the staff of the Ridgewood blog
Ridgewood NJ, during Friday’s North 1, Group 4 sectional final, Johnny Jackson faced a rough start, scoring only two points by halftime. However, the second half transformed into a memorable night for him.
“It was tough,” Jackson admitted. “But I had to refocus and give my best for the team in the second half.”
With an impressive turnaround, the junior scored 18 of his 20 points in the latter half, propelling Ridgewood to a remarkable 57-54 victory over East Orange.
Coach Mike Troy commended the team’s resilience, especially the role players who stepped up when needed. Despite initial struggles, Jackson’s late-game heroics proved pivotal.
Trailing by as much as 12 in the first quarter, Ridgewood rallied, sparked by Tyler Nesland’s buzzer-beating three-pointer. This energized the team, leading to a crucial 14-0 run that saw them take the lead for the first time.
Nesland’s performance, along with Jackson’s surge in the third quarter, kept Ridgewood in contention. In the final minutes, senior Evan O’Reilly’s clutch three-pointer secured the win.
The victory marked Ridgewood’s second title in three years, a testament to their perseverance through close playoff games. Coach Troy credited the supportive crowd, whose energy proved instrumental in the team’s success.
Reflecting on their journey, Troy emphasized the growth gained from overcoming challenges. For players like Jackson, it’s a gratifying experience to contribute to Ridgewood’s legacy of success.
“It’s been an incredible journey,” Jackson expressed. “Despite the rough start, ending with a win feels truly special.”
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