By Andy Loigu

Wait until next year.

An exciting 21-win season concluded for the Hackettstown Tigers’ girls basketball team with a 48-32 loss to a tough defensive unit from Madison on Tuesday night, in the North 2 Group 2 sectional championship game at “The Jungle.”

Luciana Ferrara scored 11 points for coach Ben Barnhart’s squad, which completed its season with a 21-8 record.

The first-seeded Tigers reached the final with a 49-41 overtime victory over Caldwell. Frankie Cartagena and Ferrara led the scoring parade with 16 points each. Junior Rylie Grant contributed 11 points.

It was a tough way to end the season, but the Tigers still enjoyed one heck of a season even if they did come up a little short.

Slow Start Stymies Boys Team

The Hackettstown Tigers’ boys team, coached by Mike McDonagh, wrapped up an 18-8 campaign with an 80-46 loss at top seeded Caldwell in the section final. After falling behind by scores of 22-8 and 38-17, it soon was time to “say goodnight, Gracie,” as George Burns used to say (does anyone remember who George Burns is?).

Darien Santos led the Hackettstown scorers with 21 points.

On their winning way to the final, the consistent and persistent Tigers scratched and clawed their way to a 54-49 overtime triumph over the determined Dodgers from Madison.

In overtime the tenacious Tigers stole the ball four times while Ethan Almeida got them roaring by scoring, registering the first five points of the extra period.

Like the girls team, the boys had a terrific season overall and much to be proud of.

Warren Hills Girls Stopped in States

The Warren Hills girls’ season ended with a 14-13 record. The curtain closed with a 62-45 loss at Chatham in the North 2 Group 3 quarterfinal round.

Maddie Morgan led the Blue Streaks with 20 points in their finale.

In the opening round, the eighth-seeded Blue Streaks had to travel to the “Lions’ Den” at North Hunterdon and came away with a win over the school where Warren Hills coach Meghan McGeehan played during her days as a student athlete.

Jaelyn Morris led the way with 14 points. Sami Schander scored 10 points and pulled down nine rebounds. Bella Soto scored 12 points and Kelly McDermott grabbed 11 rebounds in a winning effort over a team which has been the Blue Streaks’ nemesis for many years in Skyland Conference competition.

The Warren Hills boys, meanwhile, coached by Joey Bamford, struggled through a 10-17 season. But hope springs eternal. That’s why there’s always a next year.

******

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.