Clutch Performance: Cedar Grove Girls Basketball Edges Out Irvington in Thrilling Matchup

You know, some games just have that special kind of energy right from the tip-off, and Thursday night’s girls’ basketball clash between Cedar Grove and Irvington was absolutely one of them. It wasn't just a win; it was a battle, a real testament to grit and teamwork, with Cedar Grove ultimately emerging victorious with a hard-fought 40-36 triumph over a very determined Irvington squad.

Right from the opening whistle, Cedar Grove seemed to find their rhythm, establishing a solid 12-5 lead by the end of the first quarter. You could really see their star players, Mia Mize and Emma Willis, stepping up early. Mize, in particular, was everywhere – driving to the basket, snatching rebounds, and just making things happen on both ends of the court. Her presence was undeniable, a true force to be reckoned with from the get-go.

But let's be real, Irvington wasn't just going to roll over, not by a long shot. They fought back, slowly but surely chipping away at that lead. Ashley Chery and Talia Scott really started to find their stride for Irvington, showing some serious resilience and making this game a much tighter affair than Cedar Grove might have initially hoped for. It became a genuine back-and-forth struggle, with every possession feeling incredibly important.

As the second half unfolded, the tension in the gymnasium was palpable. Cedar Grove had to dig deep, holding off Irvington’s persistent efforts. Mize continued her stellar performance, finishing the night with an incredible 17 points, nearly a double-double with 9 rebounds, plus 3 assists and 3 steals. What a stat line! And right alongside her, Emma Willis was a dominant presence in the paint, adding 10 points and also pulling down 9 crucial rebounds, not to mention her defensive contributions with 2 steals, an assist, and a block. Their combined effort really sealed the deal when it mattered most.

So, when the final buzzer sounded, Cedar Grove had indeed secured the victory. It wasn't a blowout, not by any stretch of the imagination, but a victory born of sheer perseverance and some truly impressive individual performances. Both teams left it all on the court, making for a memorable high school basketball experience, and for Cedar Grove, it was a well-deserved moment of triumph on February 19, 2026.