Balance, defense lifts Delbarton to MCT Final

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RANDOLPH – As the Delbarton boys basketball team left the court after its 54-38 win over Roxbury in the Morris County Tournament semifinals they passed by West Morris and had a message for the top-seeded Wolfpack players on their way to play Randolph High.

“They told us after the game they wanted us,’’ West Morris guard Christian Cevis said. “We want them just as much as they want us’’

They will get them as the top two seeds will meet on Saturday in a 7 p.m. start at the County College of Morris. West Morris defeated Randolph 74-63 in the other semifinal.

Jerry Jabbour scored 18 points and Isaiah Washington added 13 points for the Green Wave. Trevor Napolillo scored a 12 points for the Gaels.

The Green Wave used a 13-4 second-quarter run to build a 28-15 lead. Their double digit advantage held up the rest of the way.

Delbarton advanced by playing good defense and displaying a balanced offense. Jabbour’s outside shooting and Washington’s ability to drive to the basket gave the Green Wave the consistency on offense it needed.

“We have good balance,’’ Delbarton coach Dan Whalen said. “Our players buy into the team concept. We get after it on defense and make people work the ball. They have a real good compete level and buy into it.’’

Jabbour got the Green Wave off to a flying start by knocking down the first three 3-point shots he had in the first quarter to give his team an early 15-11 advantage.

“We always try to get off to a great start, no matter what kind of game it is, no matter how big the game is, getting off to a great start always sets the tone,’’ Jabbour said. “In this kind of game, in this packed house, there is no better feeling than getting off to a good start and holding it.

“We love to push the ball. We love to play fast. That is our game. Once we get going and get behind the defense, we are having fun.’’

Delbarton did everything they could to make sure the Roxbury shooters didn’t have the opportunity to get hot. Although, the two teams did not play each other in the regular season, there is some familiarity between the players.

“They can hit those (deep) shots,’’ Jabbour said. “I know the guys and I know that they are shooters. That’s what we prepared for. It is whether you can knock them down or not.’’

When Roxbury looked like they were about to get things together and start firing, Gary Lewis push the momentum back Delbarton’s way when he nailed a 3-point shot at the top of the key before the halftime buzzer to give the Green Wave a 28-15 halftime edge.

“Gary (Lewis) played really well on defense and great on offense,’’ Whalen said. “Banking in that shot at the half gave us a little bit of momentum.’’

What Whalen likes about his team at this point is that they are playing their best basketball and many of the players are showing a great attention to detail.

“You see guys doing the little things,’’ Whalen said. Isaiah did a nice job on (Brian) Nichols (10 points). We didn’t turn the ball over. Guys took care of the ball. We are not turning the ball over and making good decisions.’’

West Morris had the upper hand with a 60-45 win over Delbarton on Dec. 27 at the J.P.Flynn Tournament. An improved defensive effort, good rebounding and the ability to knock down critical shots in the clutch gives the Green Wave hope it can win its first MCT title in 15 years.

“It helps that you know what their strengths are,’’ Jabbour said of West Morris. “You just come ready to play. You don’t worry about what they are going to do.’’