By: Redd E. Patrick
As A.J. Rudowitz goes, so does the Monroe High School boys basketball team.
When the 6-4 sophomore sensation pumped in 38 vs. Woodbridge last week, the Falcons were able to hang in before dropping a heartbreaking 68-66 loss in triple overtime.
The loss demoralized the 2-14 Falcons as they went on to lose to Bishop Ahr (60-32), North Brunswick (49-38) and John F. Kennedy (55-27) before taking on Sayreville Wednesday night.
Although Sayreville improved its record to 11-4 with a 65-50 victory, the Falcons fell behind by 20 in the second half, but were able to battle back and not make it a blowout.
That was due to Rudowitz, who finished with 28 points, 12 rebounds, three steals, three rebounds and three blocked shots. Rudowitz shot 13-for-20 from the field. He is now averaging 21.8 points per game.
"There’s not much more you can say about A.J." Monroe coach Pete LoPresti said. "He does it all for us. Defenses are designed to stop him, but he works so hard out there and he’s just been outstanding for us. He is one of the very best players in the GMC."
With Rudowitz scoring 15 of his team’s 19 points in the opening half, the Falcons trailed Sayreville 35-19 at the break. The Bombers increased their lead to 46-29 after three and by 20 early in the fourth quarter.
Behind Rudowitz’ all-around play, Monroe showed life and cut the margin to 13 before the Bombers were able to pull away.
"We did some good things," LoPresti said. "We could have folded, but the kids kept playing hard and they didn’t give up. It’s been a tough season for them, so that was good to see."
Junior guard Kevin Rolland chipped in with seven points for the Falcons.
In the JFK game, Monroe could never get untracked as it scored a season-low 27. Rudowitz was held to a season-low 13. In the North Brunswick game, the Falcons were able to play tough to the end. Rudowitz had 20 in that one.
The Falcons are still having trouble finding other consistent scoring options as no player has scored in double figures since the Woodbridge game. And, since hitting four 3-pointers as a team vs. Allentown, the Falcons have a grand total of seven 3’s in their last six games.
"We still have several problem areas," LoPresti said. "But the kids haven’t given up, they are still working."
