LYNDHURST, NJ - The options: There was a game to be officiated at 5:30. Notre Dame-St.John's men at MSG ? No, given the time I am finished officiating, traffic will probably be insufferable. Marquette-Seton Hall in South Orange? Saw the Hall and will be back.
The choice: Secaucus at Lyndhurst High School. The home town team, Lyndhurst, having a solid 4-1 season in conference. The opposition, 5-0 conference leaders Secaucus with a young but impressive group. And, on the sidelines the very capable, and sometimes animated John Sterling of Secaucus facing Perrin Mosca, who has done a great job in his short tenure at Lyndhurst.
Ultimately, Secaucus emerged victorious 56-34 in a game as the Lady Patriots fashioned a second half run fueled by forcing turnovers and finding the range from the perimeter. Regardless of the score, both teams competed gamely from tip to buzzer. It was everything high school basketball, and sports, should be about. And I didn't mind paying the $3 admission one bit.