shares of challenges. Injuries have decimated the Lasercats’ depth, and a lack of size was painfully obvious on the boards in their division matchup against Snyder.
What High Tech certainly has though are speed and resilience. Those two qualities proved to be the deciding factors as the Lasercats defeated the Tigers 63-57 yesterday to snap Snyder’s 15-game winning streak. Read More
January 29, 2010
Wake-up call
Lincoln's Zierra Williams (left) blocks a shot attempt from Michelle Goncalves (right).
Click Here for photos from Lincoln at Kearny.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
KEARNY – Just three minutes into the game, but Lincoln was already trailing by 11, had committed six turnovers and head coach Tom Best had already seen enough. Expressing his displeasure with the subtlety of an alarm clock, Best sent one starter to the bench 25 seconds into the game and had two more take a seat within the first three minutes.
The Lions would respond to the wake-up call in a big way, scoring the game’s next 20 points to defeat the Kardinals 47-37 yesterday. Read More
More Girls Basketball: Innis, Waters lead Secaucus win No. 12
January 28, 2010
Roundup: Aquino scores 1,000th in Kearny win
Kearny's Janitza Aquino scored 27 points to eclipse 1,000 points for her career.
Kearny 55, Union City 42
Junior Janitza Aquino scored her 1,000th career point as the Kardinals used a big fourth quarter to emerge victorious on Tuesday in Kearny. Read More
January 27, 2010
Roundup: Adams shoots Lincoln to 'W'
Alexis Wilson scored 13 points for Marist in a loss at Lincoln last night.
Lincoln 50, Marist 40
Nhire Adams drained four 3-pointers en route to a game-high 16 points as the Lions downed Marist last night in Jersey City. Read More
January 26, 2010
Roundup: Williams' 15 leads Lions
Lincoln 35, County Prep 25
Zierra Williams led all scorers with 15 points as the Lions snapped a four-game losing streak yesterday in Jersey City. Read More
January 22, 2010
Bees take over division lead
Senior Samantha Maggio had a double-double with 12 points and 12 rebounds.
Click Here for photos from Bayonne at Marist.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – Few rivalries in Hudson County are more intense than the one between Bayonne and Marist in girls basketball. With first place in the division and a possible top seed in the upcoming Hudson County Tournament on the line the stakes were even higher for this mid-January showdown.
Round one between these Peninsula City rivals went to the Bees left Marist with a 60-51 victory last night. Read More
January 20, 2010
Roundup: Patriots pull away in third
Andrea Innis scored 13 of her game-high 31 points in the third quarter for Secaucus.
Secaucus 69, North Arlington 53
Andrea Innis and Shannon Waters scored 13 and nine points respectively in the third quarter as the Patriots scored 28 in the period to break the game open last night in Secaucus. Read More
January 17, 2010
Roundup: Bees remain unbeaten in county
Bayonne's Connie Hayes hit three 3-points to finish with 13 points yesterday.
Bayonne 52, St. Dominic Academy 37
Lisa Rovatsos and Kerri Kosikowski both had double-doubles to pace the Bees yesterday in Jersey City. Read More
January 16, 2010
Roundup: Quick start propels Pats
Shannon Waters scored 10 of her 13 points in the first quarter for Secaucus.
Secaucus 51, Harrison 19
Shannon Waters scored 10 points in the opening quarter as the Patriots opened up a quick 22-point lead and never looked back last night in Harrison. Read More
January 15, 2010
Now we're even
Shonice Hawkins had 23 points as St. Anthony avenged an earlier defeat to Holy Family.
Click Here for photos from Holy Family at St. Anthony.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
JERSEY CITY – After the first month of the season, the resume for the St. Anthony girls basketball team was nearly flawless. The one exception – an early season loss to division rival Holy Family.
Yesterday, the Friars took a major step toward erasing that one blemish on their record as they defeated the Falcons 64-53 at the CERC. Read More
More Girls Basketball: Denmark scores 24 to lead Marist
January 13, 2010
Ahead of the curve
Lauren Guillen, one of three freshmen on the roster, scored five points in the win.
Click Here for photos from Wallington at Secaucus.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – With three freshmen – Lauren Guillen, Danielle Roesing and Ariana Simon – playing major minutes, it wouldn’t have come as a surprise if the Patriots struggled to open the season.
After the first nine games, you’d be hard-pressed to see the growing pains in the standings.
January 11, 2010
Roundup: Blake, Denmark key win
Antoinette Blake (right) had 10 points and 15 rebounds in the win for Marist.
Marist 48, Kennedy Catholic (NY) 41
Desiree Denmark and Antoinette Blake both delivered double-doubles to lead the Royal Knights to their third straight win yesterday in Bayonne. Read More
January 9, 2010
Roundup: Pats roll to third straight
Freshman Ariana Simon had seven points and seven rebounds for Secaucus.
Secaucus 57, Becton 28
Andrea Innis and Shannon Waters both had double-doubles as the Patriots extended their winning streak to three after winning last night in East Rutherford. Read More
January 8, 2010
Roundup: Marist tops SDA late
Ashley Vazquez scored a game-high 15 points for Marist.
Marist 44, St. Dominic Academy 41
Junior Antoinette Blake had 11 points and 16 rebounds as the Royal Knights overcame a halftime deficit to down St. Dominic Academy last night in Bayonne. Read More
January 6, 2010
Growing up
Freshman guard Alexis Wilson had five of her seven rebounds in the second half.
Click Here for photos from Marist at Union City.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
UNION CITY – For most of the season, Marist has had to rely heavily upon the veteran trio of Antoinette Blake, Desiree Denmark and Ashley Vazquez. But during the most pivotal stretch of their 58-49 victory over Union City, was when the two youngest starters – Angela Randle and Alexis Wilson – rose to the forefront.
Randle and Wilson combined for eight points during a 10-0 run late in the third quarter and early fourth that allowed the Royal Knights (5-2) to pull away and earn the win. Read More
Patriots' Innis scores 1,000th career point in win over Wood-Ridge
December 31, 2009
Roundup: Waters' 30 lead Pats
Shannon Waters scored a game-high 30 points for Secaucus.
Secaucus 60, Wayne Valley 48
Shannon Waters scored 10 of her game-high 30 points in the fourth quarter as the Patriots pulled away late to defeat Wayne Valley in the Third Place Game of the River Dell Christmas Tournament yesterday in River Edge. Read More
December 30, 2009
Won in sixty seconds
Senior Ashley Latushko scored 21 points for Kearny in a win over Livingston.
Click Here for photos from Kearny at Livingston.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
LIVINGSTON – Finding a consistent second scorer behind Janitza Aquino has been a challenge for Kearny, particularly with injuries compromising the team’s depth. If yesterday’s game was any indication, the Kardinals may have found their answer.
Senior forward Ashley Latushko scored eight points in a span of just 59 seconds during the first quarter as Kearny cruised to a 55-17 victory over Livingston in the consolation round of the Lancer Holiday Basketball Classic. Read More
December 24, 2009
Roundup: Denmark steals 15 in win
Marist 66, Dickinson 28
Desiree Denmark had a staggering 15 steals to go with a game-high 18 points as the Royal Knights downed Dickinson yesterday in Jersey City. Denmark, a senior also had six rebounds and three assists. Read More
December 22, 2009
Say Hayes
Connie Hayes scored 10 of her team-best 15 points in the second quarter.
Click Here for photos from St. Dominic Academy at Bayonne.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – Connie Hayes considers No. 23 to be a shooter’s number. Yesterday against St. Dominic Academy, the senior guard lived up to the 23 on her jersey.
Hayes connected on a trio of 3-pointers, en route to a team-best 15 points to lead Bayonne past the Blue Devils 44-35. Read More
More Girls Basketball: Denmark's 20 points lead Marist
December 19, 2009
Roundup: Marist rolls in opener
Marist 51, Memorial 21
Antoinette Blake and Desiree Denmark scored 16 points apiece as the Royal Knights took an early 17-point lead after the opening quarter and never looked back last night in West New York. Read More
December 18, 2009
Hoops School
Junior Andrea Innis will add point guard to her list of responsibilities this season.
Click Here for photos from Secaucus Scrimmage.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
SECAUCUS – The adjustment from middle school ball to high school isn’t an easy one for a freshman. With three freshmen in the Patriots’ rotation, head coach John Sterling has little choice but to sink or swim with a collection of youngsters.
“I always understand that there’s a factor of getting to learn the system and that they’re behind everybody physically in terms of strength and size,” Sterling said. “Right now that’s what I evaluated as the top players so that’s what I’m going with.” Read More
A look around Hudson County Girls Basketball
December 16, 2009
Party of Five
Sophomore Lisa Rovatsos is one of five guards Bayonne will play at a time.
Click Here for photos from Bayonne Practice.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – One might look at the Bees’ lack of height up front and see that as a problem. Bayonne, the defending Coviello champions, sees it as a positive.
Last season, the mismatches caused by the Bees’ five-guard lineup proved to be a winning a formula and have little concern about their lack of size. Read More
December 11, 2009
Double trouble
Christina Gill (left) and Diane Forker (right) give Holy Family a formidable inside combo.
Click Here for photos from Holy Family Practice.
By Jason Bernstein
Editorial Director
BAYONNE – Off the court, Holy Family forward Diane Forker said that she and teammate Christina Gill are “the only ones who think the other one is funny,” and that “no one else thinks it’s funny.”
On the court, Forker and Gill are anything but a laughing matter for opposing coaches.
For most opponents, stopping one offensively skilled 6-footer is difficult, but when you have two skilled bigs like Forker and Gill, the task is nearly impossible. Read More