News Summary

In a stunning upset at the Throne National Championship, Plainfield High School defeated the No. 6 ranked Roosevelt High School with a score of 69-67. This victory has garnered attention, showcasing the underdogs’ determination and skill, as they emerged from the tournament as unaffiliated competitors despite a strong regular season record. Key performances by players highlighted the game, and the supportive fan base played a crucial role in the team’s success. While Plainfield was eliminated in the semifinals, their journey reflects the growing talent in New Jersey basketball.

Exciting Upset in Plainfield: High School Basketball Team Triumphs

In a thrilling quarterfinal showdown, Plainfield High School showcased their determination and resilience as they upset the highly-ranked Roosevelt High School from Eastvale, California, with a nail-biting score of 69-67 in the thrilling Throne National Championship. This impressive victory not only made waves in the basketball community but also placed Plainfield, a small city with a population of about 55,000, firmly on the national map.

The Road to Victory

Entering the game without a national ranking, Plainfield managed to surprise everyone as they faced off against Roosevelt, who held the prestigious title of the No. 6 ranked team in the High School On SI Top 25 Boys High School Basketball National Rankings. The Throne National High School Championship, held from March 27-29 at the American Dream Mall in East Rutherford, NJ, was the backdrop of this remarkable upset.

The championship is organized by the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) in collaboration with Gold Level Sports and Entertainment (GLSE), featuring both boys’ and girls’ competitions. With games being broadcasted on NBA TV, YouTube, and the NBA App, there was plenty of excitement surrounding the tournament.

A Home Court Advantage

Coach Mike Gordon, Jr. attributed the team’s success to their incredibly supportive fan base, transforming every gym into their own personal arena. Fans flocked from Plainfield, just 30 miles away from the tournament venue, making the atmosphere electric.

Standout Performers

A key player in this memorable win was Micah Gordon, the son of Coach Gordon. He delivered a stellar performance with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, earning him the MVP honors of the game. His leadership and skill were evident as he guided his team to triumph.

On the opposing team, Brayden Burries was a force to be reckoned with, racking up an impressive 32 points, 19 rebounds, and four assists. Recognized as a top unsigned five-star prospect, Burries came incredibly close to sending the game into overtime with a long shot attempt that just missed the mark as the final buzzer sounded.

Championship Journey

Despite the emotional win, Plainfield faced a tougher battle in the semifinals against the Allen Eagles from Texas, where they fell short with a score of 86-49. Following Plainfield’s progress in the tournament, Long Island Lutheran from Brookville, NY, claimed the championship by defeating Allen in a close finale with a score of 71-68.

This extraordinary journey comes in light of Plainfield’s regular-season record of 29-3, although this didn’t include the results from the Throne Championship. Notably, because the games were not sanctioned by the NJSIAA, Plainfield had to participate in the tournament as an unaffiliated team, making their achievements that much more impressive.

Final Thoughts

In a season filled with unforgettable moments and passionate play, Plainfield High School’s unexpected triumph over Roosevelt is a testament to the growing talent in New Jersey basketball. With a tight-knit community backing them and a coach who understands what it takes to win, it’s clear that Plainfield is a team to watch in the future. Their journey in the world of high school basketball will certainly leave lasting impressions and inspire young athletes everywhere.

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