By, Jake Karp

Cedar Grove is enjoying its best season since 2013 after rolling through Newark Lab 56-33. The Panthers have won 14 of their last 15 games and remain undefeated in the SEC’s National Division.  

Despite the outcome, the Panthers started off lackadaisical, allowing Newark Lab to capitalize on the opportunity. With scrappy play and strong hustle, Newark Lab managed to keep the score tied for the first period. The Sharks were led by junior Khayere Hurd, who finished with a team-high 10 points and Zaire Pearson, who contributed 6.

Cedar Grove tightened up defensively entering the second period and found their offensive rythym after a fast-break dunk by Jermaine Russell, which sent the Panther bench into a frenzy and created the spark for the squad. This was the first of two slams for the 5’11 junior during the win.

Cedar Grove didn’t look back from then on piling on the fast break opportunities and cashing in on several three-point tries. Both Nick Russo and Jermaine Russell carried huge offensive loads for the Panthers, combining for 40. Senior Nick Chen, Owen Greene, and Matthew Kuilan also played as major sparkplugs on both the offensive and defensive ends for the Panthers.

“We have 100% motivation to go into the playoffs and get a big win,” Panthers Russell said after the game looking ahead to the NJSIAA playoffs, who dropped 19 in the lopsided victory.

Cedar Grove currently sits at 17-4 and 3rd in the SEC and have their sights set on a deep run in the NJSIAA Tournament, where they havent advanced past the quarterfinal round since 2013. The Panthers are coached by TJ Jones who’s in his 9th year at the helm.

Newark Lab, who is only in their 6th year of existence and 4th basketball season, are currently 3-20 and last in the SEC. Despite their struggles, the team has a brighter future ahead as they continue to become accustomed to the rigorous play within North Jersey High School Basketball and are currently led by head coach Ivan Marks.