Jekhi Burnam could sense his Linden team finding its identity in the second quarter on Saturday in Skillman.

Facing Rutgers Prep - ranked No. 11 in the NJ.com Top 20 - Linden gave up 21 points in the opening frame. That is not No. 13 Linden’s game, but Burnam saw his team gel at the right time.

Trailing by three points after one quarter, Linden wasn’t trying to force as many passes. They were playing a more on-brand defense, and they quickly found themselves in the lead.

A Jayden Holman basket gave Linden its first lead, 26-25 in the second quarter. Then Burnam completed a three-point play. Asante Jones laid one in, then Holman another. And then Jones again.

“We stayed together in that second quarter. Playing hard on defense and sticking together is what coach preaches,” Burnam said.

See Full Page