With the 2023-24 New Jersey high school boys’ basketball campaign tipping off next week, Chatham High School and Oratory Prep teams faced off yesterday in a scrimmage to work out their respective kinks.
While the Cougars struggled to find their footing, the Rams looked sharp, with stellar performances from junior guard Asher Bradley (17 points) and senior John Pirone (15 points), both of whom led Oratory to a 70-37 victory over host Chatham.
The Rams raced out to a 21-6 first quarter lead, with Bradley scoring nine points. Oratory Prep extended its advantage to 41-13 with a 20-7 second period.
The third quarter was pretty much of the same, as the Rams continued to play stifling defense while making shots and grabbing rebounds on the other end. The Cougars failed to get on track, as the Rams built a commanding 58-22 lead at the end of the period.
Though Chatham played better in the fourth quarter, outscoring Oratory Prep, 15-13, the game was out of hand by that point.
The Rams posted a 14-12 mark, and the Cougars went 18-6 last year.
Oratory Prep kicks off the season against crosstown rivals Summit Thursday at home at 7:00 p.m., while Chatham host Mendham on the same day at 7:00 p.m.
— Jerry Del Priore
NY NJ Sports World/Brooklyn Sports World 