"Bayonne Girls Basketball Win The NJSIAA Group 4 Championship Game In A Close One Against Cherokee"
Bayonne and Cherokee faced against each other at Toms River North Highschool in the NJSIAA Group 4 Championship game with both teams having strong seasons coming into this matchup. They were evenly matched, two teams that compete till the end and confident. This was the second game after New Providence and Secaucus. Coaches James Turner/ Ron Powell had their players focused, ready and locked in. Who will win the NJSIAA Group 4 Championship game.
Both teams had great support during the game with all people cheering. Bayonne Bees got off to a fast start with their fans being a big factor, getting key looks at the basket, the defense coming up huge early with some great stops. Cherokee had trouble finding early shots with no flow to the offense. Bayonne got all the momentum early heading into the second quarter with a 10-6 lead. Can the Cherokee Chiefs make adjustments to get some of the momentum back.
Cherokee tried to make adjustments for the second quarter but continued to struggle as Bayonne shot the ball with confidence and played great defense. They were able to get to the free throw line and going towards the basket more. Bees extended the lead to 13 heading into halftime with a 26-13 advantage. The first half was one for Cherokee to forget as they try to change things up for the second half.
The halftime adjustments did work for Cherokee in third quarter as their defense stepped up big time, started to hit shots, three pointers and getting to the basket more. For some reason Bayonne did not have any luck in this quarter like they did in the first half. Struggling to find shots, offense looked out of sorts and the defense let up a little. Chiefs only gave up 3 while scoring 10 getting some confidence back heading into the fourth cutting the lead to 29-23.
Cherokee Chiefs continued their second half dominance making a comeback against Bayonne with a 16 point outburst and giving up 8 points. Their big run still wasn't enough with a missed free throw and they ended up losing 40-39 against the Bayonne Bees. What a finish towards the end making it exciting, intense and give credit to Cherokee for making that run. With this win the Bayonne Bees have won the NJSIAA Group 4 Championship game.
Top scorers for the Bayonne Bees were Janaya Meyers 14 points, 7 rebounds, McKenzie Neal 10 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists, Giselle Davis 8 points and 11 rebounds.
Top scorers for Cherokee Chiefs were Gabby Recinto 22 points, 7 rebounds, Delaney Jackson 9 points and 5 rebounds.
Congrats To The Bayonne Bees
Photo Credit Mike Franco