By: Richard L. Smith
Camden High School showcased their dominance on the basketball court during the NJ Group 2 state final at Jersey Mike’s Arena in Rutgers, clinching a decisive 69-50 victory over Arts High School on Saturday.
The game began with Camden, ranked third, establishing an early lead by scoring the first 10 points, setting the tone for what would become an uphill battle for Arts High School, the Newark Central Ward school and the NJ Sectional championship team, which found itself struggling to counter Camden's prowess throughout the contest.
The star of the game, #15 Emmanuel Joe-Samuel from Camden, led all scorers with an impressive 23 points, leaving Arts High School searching for answers to stop his onslaught.
Alijah Curry also contributed significantly to Camden's victory, scoring 16 points and grabbing nine rebounds, further cementing the team's dominance on both ends of the court.
Kentucky commit #24 Billy Richmond demonstrated his all-around skill set, contributing 11 points, seven rebounds, three assists, and two blocks, showcasing why he is considered one of the top players in the state.
Semaj Bethea's performance was equally pivotal, with seven points, four rebounds, five assists, and five steals, highlighting the depth and versatility of the Camden team.
Camden High School's defense was as formidable as its offense, playing a crucial role in securing the win.
The team's impressive start and consistent performance left Arts High School, ranked 16th, trailing throughout the game, unable to mount a significant challenge against the formidable Camden squad.
Heavy rain outside on Saturday wasn't the only dark cloud overshadowing this championship game, but days earlier in the South/Central Group 2 state semifinal, it seemed Manasquan’s Griffin Linstra's last-second putback had clinched an astonishing win for Manasquan, potentially marking the season's most significant upset in New Jersey high school boys basketball.
However, shortly after that, the decision was reversed, transforming what could have been a historic triumph into a bewildering loss. As a result, Camden moved on to secure its spot in its 29th state championship game.
The victory marks an important achievement for Camden High School, proving their strength and resilience on the state's biggest stage.
As the celebrations begin, both teams will reflect on their journeys to the final, with Camden High School looking ahead to future successes and Arts High School considering what might be needed to overcome such opponents in future competitions.
