The VHS Hillbillies defeated Shabazz on Thursday night in an exciting game, 45-39. The Hillbillies, who lost to Shabazz earlier in the season, came back from multiple deficits to win the game.
Charlie Matta started the action for the Hillbillies when he made the Field Goal of the game to give the Hillbillies the early lead. Shabazz was scoreless for the first three minutes of the first quarter, shooting zero percent from beyond the arc and from the field. They also had some early foul trouble. Shabazz fouled Will Mulderry when he drove to the hoop. Mulderry made both from the line, giving VHS the lead 4-0.
Shabazz come down the court and hit a outside shot to pull with in one. Then it was Mulderry who was fouled again. He made both from the line to give the Hillbillies a one-point lead, 6-5 at the end of the first quarter.
In the second quarter, Shabazz was able to control their fouling and make and take the three. With the first half almost over, Shabazz was leading 21-17. Shabazz was able to hold on to the ball for a final shot at the buzzer, which went in and was counted as a two-point shot. The Hillbillies went into the locker room down by six, 23-17.
As the second half opened, Jack Farrell hit a three to pull the Hillbillies within three of the lead. Farrell was called for a foul and Shabazz made both shots from the free throw line. It was then Bill Ferrari who hit both free throws to again cut the lead down to three.
Shabazz then completed a three point play and lead 28-22 half way through the third quarter. After a Hillbilly foul, Shabazz drained another three, extending the lead to eight. Will Mulderry made both free throws and pulled the Hillbillies within six.
Then it was Jack Farrell who hit another three to get VHS within three. At the end of the third quarter the Hillbillies were within two, 34-32 Shabazz.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Mulderry was able to complete a three point play and the Hillbillies were only down by one. Verona then took back the lead after a pass to Dave Gautieri, who made the easy layup. Verona was then able to expand the lead to five.
With three minutes left, the Hillbillies led 41-38. Shabazz went to the line after being fouled by Matta, his fifth and final foul. Shabazz made the one of two and it was then Will Mulderry who came up to the big basket with 1:40 left in the game and VHS leading by four. Jack Farrell hit both of his free throws to put the Hillbillies up by six, 45-39 with less than a minute to go. Bill Ferrari then got the game-clinching rebound and the Hillbillies held on to win, 45-39.
The Hillbillies improved to a record of 5-5 (3-2). They look to continue their winning ways when they play at Montclair Kimberley Academy on Monday.
