NEW BRUNSWICK — The Elizabeth High School Minutemen suffered a defeat in the Group IV State Championship Finals at Rutgers University Sunday. Atlantic City came from behind to claim a 53 to 47 victory and their second state title in program history.
Isaiah Davis led the Minutemen with 16 points. Hakeem Rogers had 15, Isaiah Johnson had 5, Jahad Thomas and Philip Walker had 4 each, and Damon Miraud had 3.
Elizabeth advanced to the finals by defeating Passaic Tech 66-56 on March 8. The Minutmen won the North Jersey II sectional as a No. 4 seed, winning over Sayerville, 76-57; Franklin, 77-60; Ridge, 53-51 and Bridgewater-Raritan, 51-47.
The school has won nine previous state titles, in 1931, 1946, 1952, 1954, 1985, 1988, 1989, 1990 and 1991.
Chris Balent has coached the boy’s basketball team at Elizabeth High School since the 2007-2008 season. He had previously been head coach at South Brunswick High School and assistant coach and recruiting coordinator at The College of New Jersey.
