A big game from K.C. Hunt allowed Ramapo to head into the boys' basketball state tournament on a high note. Hunt scored 28 points--more than half of his team's total--as the Green Raiders defeated visiting Hawthorne, 53-42.

Ramapo never trailed in the game, which was a late addition to the schedule to allow both teams to tune up for the states. Hunt scored nine points in the first quarter as the Raiders built a 13-6 lead. He finished strong with 13 points in the final period to help Ramapo fend off a comeback attempt by the Bears.

Jason Oppler added 13 points for Ramapo. The only other player with more than one basket for the Raiders was Max Pernetti, who totalled six points.

Hawthorne trailed by 11 in the third quarter, but surged to within four early in the final period. The Bears, enjoying a surprisingly strong season which included the NJIC Colonial Division title, fall to 18-4 heading into the state tournament, where they will be the second seed in North 1, Group II.

Danny Rodriguez paced Hawthorne with 16 points. Misael Jimenez added seven for the Bears.

Ramapo will head into the North 1, Group III sectional playoffs on a four-game winning streak. The Raiders, now 14-11, are the seventh seed and will host tenth seed Morris Hills in Tuesday's first round.

For sports video highlights of this New Jersey high school boys' basketball game, click play in the box at left.