WEST MILFORD – The Highlanders couldn’t overcome a dominant first half by Wayne Valley on Jan. 3, falling to the Indians on their home court by a score of 90-75.
“We are struggling to come out in the first quarter this season with the intensity we need to play with such great teams,” said head coach John Finke.
Star senior Josiah Basket led the team with a game-high 30 points along with a team-leading eight rebounds.
Junior Kevin DeRaffele continued his solid season with a 14-point performance, while senior Chris Gomez added 10 points along with five assists and four steals.
West Milford was far more competitive in the second half of the game, but it was too little, too late at that point.
Wayne Valley was able to hold on for the win off the strong play of seniors Mark Howell and Patrick Cronin.
Both players had double-doubles for the game.
“If we can start better we will be able to compete with any team on our schedule,” coach Finke said.
The Highlanders (4-3) were scheduled to travel to Fair Lawn next for a Big North - Independence contest on Jan. 8.