By: Kyle Moylan Sports Editor
The Northern Burlington High School girls basketball team defeated Notre Dame, 55-37, in a CVC/BCSL Challenge game on Saturday.
This was part of a series of games that matched teams from the Colonial Valley Conference (primarily squads from Mercer County) against those from the Burlington County Scholastic League.
Even with Notre Dame finishing strong, this was an easy win for Northern Burlington, which led 12-6 after the first quarter, 34-16 at the half and 50-22 after three quarters.
“We were thrilled to play so well today,” Northern Burlington Coach Brad Campbell said. “Having Shannon Dolan out really affected our rotation, but some other kids really stepped up.”
Northern Burlington was scheduled to play Bordentown on Wednesday. Northern Burlington will play at Florence today (Thursday) at 6:15 p.m. Northern Burlington will play at Pemberton on Saturday in an 11:30 a.m. start. Northern Burlington will host Steinert on Tuesday at 6:30 p.m.
Northern Burlington is the eighth seed in the Central Jersey Group II state playoffs and will host Princeton on March 1.
“What an honor and tribute for these seniors to get a home playoff game,” Campbell said. “I am sure the community will really rally to support us. I hope we can keep improving between now and March.”
BOYS HOOPS
The Northern Burlington High School boys basketball team was defeated by Rancocas Valley, 55-38, on Friday.
Cory Cort (eight points), Jeremy Schulkin (seven points), Ryan Walsh (six points), Alex Irvin (five points), Boomer Walton (four points), Joey Montovo (four points), Fred Young (two points) and Eric Pearson (two points) did the scoring for Northern Burlington.
Northern Burlington lost to Hopewell, 62-51, in a CVC/BCSL Challenge game this past Saturday.
This contest was part of a series of games that matched the teams from the Colonial Valley Conference against those from the Burlington County Scholastic League.
Northern Burlington trailed just 9-8 after the first quarter and 24-22 at the half.
Jeremy Schulkin (13 points) Cory Cort (10 points), Boomer Walton (nine points), Carlos Cruz (seven points), Eric Pearson (six points), Ryan Walsh (four points) and Joey Montovo (two points) did the scoring for Northern Burlington.
Northern Burlington was scheduled to play Pemberton on Tuesday. Northern Burlington will play at Florence today (Thursday) at 5 p.m. Northern Burlington will play at New Egypt on Saturday in a 1 p.m. start. Northern Burlington will host Bordentown on Wednesday at 5:30 p.m.
BOWLING
While neither of the Northern Burlington bowling teams advanced on to the state championships, Justin Howarth made it as an individual.
Howarth bowled a 719 series while competing at the South Jersey Group III sectionals this past week. That score earned Howarth a spot in the state individuals championships, which were held this past Wednesday.
“He was real focused,” Northern Burlington Coach Ed Del Russo said. “If he had a bad shot, he shook it off immediately. If he bowls like that in the states, he has a chance.”
The top two teams from each section advances on to the overall Group III finals, which were held this past Monday. The Northern Burlington girls placed eighth.
“I don’t know how much more we could expect against that competition,” Del Russo said. “We were up against really stiff competition (which included the champions from Brick).”
Kayla Pullen had a 520 series for Northern Burlington.
On Tuesday, Feb. 9 both of the Northern Burlington bowling teams competed in the Burlington County Open.
The Northern Burlington girls placed fourth.
Kayla Pullen had a 470 series and was rewarded for third highest game (197). Ahnnalisa Regi had a 430 series.
“I thought we had a chance to come in a little higher, but I can’t complain based on how well the other teams bowled,” Del Russo said.
The Bordentown boys placed eighth in the BC Open.
Jacob Wainwright had a 580 series for Northern Burlington.
WRESTLING
The Northern Burlington High School wrestling team defeated Willingboro, Middletown Township and Egg Harbor during quad meet action this past Saturday.
Northern Burlington defeated Willingboro, 43-16.
Cody Melton (285), John Ferrell (112), Severo Cardenas (125) and Kam Sing (130) won by pin. Billy Stout (171) won by injury default. Josh Jones (140) won by major decision. Mike Owens (152), John Rafferty (160) and Nick Kapsimalis (189) won by decision.
Northern Burlington defeated Middletown Township, 51-19.
Gene Simpson (119), Wayne Stinson (135), Josh Jones (140), Harley Palyok (145), Mike Owens (152) and Cody Melton (285) won by pin. John Ferrell (112), Harvey Sing (125) and Kam Singh (130) won by major decision. Billy Stout (171) won by decision.
Northern Burlington edged Egg Harbor, 39-37.
Kam Singh (130), Wayne Stinson (135), Josh Jones (140), Harley Palyon (145), Mike Owens (152) and Cody Melton (285) won by pin. Harvey Singh (125) won by decision.
Northern Burlington will take part in the District 25 Tournament this Friday and Saturday. The top three wrestlers in each of the 14 weight classes will advance on to the Region 7 Tournament, which will be hosted by Robbinsville. The winners advance into the quarterfinal round, which will be held on Friday. Those placing second or third need a win on Tuesday to extend their seasons.
