Piscataway – Thrive Charter was looking to close out its wonderful 2024-2025 season with a state championship. Led by Head Coach Khalid Lewis, Thrive Charter faced off against the Newark Tech Terriers in the Group 1 state championship game.
Thrive Charter came out aggressively on both ends of the floor in the first half of the game. They shot the ball well and played tough defensively, forcing Newark Tech to shoot a low percentage. In the first half, Thrive Charter shot 50 percent from the field and 40 percent from behind the arc. Thrive Charter’s defense was also on display as they held Newark Tech to 24 percent from the field and 11 percent from the three-point line.
The Terriers attempted to make a comeback in the second half, but Thrive Charter continued their dominance on both ends of the floor, eventually winning the game by a score of 63-51 thanks to a 6-0 run in the final minute of the game.
The defense seemed to be the key factor for Thrive Charter in the game as they held Newark Tech to a 30 percent field goal percentage and 15 percent from three.
“It felt great…we did a lot of preparation, we watch a lot of film and it felt great that we came out on top,” said Thrive Charter junior, Marjon Skillman.
Skillman was the leading scorer for Thrive Charter. He contributed 17 points while also grabbing 11 rebounds.
“He plays like he’s 6’8 or 6’9…he’s been the heart and soul of our team all year, we know we can always count on him playing big,” said Coach Lewis
His teammate, junior Tyler Hammond, also added 15 points before he fouled out late in the fourth quarter.
Newark Tech was led in scoring by senior Marcus Bragg as he played his last game for the Terriers. Bragg scored 14 points while also grabbing six rebounds for Newark Teck.
The win gives Thrive Charter its fifth state championship as they closed out this season on a positive note. “All the hard work, all the time, all the sacrifice that these guys put in all year from day one…I know they’re all feeling like it paid off today,” said Coach Lewis
