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The gym at Indian Hills was packed 45 minutes before tipoff, with fans of both teams chanting and cheering. The Braves were after their first-ever boys' basketball sectional title, while Pequannock sought its first in 43 years. As more and more people squeezed into the gym, the temperature rose, until nearly everyone in the place was drenched in sweat. But it didn't seem to affect the action on the court, or in the stands.
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The Panthers certainly didn't seem to mind. As the #8 seed in the North Jersey, Section 1, Group II bracket, Pequannock was thrilled to be here, so a few distractions like sports fans inches from the sideline or temperatures approaching 90 degrees wouldn't detract from the experience.
Second-seed Indian Hills was the clear favorite entering the game, despite their lack of basketball history. The Braves moved out to a four-point lead in the first quarter, but the Panthers kept their wits about them, and by the end of that period, Pequannock led 15-13.
That would be the story of the game. Every time Indian Hills put together a couple of baskets, Pequannock always had the answer. Senior Jordan Tabakman, the all-time leading scorer at Pequannock, came up with many of those hoops, as he would lead the way with 22 points. But this was clearly a team effort. Kenny Brunda made a major contribution with 13 points and Steve Boyd added 11.
After taking a 30-26 halftime lead, the Panthers pulled ahead by eight, only to see Indian Hills cut the lead back to three. But there was no panic for Pequannock. They maintained their cool in the sweltering conditions, and a big Tommy Sackmann three-pointer pushed the lead to 49-41 at the end of the third quarter. Sackmann, Ben Kohle and Kyle White each chipped in with six points in the victory.
Tabakman opened the fourth quarter with another trey, and the win was in sight. Indian Hills cut the margin back to eight a couple of times in that final period, but each time, the Panthers would answer with a big bucket.
For a team that started the basketball season 2-5, and was under .500 at 9-10 just a month ago, this sectional title is a major accomplishment. To see sports video highlights of the game and hear from the victorious Panthers, click on the video player above. -- Paul Mencher for Jersey Sports Now
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