The Delbarton Middle School basketball team captured its second consecutive GMJSCA Tournament championship with a thrilling 40-33 victory over top-seeded Rockaway Boro Middle School this past Saturday at McKinnon School.

Facing a highly touted Rockaway Boro squad, which featured one of the top middle school players in the area, Delbarton found itself in an early hole. Rockaway Boro came out strong, surging to a 13-2 lead by the end of the first quarter. However, Delbarton responded with a dominant second quarter, fueled by a swarming zone defense and clutch three-point shooting from Sean Curtis. The Green Wave held Rockaway Boro to just three points in the period, trimming the deficit and shifting momentum heading into halftime.

The second half saw more of the same defensive intensity from Delbarton. Their pressure and transition play created scoring opportunities, while Hunter Riley emerged as an offensive force, knocking down mid-range jumpers and facilitating the offense against Rockaway Boro's zone. Delbarton entered the fourth quarter with a six-point lead and continued to battle on both ends of the court.

Alex Castellano delivered a standout performance down the stretch, making key plays on both offense and defense while knocking down crucial free throws to maintain Delbarton's advantage. As the final buzzer sounded, the team erupted in celebration, storming the court to cap off a hard-fought championship victory.

With this win, Delbarton's eighth-grade core celebrated its back-to-back GMJSCA titles. The championship run showcased the team's resilience, defensive prowess, and ability to rise to the occasion when it mattered most.  The basketball program certainly has a lot to look forward to as our eighth graders move up to the freshman squad next year.