Northern Burlington Regional High School turned an already emotional evening into an instant classic as the Greyhounds edged Allentown in a dramatic double-overtime thriller that will be remembered as much for its significance as for its final score. With the school unveiling its 2025 Group III state championship baseball banner, the boys basketball team rose to the moment, defeating the Redbirds 82–74 in a contest that showcased resilience, depth, and a new generation of emerging talent.
The night carried special meaning across the Northern Burlington community. Last spring’s baseball championship marked the program’s first state title and capped a historic 28-win season under longtime head coach Gene Darling. Former players returned to campus, many donning their old jerseys once again, as the banner was raised in front of a packed gym. The celebration set the stage for what would become a back-and-forth battle between two young teams that entered the matchup with identical records and growing expectations.
From the opening tip, the pace was relentless. Northern Burlington jumped out quickly, converting five of its first six shots to establish early momentum. Allentown responded with a flurry of three-pointers that swung the game before halftime, sending the Redbirds into the break with a narrow lead. The Greyhounds absorbed the pressure and regrouped, determined to keep the banner night from becoming anything but a victory.
Senior guard Rowan Boyce ignited the comeback, leading Northern Burlington through a nine-point rally in the second half. His steady ball control and confident scoring kept the Greyhounds within reach as the contest tightened. Freshman Quincy Washington and junior Erick Torres complemented Boyce’s efforts with sharp perimeter shooting and assertive drives to the basket, helping the team claw back from a third-quarter deficit.
Boyce’s layup in the final minute of regulation tied the game and forced overtime, and his poise under pressure became the defining storyline of the night. Over the two extra periods, he poured in nine additional points, controlled the tempo, and delivered a key assist that helped seal the outcome. His career-high 26-point performance underscored both his leadership and his ability to elevate his play when the moment demanded it.
The Redbirds were equally determined, sending the game into a second overtime on a buzzer-beater and maintaining pressure with balanced scoring throughout. Despite missed free throws and shifting momentum, Northern Burlington regrouped and closed the final period with timely baskets and clutch conversions from the line, securing a win that electrified the home crowd.
The victory was not just another mark in the standings but a reflection of a program finding its stride. With a mix of experienced seniors, promising underclassmen, and multi-sport athletes contributing, the Greyhounds displayed the versatility and athleticism that could define their season.
As New Jersey’s high school sports landscape continues to evolve, nights like this highlight the energy, community pride, and competitive spirit that make local athletics so compelling. Explore New Jersey continues to cover these stories through its High School Sports section, offering in-depth looks at the teams, athletes, and rivalries shaping the next generation of competition across the Garden State.
For Northern Burlington, this double-overtime triumph was more than a win—it was a statement, a celebration, and a reminder that the future of Greyhound athletics is burning bright.
