Lin Ignites Late Push as Cougars Split on the Hardwood

Nicholas Mistretta

MHS ’79 Cougar Sports Correspondent

Montgomery’s varsity basketball teams turned in a mixed set of results, with the boys riding a big first half and a 26-point night from Ethan Lin to a marquee win over Bridgewater-Raritan, while the girls dropped a road decision at Hunterdon Central after being forced to play from behind most of the way.

Boys: Montgomery 49, Bridgewater-Raritan 42

Montgomery (18-3) banked early offense and held off a third-quarter surge to defeat Bridgewater-Raritan (13-6), 49-42.

The Cougars came out sharp, opening a 16-7 lead after one quarter and stretching it to 31-18 at halftime behind efficient shot-making and pace control. Bridgewater-Raritan flipped the script after the break, outscoring Montgomery 14-4 in the third to tighten the game to 35-32 entering the fourth. Montgomery answered in the final period with a steadier 14-point quarter to close it out.

Lin carried the scoring load with 26 points, combining inside finishes, perimeter shooting and frequent trips to the line. Mike Simborski added 10 with a pair of 3-pointers, while Shriyans Mallavarapu chipped in 6 and James Kamara scored 4. 

Sebastian Kyler hit a 3-pointer for 3.

Bridgewater-Raritan was led by Tyler Hamby’s 14 points, with Richie Gardner contributing 9 and Joseph Chien adding 7.

Girls: Hunterdon Central 40, Montgomery 32

Montgomery (9-9) couldn’t recover from a cold second quarter in a 40-32 loss to Hunterdon Central (13-7).

The Cougars were within one after the opening period, trailing 8-7, but Hunterdon Central seized control in the second with a 14-3 advantage that created a 22-10 halftime cushion. Montgomery steadied itself after intermission, winning the third quarter 13-12 and cutting into the margin, and the Cougars continued to defend in the fourth, holding Hunterdon Central to six points. But the early deficit proved too much to erase.

Aliza Schulberg led Montgomery with 10 points, knocking down three 3-pointers and adding a free throw. Abby Schwartz provided 9 with a balanced scoring line, and Alia Johnson added 8 points while also pulling down 8 rebounds. Virginia Herring stuffed the stat sheet defensively with 8 rebounds, 3 steals, and a block, as Montgomery forced stops to stay within reach late.

For Hunterdon Central, Bethany Ramos paced the attack with 18 points, supported by Katie Schwartz and Olivia Duran with 8 apiece.

Photo Credit: Nicholas Mistretta/headlinenewsmontgomery.com