Defending Group III state champion Teaneck took the first step in this year's boys' basketball tournament with a win over Wayne Valley. It didn't come so easily for the Highwaymen, who used a big third quarter to pull out a 68-57 triumph.

Leondre Washington paced Teaneck with 22 points. Ja'Quaye James had 15 points, Adrian Baucom scored 14 and Corey Gordon added 11 in a balanced effort by the Highwaymen, seeded fourth in the North 1, Group III sectional playoffs.

Teaneck trailed by two points after one quarter and led by just three at the half over 13th seed Wayne Valley. But a 26-15 third quarter put the Highwaymen in control.

Still the Indians rallied to within six points in the final period, but could not close the gap any further.

Mark Howell led Wayne Valley with 22 points. A.J. Tedesco scored 18 and Jared See had nine for the Indians, who finish the season with a 15-11 record.

Teaneck is 21-6. In the second round, the Highwaymen face another team from Wayne, as fifth seed Wayne Hills visits for what should be a tough battle.

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