The atmosphere was electric as the student sections echoed, amplifying the palpable pressure and escalating intensity within the WHS gym. Roars of cheers filled the gym for one of the most anticipated rivalries in New Jersey high school sports: Westfield vs. Scotch Plains-Fanwood. With SPF up by 10 points with 5 minutes left in the game, Westfield began to gain momentum. Back to back dunks from junior Zach Epp and senior Shane Sheehan erupted Westfield’s student section into cheers. Their happiness was short-lived as Westfield’s defensive fouls sent SPF into bonus shots, securing their 44-33 win over Westfield.
The matchup was the second time this season that Westfield met SPF. A week prior, the Raiders were victorious, winning 49-45, and they were keen on beating a familiar foe for the second time. The Blue Devils entered the game off of a 48-45 win against Colonia, needing to get back on track after going 2-4 in their first 6 games.
Attempt after attempt, both Westfield and SPF missed countless 3-pointers in a row to start the first quarter. The Raiders held the initial lead by 4, but were unable to keep it. Though both teams could not put up many shots, the quarter ended with Westfield in an 11-7 lead.
Off to a rough start in the second quarter, the Blue Devils allowed multiple wide-open shots from SPF. “We knew number 4 was their best shooter, and we let them have three consecutive trips in a row [for a] three,” said head coach James Mckeon. “It’s a lack of detail.” However, realizing their mistakes, Westfield cracked down on their defense, amplifying their game for the rest of the quarter. Foul after foul, less shots were put up this quarter, but more were going in. Banking on SPF’s offensive fouls, Westfield was up 20-15 just before the half. At the buzzer, the Raiders put up a layup, firing up the crowd for the rest of the game.
Beginning with possession after the half, the Raiders let it up quickly as junior Enzo Ferrero put up an easy three pointer for the Blue Devils. SPF responded with their own 3-pointer, beginning their streak. This is where the game took a turn. Banking on their three-point shots, SPF hit four in a row, ending the quarter with a 31-27 lead.
Both teams put up a good fight in the fourth quarter, but it ultimately came down to Westfield’s weakness: working together. “To become more of a solid team we have to trust each other,” said Sheehan. “We need to play for each other and work as a unit.”
The Blue Devils are set to play Union on Monday at 4 p.m. at WHS in another intense matchup.
