Highlander basketball teams split season openers

The West Milford High School basketball teams split their respective season openers Dec. 27, with the girls getting a win and the boys dropping the first game.

The Lady Highlanders’ opener took place at home against Mahwah, while the boys were away.

"The game was a nice win for us," Lady Highlanders Head Coach Ray LaCroix said.

After a tight first quarter in the girl’s game, West Milford was able to take control in the second.

The score was 30-18 at halftime.

It was a close second half as well, but the Lady Highlanders managed to hold on for the 46-33 win.

"Senior Co-Captain Ashley Jacobs was the star of the game with a career-high 23 points," said LaCroix.

Jacobs' 23 points led the way, while junior guard Rory McCormick scored another 10.

"I felt we’ve been better this preseason and ahead of where we were last year," LaCroix said. "To open the season by beating a team that beat us last year was a nice validation of that."

The boy’s squad, meanwhile, couldn’t keep up with the Thunderbirds in its season opener in Mahwah.

The final score was 74-40.

The Highlanders were looking to bounce back in Pequannock on Friday, when the team was scheduled to play the Panthers, while the Lady Highlanders were scheduled to stay at home against Columbia High School.