Posted: Dec 14, 2018
Following a slow start in which they found themselves down by 6 points, the Roadrunner men's basketball team woke up in a big way against visiting Ocean County College.
Paced by forward Stretch Hawkins, who pumped in 16 points and was solid again on the board, along with another 15 from guard Na'Quan McPherson, the Runners quickly regrouped and ran away with an 89-53 win.
The Runners soared to their eighth straight victory, improving to 11-2 overall and 8-1 in the conference.
The Vikings raced out to a fast 11-4 lead before Hawkins, McPherson and company took over. Hawkins netted 12 in the first half while forward Ja'Zere Noel added 9 and McPherson 7 to put the Runners into a commanding 50-24 lead by halftime.
"Ocean County has some good shooters and decent ballhandlers, so I'm not surprised they got off to a fast start," said RCGC coach Will Wareham. "But we never give up and I knew we would be back in it quickly.
The onsalught continued in the second half. Finishing in twin figures along with Hawkins and McPherson were Noel (11), D.J. Henderson (11), and Zy McCray (10), while Stan Martin and Luciano Lebrano chipped in with 8 timely points apiece.
McPherson noted afterwards the talent level currently found on this Roadrunners' roster.
"These guys might be the most talented bunch I ever played with," said the former Washington Township High star, who is averaging 15.5 points per game for the Runners this winter. "I had never played with a lot of these guys before, but they really work hard and are like family."
The Roadrunners will visit Passaic County College on Dec. 18th as they look to capture their ninth straight victory. Tip-off time is 7:30 p.m.
