The Personal Injury Attorney in Ridgefield Park, NJ, You Can Trust
Did you know that as a state, New Jersey has the 3rd most personal injury cases per capita? In fact, personal injury cases occurred at a rate of 30.34 per 100,000 capita, which is 218% higher than the national average of 9.53%. Perhaps even more alarming, personal injury cases account for 31% of New Jersey's entire caseload - 166% higher than the U.S. average, which lies at 11.65%. One look at those stats, and it's clear that thousands of men and women in New Jersey suffer from the unfortunate negligence of others.
The truth is, when an accident happens out of nowhere, even the most prepared New Jersey native can become a victim. Imagine driving home after a tough day at work, looking forward to relaxing, but suddenly, your life takes an unexpected turn due to someone else's negligence. Coping with the aftermath of personal injury accidents is a daunting task involving long-lasting pain, concerns about work, and worries about your loved ones.
Unfortunately, victims often fall prey to lowball settlement offers and provide official statements to insurance companies without a personal injury attorney in Ridgefield Park, NJ. Once you accept a settlement offer or make an official statement, it becomes challenging to correct the situation. That's where William Gonzalez Law Group comes in - to protect your rights and fight on your behalf for the compensation you deserve.
Service Areas
The William Gonzalez Law Difference
William N. Gonzalez was Born in 1961 in the Bronx. He moved to Puerto Rico in 1973, where he attended Middle School, High School, and freshman year at the Catholic University of Ponce, Puerto Rico. Ultimately, he transferred to John Jay College of Criminal Justice C.U.N.Y., earning a B.A. degree in 1984.
After completing that achievement, he attended Seton Hall School of Law from 1987 through 1990, earning a J.D. and admission into the New Jersey State Bar. Shortly after, he began working for various law firms until2002, when he became a solo practitioner in the Township of West New York.
Since that time, he has dedicated his practice to serving the community with honesty, integrity, and hard work. His practice was founded with the main purpose of helping those who face crisis and are in need of a personal injury lawyer in Ridgefield Park, NJ, who sticks by their side.
Mr. Gonzalez focuses on a range of personal injury cases, including but not limited to.
- Auto Accidents
- Truck Accidents
- Car Accidents
- Motorcycle Accidents
- Slip-and-Fall Accidents
- Workers' Compensation Cases
- DUI Cases
- Municipal Court Cases
If you're looking for a fearless attorney to fully represent you and to fight the good fight on your behalf, look no further than the William Gonzalez Law Group. Now that you're up-to-date on William Gonzalez's background and accomplishments, let's dig a little deeper into the nuances of personal injury law and the areas of law in which he focuses.
Common Types of Personal Injury Cases in New Jersey
While there are many different types of personal injury cases in New Jersey, some are more common than others - especially those that involve motor vehicles and driving under the influence. Some of the most common types of personal injury cases that William Gonzalez helps clients overcome include.
Did you know that driver error is the leading cause of car accidents in New Jersey? The truth is that negligent drivers don't pay attention. They also don't adhere to traffic laws or use the right safety precautions. They often cause serious injuries by.
- Driving Too Fast
- Talking or Texting While Driving
- Driving Under the Influence
- Making Improper Lane Changes
- Running Stop Signs and Red Lights
- Rear-Ending Other Drivers
If you have been injured in a car accident that was caused by someone else's negligence, it is important to have a personal injury attorney in Ridgefield Park, NJ, whom you can rely on. Your lawyer will help protect your rights and fight for the maximum compensation possible according to local laws. Your car accident attorney will also collaborate with specialists such as investigators and accident reconstruction experts to determine the cause of your injury and establish who is responsible for any damages.
There are more than eleven million trucks that operate daily across the United States, with drivers who work long hours and carry sensitive materials. In 2016, there were over 470,000 large truck and semi accidents, with human error accounting for 90% of those accidents. Truck accidents can cause injuries in several ways, such as if a truck carrying hazardous materials explodes or spills its contents, causing damage to surrounding drivers and property. Commercial trucks can also jackknife or lose control of their steering wheel, which can result in injuries to the driver or others involved in the accident.
Due to the massive size of semi-trucks and other large commercial vehicles, accidents involving these vehicles often result in catastrophic injuries. If you have been injured due to a negligent truck driver who was speeding, distracted, impaired, or whose vehicle was poorly maintained, it's time to hire a trucks accident lawyer. Doing so quickly after your accident will help protect your rights against insurers and ensure that you receive the compensation you deserve.
If you ride a motorcycle in New Jersey, you are at a higher risk of dying in an accident compared to other drivers. Unfortunately, motorcycle accidents are on the rise. The good news? William Gonzalez is highly skilled when it comes to representing motorcycle accident clients and the injuries they sustain, including.
- Injury from negligent drivers who are reckless, distracted, or are involved in blind-spot wrecks
- Injury due to serious road defects such as unsafe intersections, potholes, and more
If you were recently involved in a motorcycle accident because of another party's negligence, you can count on William Gonzalez as your advocate. It all starts with an initial consultation with a motorcycle injury attorney who truly understands New Jersey injury law.
If you have been injured while working, it can be a painful, confusing, and emotional experience. It can also be financially devastating for you and your family. Therefore, it is important to take the necessary steps to protect yourself and seek the guidance of a qualified workers' compensation lawyer in New Jersey. The William Gonzalez Law Group has been successfully assisting injured workers for years. Mr. Gonzalez's goal is to get the full compensation you need to cover your medical bills and take care of your family while you recover. If you've suffered an injury while on the job that resulted in lost wages or ongoing pain and suffering, it's time to fight for financial compensation.
Injuries resulting from trips, slips, and falls can be severe and may include fractures, brain trauma, neck, and back injuries, among others. Recovering from a serious fall can take months, and the victim may experience lifelong health issues and incur substantial medical bills.
However, in New Jersey, property owners have a legal obligation to maintain their property in a safe manner. If someone gets injured on their premises or property due to their negligence, the owner can be held liable. The victim has the right to file a personal injury claim to seek compensation for the cost of medical treatment, lost income, and pain and suffering caused by the injuries.
Some of the most common contributors to slip-and-fall accidents in New Jersey include.
- Poor Lighting
- Narrow Stairs
- Wet Floors
- Missing Handrails
- Uneven Flooring
- Defective Sidewalks
If you or someone you know has been a victim of a drunk driving accident, a personal injury lawyer in Ridgefield Park, NJ, can provide assistance. Despite decades-long efforts by civic organizations to curb drunk driving, it remains a problem throughout the United States, including in New Jersey, which has strict DUI laws and enforcement.
William Gonzalez believes that prosecuting drunk driving accidents not only helps clients recover compensation for their injuries but also serves as a warning to others who may consider driving under the influence.
What are Personal Injuries in New Jersey?
When an accident, incident, or illness causes you physical injury or emotional pain and suffering, it is referred to as personal injury. For example, suppose you are involved in a car accident and experience a traumatic brain injury. In that case, you have the right to seek compensation for the expenses related to treating and recovering from your physical injuries. You're also entitled to financial compensation for the emotional distress you may have suffered as a result of the injury.
There are three general terms you should be familiar with as it relates to personal injury law in New Jersey:
- Pain and Suffering
- Bodily Harm
- Emotional Distress
Pain and Suffering in New Jersey
Experiencing pain and suffering is not always limited to physical injuries. It can also affect one's emotional well-being, which may require the help of a mental health professional to properly document. Consulting with a mental health professional can help determine the extent of any potential psychological issues that may have arisen from your incident.
To provide accurate documentation of your emotional pain and suffering, it is important to record how your daily activities have been impacted and how you may no longer be able to participate in activities that you once enjoyed. This might include difficulties in communication or the inability to enjoy outings that were once pleasurable.
Bodily Harm in New Jersey
When someone experiences physical injury as a result of an accident, such as a car accident, they may sue for compensation for the harm done to their body. This compensation can help cover the costs of medical bills, surgeries, physical therapy, home care equipment, or any other expenses needed to aid in their recovery from the injury.
Emotional Distress in New Jersey
Emotional distress can be difficult to prove, especially when it involves defamation of character or threats to one's physical safety. It's important to understand, however, that emotional distress is valid. You have the right to seek compensation for any fear or trauma you have experienced and should not hesitate to fight for what you deserve.
If you have suffered a serious injury due to an accident, it's time to protect yourself and your family with the help of a personal injury attorney in Ridgefield Park, NJ. Unlike your lawyer, the insurance companies involved in your personal injury case are not on your side and are known for presenting offers that don't fairly compensate you for your losses.
How Negligence Affects Your Personal Injury Case in New Jersey
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
According to New Jersey law, there are four elements that must be covered when trying to prove negligence in personal injury cases. Those elements include the following.
In New Jersey, determining who is legally responsible for an accident usually involves assessing the negligence of the person at fault. Proving negligence or negligent acts as the cause of serious injuries and damages can be one of the most challenging aspects of a personal injury case. While some accidents are just that - accidents - in other cases, such as drunk driving car accidents, it is clear that the act of criminal negligence caused the accident, and the person responsible should be held liable for the damages.
Legal Duty
According to legal duty, the defendant has a responsibility to ensure the safety of the victim and prevent harm. In New Jersey, drivers have a legal obligation to operate their vehicles safely in regard to other vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians. Businesses are legally obliged to maintain their premises in a safe manner, ensuring there are no hazards such as ice, snow, or slippery floors.
Breach of Duty
To prove that the defendant is responsible for an accident, it must be shown that they behaved in a way that they knew could cause harm to others. Additionally, it must be demonstrated that a reasonable person in the same situation would have acted differently. For instance, it is common knowledge that driving a car, truck, or motorcycle under the influence can lead to an accident.
Causation
One of the biggest reasons to hire a personal injury lawyer in Ridgefield Park, NJ, is so they can prove that your injuries are a direct result of the other party's breach of duty. This means that you need to demonstrate that your injuries occurred due to the defendant's actions. To do so, it is recommended that you seek medical attention from a physician who can document your injuries and confirm that they were caused or worsened by the defendant's negligence. It is crucial to document your injuries with a doctor, as it can be difficult to obtain compensation for injuries that were not properly documented.
Damages
When filing a claim, you must show proof of loss, which may include medical bills, lost wages, and pain and suffering compensation.
William Gonzalez Law Pro Tip
If you've been injured due to someone else's negligence, you should act fast to file a claim and hire a lawyer. In New Jersey, you only have two years to file a personal injury lawsuit or claim. If you fail to file a claim within the time frame set by the statute of limitations, you will lose your opportunity to do so. In most cases, if you attempt to file a claim after the two-year deadline, the defendant will file a motion to dismiss. There are very few exceptions where a personal injury claim may be filed beyond the two-year mark.
A Personal Injury Attorney in Ridgefield Park, NJ, You Can Count On
The William Gonzalez Law Group specializes in helping you get back on track after a setback. With decades of experience in personal injury law, Mr. Gonzalez can assist you in cases such as car crashes, truck accidents, slip and fall incidents, motorcycle accidents, DUI accidents, workers' compensation cases, and more.
When you are unable to work, have mounting bills and medical expenses, and your quality of life is affected, you need a strong and reliable advocate on your side, and William Gonzalez is the man to call for help. Whether you need assistance with a complex personal injury case or need trustworthy, easy-to-understand legal advice, contact the William Gonzalez Law Group today.
Latest News in Ridgefield Park, NJ
COUNTY, RIDGEFIELD PARK LAUNCH PARTNERSHIP TO RECYCLE EPS STYROFOAM
bergen.nj.ushttps://www.co.bergen.nj.us/public-information/press-releases/718-county-ridgefield-park-launch-partnership-to-recycle-eps-styrofoam
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:September 27, 2023Media Contact for the County of BergenContact: Derek [email protected]®Above: County Executive Jim Tedesco and Ridgefield Park Mayor John Anlian cutting a ribbon alongside County Commissioners Mary Amoroso and Tracy Zur, Ridgefield Park Commissioners Mark Olson, Wanda Portorreal William G. Gerken, Teane...
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
September 27, 2023
Media Contact for the County of Bergen
Contact: Derek Sands
®
Above: County Executive Jim Tedesco and Ridgefield Park Mayor John Anlian cutting a ribbon alongside County Commissioners Mary Amoroso and Tracy Zur, Ridgefield Park Commissioners Mark Olson, Wanda Portorreal William G. Gerken, Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan, Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes, and Sustainable Jersey Chairman Gary Sondermeyer
RIDGEFIELD PARK, NJ – Today, officials from the County of Bergen and Village of Ridgefield Park gathered to celebrate a new partnership to provide Bergen County municipalities with an efficient means of recycling EPS Styrofoam®.
One of the most widely used packing and insulation materials across the globe, Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) also known as Styrofoam®, takes over 500 years to decompose and while highly recyclable, the product is difficult to do so at the consumer level. That is why County and Village officials have worked together over the past year to put together an agreement to procure an EPS Densifying Machine to increase sustainability and recycling programs.
The agreement (Bergen County Commissioners Resolution 748-23), which was authorized on June 21, 2023, by the Bergen County Board of Commissioners, provides that the County of Bergen allocate $40,000 to the Village of Ridgefield Park to purchase and install an EPS Densifying Machine that would reside on Village property. Per the agreement, the Village of Ridgefield Park would make the EPS Densifier available to any Bergen County municipality seeking to collect and recycle EPS Styrofoam® by entering into a local shared service agreement. The densifier, which purchased by the Village in August from the Elmwood Park based company RecycleTech Corp., is now officially operational with the capacity to densify 200lbs of Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) per hour.
County Executive Jim Tedesco applauded the agreement stating how “this is a wonderful example of county and municipal government working together to achieve a common goal.”
Tedesco continued “Throughout my tenure as County Executive, we have strived to reach creative solutions through the expansion of shared services with our municipal partners, local boards of educations, and neighboring counties. “I thank all stakeholders for making today a reality and strongly encourage all municipalities to take advantage of this opportunity as we work towards building a more sustainable Bergen County.”
Village of Ridgefield Park Mayor John Anlian echoed County Executive Tedesco’s sentiment stating "New Jersey has 565 separate municipalities; and some might say that such a high number of separate governmental entities is an inefficient way of running things. But, when you have more people involved in our local governments, you have more people thinking about how to deal with and solve our problems. This project is a great example of where local people, with the financial help of county government, can achieve great results. We thank all involved for providing their ideas and enthusiasm for this project."
This initiative came to fruition as result of efforts from several stakeholders including County Commissioner Tracy Silna Zur, Ridgefield Park Village Commissioner Mark Olson, and the local organization Sustainable Jersey – Bergen Hub.
"The County of Bergen has already taken steps to reduce the amount of EPS Styrofoam® waste by banning its use in all county parks and facilities, but protecting our environment is a team effort. I am thrilled to see the hard work and collaboration between the County of Bergen, the Village of Ridgefield Park, and the Sustainable Jersey HUB come to fruition," said Bergen County Commissioner Tracy Zur. "This new EPS Densifier will serve as an important recycling tool while creating new opportunities for partnerships and shared services."
"It has been a great privilege to be a part of this project. Besides those from the county and Sustainable Jersey, many individuals from several municipalities within the Sustainable Jersey Bergen Hub have worked hard to make this day a reality,” said Mark Olson, Village of Ridgefield Park Commissioner. “Many times it was just one person making the difference. Over time that was many different people. Without all of them this day may never have happened."
“Sustainable Jersey is delighted to have helped the Bergen Hub launch its polystyrene education and collection program,” said Gary Sondermeyer, Chair of the Board of Trustees of Sustainable Jersey. “A sustainable future is all about partnerships and at this point 467 municipalities and 1,135 schools actively participate in Sustainable Jersey where we have awarded some $7.4 million in grants to advance local projects. Every step we take, like today’s dedication and Creative Bergen, are important to advance a future grounded in a shared ethic of sustainable living.”
This collaboration will aid municipalities already collecting EPS Styrofoam®, as well as those that want to begin collections, by dramatically reducing transportation and storage costs. Before the execution of this agreement, the Village of Ridgefield Park would collect EPS Styrofoam® and truck the material as far as Sussex County and Eastern Pennsylvania to be processed. Now, with the machine centrally located in Bergen County, municipalities can more easily recycle this material which can be used to manufacture new EPS Polystyrene packaging or rigid plastic products including picture frames and moldings.
Municipalities interested in entering into an Expanded Polystyrene (EPS) shared service agreement should reach out to Village Commissioner Mark Olson at [email protected].
County Executive Tedesco and Mayor Anlian were joined today by County Commissioners Mary Amoroso and Tracy Zur, Ridgefield Park Commissioners Mark Olson, Wanda Portorreal, and William G. Gerken, Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan, Englewood Mayor Michael Wildes, Rutherford Mayor Frank Nunziato, a representative from RecycleTech Corp., a representative from Congressman Josh Gottheimer’s office, various members municipal environmental commissions and green teams, and the Sustainable Jersey Chairman Gary Sondermeyer.
A video of the full press conference and densifier demonstration is available to watch and download for fair use distribution here.
Above – County Executive Jim Tedesco placing a piece of EPS Styrofoam® in the new densifying machine
Above – Mayor John Anlian (center) looking at post densified EPS product
Above - County Executive Jim Tedesco and Ridgefield Park Mayor John Anlian cutting a ribbon alongside County Commissioners Mary Amoroso and Tracy Zur, Ridgefield Park Commissioner Mark Olson and Wanda Portorreal, Teaneck Mayor Michael Pagan, and Sustainable Jersey Chairman Gary Sondermeyer moments after the ribbon was cut
All video and photos are provided courtesy of the Office of Bergen County Executive
Be a Part of Our Unstoppable Momentum
Nj.comhttps://highschoolsports.nj.com/game/879866
Game LeadersPointsNick CanariatoKinnelon25 #23 Erind KukajRidgefield Park19ReboundsDylan CharlesKinnelon6 #4 Johnny BakRidgefield Park6StealsNick CanariatoKinnelon...
Game Leaders
Points
Nick Canariato
Kinnelon
25
#23 Erind Kukaj
Ridgefield Park
19
Rebounds
Dylan Charles
Kinnelon
6
#4 Johnny Bak
Ridgefield Park
6
Steals
Nick Canariato
Kinnelon
2
#4 Johnny Bak
Ridgefield Park
0
Sat, January 20, 2024, 4:00pm
| 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | Final | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kinnelon (11-15) | 15 | 8 | 13 | 26 | 62 |
| Ridgefield Park (14-14) | 11 | 11 | 27 | 18 | 67 |
Player Stats
| 2PT | 3PT | FTM | FTA | PTS | REB | AST | BLK | STL | GP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Zach Grande | 2 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 7 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
| Jace Marone | 1 | 0 | 2 | 0 | 4 | 4 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 1 |
| Nick George | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Ryan Geng | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 3 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| Dylan Charles | 3 | 1 | 5 | 0 | 14 | 6 | 4 | 1 | 1 | 1 |
| Nick Canariato | 5 | 4 | 5 | 0 | 25 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 2 | 1 |
| Alex Csigo | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals: | 14 | 8 | 12 | 0 | 62 | 19 | 11 | 7 | 4 | 7 |
| 2PT | 3PT | FTM | FTA | PTS | REB | AST | BLK | STL | GP | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Johnny Bak | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 3 | 6 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Cameron Hanna | 0 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 6 | 5 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Diego Echavarria | 3 | 0 | 3 | 0 | 6 | 5 | 3 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Jordan Impalli | 3 | 0 | 2 | 2 | 8 | 3 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Erind Kukaj | 3 | 3 | 4 | 4 | 19 | 4 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Bryan Hernandez | 3 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 12 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Francisco Then | 5 | 1 | 3 | 4 | 16 | 4 | 2 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Totals: | 17 | 8 | 15 | 14 | 70 | 28 | 18 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
N.J. school district fired me after I complained about state monitor, worker says
Anthony G. Attrinohttps://www.nj.com/bergen/2023/09/nj-school-district-fired-me-after-i-complained-about-state-monitor-worker-says.html
A former bussing coordinator with the Ridgefield Park Board of Education in Bergen County has filed a lawsuit claiming he was fired after complaining that a state monitor was wasting taxpayer money.Robert Kilmurray, 52, states in court papers the monitor was hired in 2015 to provide insight into business operations and personnel matters after the district overspent its budget.But when the monitor allegedly began harassing an administrator in 2022, Kilmurray complained about the monitor to an official in New Jersey government, a...
A former bussing coordinator with the Ridgefield Park Board of Education in Bergen County has filed a lawsuit claiming he was fired after complaining that a state monitor was wasting taxpayer money.
Robert Kilmurray, 52, states in court papers the monitor was hired in 2015 to provide insight into business operations and personnel matters after the district overspent its budget.
But when the monitor allegedly began harassing an administrator in 2022, Kilmurray complained about the monitor to an official in New Jersey government, according to the suit filed Aug. 29 in Superior Court of Bergen County.
The complaint allegedly led to Kilmurray’s termination, which the suit calls a violation of the state’s Conscientious Employee Protection Act. Kilmurray had worked for the district since 2008.
District officials did not immediately respond Monday to a request for comment.
Before he was fired, Kilmurray had received only positive feedback from the state monitor, according to the suit.
The lawsuit alleges the monitor personally disliked a district administrator and wasted district resources, along with taxpayer money, to harass the person, the suit states.
A school ethics disclosure form submitted to the state in 2020 shows that Kilmurray’s brother is an administrator in the district, but Kilmurray’s attorney declined to identify the administrator.
In July 2022, Kilmurray reported the “violation of law and/or public policy to a government official,” the suit states. The state monitor learned of Kilmurray’s complaint, and “took action that led to plaintiff’s termination of employment,” the lawsuit alleges.
In addition to whistleblower laws, the lawsuit alleges Kilmurray’s firing was a wrongful discharge, claiming the “district had no legitimate non-retaliatory reason for its termination of plaintiff.”
The suit seeks to reinstate Kilmurray to his job, along with his seniority, benefits and lost wages.
[email protected]. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook.
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Boys Basketball: New Providence Drubs Ridgefield Park, 80-46, in State Tournament
Guy Kipphttps://www.tapinto.net/towns/new-providence/sections/sports/articles/boys-basketball-new-providence-drubs-ridgefield-park-80-46-in-state-tournament
Jackson Zarinko (5)Photo Credit: Guy KippPublishedFebruary 26, 2024 at 9:39 PMLast UpdatedFebruary 26, 2024 at 11:18 PMNEW PROVIDENCE, NJ -- This log cabin wasn't built with any bricks.The cozy confines of New Providence Pioneers boys basketball team's home gym are known as the "Log Cabin," and there's been no clanging of metal in the way the team has been shooting the ball in its first two state tournament games....
Jackson Zarinko (5)Photo Credit: Guy Kipp
PublishedFebruary 26, 2024 at 9:39 PM
Last UpdatedFebruary 26, 2024 at 11:18 PM
NEW PROVIDENCE, NJ -- This log cabin wasn't built with any bricks.
The cozy confines of New Providence Pioneers boys basketball team's home gym are known as the "Log Cabin," and there's been no clanging of metal in the way the team has been shooting the ball in its first two state tournament games.
The bench in this log cabin is also made of a particularly sturdy grade of material. It's a bench that's reinforced with standout parts like Andrew Nook and Jack Fitzgerald, whose entry into games doesn't only reinforce, but helps add to the team's advantage.
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Nook scored 12 points off the bench, junior guard James Miller scored 15 points, and senior center Peyton Pazdera collected 14 points and 10 rebounds to lift New Providence to an 80-46 victory over Ridgefield Park in the quarterfinal round of the NJSIAA Section 2, Group 2 tournament on Monday night.
New Providence (19-6) shot 60 percent for the game (30 for 50), continuing the team's torrid state tournament scoring heater that began with the Pioneers' 88-79 victory over Becton in the opening round last Wednesday.
Senior forward Corey Rust had 11 points, 10 rebounds and three assists; and senior point guard Jackson Zarinko contributed team highs of five assists and four steals to go with six points for New Providence.
But while the final score looks like a rout, the game was still very much hanging in the balance when Nook and Fitzgerald entered the fray in the second quarter, with a couple of Pioneers saddled with two first-half fouls. With New Providence leading, 17-11, Fitzgerald sank a layup off a pass from Rust after a deft move without the ball. Then Fitzgerald sank one of two free throws to give the Pioneers a 20-13 lead.
A 3-pointer by Nook made it 23-14 New Providence after taking an assist from Fitzgerald. Then, with New Providence ahead, 28-18, Nook gave the team what was essentially a 4-point play: He was fouled attempting a 3-pointer, went to the line, hit the first two free throws, missed the third, but, in a scramble, retrieved his own rebound, was fouled again, went to the line again and made two free throws to give the Pioneers a 32-18 lead with 1:39 left in the half.
These were vital contributions from a player who began this season in the starting lineup. Now, head coach Art Cattano has the luxury of exceptional depth, with several players who don't start who can come in and give the team important minutes.
"First of all, when I'm on the bench, I'm always cheering on my teammates and rooting for them to do their best, and when I come in, I try to contribute any way I can, whether it's with my defense, my shooting or my passing," said Nook, a senior guard.
"Andrew is a kid who was starting for us, and he really handled it well when we made the change (to bring him off the bench)," Cattano said. "Our last game, which he didn't get into until the end, was the first time I sensed he was a little down about it (not playing more). We sat down and I talked to him, and I told him that what he showed, and the way he performed when he came in at the end of that game, 'you bumped back up,' and I was planning on bringing him in a lot earlier tonight."
In addition to Nook's seven points in the second quarter, Miller scored 11 points in the first half, which ended with New Providence ahead, 34-20, after sinking 11 of 21 from the field as a team and holding Ridgefield Park to 3-for-11 shooting from the floor in the second quarter.
Notably, the Pioneers built their 14-point halftime lead with just two points from Rust, the team's leading scorer on the season, thanks to the efforts of Nook, Fitzgerald and junior forward T.J. Munn, who turned in another one of his solid "glue guy" performances (six points, three rebounds, two assists).
"Andrew is always going full-throttle," Cattano said of Nook. "We've been trying to get him to slow down a little on offense for three years, but he always gives you everything he's got out there, and I was very happy to see him play as well as he did tonight."
It's hard to find anyone in a green jersey in the Log Cabin who isn't playing well lately. A team brimming with this level of confidence offensively is a dangerous entity at tournament time. The Pioneers came out in the third quarter and outscored Ridgefield Park, 23-2, to open the half. Pazdera scored nine of his points in that stretch and Rust knocked down a pair of 3-pointers and passed for two assists (both entry passes to Pazdera in the post).
"This team's got so much chemistry," Nook said. "We always have fun with each other, we're always picking each other up, and that contributed to our chemistry on the court."
"I love the way our kids played tonight," said Cattano, whose third-seeded team must now leave the confines of the Cabin and head to Newark for Wednesday's sectional semifinal against second-seeded Collegiate. "I look forward to it (playing Collegiate on the road). I'm very confident. We're taking these one at a time, but we want to go there."
"We always bring the energy anywhere we play," Nook said.
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