Wayne Valley answered every surge by West Essex with a bigger run of its own en route to a boys' basketball non-league victory. The Indians grabbed the lead with a huge first-half charge and went on to post a 72-58 triumph.

Matt Widovic led Wayne Valley with 20 points. A.J. Tedesco scored 18 for the Indians while Mark Howell notched 14 points. The Indians surrendered the first nine points of the game, then outscored West Essex 30-7 over the next 10 minutes to charge well ahead.

West Essex recovered to pull within one point in the third quarter, only to see the Indians strike for nine quick points. The Knights again rallied to within four points in the final period, but again Wayne Valley raced away to secure the win.

Jared See added 12 points and Charlie Pollack had eight for Wayne Valley.

Brett Reo led West Essex with 16 points. Oliver Ortman scored 14, Zac Balz added 13 and Austin Goldberg had nine.

The Knights will head into the state playoffs with a record of 11-11. West Essex will make another trip to Wayne, as it faces Wayne Hills in the opening round in North 1, Group III.

Wayne Valley is 15-9 with one regular-season game left. The Indians will also be on the road for a first-round game in North 1, Group III, facing a challenging contest at Teaneck.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey high school boys' basketball game, click play in the box at left.