Wildwood closes with authority to beat Hightstown

Posted: January 7th 2024

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

WILDWOOD – In a game on Thursday against Pitman, the Wildwood High School boys basketball team held a four-point lead at the half but gave up an 8-0 run to start the second half and trailed the rest of the way en route to a 54-45 defeat.

On Saturday, the Warriors held a three-point lead over Hightstown at the break, only to see the visitors score the first eight points of the second half. Wildwood regrouped this time, however, and came away with a needed victory in a non-league contest.

After falling behind by five at 27-22 early in the third quarter, Wildwood responded with a 31-10 surge over the game’s final 13 minutes to win going away, 53-37.

Hightstown, coached by Wildwood graduate Donny DeLeo, was saddled with some foul trouble and was also missing a key player due to injury.

Still, the victory included some encouraging signs for Wildwood (6-3). Junior Hans led the way with 19 points and four steals and Jordan Fusik hit four three-pointers and chipped in 13 points in the win. Point guard Ryan Troiano did not score but produced 10 assists, seven rebounds and five steals. Brian Cunniff grabbed a game-high nine rebounds. And the Warriors got some nice production from its bench as Harley Buscham, Luke Basile and James Wyers combined for 17 points.

Hightstown (5-6) did not have a player score in double figures.

Wildwood faces a difficult week. The team is at Salem Monday before hosting Glassboro Wednesday and Gloucester Catholic Friday.