Bridgewater Boys Fall to Elizabeth in Sectional Final

Panthers mount comeback, but lose in final seconds.

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys basketball team made it to the finals of the NJSIAA North 2, Group IV championship hosting Elizabeth Tuesday. Bridgewater fell behind Elizabeth in the second period and went into the half down 33-22.  When Elizabeth came out in a zone defense for the third period, the Panthers mounted a comeback and outscored their opponents 17-7 in the period, narrowing the lead to 40-39. Leading the charge were Stevie Danyluk with eight points, including a pair of 3-pointers, and Robbie Myers who added seven points. IN SHORT In the fourth quarter, Elizabeth showed why it was a pre-tournament favorite to win the title.  "I give a lot of credit to Elizabeth and their speed and pressure making things difficult for us…

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Boys Basketball Wins Quarterfinal Round

The team advances in the NJSIAA Tournament.

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys basketball team defeated Piscataway, 55-47, in the NJSIAA Tournament, Quarterfinal Round Thursday. The team will play Hillsborough Saturday at Hillsborough High School at 1 p.m.

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Vitello's 30 Points Can't Stop Panthers Loss

Bridgewater loses 88-72 in Saturday's county finals game.

The Bridgwater-Raritan High School boys basketball team met Gill St. Bernard's at Franklin High School Saturday to determine the Somerset County Basketball Championship. The Panthers stuck with the Knights through three quarters, but fell in the end, 88-72. IN SHORT The Panthers came roaring out to start the game, and took a four-point lead in the first quarter. Gill center Dominic Hoffman got three fouls in the first period and was relegated to the bench for the second quarter, helping Bridgewater to stay just a point down going into the half. But Hoffman's return after the break spelled trouble for the Panthers, as he scored 10 of his 14 points in the third period. And it would be all Gill St. Bernard's in the fourth period. Getting …

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VIDEO: Coach Preps Basketball Team for Title Game

McAteer talks about his career, his team and the season.

Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys head basketball coach Gene McAteer talks about his coaching career, his team, the "Zoo Crew" and the season on the eve of the county championships and state playoffs. The team will play Gill Saint Bernard's in the county championship Saturday at Franklin High School at 3 p.m.

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'Lucky Bounce' Propels Bridgewater Into Final

Panthers advance to county championship after Rutgers Prep tips ball into own basket.

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys basketball team advanced to the Somerset County Tournament championship after a Rutgers Prep defender deflected a Dom Pace shot into the basket in the final seconds of the Panthers' 54-53 overtime victory Saturday in Bridgewater.   "Me and Eric (Murdock), we made eye contact as he came off the screen.  And (Levi) Holmes, the kid who was guarding me, turned his head and reacted as the ball was coming to me and I see his hand go up and tip the ball," Pace said. "I went from the lowest of low to pure shock. I just couldn't believe it." Second-seeded Bridgewater faces No. 1 Gil Saint Bernards, which beat Hillsborough 78-52 in the other semifinal, in the championship game next Saturday at Franklin at 3 p…

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Danyluk Scores 21 Points Despite Panthers Loss

Panthers battle, but fall short against Gill St. Bernard's Tuesday.

The atmosphere was comparable to that of a heated playoff game, the contest was intense and physical. In the end, only one team could win the boys basketball shootout between Gill St. Bernard’s and Bridgewater-Raritan Tuesday. Gill St. Bernard’s had the last laugh. Steve Danyluk led the Panthers with 21 points and Bridgewater-Raritan rallied back from a double-digit deficit in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to stop the Knights of Gill St. Bernard’s, who took the game by a 65-61 margin. “Gill St. Bernard’s is an excellent high school basketball team," said Panthers head coach Gene McAteer. "They’re highly thought-of for a very good reason. They have excellent players, a good, strong team and I’m just really proud of our boys for the …

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Panthers Celebrate Senior Night, Lose to Hillsborough

In a close game, Raiders' big fourth quarter leads the way.

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys basketball team hosted Hillsborough Thursday night. The Panthers celebrated their senior night before the game, introducing cheerleaders, basketball players and their parents, but unfortunately fell to Hillsborough, 51-43. IN SHORT After the first half of action, the half-time score was a 15-15 tie. Strong defense and weak shooting by both teams made for a less-than-exciting game. But coming out of the break, two different teams took the floor. Bridgewater played with more flair, and Hillsborough was more open as the two teams doubled their half-time scores in the third period. Both teams kept it close and, in the fourth period, Robbie Myers scored and was fouled with the score again tied at 43 all—…

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Today's Athletes, Tomorrow's Stars

Motivated Solomon Playing Major Role For Panthers

The senior is using the past football season to fuel his final basketball season.

The 2011 football season was a disappointing one for the Bridgewater-Raritan Panthers, who finished 2-8 on the season, but won the final game, 41-12, over Fair Lawn on Nov. 11. For many of the seniors on the team, it was their last chance to compete athletically at the high school level. But wide receiver Isaiah Solomon is now making the most of his final basketball season for the Panthers, currently playing a big role on the team. Last week, Solomon had one of his most consistent weeks for the Panthers, who are now 13-2 on the season. After a 14-point performance in a win against Hunterdon Central on Jan. 19, he notched nine, nine and eight in games against Immaculata, North Hunterdon and Bloomfield, respectively. Solomon has filled a “…

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This Week on Patch

Teachers to Rally During Mediation Session

Looking for a story this week? Check out this handy guide.

Every Monday, we will bring you a little look ahead at a few of the stories that are on tap for Bridgewater Patch over the next seven days.  We’ll provide the day a story is scheduled to post on the site so you can be sure to check back on that date to read about all the news you want to know. Don’t see the story you’re looking for? Ask about it in the comments below! Wednesday Thursday Friday

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Special K

5:29 pm on Monday, January 30, 2012

The teachers involved in mediation should keep their place(s) at the table. A rally in view of the public will not there by make them more able to win-- for their cause-- admiration, but will diminish the esteem in which they traditionally have been held . Public rallies by teachers are quite unprofessional.   more ›

Vitello's 17 Points Lead Panthers Over Immaculata

Bridgewater leads throughout for its 12th win.

The Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys basketball team played host to neighbor and rival Immaculata Tuesday at home.  Sal Vitello and Dom Pace both scored in double figures to lead the team to a 57-42 victory. IN SHORT Bridgewater took command in the first period and maintained the lead throughout. The Panthers were outscored by the Spartans in the third period, 12-9, but came back in the fourth with a strong 20-point performance.  PANTHER OF THE GAME Sal Vitello—Vitello was the game's high scorer with 17 points, including going 10 for 11 from the free throw line. Vitello is at 974 points and should hit 1,000 within the next few games. COACH'S TAKE "We have not played well for a full game and that's bad. Obviously, we've done some nice …

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Mike

2:07 pm on Wednesday, January 25, 2012

Come out and support BRHS boys' and girls' sports: "way" close to home (7pm game gets you home by 9pm), "mad" affordable (free parking and cheap to get in), and "fly" exciting (just look at the PATCH pics!). Bring the kids or make it a Recession Date Night (pizza, snacks, and drinks are sold), so you can spend your money on your honey instead of adding to the coffers of millionaire pros.   more ›