It can be hard to hear for some, but getting older is just part of life. For many men, hitting a certain age signifies the beginning of a new chapter - where bucket list items are crossed off, and goals are accomplished. For others, however, aging is a scary prospect, filled with nagging injuries, embarrassing weight gain, and inability to perform intimately. Few things feel worse than realizing that you simply can't perform as you used to, whether on the basketball court or in the bedroom.
The reality is, as men get older and approach middle age, their testosterone levels drop. When a male's testosterone levels get lower, it can cause a slew of unwanted symptoms like:
If you have noticed any of the above symptoms and feel like you're just dragging yourself through life, don't lose hope. Many men around the country are experiencing the same feelings as you. Thankfully, you don't have to settle for the side effects of low testosterone. There are proven, easy steps that you can take to reverse the negative signs of aging. If you're ready to reclaim your youth and feel like you did in your 20s and 30s, testosterone replacement therapy (TRT) may be the perfect solution.
TRT bridges the gap between your old life and the happier, more vibrant version of you. That's where Juventee comes in - to facilitate your transition to a more youthful, fulfilling life and a brighter future. After all, aren't YOU supposed to be in charge of your wellness and health? With the Juventee team by your side, you'll have the tools to do so - backed by a personalized plan crafted by experts with more than 20 years of experience.
At Juventee, we propose a preventive and proactive medical approach to preserve optimal body function, with the best hormonal functioning to prolong vitality and youthfulness. Our specialty is Age Management, which is based on the belief that balance is the key to wellness. We employ the most innovative science, offering treatments like TRT in North Bergen, NJ, and other clinical products with proven efficacy.
Living a younger, healthier, and longer life is a frequent commitment for Juventee's team of specialists. We are experts at designing customized programs that work synergistically with your body and brain. We love incorporating smart nutrition, hormonal balance, exercise, stress management, cognitive health, and lifestyle changes into our treatment programs. We also implement sciences such as testosterone replacement therapy to achieve verifiable, legitimate results.
Our doctors take differing approaches to care but share the single goal of prolonging your youth and vitality. With that goal in mind, Juventee was born from the hands of its partners, who want you to feel full strength, energy, joy, confidence, and wellbeing.
testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
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What pops up in your head when you think about testosterone? Many people associate testosterone with being overly aggressive, macho, and violent. However, the truth is that testosterone is a critical hormone for men and affects the male lifespan from puberty through old age. As a sex hormone, male testosterone is produced through the testicles. It becomes most prevalent during puberty.
Testosterone production is controlled by the pituitary gland at the base of a man's brain. This gland sends signals to the testes, which in turn produce testosterone. A feedback loop helps regulate the amount of testosterone in the blood. When levels are too high, the brain orders the pituitary gland to restrict production.
Cholesterol synthesizes the testosterone in your body. However, having high cholesterol doesn't mean you have high testosterone levels, too. T levels are too carefully controlled by your pituitary gland for cholesterol to raise testosterone levels.
During puberty, testosterone helps males develop:
Testosterone replacement is exactly what its name implies. It's a therapy for men that replaces diminished testosterone levels, which helps balance your hormones and ultimately improves your life. Also called androgen replacement therapy, TRT alleviates many of the side effects that men suffer from as a result of low testosterone.
Testosterone was originally synthesized in a lab in 1935. Its popularity has grown since, and today, it is among the most promising doctor-prescribed treatments for men in the United States.
So, how does testosterone replacement therapy work? TRT essentially gives you the testosterone needed to be healthy and have a properly functioning body. As the primary androgen for males, testosterone has a role in the natural processes your body needs for overall health. This extra hormonal intake positively affects patients and their general health, preventing diseases such as osteoporosis, cardiac diseases, and more.
Though there is an abundance of testosterone in your system throughout puberty and into your 20s, it gradually depletes with age. Sometimes, serious injuries and long-term conditions like diabetes affect testosterone levels. Unfortunately, when a man loses too much testosterone, it results in a condition called hypogonadism. Also called "Low T," testosterone loss due to hypogonadism must be replenished, or the male suffers from difficult, even debilitating symptoms.
Though some symptoms of low T are abundantly evident, not all men can immediately tell they may need TRT. If you're unsure, ask yourself these questions:
If you answered yes to any of those questions, it could be time to contact Juventee about a personalized TRT plan. Still unsure if you're experiencing symptoms of low T? We have compiled a more extensive list of signs below:
Low energy used to be considered a normal part of aging. Today, most doctors know better. Modern advances in medicine show that lack of energy and low T often go hand-in-hand.
If it's a huge struggle to keep up with your kids on the soccer field, or you just don't have the energy to be active, you may have low testosterone. Getting tired is normal, but if it's an ongoing problem affecting you and your family, it's time to consult a doctor.
Whether you're having a tough time getting through your day or can't finish normal activities, TRT in North Bergen, NJ could be the solution.
You would think that lowered libido would be easy to pick up on, but when it happens gradually, it can be more difficult to diagnose. With that said, many men use TRT because they've lost that "spark" in the bedroom. It's not easy for a man to hear that they're not pleasing their partner because intimacy is an important part of a relationship.
The good news? Having a low libido doesn't have to be permanent. TRT treatments can help revert hormone levels to their normal range, making for a more enjoyable sex life.
If you're like millions of other men, hair loss is an unfortunate reality you don't want to think about. Closely related to hormone imbalances and testosterone decline, hair loss is about as distressing as it gets. This common symptom is often related to DHT - a derivative of testosterone that can cause hair follicles to die.
Thankfully, a carefully monitored TRT regimen can help restore hair, especially when combined with methods like plasma-rich therapy. While it's true that you can't change your genes, you can change the effects of low testosterone in your body, so hair loss isn't your only reality.
Weak erections - it's an uncomfortable subject for men to talk about. It's even worse to experience the symptom in the heat of the moment. Despite being very common, men shame themselves when they can't achieve an erection. And while there are many reasons for this malady, low testosterone is often a contributing factor.
Fortunately, you don't have to live with weak erections forever when you balance your hormones with a personalized TRT treatment plan from Juventee.
You're feeling down about everything and can't figure out why you feel crummy about life. You're successful at work but feel unaccomplished. If you're experiencing symptoms like these, you may be depressed - and it could be stemming from low testosterone.
Studies show that men with depression and high cortisol levels also commonly have low testosterone. Because higher cortisol levels can lead to low T, the chances of severe depression increase.
Depression is a very real disorder and should always be diagnosed and treated by your doctor. One treatment option, when used in conjunction with therapy, is TRT. When TRT is used to replenish hormone levels, men enjoy a lighter, more optimistic mood. That's great news for depressed men who have had little-to-no success with powerful anti-depression meds.
Experts have found that men who lose a week's worth of sleep may experience a drop in testosterone by as much as 15%. These findings are alarming and may suggest that sleep loss lowers T levels and affects wellbeing.
If you find yourself exhausted at the end of the day but toss and turn all night long, it could be time to have your testosterone levels checked. TRT may restore your testosterone levels which can help you sleep better with proper exercise and diet.
Are you struggling to lift weights in the gym or find that you can't pick up items that used to be easy to lift? Studies show that inactive men can lose .5% of muscle strength each year after the age of 25. When you hit 60, muscle loss doubles every ten years. While muscle loss is common with age, it can also be linked to low T.
Testosterone is a crucial piece needed for building and retaining muscle mass. That's why many doctors are prescribing TRT for males experiencing sharp declines in strength and muscle mass. Whether your workouts are losing steam or you're having problems lifting items that aren't very heavy, don't blame it all on age. You could be suffering from hypogonadism.
Nobody likes to gain weight, even though our society is more accepting of overweight people than ever before. Despite diets and carb cutting, many men aren't able to get rid of excess belly and body fat, increasing the chances of heart disease and cancer.
Sometimes, male weight gain isn't caused by sweets and carbs but by hormone imbalances that slow the metabolism. This phase of life is called andropause and occurs when testosterone levels are low. Combining a low metabolism with other symptoms like high cortisol levels can be a recipe for a double-chinned disaster. Fortunately, TRT treatments and physician-led weight loss programs can correct hormone imbalances and lead to healthy weight loss for men.
The enlargement of male breast tissue, also called "man boobs," is a fairly common condition that many men have. Though it is closely associated with diet and other life choices, increased fatty tissue is often caused by hormonal imbalances.
If you're approaching middle age and you're embarrassed by having large breasts, don't lose hope. TRT is a safe, effective way to eliminate the underlying cause of gynecomastia without invasive surgery. With a custom HRT and fitness program, you can bring your testosterone and estrogen levels back to normal before you know it.
The human body is amazing in so many ways. Still, we have to optimize it every now and then using science, medicine, and hard work. After 40, you may notice that your body is changing, but symptoms like low libido and lack of motivation don't have to be permanent. Juventee has the team, tools, and experience to help recapture your youth and feel better than ever before.
If you're getting older and you're worried about low testosterone, give our office a call today. It would be our pleasure to care for you using the highest quality products, backed by research and applied by professionals with your best interests in mind.
Whether you need a boost to help you get through your busy work week or a natural solution to an embarrassing problem like ED, we're here for you. Our doctors will explain your treatment options in-depth and take as much time as you need to feel comfortable and confident about TRT. Remember, when you treat your body with love and care, it will reciprocate generously. Let our team teach you the techniques to prolong your sense of youth and provide you with the treatment to solidify your wellbeing as you age with grace. Contact Juventee today. By tomorrow, you'll be one step closer to meeting the best version of yourself.
Mayor Nick Sacco today formally announced his intention to run for re-election to continue serving the residents of North Bergen in the upcoming May nonpartisan election. Mayor Sacco said he has made “a tremendous impact on the Township through his unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.”“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of North Bergen as Mayor. During my time in office, I have worked tirelessly to improve our community in areas such as education, infrastructur...
Mayor Nick Sacco today formally announced his intention to run for re-election to continue serving the residents of North Bergen in the upcoming May nonpartisan election. Mayor Sacco said he has made “a tremendous impact on the Township through his unwavering commitment to improving the quality of life for residents.”
“It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the residents of North Bergen as Mayor. During my time in office, I have worked tirelessly to improve our community in areas such as education, infrastructure, recreation and public safety, all while keeping property taxes stable to keep our community affordable,” said Sacco. “I am proud of the progress that we have made together, but even more excited about North Bergen’s future.”
Two new candidates will appear on Mayor Sacco’s ticket this election, as Commissioner Frank Gargiulo recently announced his retirement from elected office, and Commissioner Julio Marenco is running for State Assembly. They are:
Vainieri and Rodriguez will be running alongside Mayor Sacco, Commissioner Hugo Cabrera and Commissioner Allen Pascual.
“I am thrilled to welcome these talented and dedicated individuals to our team. Commissioner Vainieri has done excellent work for North Bergen on the County level, most notably in improving Braddock Park, and Claudia Rodriguez will make history as our first Latina Commissioner. I look forward to working with both Anthony and Claudia as well as the other Commissioners to keep delivering progress for North Bergen,” said Sacco.
Sacco said he has a proven track record of delivering results for North Bergen residents, and throughout his time in office has led the effort to improve the quality of local schools, invest in infrastructure, and enhance public safety in the community. Under his leadership North Bergen has become one of the safest and most vibrant communities in the state of New Jersey.
“North Bergen is a strong and vibrant community, and a great place to live, work, and raise a family. I am running for re-election to ensure that it remains that way for generations to come,” said Sacco. “I am eager to continue working with residents and community leaders to make North Bergen an even better place to call home.”
Mayor Sacco’s self-professed dedication to the community has earned him recognition and respect from residents, businesses, and community organizations. He is known for his approachable and personable nature, as well as his ability to work effectively with others to achieve common goals. A respected member of the community and a committed public servant, Mayor Sacco is also a proud husband, father, and grandfather who values the importance of family.
Sacco’s re-election campaign will focus on building on the progress that has been made, he said, while also addressing new challenges that have arisen in recent years. He is committed to working closely with residents, businesses and community organizations to create a brighter future for North Bergen, keeping the community both safe and affordable.
Hospital hosts high school students at first Healthcare Career DayHudson Regional Hospital hosted 25 pre-selected Secaucus High School students who have shown an interest in pursuing careers in healthcare for its first annual career day on Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.Students were to hear from Hudson Regional Hospital’s President and CEO Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, tour the hospital with Assistant Vice President of Nursing Sheryl Syby, and then break up into six groups to shadow practitioners to show next ge...
Hospital hosts high school students at first Healthcare Career Day
Hudson Regional Hospital hosted 25 pre-selected Secaucus High School students who have shown an interest in pursuing careers in healthcare for its first annual career day on Friday, Feb. 17, from 8:45 a.m. to 1:30 p.m.
Students were to hear from Hudson Regional Hospital’s President and CEO Dr. Nizar Kifaieh, tour the hospital with Assistant Vice President of Nursing Sheryl Syby, and then break up into six groups to shadow practitioners to show next generation of healthcare professionals the diverse range of positions and responsibilities performed in a healthcare facility.
Hudson Regional Hospital is located at 55 Meadowlands Pkwy, Secaucus.
OneMD opens first office at Hudson Regional Hospital
Long-time Hudson County doctors, Reinerio G. Rodriguez and Luis Correa, have launched OneMD, a new practice that will provide primary and family care out of Hudson Regional Hospital at 55 Meadowlands Pkwy, Secaucus, as well as four other locations in Hudson and Bergen County.
Correa and Rodriguez will accept most insurance as well as Medicaid. Both doctors are bi-lingual in English and Spanish.
Rodriguez is a family medicine doctor who received his medical degree from St. Matthew’s University (Grand Cayman) and did his residency at Hoboken University Medical Center.
Correa is a board-certified internal medicine physician. He is a graduate of St. George’s University School of Medicine (West Indies, Granada) and he did his residency at Rutgers New Jersey Medical School.
OneMD will be opening additional locations later this year in Jersey City, Union City and West New York in Hudson County and Rutherford or North Arlington in Bergen County.
North Bergen condominium records eight new sales
Solaia, a collection of 70 upscale condominiums in North Bergen, has seen a flurry of sales throughout the holiday and winter season.
The14-story building located in the Palisades Cliffs overlooking the Hudson River recorded eight new sales in a recent six-week period, according to developer Skyline Development Group.
The sales, including several to former New York City residents, totaled more than $10 million and elevated the property to 35 percent sold, with most of those homes already closed and occupied.
Included in the burst of activity was one of the most significant sales to date at the building, a spectacular three-bedroom penthouse home with private outdoor space that sold for a record $2 million.
Associates recognized for sales achievements in January
Weichert, Realtors has announced that sales associate Anthony Iemmello with the Hoboken office was recognized for outstanding sales performance at the regional level in January. Iemmello shared top honors for having the most revenue units and sales in the Weichert sales region.
Weichert’s Jersey City Downtown office, which is managed by Jacqueline Greco, had the most revenue units and shared top honors for having the most sales in the Weichert sales region. Among teams, the Nader Rezai Team led the sales region for dollar volume, listings, revenue units and sales in January.
Sales associate Sandy Cuevas with the Jersey City Exchange Place office was recognized for outstanding achievement at the regional level in January. Cuevas shared top honors for having the most revenue units and sales in the Weichert sales region.
The Weichert sales region is comprised of offices throughout Hudson County and parts of Bergen County.
Unity Bank opens Fort Lee branch
Unity Bank has opened a new full-service branch in Fort Lee, increasing its service footprint to 20 branches. The new branch is located at 899 Palisade Ave. at the intersection with Columbia Avenue.
The facility features the abstract landscape oil paintings of Bergen County artist Sol Zaretsky of Teaneck. Unity purchased several of Zaretsky’s paintings through its program to support local artists in communities where it has branches.
The facility, previously operated by another bank, includes dedicated parking and drive-up banking and ATM services. Surrounding businesses include an insurance company, salon and a dentist.
Ryan Peene, Unity Bank’s Senior Vice President/Chief Depository Officer, who is well known in the Bergen County and Hudson County communities for leadership roles on the City of Hoboken Planning Board and Greater Bergen Community Action, leads the development of the Fort Lee branch and all of Unity’s retail banking operations.
The Fort Lee team also includes Franca Fabrizio, area manager; Sunita Pereira, operations manager; Vince Forma, commercial lender; Kathleen Hay, SBA lender; and mortgage lenders Nicholas Aversa and Pasquale Grande.
Fort Lee is the second new branch opened by Unity in the last two months. In December, the bank opened a branch in Lakewood in Ocean County. Unity Bank now provides financial services to retail, corporate and small business customers in Bergen, Hunterdon, Middlesex, Ocean, Somerset, Union and Warren Counties in New Jersey and Northampton County in Pennsylvania. The bank holds about $2.4 billion in assets and $1.8 billion in deposits.
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NOTE: This story will be updated throughout the night as games are completed. Check back later for more results.Clifton 51, East Orange 47Luis Vega made four 3-pointers on the way to a game-high 23 points to lead sixth-seeded Clifton to a narrow victory at home over 11-seed East Orange, 51-47, in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 tournament.Saif Al-Deen Saleh recorded a double-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks while Jayden Rivera added 11 points and three assis...
NOTE: This story will be updated throughout the night as games are completed. Check back later for more results.
Clifton 51, East Orange 47
Luis Vega made four 3-pointers on the way to a game-high 23 points to lead sixth-seeded Clifton to a narrow victory at home over 11-seed East Orange, 51-47, in the first round of the North Jersey, Section 1, Group 4 tournament.
Saif Al-Deen Saleh recorded a double-double with 14 points, 11 rebounds and three blocks while Jayden Rivera added 11 points and three assists for Clifton, which trailed by two after three before putting things away with an 18-12 fourth quarter.
Clifton (17-9) will face third-seeded Ridgewood in the quarterfinal round on Thursday.
Kaiyri Barkley scored a team-high 18 points with three made 3s while Joshua Richards had a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for East Orange, which falls to 13-11 with the loss.
North Bergen 43, Memorial 40
Shawn Orefice made three 3-pointers, finishing with a game-high 19 points to lead fourth-seeded North Bergen to a come-from-behind victory at home over 13-seed Memorial, 43-40, in the first round.
Cesar Perez went 4-for-4 from the line and hit a pair of 3s on the way to 16 points while Jonathan Jones added eight points with a pair of made 3-pointers for North Bergen, which will host fifth-seeded Union City on Thursday.
North Bergen (15-11) trailed by six at halftime before swinging the momentum with a 14-9 third quarter.
Edward Lugo tallied a team-high 11 points while Anthony Franco and Ariel Trejo chipped in eight points apiece for Memorial, which falls to 12-13 with the loss.
Passaic Tech 68, Paterson Kennedy 52
Ayden Brown and Jordan Lugo scored 15 points apiece to lead second-seeded Passaic Tech to a victory at home over 15-seed Paterson Kennedy, 68-52.
Kaiden Rex notched 13 points while Elian Paulino added 10 points for Passaic Tech, which trailed by three after one before taking control with a 21-8 second quarter.
Miach Pierce made four 3-pointers on the way to 15 points while Z’yaire Simmons chipped in 11 points for Paterson Kennedy, which falls to 10-12 with the loss.
Passaic Tech (18-9) will face seventh-seeded Hackensack in Thursday’s quarterfinals.
Paterson Eastside 68, Morristown 39
Bryce Stokes made four 3-pointers on the way to a game-high 21 points to go along with 10 rebounds and seven steals to lead top-seeded Paterson Eastside, No. 9 in the NJ.com Top 20, to a one-sided win at home over 16-seed Morristown, 68-39.
Preston Brown recorded 15 points, eight assists, five rebounds and five steals while Justin Bethea chipped in 13 points for Paterson Eastside, which held a 34-12 lead at halftime.
Paterson Eastside (24-2) will host ninth-seeded Livingston in the quarterfinal round on Thursday.
Zion Baitey tallied 15 points while Finn Rodgers had nine points for Morristown, which falls to 12-14 with the loss.
Union City 63, Fair Lawn 51
Kaleb Johnson scored a game-high 21 points and pulled down 10 rebounds to lead fifth-seeded Union City to a win at home over 12-seed Fair Lawn, 63-51.
Darrien Ponder tallied 18 points, nine rebounds and four assists while Jaylen Mayo chipped in nine points and four rebounds for Union City (13-13), which trailed by five after one before taking the momentum with an 18-14 second followed by a 15-9 third quarter.
Jianni Moran made three 3-pointers with a team-high 15 points while Brandon Barker added 10 points for Fair Lawn, which falls to 18-7 with the loss.
Livingston 32, West Orange 27
Dylan Perlstein scored a game-high 12 points to go along with four rebounds and two assists to lead ninth-seeded Livingston to a hard-fought victory on the road over eighth-seeded West Orange, 32-27.
Luke Cohen tallied 11 points, four boards and two assists while Nate Nussbaum chipped in nine points for Livingston (17-10), which will go on the road to face top-seeded Paterson Eastside, No. 9 in the NJ.com Top 20, in the quarterfinals on Wednesday.
Jhensen Touze had a double-double with 10 points, 11 rebounds and two blocks while Nick Matos and Jaden Livingston had six points apiece for West Orange, which falls to 15-11 with the loss.
Hackensack 66, Montclair 44
Damir Shelley scored a team-high 17 points to lead seventh-seeded Hackensack to a victory at home over 10-seed Montclair, 66-44.
Jamiko Smith added 12 points while Eric Afrifah chipped in 10 points for Hackensack, which led by 10 at halftime.
Hackensack (12-15) will go on the road to face second-seeded Passaic Tech on Thursday.
Montclair falls to 13-12 with the loss.
Ridgewood 58, Passaic 40
Third-seeded Ridgewood defeated 14th-seeded Passaic, 58-40.
Zahkai Sylvester went 6-for-6 from the free-throw line, finishing with a team-high 16 points while Marlon Torres had 14 points for Passaic, which falls to 9-18 with the loss.
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A messy winter storm expected to hit New Jersey starting Monday afternoon could bring a wintry mix of precipitation to the northern half of the state with 2 to 6 inches of snow in the forecast for areas north of I-78, according to the National Weather Service.Higher snowfall accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are expected north of I-80 in Sussex County along with parts of Warren, Morris,...
A messy winter storm expected to hit New Jersey starting Monday afternoon could bring a wintry mix of precipitation to the northern half of the state with 2 to 6 inches of snow in the forecast for areas north of I-78, according to the National Weather Service.
Higher snowfall accumulations of 4 to 6 inches are expected north of I-80 in Sussex County along with parts of Warren, Morris, Bergen and Passaic counties. The weather service cautioned that snowfall amounts south of that area could vary due to the changeover from snow to rain, but a treacherous commute Tuesday morning is likely.
“The area from just south of I-78, on northward to I-80 will be the most difficult forecast, where some snow will precede a changeover to sleet and rain,” the weather service said. “If you have travel plans in this region, particularly Monday evening through early Tuesday morning, stay tuned to the forecast and be prepared for slippery road conditions.”
The southern half of the state will be warm enough to dodge the snow, but can expect at least a half-inch of rain from the storm.
AccuWeather’s forecast map calls for less snow with 1 to 3 inches north of I-78.
The weather service’s New Jersey office has not issued any watches or advisories for the storm as of Sunday morning, but noted in the morning forecast discussion that an advisory would be likely as the storm nears.
Temperatures on Sunday are expected to climb into the 50s through much of state, considerably warmer than the chilly conditions on Saturday.
“A rather beautiful Sunday is in store today as we welcome back the return of warmer temperatures and sunshine,” the weather service said.
After the storm Monday and Tuesday, milder conditions are expected mid-week before things cool off again heading into the weekend with the potential for another potent system being closely tracked by forecasters.
“Then another storm, potentially strong, may arrive Friday however there is uncertainty with its evolution,” the weather service said.
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The public sectional quarterfinals of the NJSIAA girls basketball tournament take place Wednesday and Thursday, setting up the semifinals for Friday (odd-numbered groups) and Saturday (even-numbered groups).The North Non-Public A/B tournament quarterfinals are slated for Friday.Here are the highlights and takeaways from quarterfinal action, as well as a look ahead to select semifinal match-ups.BRACKETS:...
The public sectional quarterfinals of the NJSIAA girls basketball tournament take place Wednesday and Thursday, setting up the semifinals for Friday (odd-numbered groups) and Saturday (even-numbered groups).
The North Non-Public A/B tournament quarterfinals are slated for Friday.
Here are the highlights and takeaways from quarterfinal action, as well as a look ahead to select semifinal match-ups.
BRACKETS:Live NJSIAA girls basketball results from every section in North Jersey
The Rams had been to the sectional quarterfinals just once in the last six years, and that ended with a 2020 loss to division rival Westwood.
Thanks to Thursday’s 35-31 win over the fifth-seeded Cardinals, No. 4 Ramsey (18-11) is a step away from its first North 1, Group 2 final since 2015. Coach Dan Royce and company will visit defending champ and top seed Jefferson Township (20-7) in the semifinals Saturday.
Sophomore guard Hannah McGurr drove for the go-ahead layup with 4:24 remaining against Westwood (17-11), and senior Julia Taylor iced it by going 3-for-4 at the line in the final 12 seconds. The Cardinals missed the front end of three 1-and-1 foul shots over the last five minutes.
Senior Amanda Rosen again paced the Rams with 10 points, 8 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 steals and 2 blocks.
Wednesday’s North 2, Group 1 quarterfinal win ensured North Arlington’s best season in 20 years, regardless of what happens next.
When the No. 4 seed Vikings (18-9) visit No. 1 University of Newark (23-6) on Friday, it will mark their first sectional-semifinal appearance since 2003. That year was their last in North 1 before the NJSIAA realigned its sections.
Junior Lia Cruz (15 points) keyed a 48-37 victory over Whippany Park in the quarters. She hit a pair of three-pointers in the final two minutes of the first quarter to give North Arlington a 16-6 lead, and the home team held the Wildcats at arm’s length the rest of the way.
Looking ahead to the next round...
No. 5 Boonton (21-5) at No. 1 Cresskill (23-7), Friday, 5 p.m.: Since a 49-41 loss to Glen Rock on Valentine’s Day, the Cougars have clamped down on defense, allowing just 24.8 points per game to their last four opponents. Junior forward Erin Fahy (4 blocks, 4 steals) once again led the way in Wednesday’s 33-23 quarterfinal win over Mountain Lakes, while Julia Hasenstab, Joslyn Lewin and Sophia Doto combined for 9 steals.
No. 3 Park Ridge (16-13) at No. 2 Passaic Charter (20-5), Friday, 5 p.m.: Another round, another milestone for the Panthers, who reached 20 wins for the first time by warding off Wallkill Valley on Wednesday, 52-40, behind 32 points from senior Na’Tori Postell. This will be the teams’ second meeting all-time: Park Ridge won the first, 66-39 in the 2019 Garfield Holiday Tournament, and the Owls will counter with their own scoring sensation, Allie Shenloogian (20.9 ppg).
No. 4 Teaneck (18-7) at No. 1 Montville (24-4), Friday, 5:30 p.m.: The key matchup here will be in the frontcourt, as the Mustangs’ height will provide a strong challenge for Teaneck. Junior 6-footer Demi Simpson was up to the task in Wednesday’s victory over Ramapo, collecting 14 rebounds to help the Highwaywomen hold a 32-26 edge off the glass. Montville won the teams’ previous playoff meeting, 64-47, in the 2020 quarterfinals.
No. 6 Sparta (21-7) at No. 2 Old Tappan (22-4), Friday, 4:30 p.m.: The Golden Knights hosting Sparta on Jan. 7 provided a sneak preview of what coach Brian Dunn’s team is up against. The Spartans winning that game, 43-31, gives the defending champs confidence that they can go toe-to-toe with one of North Jersey’s most relentless teams. Old Tappan guards Natalie Carril (career-high 12 points) and Melissa Brennan (11) stepped up in a 49-45 quarterfinal win versus River Dell.
No. 7 Pequannock (18-6) at No. 3 Glen Rock (19-7), Saturday: The Bergen County Panthers will have another home playoff game after their Morris counterparts knocked off No. 2 seed Morris Tech on Thursday, 59-39. Pequannock has won 11-of-13 (with both losses in that span to Morris Catholic) with junior Chloe Vasquez as the driving force, averaging 20.7 points. Glen Rock got 11 points from frosh Mia Vergel de Dios in a 38-25 quarterfinal win over High Point.
No. 4 Jonathan Dayton (19-7) at No. 1 Secaucus (26-3), Saturday, noon: The Patriots are up against the same foe they defeated in the 2013 and 2018 semis, with the latter game being the closer of the two (59-55). They had little trouble completing a season sweep of Rutherford on Thursday, racing out to a 20-2 lead and getting a stellar performance from junior Alyssa Craigwell (28 points, 8 rebounds, 7 steals).
No. 3 Eastside (23-5) at No. 2 Morristown (16-9), Saturday, 4 p.m.: The Ghosts allowed 27 points in each of their first two postseason games, including Thursday’s victory over Fair Lawn. Sophomore guard Nevaeh Banks has scored double digits in each of her past five games, hitting 15 three-pointers during that stretch.
The Colonials beat Eastside’s crosstown rival, Kennedy, in the opening round and ran past North Star Academy in the quarterfinals, 73-32.