The Verona Hillbillies battled back from an early first-half deficit to top the Buccaneers of Belleville High School 48-39 in first round Essex County Tournament action.
Down 14-11 after the first period, the Maroon and White went into the locker room trailing 22-20 at the half. Verona throughout the season has come out firing in the second half and Friday night was no different. The teams traded buckets in the thirrd quarter before Verona exploded for 18 fourth-quarter points, leaving the Bucs behind on their way to a second-round match-up yet to be determined.
Sophomore Alex Kaslander poured in 14 points while senior captains Packy Malanga and Brian Farrell netted 13 each. Next up for the Hillbillies is a Tuesday contest against Newark Arts High School.
Photos © Heidi Huze. All rights reserved.
