Boys basketball: Rutgers Prep's tough early slate paying off, tops Gill St. Bernards
PEAPACK – Rutgers Prep’s boys basketball team had been through the grinder before arriving at Gill St. Bernards Thursday night. The loaded early schedule looks like it’s paying off.
The defending Somerset County Tournament champs fell behind 21-12 early in the second quarter, made a 6-0 run to end the half to lead 34-28 on the way to a 63-53 Skyland Conference Delaware Division win.
Prep is 5-3 and 3-0 in division. Gill (6-1) had its six-game win streak snapped and fell to 2-2 in division. Prep has beaten Gill three-straight since losing at Gill last Jan. 5.
Rutgers Prep coach Scott Bloom prepared his team for the possibility of unusual twists and turns impacting the game. Last season, junior Myles Parker had two points when Gill stunned Rutgers Prep on graduated Knights’ star Nick Losada’s three-point buzzer-beater.
Both teams lost quite a bit to graduation, so the rivalry between two perennial Somerset County Tournament title contenders is still new for young players.
“Every season is different, even if you return all your guys,” Bloom said. “This year, especially, with so many new faces and so much inexperience. Even talking to them about the Gill rivalry, they don’t know about it. I feel it, but they’re just happy to be out there and enjoying the opportunity. For me as a coach, there is a lot more teaching and I have to be more patient, but it’s a wonderful group of kids to work with.”
Parker added, “This is new for me. I have been here three years and ever since it’s been a heavy senior, junior team. We have a lot to learn. But I’m excited about where this team could go.”Gill St. Bernards scored the first eight points of the night. Prep eventually tied it at 12-12, but then Gill St. Bernard with a 9-0 run.Prep took control and eventually took over.
This article originally appeared on MyCentralJersey.com: NJ boys basketball: Rutgers Prep tops Gill St. Bernards
