By Jerome Michaels
SJSports Special Correspondent
These two teams knew each other well as both represented the Tri-County Conference Royal Division. Today was the beginning of the first round of the South Jersey Group III boy’s playoffs for these teams. During the regular season, it was always the Dragons from Kingsway chasing the Pioneers from Clearview in the standings. On this day, it was the other way around as Kingsway jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Kingsway, behind the shooting of Jared Blair, outlasted Clearview 55-47 to advance to the next round against Willingboro.
The high and fast pace tempo was set by the Dragons early, as they opened up the game with a double-digit lead. It looked as if the sixth seeded Kingsway could do no wrong against the eleventh seeded Pioneers…that was until Clearview rallied in the second quarter. Clearview would get as close as 27-19 right at the half and attempt a dramatic comeback during the second half.
Clearview would match just about every basket made by Kingsway during the remainder of this competition. Except for the five total points scored in the first quarter, Clearview began to move even closer behind the shooting of Rocky Aliberti ability to knock down the three pointer. The Pioneers would get as close as 46-44 down the stretch, but Kingsway would manage the clock well to earn the eight point win. Jared Blair finished the game with 21 points and Matt Colquitt added 10 points for the Dragons. Rocky Aliberti who finished with 12 points led Clearview.
