West Orange Girls Basketball Team Shoots Way Into History (VIDEO)

WEST ORANGE, NJ — The following article comes courtesy of the West Orange Public School District. Learn more about posting announcements or events to your local Patch site here.

The gym at West Orange High School erupted as the final buzzer sounded, marking first-ever Girls Basketball North 2, Group 4 State Sectional Title v. Hackensack, 56-50.

“I am so proud of the girls,” began West Orange Head Coach Caniece Williams.

“They really came together and wanted this as a team. I was fortunate enough to experience this accomplishment as a player in Montclair and i am so thrilled to be a part of history in the town of West Orange.”

It was an exciting game from start to finish as ninth-seed West Orange battled it out with 12 th seeded Hackensack following another dramatic win over Ridgewood in triple overtime on March 3.

The Hackensack offense, led by Kayara Cowan with 10 points and Deisha Christmas and Gena Kaminski with 9, kept the Mountaineers at bay for most of the first quarter. West Orange’s Mya Bembry kept the team in the game by contributing 20 of her 28-point game high in the first quarter. At the half, West Orange only trailed by 2.

The third quarter belonged to West Orange with 17 points to Hackensack’s eight as the dynamic shifted in the Mountaineers’ favor. The fourth quarter turned into a nail-biter as Hackensack rebounded and came within two with eight minutes looming on the clock. Following Bembry’s only basket in the fourth, Simpson and Fede both scored layups after steals to give the Mountaineers the edge.

“I am so appreciative of an amazing coaching staff who is dedicated to the working endless hours to make sure we are prepared for each and every game. I don’t want to single out any player because all 16 girls are absolutely amazing and without each and every one of them coming to practice and working hard we wouldn’t be where we are today. I love my team!” Williams concluded.

West Orange will play North 2, Group 4 champions Franklin at Union High School on March 8, barring weather conditions.

See all the photos from the Girls Basketball historic victory here.

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Photo: West Orange Schools

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