Blair Outduels Rugged Ramapo

Ramapo began its defense of the State Group III title with high hopes and a roster full of talented returnees, including Princeton University commit Peyton Seals. Their quest to remain in the mix as an elite program in the Garden State faced no easy task out the gate against a Blair team loaded with size and talent. The matchup was an excellent way to open up the NJ Hoop Recruit Tip Off Showcase at Roselle Catholic and was GSBR's JD Core Training North Jersey Game Of The Day

The opening quarter saw the teams trade baskets with excellent ball movement. In spite of a tight defensive contest, it was Blair’s rising star, Deron Rippey, who provided the spark in the early going with his athleticism, scoring several baskets in the first. Blair was also able to take advantage of their size in the post as Jack Bailey and Eric Ihekwaba also added in baskets. Peyton Seals added a floating pull up off the glass as time expired for Ramapo, but Blair led 15-9 after one.

In the second, Blair continued their methodical ball movement and patient sets to find easy baskets, including for the 6’10” Bailey, who picked up an offer from the University of California yesterday. Seals hit a deep three to keep the lead to 10, but Mantegna’s between quarters speech about winning each quarter by 6 points made an impact on his team as they led at the break 27-14 after a pull jump jumper by Zach Kolaja beat the buzzer. Bailey led Blair at the break with 6, while Seals had half of the Ramapo points, with 7.

Ramapo started the third with good ball movement and cut the lead to single digits midway through the quarter after a handful of three pointers. The momentum was short lived, as to back baskets from Rippey and Bailey pushed the lead back to 11 with 3:00 to play, which is where the game would stand after the third quarter, 38-27, in favor of Blair.

Not to go quietly into the night, Ramapo kept chipping away in the fourth quarter and cut it to 39-38 after two Chris Cervino three pointers with just under 5:00 to go. Patient sets and good ball movement aided the comeback for Nick Vier’s no-quit side. Bailey created separation for Blair with a pair of baskets, including a three pointer, to push the lead back to 45-38 with 2:45 remaining. Ramapo showed a spirited push but there was a lid on the rim as time ran down. Blair held on for a well earned 51-42 win.

Case Agency Player Of The Game:

Jack Bailey, Blair.

The 6’10” junior used his size and high basketball IQ at both ends and was effective and efficient on offense. Bailey finished with 19 points and 7 rebounds to lead Blair to a hard fought team victory. High major recruit who may be the top Class of 2025 prospect in the state.

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