The Elizabeth Minutemen lost to the Sanford Warriors back in February of 2020, but the Elizabeth Minutemen didn't allow the Sanford Warriors the same satisfaction on Friday. Elizabeth snuck past Sanford with a 56-50 win. The victory was all the more spectacular given Elizabeth's disadvantage in MaxPreps's basketball rankings in their respective home states (they are ranked 56th in New Jersey, while Sanford is ranked seventh in Delaware).
Elizabeth's success was the result of a balanced attack that saw several players step up, but Jordan Torres led the charge by scoring 16 points along with six rebounds. That's the first time this season that Torres scored 15 or more points. Another player making a difference was Cameron Mcrae, who scored 13 points along with six assists.
Sanford's defeat came despite a true team effort from the offense, with many players turning in solid performances. Perhaps the best among them was Jayden Taylor, who scored 12 points along with nine rebounds. The team also got some help courtesy of Marquis Newson, who scored 13 points along with six rebounds.
Even though they lost, Sanford were smashing the offensive glass and finished the game with 16 offensive rebounds. That's the most offensive rebounds they've managed all season.
Elizabeth's win bumped their record up to 5-1. As for Sanford, their defeat dropped their record down to 3-2.
Elizabeth won't have much time to rest: their next game is against Loyola Blakefield at 11:45 a.m. on December 30, 2023. Sanford won't have much time to rest: their next match is against La Salle Academy at 10:00 a.m. on December 30, 2023.
