Lenko’s 30 Sends Ocean City to Rutgers as Red Raiders Down Westampton Tech

photo & coverage by: Marco Morales

A trip to Rutgers was on the line Wednesday night, and Ocean City delivered with one of its most complete performances of the season.

Behind a huge night from Josh Lenko, the Red Raiders defeated Westampton Tech 56–43 in the NJSIAA Group 3 semifinal at Central Regional, punching their ticket to the state championship game.

Lenko led the charge with 30 points, connecting from all over the floor as Ocean City found its rhythm and gradually took control of the game.

The Red Raiders came out strong to start the night, setting the tone early with defense and ball movement. Ocean City jumped out to a quick 14–3 lead in the first quarter as Lenko found his shooting touch early, knocking down perimeter shots that helped create separation.

Westampton Tech responded in the second quarter, tightening its defense and finding some offensive rhythm behind Henry Njoga and Jason Livingstone. The Panthers strung together a run that pulled the game back within reach, taking advantage of a brief scoring drought from Ocean City. Despite the push, the Red Raiders held steady and carried a narrow 19–19 feel to the halftime momentum after Westampton Tech closed the gap late in the half.

Coming out of the break, the game briefly swung toward the Panthers. Westampton Tech managed to grab an early third-quarter lead, but Ocean City quickly regrouped. Lenko began heating up again, hitting key shots that ignited an Ocean City run that shifted momentum back to the Red Raiders.

The surge helped Ocean City take control of the third quarter, building a lead that would continue to grow as the game moved into the final frame.

From there, the Red Raiders closed the door.

Lenko continued his scoring barrage in the fourth, adding nine more points to finish with 30 on the night. Luke Tjoumakaris anchored the interior with 10 rebounds while helping Ocean City control the glass. Dean Lappin added energy on the defensive end, finishing with six steals as the Red Raiders forced 12 turnovers and kept Westampton Tech from mounting a late rally.

By the time the final minutes ticked away, Ocean City had firmly seized control, pulling away for the 56–43 win and securing a spot in the state championship game.

With the victory, the Red Raiders now head to Rutgers for the Group 3 final, continuing a postseason run built on balanced offense, strong defense and a team-first approach. On Wednesday night, though, it was Lenko’s hot shooting that lit the way and pushed Ocean City one step closer to a state title.