Patriots blow out John Essex

Linden (15-1) picked up a key area win Friday night with a suffocating 64-35 performance against John Essex.

The Patriots put together a run late in the first quarter to carry an 18-8 lead into the second frame before limiting Essex to only six points during the game’s second eight-minute stanza.

Linden pulled most of its primary rotation players in the second half, edging Essex 22-21 over the contest’s final 16 minutes.

Imoras Agee led Linden with 18 points to go along with five rebounds and three steals. Shauka Reese added 10 points and three steals for the Patriots while Savon Parker finished with 10 points and 16 rebounds for the game’s only double-double. Nicholas Rogers chipped in seven points, eight rebounds and three steals off the bench.

Michael Moore paced Essex with 11 points, five rebounds and three steals. Anthony McIntosh had nine points while Cedric Cooks had eight points, 11 rebounds and three steals.

Linden is scheduled to host area foe Akron Tuesday night while Essex travels to Marengo.