Photos
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Max Jacobs hits free thows at the end of the fourth quarter to solidify Millburn's Victory Credits: Aaron Friedman
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Ben Kizel passes to teamate Josh Landau as he escapes his defender Credits: Aaron Friedman
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The clock times down as Millburn wins to move on to its first Division title oppurtunity in 31 years Credits: Aaron Friedman
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Coaches Roger Blind and David Drechsel talk to their team as Millburn assess the game during a timeout Credits: Aaron Friedman
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Josh Landau and the Millers run down court to play offense after Nutley scores Credits: Aaron Friedman
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Sophomore, Max Jacobs gets ready to attempt a free throw that he makes adding to his six points on the day Credits: Aaron Friedman
Millburn Routs Nutley to Earn Chance at First Division Basketball Title in 31 Years
Friday, February 15, 2013 • 6:20pm
MILLBURN, NJ - The Millburn High School boys varsity team routed the Nutley Maroon Raiders Thursday afternoon in front of their home crowd. The Millers earned this triumphant victory with a score of 58 to 46. Junior guard Ben Kizel led the Miller’s attack with sixteen points and a decisive three-pointer in the first quarter to get the Millers off on the right foot.
When asked about his sixteen point, “lights out performance,” Junior Ben Kizel said, “every game is important and especially given the circumstances of our next couple games we just need to prepare our best and give everything 110 percent, and that’s what I did today. “
Other pivotal contributions were made by center Brian Barkley who put up fourteen points and had seven rebounds. In addition, Josh Landau came off the bench to add ten of the team’s points.
For the opposition, Jonathan Russo was Nutley’s top scorer with sixteen points. Despite a good performance, this was still not enough for Nutley to get in the way of Millburn’s championship aspirations.
This Valentines Day thriller had the upmost importance to the Miller’s season. With their victory Thursday, the boys clinched a tie for the top spot in their division, the New Jersey’s elite, Super Essex Conference. They achieved this when West Essex lost to Caldwell 48-40 in overtime on Thursday evening. This feat has not been achieved in Millburn since the Miller’s 1981-1982 season.
The top spot of the division is up for grabs when the West Essex Knights take on the Millburn Millers Tuesday February 19, at 4 PM.
When senior Brian Barkley was asked about the impending matchup he said, “we just need to stay focused and work hard. Last time they beat us, but we can’t let that happen on our home court. “
The Miller’s can expect a big crowd to show up to this critical game, which will take place on their home court. This much anticipated matchup will come after the two met on January 17th in North Caldwell, when West Essex crushed Millburn 50-36.
David Drechsel, the Miller’s assistant coach stated, “this team has worked hard and puts it all on the court. We want to have a big student turn out for the game and a lot of support from the community members. These guys deserve it after the effort they have put forth throughout the season. We want everyone to be there to see our guys possibly lead the school to its first division title in 31 years.”
The Millers have won their last two games, which included a nail-bitter victory against Barringer on the road. This 43-42 win on Feb. 12 gave them momentum into today’s victory. The Millburn Boys hope to continue the trend at home tomorrow versus Roxbury at 3 PM. As their season starts to wind down and the playoffs begin, the Miller’s are hoping to stay focused and come out victorious in their remaining games.
