By, Nolan Buser
January 13, 2023
TRENTON, NJ. – Though their resilience was put to the test in the closing minutes, Robbinsville was able to hold on to the lead they had held for the eternity of the game, defeating Nottingham 58-53.
Playing without star guard Luke Billings, Robbinsville was looking for an uptick in offensive production from the rest of their starters and bench, and boy did they get it, as four Ravens finished the game with double digit points.
One of which was senior Pat Kapp, who lead Robbinsville with 18-points.
“We knew Luke was going to be out, so guys had to step up,” said Kapp. “I was just staying confident and playing hard out there.”
Though Robbinsville maintained control of the game throughout the first half, a surge by Nottingham had everyone anticipating a comeback in the closing minutes.
Fourth quarter scoring from Nottingham players such as J.P. Dickerson, Dom Raymond and Joe Lemly put the North Stars in prime position to take their first and only lead of the game.
This paired with their relentless pressure put Robbinsville’s toughness to the test.
“Nottingham has always done a great job of speeding teams up, it is tough to stick with them,” said Robbinsville head coach Conor Hayes. “We had to calm down and break the pressure.”
And break the pressure they did, defending well and taking advantage of Nottingham’s aggressiveness, drawing fouls and holding their lead, subsequently ending the game.
“We try to challenge ourselves all year round, we go up to Jersey City and play a summer league up there against some really quality teams so that we are prepared when we come back here,” said Hayes. “Those games in the summer prepare us for nights like tonight.”
Nottingham will look to improve their now 7-4 record when they visit Medford Tech on Saturday January 14.
After suffering back to back loses to Ewing and Trenton Central, with their win over Marlboro, and now their win against Nottingham, the Robbinsville Ravens will look to make it 3 in a row when they travel to Central Regional.
“I am really proud of these guys. It is a great group of players. They continue to be coachable and hold each other accountable,” said Hayes. “They believe in themselves, they know I believe in them and they continue to come out and battle to the best of their abilities.”