Hillsborough vs. Plainfield Semi Finals of the State Sectional Tournament

On a scale of 10, the Cardinals played an 8.7. The Cardinals quickness and sharp shooting gave Plainfield the advantage over the Raiders of Hillsborough. The Raiders Kyle Banfield scored on multiple nifty moves, but it was not enough. Hillsborough could not get into any long stretch of offensive consistency. This may be the result of the defensive efforts of Mike Price. Nate Grant-Dewitt and Tyrone Johnson eased the deep rooted zone defensive strategy the Raiders came into the finals with. Nate and Tyrone connected for 5 from beyond the arc to loosen up the zone defense. The super sophomores of Sears, Lane, and Allen-Jordan then penetrated the new founded open lanes to open the game up and seal the victory. PLAINFIELD BACK TO BACK GROUP IV SECT II STATE CHAMPS!!!!

The Plainfield Fanatic Efficient 5 for the game
1) Plainfield – Junior Tyrone Johnson – 6’3” {ER – 29}
Johnson continues to increase his scoring production as the Cards get further along in the NJSIAA state playoffs. Johnson scored a game high 23 points shooting 75% below the arc, 60% from beyond the arc, and 100% from the free throw line. Johnson also had 5 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 steals.

2) Plainfield – Senior Mike Price – 6’2” {ER – 21}
Price gave a season high efficiency performance. Price continues his outstanding defensive efforts. Price has my vote for one of the top 5 defenders in the state. Price had a game high tying 4 steals (Justin Sears also with 4 steals) and a game high tying 2 rejections (Justin Sears also with 2 rejections). Price rejection of a shot that was pinned near the top of the box on the back board in the 4th period culminated an outstanding 32 minutes of defense. Mike also dropped off a game high 7 assists and shot 100% below the arc to cap off an outstanding "The Price is Right" night.

3) Plainfield – Sophomore Justin Sears – 6’7” {ER – 17}
Sears has just announced a hostile take over the interior paint industry. Justin controlled the paint by grabbing a game high 6 rebounds and rejecting a game high (along with Mike Price) 2 shots.

4) Plainfield – Senior Nate Grant-Dewitt – 6’5” {ER – 13}
Dr. Zone Buster extended his office hours in which he dissected a crack in the Raiders zone for 2 consecutive 3 point bombs. Dr. Buster showed that his area of specialty is not only from deep but Nate has expanded his practice down low by connecting 3 of 3 shots below the arc.

5) Hillsborough – Senior Kyle Banfield – 6’5” {ER – 12}
His size, 240lbs plus, fooled the Cardinals. Banfield showed very good quickness, mobility, and an array of moves to carve the Cardinal defense. Banfield shot 75% from the floor (6 for 8) to lead the Raiders in scoring.


The efficiency rating is base on points scored, shooting accuracy, foul shooting accuracy, rebounds, assists, steals, defensive intensity, and assist – turnover ratio.