SECAUCUS, N.J. — Sophia Feeney caught fire from deep. She sank five 3-pointers and topped all scorers with 19 points as Bayonne crushed Hoboken 60-32 on Tuesday night in the Hudson County Tournament semifinals at High Tech High School.
Bayonne jumped ahead early. The top seed built a 17-7 lead after the first quarter and kept pouring it on. Samara Porch stuffed the stat sheet with 12 points, 10 steals and five assists. Tatyanna Watson chipped in 15 points to go with six rebounds and four assists. The 21-4 Bayonne girls never trailed.
Hoboken struggled to keep pace. The fourth seeds managed just 32 points total. Bayonne’s defense forced turnovers and limited second chances. Porch’s steals sparked fast breaks that turned into easy buckets.
Now Bayonne eyes history. The team chases a sixth straight Hudson County title. That championship clash comes Saturday at 4 p.m. at New Jersey City University against second-seeded Hudson Catholic.
Last year Bayonne beat Hudson Catholic in the final. This season they swept the regular-season series too. Coach Jack Miele’s squad enters the showdown on a roll with 21 wins against four losses.
Feeney’s hot shooting set the tone. She hit those threes in the first half alone, stretching the lead to double digits by halftime. Bayonne led 35-15 at the break. Watson took over inside during the third, grabbing boards and dishing assists.
Hoboken fought back briefly in the fourth. But Bayonne slammed the door with a late 12-4 run. The final margin flattered the effort from the winners.
Tournament officials praised Bayonne’s balance. “They execute on both ends,” one said. Hudson Catholic awaits after its own semifinal win. That sets up a rematch loaded with stakes.
Bayonne players spoke postgame. Feeney credited teammates for open looks. “They find me every time,” she said. Porch added her steals came from reading passes. The team practiced those looks all week.
Fans packed High Tech for the matchup. Bayonne supporters chanted late. Hoboken heads home with lessons from the lopsided loss. Both squads end regular seasons strong but now shift to tourney mode.
Saturday’s final at NJCU tips at 4 p.m. Doors open early. Tickets go fast for county bragging rights. Bayonne aims to extend its dynasty. Hudson Catholic wants payback.
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