SJR varsity basketball kicked off the new season on a high note with a 49-46 victory over Wayne Valley on December 17. The Green Knights were led by junior Donovan McKoy who finished with a team-high 22 points. McKoy was supported by Christopher Williams (13 points) and Mason Piorkowski (8 points), but it was the Green Knights defense that wrote the narrative all night long.

After a slow start, SJR trailed Wayne Valley at the half. Coach Mike Doherty conveyed his halftime message to the team.

"We can not let them keep getting second chances and we have to be more consistent grabbing rebounds. We also need to slow down the offense as we could be taking smarter shots." said Doherty at the break.

The Green Knights took their advice, and after trailing heading into the 4th quarter St. Joe's scored 16 of its 49 points while holding Wayne Valley to just eight points in the final frame. Williams emerged as a clutch player down the stretch, hitting 8 of 10 free throws on the night, with seven coming in the second half.

At 1-0 on the season, SJR's next game is on Tuesday, December, 21 against Eastside. The Ghosts are ranked #3 in Northern New Jersey.