On Friday, March 6, the Cherry Hill High School East boys varsity basketball team (25–3) defeated Lenape High School (21–10), the reigning NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV champions, 57–52.
The game was held in a sold-out DiBart gymnasium at East, with fans and students packing the gym from both teams. The Cougars’ student section united with a black-out apparel theme.
Without star player Jamieson Young (‘28) due to injury, the Cougars still overcame Lenape in a hard-fought, physical battle. After playing through an ankle injury, star guard Chris Abreu (‘27) led the Cougars to their first sectional championship since 2015. Abreu finished as the game’s leading scorer with 23 points, along with five rebounds and five steals.
Lenape came out hot, however, starting the game with a 7–0 run. Following a timeout from head coach Dave Allen, the Cougars responded with a run of their own, securing a 15–11 lead by the end of the first quarter after an eight-point period from Abreu.
East maintained the momentum and entered halftime with a 29–21 lead. It was a defining quarter for the Cougars, highlighted by three-pointers from seniors Ryan Olson, Chris Delgado and Noah Johnson.
Lenape started the second half strong, cutting the deficit to a one-possession game. The Indians were led by junior Brett Halfpenny, who finished with 14 points, including five three-pointers. Answering with a run of their own, though, the Cougars capitalized on key plays from senior center Noahm Marciano, who finished with 10 points and three steals. After a pair of knockdown threes from Olson, East carried a 49–40 lead into the final quarter.
“Being able to step up for my team with Jamieson being out meant a lot for me,” said Olson. “My teammates have worked so hard for this and deserve it so much. Being able to win a title in my senior year and going on such a great run has been the best thing basketball has brought me. There’s no other way I would rather go out on than a title in front of our great fans.”
With four minutes left in the game, Lenape — led by senior guard Nolan Barnes, who had a team-high 17 points — cut the East lead to three. Still, despite Abreu entering foul trouble with four fouls and the momentum shifting toward Lenape, the Cougars were able to hold on through a tough final stretch. East junior Justin Farber also played an integral role in the Cougars’ fourth quarter and win, grabbing eight rebounds.
“This was such an awesome moment for my teammates and [me],” said Farber. “So many dedicated hours and practices have paid off for us. Hopefully, we will be able to run it back next year.”
Delgado, who scored 30 points during East’s first-round matchup against Toms River North High School, shared similar sentiments.
“It’s an unbelievable feeling,” said Delgado. “I’m so happy and proud of my team and blessed to do it with them.”
The Cougars played phenomenal team defense all game by forcing 11 steals and three blocks, which heavily contributed to their victory.
Indeed, this was the biggest win in the Cougars’ program in over a decade. One year after a 48–47 sectional final loss to Lenape in the same gym, East flipped the script and added another chapter to a rivalry that has come to define South Jersey basketball. The Cougars’ season won’t end here, as they will travel to Deptford High School on Tuesday, March 10, to face Montgomery High School in the NJSIAA Group IV semifinal at 5 p.m.
