Ridgewood Secures Victory Over Teaneck in High-Intensity Matchup
coverage by: Antonio Morales
In an electrifying display of high school basketball, Ridgewood claimed a decisive 76-66 victory against Teaneck at the Jerome Smart Told U Classic. This game not only highlighted Ridgewood’s balanced team as the newly ranked Maroons dig out a win in a tough battle.
The game kicked off with both teams exchanging baskets in a tightly contested first quarter. Ridgewood’s Mac Radossich took control early, effectively orchestrating the offense and creating ample space for his teammates. This strategic play allowed Johnny Jackson to thrive, contributing significantly to the team’s scoring. On the other side, Teaneck’s Mickell Taylor responded with precision from beyond the arc, keeping the game balanced. The quarter wrapped up dramatically with Ty Carnegie of Teaneck sinking a buzzer-beater, igniting the crowd and setting an intense tone for the game.
As the second quarter unfolded, both teams showcased their strategic ball movement, finding rhythm in their respective offenses. Teaneck initially pulled ahead, leveraging their dynamic play, but Ridgewood’s Johnny Jackson closed the gap with a buzzer-beater of his own, maintaining the competitive spirit of the match.
The third quarter was marked by Jarrell Harmitt of Teaneck, who made crucial plays under the rim, adding vital points for his team. Ridgewood’s Charles Schwanewede and Jake Roth, however, made significant contributions to keep the game within reach, setting the stage for a thrilling final quarter. Ridgewood’s defense tightened, significantly limiting Teaneck’s scoring opportunities. Johnny Jackson emerged as the hero for Ridgewood, driving aggressively to the rim and scoring 12 of his game-high 30 points in this quarter alone, ultimately securing a 10-point victory for his team.
As Ridgewood moves forward with this win, their performance at the Jerome Smart Told U Classic has clearly strengthened their reputation as a team to watch this season. For Teaneck, the game was a tough lesson but also a clear indicator of their potential to compete at high levels. Both teams have shown that they have the talent and coaching to make significant impacts in their respective conferences, setting the stage for exciting developments as the continues and playoffs arise.