by Alyssa Gilman
Scotch Plains-Fanwood hosted the Rahway High School Indians on Tuesday night, beating the competition 67-64.
Leonardo Ramos led the Raiders in scoring with 17 points, three of which accumulated from a three point shot early in the game. Chris Gibbons and Marquel Taylor also hit three-pointers throughout the game.
Scotch Plains first struggled with Rahway’s defense and could not hold a lead early on, ending the first quarter in a five point deficit. In the middle of the second quarter, though, the Raiders’ defense and rebounds picked up and they were able to leave the first half tied 30-30.
In the beginning of the second half, the Raiders quickly gained a lead that they would maintain for almost all of the third quarter. Rahway’s only lead in this quarter was accomplished with a two point shot that was short-lived, as it was quickly answered by Dan Lopez and Andrew Voysest each scoring two points.
The Raiders opened the fourth quarter with two back-to-back two point shots by Devin Glover, expanding their lead. Although Rahway began to inch their way back and eventually took the lead with three minutes left, Ramos and Gibbons recovered with four successful foul shots and a basket before the Raiders ended the game in victory.
“I felt that we really came together as a team tonight and hopefully got ourselves rolling again to top the end of the season off with a positive note. It was a team effort for the win tonight,” said Gibbons.
Scotch Plains’ record raises to 8-5 while Rahway’s becomes 2-12. The Raiders will play their next game at Cranford on Jan. 29.