Cougars Cruise Past Central Jersey College Charter, 72–32, for 16th Win

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

SKILLMAN — The Montgomery boys varsity basketball team left little doubt on Friday night, overpowering Central Jersey College Charter from the opening tip in a 72–32 home victory to move to 16–3 on the season.

The Cougars exploded for 25 first-quarter points while holding the visitors to just six, setting the tone for a dominant performance on both ends of the floor.

Montgomery kept the pressure on in the second quarter, outscoring Central Jersey College Charter 24–14 to take a commanding 49–20 lead into halftime. The defensive intensity tightened even further in the third, with the Cougars limiting the visitors to a single point in the period and stretching the margin to 60–21 before cruising through the fourth with reserves seeing extended minutes.

Lin Leads the Way; Balanced Attack Behind Him
Guard Ethan Lin paced Montgomery with 21 points, scoring efficiently inside and out with five two-pointers and a pair of threes, plus a 5-for-5 effort at the line.

The Cougars got balanced scoring behind him, with three more players in double figures:

• Shriyans Mallavarapu poured in 14 points, attacking the paint and adding two free throws.
• James Kamara also finished with 14 points, knocking down six field goals and hitting two from the stripe.
• Mike Simborski added 12 points, including a three-pointer and several strong drives to the basket.

Montgomery’s depth continued to show:

• Connor Benedict chipped in 3 points.
• Xavier Harrigan and Mohamed Ndiaye each contributed 4 points.

In total, the Cougars knocked down 26 two-point field goals, 3 three-pointers, and 11 free-throws, reflecting both offensive efficiency and composure at the line.

Burton, Staton Lead Central Jersey College Charter
Central Jersey College Charter (5–10) was led by Josiah Burton, who scored 16 points with five field goals and a 6-for-6 effort at the line. Carter Staton added 10 points, while Lucas Chouloute and Ranveer Singh each connected from beyond the arc for 3 points apiece.

But the visitors simply couldn’t match Montgomery’s pace or firepower, particularly in a third quarter where they managed only a single point while the Cougars continued to push the tempo and share the ball.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com