The energy in the Gold Gym reached a loud roar as the Lions hosted the West Morris Mendham Minutemen in a high-stakes showdown that saw the visiting Minutemen pull away for a 40-25 victory.
The Opening Tip and Early Dominance:
The Minutemen started the game with a “run and gun” mentality, quickly establishing a 14-6 lead by the end of the first quarter. Patrick (Sultan of Swish) Migliaccio: 18 points (Minutemen) was absolutely unconscious from the floor, leading the scoring charge for the visitors. He found support from Jake (S-Train) Sicknick: 15 rebounds (Minutemen), who lived up to his nickname by barreling through the lane for tough finishes at the rim.
Despite the early deficit, the home crowd kept the Lions energized as they tightened their defense in the second quarter, heading into the locker room down 18-10 at halftime.
Lions Roar Back in the Third:
The Lions found their groove after the break, displaying a “never-say-die” attitude that brought the score to 26-18 by the end of the third frame. Maria (Storm) Sousa: 8 points, 2 rebounds (Lion) provided a whirlwind of energy on both ends of the court. She was joined by Aiden (Junk Yard Dog) Stinson: 6 points (Lion) and Brooke Ruiz: 6 points (Lion), both of whom displayed incredible grit in the paint to keep the Lions within striking distance.
Minutemen Close It Out:
In the final quarter, the Minutemen’s depth proved to be the difference maker as they “cleaned the glass” and secured second-chance opportunities. Nicholas (Big Nasty) Migliaccio: 6 points, 5 rebounds, 1 steal (Minutemen) and Eliana (Shake n Bake) Migliaccio: 6 points, 4 rebounds (Minutemen) dominated the interior. Gabe (The Mail Man) Moschen: 4 points (Minutemen) delivered in the clutch, while Trevor (Primetime) Jenson: 3 rebounds (Minutemen) added a critical bucket to help ice the game.
Full Roster Contributions:
The Minutemen’s balanced offensive attack also saw Sarah (The Big Ticket) Eng: 2 points, 1 rebound (Minutemen), Simon (Runaway Train) Albert: 2 rebounds (Minutemen), Charlie (Air Jordan) Gembala: 2 points, 2 rebounds (Minutemen), and Drew (Cool Hand Hoops) Jenson: 2 points, 5 rebounds (Minutemen) contribute to the final tally, along with Cassidy (Buzzer Beater) Linehan: 1 rebound (Minutemen).
The Lions fought hard until the final whistle with contributions from Meredith Nuzzo: 4 rebounds (Lion), Jessy Sell: 4 rebounds (Lion), and Sean (Shaq Diesel) Pettegrove: 4 points (Lion). Rounding out the Lions’ scoring efforts were Bettina (Bat Girl) Manasseri-Castro: 3 points (Lion), Marisol Moreno: 2 rebounds, 1 steal (Lion), Amber Wronski: 2 rebounds (Lion), Sarabeth Bradley: 2 rebounds (Lion), Molly Cokeley: 2 rebounds (Lion), Elsa Boyer: 2 rebounds (Lion), and Will (The Big Deal) Acosta: 2 points (Lion).
A total of six Lions players added icing on the cake including Sylivia Buccini: 1 steal (Lion), Lucy Sklar: 1 rebound (Lion), Andrew Baucom: 1 rebound (Lion), Sophia Moushon: 1 steal (Lion), Ashley Olsen: 1 rebound (Lion), and Aliya (A-Train) Bello: 1 rebound (Lion). Colin (Rewind the Tape) Tran: 2 points, 2 rebounds, 2 steals (Lion) also provided a defensive spark for the home team.
Thanks to Marielle (Swallow the whistle) Thorsen for refereeing a great game; medical coverage by Kristen (Ice Queen) Mandicz and scoreboard operations by Ellen (Broadway Show) Anderson.
Be sure to come out February 3rd to see the Lions face off against the Tigers of Hackettstown at 4:00pm at the Lions Den!
