Despite being the Somerset County Tournament’s top seed, Gill St. Bernard’s had no small task ahead in the semifinal round against fourth-seeded Ridge.
The Red Devils brought a tough, physical matchup, but the Knights converted late in the fourth quarter and executed at a high level offensively to take down Ridge 56-45 and advance to the championship. Despite what was a near-wire-to-wire win, Gill St. Bernard’s gutted out a win after leading by only four points going into the fourth quarter.
While not the most consistent offensive output, the Knights (19-4) got key contributions to spark scoring runs and cushion the lead. In the second and third quarters, it was senior guard Kobe Closeil, who scored eight points in the second quarter to help Gill build a seven-point halftime lead.
In the fourth quarter, it was junior forward Prosper Highlander, who also scored eight of his own in the final frame. Highlander got multiple open looks at the rim late in the game as the Knights’ guards broke Ridge’s fullcourt press.
The Red Devils (17-6) did gain a lead early and stayed in the game thanks to hard-nosed defense and tough shotmaking led by upperclassmen guards Luke Kreitz and Sidd Narayanabhatla, who each finished with double-digit points.
Gill’s press break opened up a lot of driving lanes and easy layup opportunities at the rim, as the Knights took the game from a one-possession difference to double-digits late. Freshman guard Connor Junker and sophomore forward Kieran Quinn hit big free throws late to seal it for Gill.
The Knights will face off against third-seeded Rutgers, who defeated second-seeded Montgomery, in the championship game set for next Saturday at Montgomery High School. The game will tip off at 3pm, following the girls’ final between top-seed Gill St. Bernard’s and third-seed Hillsborough.
Click below for postgame reaction with Gill St. Bernard’s Prosper Highlander and head coach Mergin Sina, presented by the Sportsplex at Metuchen:
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