Photo Essay: PHS Boys’ Basketball Team Falls to Colonia in GMC Finals

On February 21st, 2025, the Chiefs finished their strong season with a hard-fought 80-61 loss to the number one seed.

Jagger Tinitigan, Chieftain Reporter • March 6, 2025 • 10 Views

Senior Forward Donald Nwaigwe (#11) guards Aiden Derkack (#4). Nwaigwe stands at 6’4 which is the tallest on the team. “I feel like the team is really close and that helped us on the court because we know where everybody is going to be at and what everybody wants to do,” Nwaigwe said. (Jagger Tinitigan)

Senior Guard Nate Davis (#13) watching Colonia shoot free throws. Davis stands at 5’10 and is the go to player on the team.
(Jagger Tinitigan)

Senior Forward Donald Nwaigwe (#11) looks to make a play late in the third quarter. “I feel like I’ve had a much bigger role with this team. I mean, last year, we had the main guy score. But this year it feels like a much more free flowing offense,” Nwaigwe said. “It feels like anybody can go off any day.” (Jagger Tinitigan)

Junior Guard Najay Best (#0) dribbles the ball looking for an open lane past Colonia Senior Guard Zachary Smith (#1) and Junior Guard Aiden Derkack (#4).(Jagger Tinitigan)

Piscataway Junior Guard Najay Best (#0) looks to pass the ball after Colonia Guard Dylan Chiera (#0) covers his shot. (Jagger Tinitigan)

Guard Junior Najay Best (#0) stares down Colonia players coming out of a timeout. Best stands at 5’8 and is the shortest player on the team. (Jagger Tinitigan)

Senior Forward Donald Nwaigwe (#11) puts in a layup over 6’6 Aiden Derkack (#4) and Dylan Chiera (#0). “Coach Turco came in and has helped us a lot, he has put us in a lot of situations to win.” Nwaigwe said. (Jagger Tinitigan)

Piscataway huddles during a timeout down 8 late in the fourth quarter. Sophomore Guard Landon Pernell (#12 on the left) said, “I feel great about our teams performance this year.” Piscataway finished with a 24-5 record on the season. “Our coach made sure everyone had the confidence they needed.” Pernell said. (Jagger Tinitigan)

Junior Guard Joshua Lima (#2) walks to position himself on defense after a timeout. Lima was coming off a career high 24 point game against Sayreville in the Semi-Finals. (Jagger Tinitigan)

Colonia posing for pictures after winning 80-61 against Piscataway in the GMC finals. Aiden Derkack (#4) finished with 32 points in the win. (Jagger Tinitigan)

About the Contributor

Jagger Tinitigan

Jagger Tinitigan, Chieftain Reporter

This is my second year being a Chieftain Reporter. I love watching the sports and I’m really interested in sports photography. As always, I really look forward to what is coming my way this year!

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