Essex County’s Second-Half Surge Falls Short in 89–84 Loss to Chesapeake

Chesapeake set the tone early, racing out to a 47–33 halftime lead behind sharp perimeter shooting and aggressive rebounding. Essex responded with urgency after the break, outscoring Chesapeake 51–42 in the second half and cutting the deficit to as few as three points in the final minutes. However, key free throws and late execution from Chesapeake helped the Skipjacks hold on for the road win.

Sophomore guard Ethan Laquindanum led Essex with 21 points, knocking down 8-of-17 shots and adding three assists. Jaden Reid provided a steady presence at both ends, finishing with 15 points, 5 rebounds, and a steal.

Carl Matala came off the bench to give the Wolverines a huge spark, hitting 3-of-5 from beyond the arc on his way to 11 points, while Christian Hampton and Ryan English combined for 14 points in reserve roles.

Inside, Emard Babacap battled hard on the glass with 10 rebounds and 6 points, while Rodney Willis Jr. contributed 8 points, 6 boards, and 2 blocks.

As a team, Essex shot a solid 55.9% from the field and 43.8% from three-point range, but struggled to capitalize from the free-throw line, going just 11-of-18 (61%). Chesapeake's size and balance proved decisive, with four players scoring in double figures, led by La'Shaun Moody (21 points) and Elisha Johnson-Dixon (20 points, 10 rebounds).

The Wolverines will look to rebound quickly when they return home on Tuesday, November 11, 2025 to take on Ulster County Community College at 3:00 PM inside the Cleo Hill Sr. Gymnasium.