Highlanders down Newton for first win
West Milford. Josh Moreno scored 16 points to help West Milford High boys basketball earn its first win of the season, a 53-39 victory over Newton, as the school’s winter sports teams continue play across basketball, wrestling and ice hockey.
| 05 Jan 2026 | 02:31
West Milford's Josh Moreno (20) leaps during a shot. Moreno scored 16 points. (
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West Milford's Logan Deaver tosses the ball towards the hoop during a shot. Deaver scored 12 points. (
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West Milford's Logan Deaver handles the ball during a fast break play. Deaver scored 12 points. (
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West Milford's John DelVecchio leaps during a shot in the third period. DelVecchio scored 4 points. (
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Josh Moreno scored a team-high 16 points and Logan Deaver added 12 points to lift the West Milford High boys basketball team to its first victory of the season - a 53-39 decision over Newton - on Saturday in West Milford.
The Highlanders led, 11-9, after the first quarter and held a 24-15 edge at the break.
West Milford was also aided in the win by Delvin Pena (seven points), Daniel Hart (seven points), John DelVecchio (four points), Blake Tyburczy (four points) and Nate Janeski (three points).
The Highlanders (1-5) were scheduled to host Wayne Hills on Thursday before hosting Mahwah on Saturday, Jan. 10 at 1 p.m.
Girls Basketball
The Lady Highlanders (1-5) have been led offensively this season by Sarah Benowitz (11.0 ppg.), Delaney Piecuch (6.8 ppg.) and Sara Wardlaw (4.8 ppg.).
West Milford was scheduled to play at Wayne Hills on Thursday, Jan. 8 at 4:15 p.m. and at Pascack Hills on Saturday, Jan. 10 at a.m.
Wrestling
The Highlanders reached the semifinal round of the Big North Duals on Saturday but bowed to eventual champion, River Dell, in River Dell.
In the opening match against Hackensack, West Milford earned its first victory of the season, rolling to a 72-6 decision.
Joseph Healy (106 pounds), Hassan Izejroski (120), Michael Ray (126), Colton Naccara (165), Owen Menier (190) and Jeffrey Papienuk (215) all won by fall with Iron Pinedo (138), Nick Triverio (175) and Noah Monica each winning by major decision.
West Milford (1-5) will wrestle at Wayne Valley on Friday, Jan. 9 at 6:30 p.m.
Ice Hockey
Max Diee collected two goals and an assist and Timmy Riche added a score but the West Milford/Pequannock squad fell to Passaic Tech on Sunday night at the Ice Vault Arena in Wayne.
The Highlanders trailed, 3-1, after two periods before Diee and Riche scored to open the third period. Passaic Tech then scored the go-ahead goal with 41 seconds remaining.
West Milford/Pequannock (6-6) will meet Paramus on Friday, Jan. 9 at the Ice Vault Arena at 9 p.m.
