All In The Campaign for Blair Academy 2018-2025

Blair Bucs Capture MAPL Championships

A mens basketball team from a private school in nj holds up a trophy
Girls' varsity basketball team celebrates a MAPL championship.
Student from a prep school in nj dribbles a basketball
A sports team poses together at a soccer boarding school in nj
Blair's 2022 girls' varsity basketball team
Boys' varsity basketball team celebrates a MAPL championship
Girls' varsity basketball team celebrates a MAPL championship
Girls' varsity basketball team celebrates a MAPL championship
Girls' varsity basketball player on the court during MAPL championship match
Blair Bucs Capture MAPL Championships
Rhett Moroses

One week ago, both of Blair’s varsity basketball teams brought home huge wins, claiming championships in the 2022 Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL). For the girls, this win marks their 11th straight league title. For the boys, the victory marks their fourth straight league title.

 

The moment was never too big for the girls’ team. In the semifinals against Peddie, the team clinched a decisive 84-36 victory. Ally Lovisolo ’22, Tara Daye Johnson ’22, Sophia Davis ’22, Jaylin Hartman ’23 and Zeynep Ozel ’24 all played tremendously throughout the game. Blair’s tenacious defense led to easy fast breaks and open, three-point shots.

“I am elated that our group has been able to carry the tradition to our 11th MAPL Championship,” said Batouly Camara ’15, head girls’ basketball coach. “It has been a challenging span of two years due to COVID. I am so proud of our team for coming together, putting in countless hours of work and fearlessly showing up. This title is a testament to their relentless efforts to represent themselves, their community, the Blair family and those who have paved the way.”

 

The boys’ team started their tournament with a first round bye and semifinal game against The Lawrenceville School, where they won 101-65. Six Bucs ended the game with double-digit scoring with Otega Oweh ’22 leading the way with 20 points. Lual Manyang ’22 had a hot hand throughout the game, shooting shot after shot from the field and incredibly landing each, contributing 16 points. Another notable performance came from Jayden Lemond ’23, who recorded 10 points, eight rebounds and six assists. 

In the finals, Blair played a tough Hill opponent. It was a battle throughout the game, but Blair pulled away with a 74-65 victory and the MAPL title. Otega Oweh once again dominated as the leading scorer with 20 points while Jayden Williams ’24 and Brady Muller ’22 added 17 points and 11 points, respectively, to the offensive attack. 

“I am so happy for this group after enduring such a difficult year last year,” said Joe Mantegna, head boys’ basketball coach. “For them to be able to come together, fight through adversity, stay connected and be ready to win at the end of the season is a testament to their grit and selflessness. The fact that it was such a balanced team effort just makes the win that much more satisfying.”