By Andy Loigu

Gavin Lopez led the Hackettstown boys basketball team to a 43-41 win over the Jefferson Falcons with 11 points and five rebounds on January 28. It was a true team win for the Tigers with each starter making a tangible contribution.

Sean Hall scored six points and contributed six assists to the offense. Kolton Maney and Troy Strelec also had six-point games. Owen Fryer scored five points and assisted on two buckets, as Hackettstown improved its record to 9-5.

Once again veteran coach Mike McDonagh has assembled a winner in Tigertown.

One way he builds a strong team is to give the guys some challenging competition on the road. “You never learn anything by playing against cupcakes,” he says regarding scheduling. This year the Tigers played in a holiday tournament in Newark and took third place. They also made a trip to Florida to play some of the best teams the Sunshine State has to offer.

Off the court, he gives his players opportunities to get involved in charitable activities, which strengthens the bond between the team and the town.

In the upcoming Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament, the Tigers are seeded seventh. Warren County teams Phillipsburg and Warren Hills, both bigger schools enrollment wise, are seeded first and fifth respectively.

The Tigers will play their spirited annual neighborhood rivalry game against the Blue Streaks at 7 pm at Warren Hills on February 17. They may be an underdog, but they will be scrappy and will play as a unit,

Ladies and gentlemen, Elvis has left the building.