The Blue Streaks fell behind Chatham 10-0 and shot poorly in the first half before rallying.
The Warren Hills Regional High School boys basketball team seemed to have everything stacked against them on Tuesday night.
The Blue Streaks fell behind top-seed and 19th ranked Chatham 10-0 in the NJSIAA North 2 Group 3 title game on the Cougars’ home floor.
Warren Hills missed all 13 shots from the floor in the first quarter and was a frigid 3-for-23 in the first half.
Not exactly a recipe for success, right?
Think again.
While picking up their defensive play, the Blue Streaks managed to battle back into the game.
Then Funot Woldetnsai and Johnny Bamford combined for nine points in the second overtime to lead the Blue Streaks to an improbable 52-46 victory.
It was Warren Hills’ first sectional title in school history.
“We made history tonight,” said senior forward Anthony Veneziano, who scored 10 points including the 1,000th of his career. “Warren Hills wasn’t really known for being a good basketball team. But now we get to be on the Wall of Fame in front of everybody and be remembered forever. It’s awesome.”
Warren Hills (21-6) advances to the state semifinals against North 1 Group 3 champion Teaneck at 8 p.m. Thursday at East Orange High School.
“Unbelievable,” Warren Hills coach Stan Kubbishun said. “We challenged them to play tough defense and they dug in. It’s a testament the kids, man. They dug in and played hard. I couldn’t be prouder of this bunch of kids.”
Bamford tossed in a game-high 20 points for the Blue Streaks and Woldetnsai finished with 15, including four 3-pointers, and a game-high 11 rebounds.
“I knew we needed lot of clutch shots because we were down early,” said Woldetnsai, who was forced to sit out the first 30 days of the season after transferring back from Pope John. “I shot the ball with no hesitation, no worries. I just saw the ball go in before it went in. I really felt confident.”
“Funot was huge for us,” Bamford said. “I’m so happy he came back (to Warren Hills).”
Despite trailing 23-16 at halftime, Bamford felt his team had the Pioneers (28-2) right where they wanted them.
“All four years I’ve been here we’ve been a second half team,” Bamford said. “Something just clicks and it kicks in. We’re a whole different team. It’s scary for us but then when we come out of the locker room it’s scary for the other team.”
Chatham hit its first four shots from the floor in surging to the quick 10-0 lead. Warren Hills then played lockdown defense to make the Pioneers work for everything they got the rest of the way.
“We played great defense all-around,” Woldetnsai said. “We’re a great team. Chatham’s a great team too. We just played great.”
Bamford is excited for the opportunity to play at least one more game.
“I just couldn’t be more grateful,” he said.
Tom Hinkel may be reached at thinkel@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHinkelLV. Find Lehigh Valley high school sports on Facebook
Tom Hinkel may be reached at thinkel@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @TomHinkelLV. Find Lehigh Valley high sool sports on Facebook