CHAMPIONS!!!!!
March 28, 2010 —
Playing in their third League Championship Game in four years, the West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 staged an incredible 4th quarter rally against the Ramsey Sixers that won the Wildcats their third League Title. Trailing 38-35 with three minutes remaining, West Milford ended the game on a 12-3 run to win the game 47-41. For three and one-half quarters, the game was a low scoring, defensive chess match. Ramsey led 16-13 after one quarter, 22-19 at the half and 34-31 to start the fourth. Luke Basket got the 'Cats within one at 38-37 with just over two minutes left. After a defensive stop, Nick Lima drove the lane and threw a perfect bounce pass to TJ Dionisio to give West Milford their first lead of the game at 39-38. Lima and Basket scored again, Dillon Forsythe added two free throws and Dionisio and Liam Stewart added one each as the 'Cats defense stopped Ramsey cold on their last four possessions. The big win for the 7th seeded Wildcats gives them three League Titles in four years as they also become the first West Milford PAL boys travel team to ever win an 8th Grade League Championship. The team's record is 30-6.
West Milford Rally Falls Short In March Madness Finals
March 31, 2010 —
Trailing by 12 points in the fourth quarter to league rival Wyckoff (who the Wildcats beat in the League Playoffs last week on their way to the League Championship) the West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 rallied back to within 3 points but unfortunately ran out of time before bowing 64-59. The 'Cats got contributions from all 10 players as they donned their Wildcat Jerseys for the final time. The 'Cats, (who beat Wyckoff in the League Playoffs last week on their way to the League Championship) gladly accepted their 2nd place trophies in front of their adoring fans.
Wildcats Beat Oakland In March Madness Semi's
March 27, 2010 —
Chris McCormack made the most out of his start in the semifinals of Oakland's March Madness Tournament against the host team Oakland Braves. McCormack made three 3-point shots to open the scoring for West Milford and the 'Cats never looked back. A balanced offensive attack helped West Milford beat Oakland 64-41. The victory advanced the Wildcats into the tournament finals against Wyckoff.
West Milford Beats Clifton In League Semifinals!
March 26, 2010 —
After jumping out to a 21-8 first quarter advantage, the West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 cruised the rest of the way past Clifton Boys and Girls Club in the semifinals of the N.J.J.B.L. playoffs. Luke Basket led all scorers with 21 points for West Milford, who also got three point baskets from Dillon Forsythe, Liam Stewart, Nick Lima and Sean Hammond and a conventional three point play from Billy Mastropole. The Wildcats will play Ramsey in the League Championship Game Sunday night.
Wildcats Beat Wyckoff In League Playoffs!
March 23, 2010 —
In quarterfinal action of the N.J.J.B.L. Playoffs, the #7 seed West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 upset the #2 seed Wyckoff Rec 71-67 to advance into the semifinals. The win avenged two earlier losses to Wyckoff during the season for West Milford, as well as payback for Wyckoff knocking out West Milford in the 2009 league semifinals. The Wildcats shot the ball well all night long, starting with Dillon Forsythe's three pointer to open the scoring for the 'Cats. After trailing 11-10 after one quarter, West Milford got back on top at the half 30-27. Strong defense in the third quarter by West Milford helped them increase their lead to 44-36 entering the fourth quarter. The 'Cats quickly got their lead up to 15 points but Wyckoff would not go quietly. Trailing by 11 with just over one minute remaining, Wyckoff scored 8 points to cut the lead to three with less than one minute left. The teams traded baskets until TJ Dionisio stepped to the line with the Wildcats up 67-64 with 15 seconds remaining. Dionisio calmly made both free throws and the 'Cats were back up by 5. But Wyckoff wasn't finished. A quick three pointer cut the West Milford lead back down to 2. West Milford inbounded the ball to Luke Basket, who was fouled immediately with 7.4 seconds left. Basket made both shots and the lead was back up to four. Wyckoff pushed the ball up the floor but Liam Stewart contested a desperation three pointer that flew off the mark and West Milford survived and advanced. Nick Lima led all scorers with 26 points in the contest and West Milford connected on 24 of 30 free throws in the game.
Wildcats Win Three, Advance Into Oakland Tourney Semi's
March 21, 2010 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 went 3-0 in pool play of the Oaklnad March Madness Tournament to advance into the Final Four. In game 1, the 'Cats went up against the Ridgewood Rebels. Up by 1 point at the half, Luke Basket then went on a shooting frenzy to help West Milford knock off their opponent 63-56. Basket ended the game with a season high 30 points. In game 2, West Milford's entire team went on a scoring frenzy, running past Allendale 73-43. Liam Stewart had a season high 18 points in the contest. Game 3 was played against league rival Upper Saddle River, who had beaten the 'Cats by 17 points earlier in the season. This game was much closer throughout the entire battle. USR held a first quarter lead at 14-12. West Milford answered back with a 25-23 halftime advantage. USR then crept closer, trailing by 1 at the end of 3 at 33-32. West Milford then unleased a half-court trapping defense that stymied USR and the resulting turnovers helped the Wildcats outscore their opponent 18-8 in the final stanza, winning by the final of 51-40. The victory put West Milford into the semifinals of the tournament against Oakland Rec.
Wildcats Win Home Finale! Advance To Playoffs!
March 12, 2010 —
Playing in the final home game of their PAL Wildcats career, the 8th graders from West Milford beat Wayne Boys and Girls Club 82-63. Besides playing in their home gym for the final time, the Wildcats also had the added incentive in playing in a winner-take-all playoff-type game. Coming into the contest, West Milford, at 10-5 in league play, and Wayne B & G, at 9-6 in league play, knew the winner of the game would be the 8th and final team into the NJJBL playoffs. West Milford started the game with all guns ablazing, pressing and trapping their way to a 23-14 first quarter advantage. The high intensity defense continued for all four quarters, as the 'Cats never let up. Super Sub Sean Hammond had a terrific all around game, scoring, rebounding, trapping and diving on the floor for loose balls all night long. TJ Dionisio also capped off the home finale with 9 points, a ton of rebounds and a few blocked shots for good measure. The win capped a four year run for the Wildcats on their home court, who finished with a 43-3 record on the West Milford floor.
Wildcats Bounce Back On Basket's Bombs
March 9, 2010 —
Luke Basket made 5 three-point field goals enroute to a game high 30 points, as the West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 took the opening game of the Oakland Rec March Madness Tournament, beating the Ridgewood Rebels 63-56. The Wildcats' full court press got the team off to a fast start, taking a 20-12 first quarter lead. The Rebels cut the lead to one at the half, and trailed by 3 after 3, but the 'Cats never gave up the lead. In the fourth quarter, West Milford's half-court trap kept the lead intact as the Wildcats won 63-56.
Lost Weekend For Wildcats
March 6, 2010 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 lost back-to-back games Friday night and Saturday afternoon in NJJBL league play. On Friday night, the 'Cats played American Conference first place leaders Ridgewood Americans. The game was close throughout the hard fought contest, with West Milford hanging on to a 1 point lead after three quarters, 43-42. But the 'Cats went cold in the final stanza, scoring only 5 points as Ridgewood pulled away for the 56-48 victory. On Saturday, West Milford played Wyckoff, who is leading the Continental Conference. Just like the previous night's battle, the game remained close the entire game. At the half the game was tied at 23 and at the end of 3, Wyckoff had a slim 2 point lead. The fourth quarter went back and fourh until two free throws with 2 seconds remaining by Wyckoff iced the game at 57-53.
Wildcats Split The Weekend, Win One Lose One
February 14, 2010 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 split their two league games over the Valentines Day/Presidents Day holiday weekend. In game 1, played Friday night at the West Milford PAL, the Wildcats beat Waldwick Rec 52-41. The 'Cats jumped out to a 17-9 lead at the end of the first quarter and kept their opponents at an arms length the rest of the way to take the league victory. In game 2, played Sunday in Cliffside Park, the Wildcats sleepwalked through their first quarter as Cliffside jumped out to a 15-4 lead. The 'Cats woke up in the second quarter, playing stingy man-to-man defense and getting their offense into high gear to take a 26-21 halftime lead. The 'Cats increased their lead to 9 to start the final quarter, but Cliffside's swarming defense caused Wildcat turnovers and with 2 minutes remaining the game was tied at 50. West Milford couldn't convert in their final three possessions as Cliffside Park made two baskets to close out the game at 54-50.
Wildcats Win Second Overtime Thriller In A Row!
February 5, 2010 —
Playing in their second straight overtime game, the West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 toppled Wayne Boys and Girls Club by two, 69-67. After a back and forth start that saw West Milford take a 14-13 first quarter lead, the Wildcats strung together a 20-6 second quarter to take a 34-19 lead into the break. But Wayne B & G answered by closing the gap to 7 points to start the fourth quarter. Wayne B & G then tied the game with just under one minute remaining at 60-60. With 12 seconds remaining Brandon Depalmafarr stepped to the free throw line and calmly made both shots to give West Milford the lead, 62-60. But once again, Wayne B & G answered by scoring a layup at the buzzer to send the game into overtime. The overtime then belonged to Nick Lima who scored all 7 points for the Wildcats, enroute to his Wildcat career high of 37 points.
Komeback Kids!
January 31, 2010 —
Down 34-25 entering the fourth quarter to league rival Ridgewood American, the West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 fought their way back by outscoring their opponents 20-11 to send the game in overtime. The 'Cats then held Ridgewood to one basket in the extra stanza and won the game 51-47. Besides playing tough man-to-man team defense, the Wildcats also made 14 out of 15 free throws in the fourth quarter and overtime to steal the victory.
Wildcats Win One, Lose One
January 25, 2010 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 split their two games over the weekend, beating Ridgewood and losing to Upper Saddle River. In the first game, the Wildcats balanced scoring (7 Wildcats scored) helped them slowly increase their lead throughout the game. The 'Cats led by 5 after one quarter, led by 13 at the half and led by 21 after three, finally winning 56-35. In their second game played at Upper Saddle River, a poor start did the Wildcats in. Trailing 14-3 after the first quarter, West Milford could not overcome the sluggish start, losing the game 65-48. The Wildcats season record to date is 19-3.
Wildcats Continue Winning Ways, Win 3 of 4
January 17, 2010 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 won three of four N.J.J.B.L. games, which were played in a span of 8 days last week. Starting on Sunday, the 10th, the Wildcats beat previously unbeaten Maywood 73-53. Dillon Forsythe hit double digits (10 points) for the third time of the season in the victory. In the game, played in Maywood, the Wildcats turned a 2 point lead at the half (30-28) into a twenty point win. Game two was played Wednesday, the 13th, at rival Wayne PAL. The 'Cats struggled to score in the fourth quarter of this heated game and Wayne came out on top, 57-50. Game three was played Friday night, the 15th, at the West Milford PAL against Ramsey Rec. In this game, the Wildcats jumped out to an 11 point first quarter lead (19-8) and kept their opponent from getting much closer throughout the game, winning 68-59. The fourth game of the long week, played on Sunday the 17th, pitted the Wildcats against Franklin Lakes, whom the 'Cats have met in '08 and '09 in the League's playoffs (both close West Milford victories). The 'Cats hot shooting, including Luke Basket's 7 three pointers, was the difference in the game as West Milford won 51-37.
Wildcats Hit Century Mark
January 6, 2010 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 won thier 100th game in the team's four year history Wednesday night, beating Clifton Boys & Girls Club 73-61. After leading 41-21 at the half, the Wildcats saw their lead shrink to 8 by the middle of the third quarter. But West Milford held off the tough and fast-breaking Clifton squad the rest of the way, getting the lead back up to 12 and keeping it there for their 12 point margin of victory. The team now has a four year overall record of 100-13.
HOOPFEST THREE-PEAT!
December 27, 2009 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 won the West Milford PAL Holiday HoopFest for the third year in a row Sunday at the West Milford PAL. The Wildcats won all three of their pool play games to advance into the finals. The 'Cats began the tournament on Saturday, December 19th, by grinding out a defensive struggle over Sparta PAL 38-33. Next up the following Saturday was reigning Lakeland League champions Jefferson. After trailing by 3 at the half, West Milford went on a run midway in the second half to take the lead and held on for a 54-49 victory. The third game was played against Vernon PAL and the Wildcats hit on all cylinders to take a 62-36 win. The finals pitted the Wildcats against crosstown rival and fellow classmates Our Lady Queen of Peace from West Milford. The Wildcats held a slim 10 point lead at the half, 27-17. The second half started well for the 'Cats and stingy man-to-man defense did the rest as the Wildcats took the HoopFest Championship.
WILDCATS LOSE OT THRILLER IN BC TOURNEY FINALS
December 23, 2009 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 lost in the finals of the Bergen Catholic 8th Grade Christmas Tournament in overtime to league rival Wyckoff, 59-58 Wednesday night in BC's gym in Oradell. The championship game was played at a frantic, high intensity level as the two NJJBL rivals gave it all they had. West Milford held a one point advantage entering the fourth quarter at 37-36. The lead then changed hands all quarter long until Wyckoff went up by 3, 49-46, with 30 seconds to play. The Wildcats then hoisted up 3 potential game tying three-pointers that all missed the mark until Luke Basket finally made the fourth attempt and sent the game into overtime. The overtime was more of the same back and forth lead changes until Wyckoff went ahead for good with under 10 seconds to play. West Milford just missed winning the game on their final possession and Wyckoff had their title, 59-58.
The Wildcats advanced to the finals by winning three straight games on the Bergen Catholic hardwood. In the opener, the 'Cats beat a stubborn Haworth squad 53-50. In the quarterfinals, West Milford routed Old Tappan 70-51. The semifinals became a battle of the PALs as West Milford PAL went up against league rival Wayne PAL. The Wildcats man-to-man defense proved to be the difference in this heated matchup as West Milford advanced with a 61-53 victory.
At the conclusion of the Championship game, Luke Basket, who averaged 16 points per game in the tournament, was named to the All Tournament Team. Nick Lima, who averaged 24 points per game, was named the Tournament MVP.
Wildcats Take First Two NJJBL Games
December 18, 2009 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 won their first two league basketball games on successive Fridays in December, both of which were played at the West Milford PAL. In the first game on December 17th, the Wildcats beat Mahwah Rec 68-48. The game was close at the half, with the 'Cats holding a 30-28 advantage. The second half was much different as the West Milford defense held Mahwah to 20 total points while scoring 38 of their own. Nick Lima (23 pts) and Liam Stewart (10 pts) were the game's high scorers. In the second game, played December 18th, the Wildcats rolled to a 88-16 victory over Wayne YMHA. Sean Hammond (15 pts), Chris McCormack (10 pts) and Markey Clarke (7 pts) all had their season high point totals in the contest.
WILDCATS WIN TURKEY SHOOTOUT!
November 29, 2009 —
The West Milford PAL Wildcats-8 won the 2009 NJ Goats Turkey Shootout over the the Thanksgiving holiday weekend. It was the squad's second consecutive Turkey Shootout Championship and third Thanksgiving tournament title in three years (the Wildcats also won the Wayne PAL Thanksgiving Tournament in 2007). The 2009 tournament started with the 'Cats three scheduled pool-play games. After beating Ridgewood on Friday 42-31 and Paramus on Saturday 64-23, West Milford had to beat league rival Oakland on Sunday to advance to the semifinals. After leading Oakland by 7 points at the half, Oakland evened up the battle in the second half and tied the game at the buzzer to make it 45-45. West Milford went up 51-49 with 10 seconds to play but Oakland once again hit a buzzer beater to send the game into double overtime. West Milford scored first and held off Oakland's last chance to tie or win the game and the Wildcats advanced into the semifinals with the 53-51 double overtime thriller. In the semi's, the Wildcats went up against St. Patrick's of Middletown, New York. The Wildcats jumped out to an early 16 point lead but saw their advantage slowly disintegrate until the game was tied at 48-48 with 1:30 to play. The 'Cats defense then stopped St. Patrick's on their last three possessions while scoring twice to take the 52-48 victory. In the finals, the 'Cats once again went up against a New York squad, this time St. John's from Goshen. The finals proved to be the Wildcats best game of the tournament as the offense and defense clicked on all cylinders and the West Milford squad had their tournament title with the 57-33 victory.
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