By: Richard L. Smith
In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Newark's basketball scene was set ablaze as Arts High School clashed with Newark Collegiate Academy (NCA) in a 7 p.m. battle for the ages, not just for a championship but for city-wide bragging rights.
With both the Charter and the Magnet school teams boasting impressive records and a history of fierce competition, the stage was set for an unforgettable encounter.
Seeded number one in the American Division, Arts High School entered the gym against the second seed from the Colonial Division, NCA, with both teams having dominated the season, winning four of their last five games.
However, NCA held a psychological edge with a 4-1 winning streak against Arts since 2017. Yet, Arts had shown they could topple giants, marking their last victory against NCA in 2021.
NCA, on a high with a 23-6 season record and riding the momentum of an unbeaten streak since February 15, faced an Arts team that had shown both brilliance and vulnerability.
Arts had stumbled with a close loss to Plainfield and a heartbreaker against Montclair Immaculate in the Essex County tournament semi-finals, setting the stage for redemption.
The historic Martin Luther King Boulevard Gymnasium was packed to the rafters with over 600 fans witnessing what would become a landmark event in Newark's sports history.
The atmosphere was electric as both teams exchanged blows early on, with NCA edging ahead 16-13 at the end of the first quarter, thanks to a spectacular performance by Najee Graham, who dazzled the crowd with 23 points by halftime.
However, the tide began to turn in the third quarter. Arts High's Kevin Freeman ignited the comeback with a fierce display, scoring 9 points and narrowing the gap.
NCA ultimately blew a commanding 12-point halftime lead.
In the fourth quarter, Jayden Holman's critical three-pointer tied the game at 54, setting the stage for a dramatic finish.
In the final moments, it was the combination of Freeman's clutch three-pointer and Holman's jumper that sealed a historic victory for Arts High, crowning them the NJ State Sectional Champions for the first time 59-56.
Coach Prophet Kates and the Arts High Jaguars not only claimed the title but also etched their names into the annals of Newark's sports lore, proving that in the heart of Newark, the spirit of competition and the pursuit of excellence burns brighter than ever.
Congratulations to The Arts High School Jaguars.
