By: Sean Moylan
Hightstown High boys’ varsity basketball head coach Don Hess didn’t like having more than a week off entering last night’s (Thursday’s) scheduled NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III home playoff game versus Long Branch.
His Rams needed a game to stay fresh and sharp, so Hess put out some "feelers" and an old friendly rival, Rolla Warner, who had coached at West Windsor-Plainsboro South for 20 years, came through in the clutch.
"We needed a game so we put it on the internet and he responded," added Hess of Warner, who now coaches a fine Lacey squad.
While Hightstown went on to defeat Lacey 60-51 last Friday night at Hightstown, the actual victory was as important as the Rams getting in a well-played, competitive basketball game before the state tournament, which they did.
"It was a good win. They came out on fire in the first quarter and we got down 17-8," said Hess. "But we changed defenses quite a bit and we outscored them 19-4 in the second quarter to take the lead (27-21)."
As always, Hightstown got major contributions from several players, but Tim Lawson (16 points, 8 rebounds, 3 steals and 2 assists) and Cory Smith (11 points, 3 steals) led the comeback charge.
"Timmy (Lawson) and Smith took the game over (in the second quarter)," said Hess, whose team collected 20 assists in the contest, including a dozen by point guard Mike Williston (6 points).
Bryan Mino Worth (12 points, 6 rebounds), Bobby Doughery (7 points, 4 assists) and Terrell Choice (8 points) all had big games for the Rams as well.
All season long Hightstown assistant coach Jarvis Smith has been one of the team’s unsung heroes. Smith is a brilliant scouter who can size up an opposing team’s strengths and weaknesses in a few minutes time. That talent has been has been a very valuable asset to Hess, who also receives a lot of input from Sean Meloney, the Rams’ other assistant.
"He’s got tremendous character and he has a tremendous relationship with the kids," said Hess, who credits Smith with helping build the incredible character of the Hightstown players.
You will not find a more unselfish basketball team in the CVC than Hightstown. Don’t even try. Hess, Smith and Meloney have built the ultimate "team."
The Rams were 18-5 entering last night’s scheduled playoff contest.

