Freshman Duo Propel St. Benedict's Past Newark Arts
In a thrilling showdown that lit up the Newark basketball scene, St. Benedict’s prevailed over Newark Arts with a narrow 60-56 victory, led by the sensational performances of their freshman duo. This game set a high bar for what’s expected to be an exhilarating season for both teams.
The game kicked off with both teams exchanging blows, with Newark Arts initially taking a slight edge by the end of the first quarter with a score of 15-14. Early baskets from Kevin Freeman has the Jaguars offense in rhythm. However, as the second quarter came around, St. Benedict's began to find theirs. Michai White and Chase Bray were dynamic and held their ground in the debut games as freshman. Their offensive output gave the Bees a 2-point leads to close the half.
The third quarter saw Newark Arts surging ahead with a powerful 21-point performance, overshadowing St. Benedict’s 13 points in the quarter. Baskets from Ayyub Wilson and Shelton Colwell helped pick things up. Bryson Lopez also set the tone with a huge dunk that sent the crowd into a frenzy. This shift in momentum highlighted the dynamic and unpredictable nature of the game, setting the stage for a dramatic final quarter.
However, the fourth quarter belonged to St. Benedict’s, who rallied back with an impressive 19 while holding Arts to just 9. White, Bray, and Gilbert Baez hit clutch threes that helped push their comeback. White ended the game as the leading scorer with 23 points, including crucial free throws and perimeter shots that kept the pressure on Newark Arts.
Despite the loss, Newark Arts showed commendable resilience and teamwork, with Kevin Freeman leading his team with 16 points. The game was a testament to the high level of competition and talent present in Newark’s basketball programs, promising more intense matchups as the season progresses.
St. Benedict’s victory is particularly noteworthy as it underscores the impact of their young talent, who have stepped up to the challenge impressively early in their high school careers. The win not only boosts St. Benedict’s morale but also sends a strong message to their future opponents in the league.