Chatham Contains Morris Catholic

The Chatham boys' basketball team was down by one point to Morris Catholic at the start of the fourth quarter of a Tuesday game at Chatham High School, but junior Brendan Damodaran made sure the score didn't stay that way.

Damodaran hit a reverse one-handed layup to give the Cougars the lead over the Crusaders. The lead change was the 10th of the game, and fortunately for the Cougars, it was the game's last. The 13-8 Cougars finished the game strong and came out with a 48-38 win.

"We could have played better," said senior captain Chris Conroy. "Defensively, we gave them too many shots, but a win is a win."

The game was neck and neck throughout the first three quarters. At the end of the first quarter, Morris Catholic junior Robbie Drexel tied the score at 12 with a long distance three-pointer at the buzzer.  The Crusaders continued rolling in the second quarter until Chatham went on an 8-0 run.  

"We came out slow and they shot the ball well," said senior Kevin Giannattasio. "Fortunately, we hung in there and got the win."

Chatham sophomore Jonathan Berntsen led both teams scoring with 15 points, four rebounds and two assists, while Conroy contributed 11 points, four rebounds and three blocks. On the other side of the ball, Drexel and senior Brett Bially scored 12 points each.

"We played solid and gave a great effort. Sometimes the ball doesn't fall your way," said Morris Catholic junior Steven Fisher.

The Cougars will look to continue their success at home Wednesday night against the 17-2 Madison Dodgers, a team they upset in last weekend's county tournament game. 

"We've got another game tomorrow night—let's hope we are ready," said Chatham Head Coach Todd Ervin.

The Cougars will play in the Morris County Tournament semifinals on Saturday against Delbarton.

"Chatham is a good team and they showed they deserve to be in the final four in the county tournament," said Fisher. "They play great."