The Delbarton basketball team showcased grit and determination during the JP Flynn Tournament, finishing with a 2-1 record after a tough opening-round loss. The Green Wave rebounded from their initial setback to secure back-to-back victories, demonstrating growth and resilience.
Opening Round: Madison 71, Delbarton 61
Delbarton's tournament began with a challenging matchup against Madison, where they fell 71-61. Despite the loss, standout performances from Patrick Mahoney and Luke Azzinaro kept the Green Wave competitive. Madison's consistent offensive pressure proved difficult to overcome, leaving Delbarton eager to bounce back in the consolation rounds.
Second Game: Delbarton 76, West Morris 75 (OT)
In one of the most thrilling games of the tournament, Delbarton edged West Morris 76-75 in overtime to claim their first win of the tournament. The Green Wave overcame a fourth-quarter scoring drought, fueled by Patrick Mahoney's dominant performance. Mahoney led all scorers with 25 points, adding 19 rebounds and four assists, showcasing his versatility.
Luke Azzinaro contributed with 12 points and a team-high eight assists, while Gunther Neumann added 14 points, six rebounds, and two steals. Clutch free-throw shooting from Lucas Cardinale in overtime helped seal the victory. The game was a true team effort, as the Green Wave's resilience and ability to perform under pressure earned them a hard-fought win.
Final Game: Delbarton 60, Vernon 39
Delbarton closed out the tournament in commanding fashion, defeating Vernon 60-39. The Green Wave's defensive intensity stifled Vernon, holding them to just 12 points in the second half. Patrick Mahoney and Austin Kolakowski led the offensive charge, each scoring 11 points, with Mahoney connecting on three three-pointers.
Luke Azzinaro added 13 points, while the duo of Stephen Kmetz and Gunther Neumann chipped in seven points apiece. Delbarton's balanced scoring and relentless defensive effort highlighted their growth throughout the tournament.
Tournament Takeaways
The JP Flynn Tournament provided Delbarton with valuable experience and showcased the team's ability to adapt and respond to adversity. With a 4-3 record, the Green Wave look to carry the momentum from their strong finish into the next phase of the season.
Up next, Delbarton will focus on refining their consistency as they prepare for the challenges ahead in conference play.
