Ronshanae Bethea Ignites Paterson Eastside in Dominant Playoff Opener

The air was thick with the excitement of playoff basketball, and when the dust settled in the NJSIAA North 1, Group 4 first round, it was Paterson Eastside standing tall. They absolutely powered their way past Union City with a decisive 56-30 victory, officially kicking off their tournament journey on a high note. It was a performance that truly showcased their potential, and frankly, a masterclass from one particular star.

You know, sometimes in these high-stakes games, one player just takes over, and that's exactly what Ronshanae Bethea did for the Ghosts. What a night for her! She wasn't just good; she was phenomenal, leading the charge with an incredible double-double. Bethea poured in a game-high 26 points, demonstrating a real knack for scoring, and then, not to be outdone, she pulled down a tenacious 10 rebounds. Her energy and leadership on the court were simply undeniable, setting the tone for the entire team from tip-off.

But let's be clear, while Ronshanae was the standout, this was very much a team effort for Eastside. Her sisters also chipped in significantly: Symara Bethea added a solid 9 points, and Ahsiner Bethea contributed 7 points, showing that scoring depth runs in the family, it seems. Not to be forgotten, Nyasia Jones also made her presence felt, adding 6 points to the scoreboard. Together, they built an impressive lead and maintained it throughout the game, leaving no doubt about the outcome.

On the other side of the court, Union City, though ultimately defeated, fought hard. Jaylah Osorio led the way for the Soaring Eagles, finishing with 10 points, a testament to her determination. Their season, which saw them accumulate a respectable 13-11 record, comes to a close here, but they definitely gave it their all. Credit where credit is due, they didn't back down.

With this commanding win, Paterson Eastside now boasts a formidable 17-7 record and carries a significant wave of momentum into the next round. Their sights are now firmly set on the quarterfinals, where they'll face off against Passaic Tech. If their performance against Union City is any indication, the Ghosts are definitely a team to watch as they continue their quest for the championship title.