In an exciting matchup that showcased the prowess of high school basketball talent, Ridgefield faced off against North Arlington in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 tournament. The game, held at New Milford High School, saw a standout performance from Jason Marasciulo of Ridgefield, who led his team to a 60-48 victory over North Arlington.
Marasciulo’s stellar performance included 17 points, 13 rebounds, four assists, and four steals, demonstrating his all-around skill and leadership on the court. His contributions were complemented by Frankie Walsh, who scored 21 points for Ridgefield, helping to secure the win with a dominant fourth-quarter performance. Demetrios Bardatsos and Chris Pallata also made significant contributions to the team’s success, with Bardatsos recording 10 points and 11 rebounds, while Pallata added 10 points, five assists, and four rebounds.
The game was a hard-fought battle between the two teams, with Ridgefield ultimately pulling away in the final quarter with a decisive 21-11 run. The victory advances Ridgefield to the quarterfinals, where they will face off against fourth-seeded Arts in what promises to be another thrilling matchup.
Despite a valiant effort, North Arlington was unable to overcome Ridgefield’s offensive firepower, falling to a 13-12 record for the season. The loss serves as a learning opportunity for North Arlington, who will no doubt regroup and come back stronger in future games.
As the competition heats up in the North Jersey, Section 2, Group 1 tournament, basketball fans can look forward to more exciting matchups and standout performances from talented players across the region. Stay tuned for updates and highlights as the tournament progresses, showcasing the best of high school basketball in New Jersey.
