WOOD-RIDGE – Kyle Baker made a buzzer-beater before halftime to win over some fans and then made some clutch free throws to win the game.
The Hasbrouck Heights senior guard scored 14 points and the Aviators beat Wood-Ridge, 77-61, on the road in the first round of the state North 1, Group 1 tournament.
“They beat us last year in the semifinals, and it took my heart out,” Baker said. “I was a junior and it took my heart and this game meant everything for me to win. I’m glad we came through, my team came through and everybody on the bench came through.”
Baker’s ability to convert both the incredible plays and the routine ones played a key role in the Aviators’ win over their division rivals.
Near the end of the second quarter, Baker grabbed a loose ball and rushed up the court with time running out. The ball slipped out of his hand so he had to hoist an off-balance shot from near half-court.
But Baker still hit the shot to beat the buzzer and the Aviators’ student section erupted.
