March 13, 2026
By Maddie Scherzer
Staff Writer
The boys basketball team won the state sectional tournament for the first time since 1981, defeating Madison High School 60-57 at home on March 6.
Down by 19 points at halftime, the boys cranked up their energy in the second half to tie the game with one minute remaining. Then, with two seconds left, senior point guard Johnny Chaname swished a three-pointer to deliver the game-winning basket for LHS.
“[We are] relentless. We never give up in a game because our intense practices fuel our drive.”
Prior to states, the team, led by four-year Head Coach Mosca, went 17-9 in the regular season and had a 10-0 record in the Meadowlands Division of the North Jersey Interscholastic Conference.
“[I’m] so proud of all of the boys for their hard work, effort and never doubting themselves,” Mosca said. “Our entire team has bought into what we preach every day in practice and games, and that is to outwork your opponent.”
The team made significant progress since last year, when it went 16-10 in the regular season and lost its first state game.
“I scheduled a lot of harder games this year for the kids, and they responded very well,” Mosca said.
Sophomore small forward Filoteo Mosca, who joined varsity last year, said he credits the team’s accomplishments to its practice routine, which includes sprinting and drills for dribbling, rebounding and shooting.
“[We are] relentless. We never give up in a game because our intense practices fuel our drive,” Filoteo Mosca said.
He said basketball is especially competitive because it is a saturated sport.
“So many people play it, so it’s very hard to be really good,” Filoteo Mosca said.
Sophomore shooting guard Esai Fernandez, who joined varsity this year, said the team’s success against Madison makes him excited for the future.
“We knew what we had to do and did it. We weren’t flustered, didn’t force any shots and ran our offenses,” Fernandez said. “Last year, it seemed more like it was just two or three people trying to do [everything], and this year… everyone’s contributing.”
Fernandez said the players pride themselves on their determination and spirit.
“Our grit and willingness to never give up, no matter the score, allowed us to fight and helped us in winning,” said Fernandez.
