North Jersey Interscholastic Conference
Players of the Week
Elijah Espinal, Ridgefield, So.
Espinal scored a game-high 19 points for Ridgefield as it pulled out a 51-49 win over Bergen Charter last week. That was a career-high for the young playmaker, who helped his team win its second game of the season.
Khalid Itani, Emerson Boro, Sr.
The 6-foot-5 forward put together a strong week and continued a really great season. Itani is averaging 14.8 points and 9.8 rebounds per game. The senior had another double-double against Hawthorne Christian, finishing with 11 points and 11 rebounds. He also came through with 14 points and seven rebounds in a win over Indian Hills. Emerson Boro is 8-4 this season and Itani has been the go-to playmaker.
D’andre Perry, Leonia, Jr.
Perry has put together some really good games this winter and added another signature performance in a 56-51 win over Butler. The junior came through with 21 points, five rebounds and five steals. That was the second 20-point game of the year for Perry, who also scored 26 points against Dwight-Englewood a few weeks ago.
Keanu Ray, Weehawken, Jr.
Ray went off last week in a win over Wallington, scoring a team-high 41 points for the Hudson County squad. There have only been a handful of 40-point games in the state this season and Ray is now a member of that club. He was on fire from deep, hitting five 3-pointers in that game. Ray also helped Weehawken pick up a 40-38 win over Hasbrouck Heights.
James Reyes, Hawthorne, Sr.
Hawthorne has only played four games this season, so it hasn’t really been able to pick up steam. Reyes came through last week in a win over Lodi, scoring a team-high 15 points.
