MONTVALE, NJ: UHoops Tips Off in North Jersey

UHoops is officially underway in Montvale, New Jersey. The Winter League debuted on February 12 with three competitive games and a promising outlook for the coming season.

First on the slate was a matchup between Team Justin and Team Rob. While Team Rob did all it could to hang around until the end, Team Justin built an early lead that was just too much to overcome. In their 45-37 victory, Anthony Romano led a front line that dominated on the boards. Justin Leon and Jesse Joudanin each reached double figures while also chipping in on the glass. Team Rob outshot Justin from three-point range, but it was simply not enough in the end. Brian Weinberger, Nick Licameli and Robert Buonanno provided the majority of the scoring in the losing effort.

An immediate surprise came out of the night’s second contest between Team Bryan and Team Randy. While the group had little experience playing with one another, Bryan’s “free agent” club jumped out to a 29-13 halftime lead and never looked back. Eight players logged at least 25 minutes apiece and an efficient scoring attack led by Tom Alexiou, Marty Fanizzi and Max Gordan made all the difference. Team Randy never seemed to get into a good offensive rhythm, as evidenced by leading scorer Alex Benisatto, who made just three of his eleven shots. While Team Randy made a second half push, they were only able to make up half the deficit, falling 42-34.

The night ended with arguably the most exciting and intense contest of the three. In the 55-53 final, Team Brett outscored Team Brian by a single point in each half. A short-handed Brian squad didn’t seem to be affected by fatigue. Rob Cohan had five assists to go along with his eight points on minimal shot attempts. Ethan Brodsky and Sam Katz combined to shoot over 50% while each hitting double-figures, and Joe Birnie Jr. went 3 for 3 from 3-point range. Nevertheless, Team Brett was able to hold on thanks to a strong second half by Akeem Atanda, who led all scorers with 14. Joe Cothron and John Cotton also chipped in with a combined 21 points and 7 rebounds.