Plainfield Battles Their Way Over Ridgewood to Claim Victory in Group 4 Semifinals
photo & coverage by: Antonio Morales
In a thrilling Group 4 semifinal showdown at Elizabeth, the Plainfield Cardinals turned the tables on Ridgewood, overcoming an early deficit to clinch a 60-51 victory. This win pushes Plainfield to the state finals at Rutgers, marking a significant milestone as they aim for the championship crown.
The game commenced with both teams quickly exhibiting strong offensive plays. Ridgewood, led by Johnny Jackson, initially took control, leveraging their ball movement to score and hustle to dominate on the boards. Plainfield’s NaJai Hines and Micah Gordon kept the game within reach, energizing their team with crucial plays. Hines manned the paint with 3 blocks coming in the first quarter. Offensively, he threw down two dunks to help the Cardinals gain momentum. Ridgewood closed out on a 7-0 run behind a crucial three point Mac Rodossich from that helped them take a 2 point lead at the end of the half.
Post halftime, the Cardinals' coach Gordon addressed the need for a strategic pivot. "Ridgewood outworked us in the first half. They dominated the boards, won every 50/50 play and were tougher/more physical. We can't win games like that. Every possession matters," the coach remarked, urging his team to return to 'Plainfield Basketball.'
With renewed vigor, Plainfield adjusted their strategy in the second half. The Cardinals played more aggressively on both sides off the ball. The third opened up with Jackson going on a quick scoring run as he hit a three point and drove in for a lay. The Cardinals quickly answered as Tylor Hunter scored a near consecutive seven points himself. Hines went on to throw down another aggressive dunk and then defense tightened up implementing a full-court press that rattled Ridgewood and shifted the momentum. However the Maroons kept the game alive as Tyler Nesland knocked down a three at the buzzer. The third quarter ended with a 40-40 tie, setting the stage for a decisive final quarter.
The last quarter saw Plainfield stepping up drastically. Hines drew fouls and dominated under the basket, while Gordon’s strategic plays and a critical three-pointer widened their lead. The duo’s efforts culminated in a series of plays that solidified the win, highlighted by Hines's spectacular dunks in the final minutes, sending the Plainfield fans into a frenzy.
Reflecting on the victory, the coach shared, "The team has sacrificed so much. We've willed ourselves into this opportunity. It means everything to have the community behind us." This sentiment underscores the deep connection between the team and their supporters, amplifying the significance of their hard-fought journey to the finals.
As Plainfield prepares for the championship game at Rutgers, their semifinal victory over Ridgewood exemplifies the spirit of a team that refuses to back down. With the community's support and a renewed commitment to their core strategies, the Cardinals are not just participants in the finals—they are formidable contenders for the state title.