Halfway through the season, Randolph Boys Basketball holds an impressive 10-5 overall record and stands 6-1 in the NJAC National Division as the team heads into the second half of the year. This has been one of the best starts in the recent years for Randolph, with the Rams looking to hold steady for the remainder of the season and find postseason success.

Overall, the season has been smooth sailing for Randolph. The Rams have avoided major injuries and internal conflicts, allowing the team to stay focused on development and consistency. Much of the squad’s success has come from its three returning starters: senior co-captains Jack Leonard and Tristan Durkin, along with Ryan Warner.

Although Randolph moved down a division this season, competition remains fierce, with the Rams facing tough teams left and right.

A team highlight occurred in the opening weeks, when the Rams made a deep the Jack Reilly Holiday Tournament but fell short in the championship.

Below are highlights from several key games so far this season.

Monday, Jan. 5: Rams defeat Morristown 57-51

Randolph earned a hard-fought 57–51 victory over Morristown on Monday, Jan. 5, improving to 6–3 and moving to the top of the conference.

In a matchup between the NJAC National’s top teams, Randolph erased a 15-point third-quarter deficit with strong defense and timely shooting. A full-court press in the fourth quarter forced key turnovers, while Cooper Tighe scored seven points late to seal the comeback. Leonard contributed key rebounds and scoring, and backcourt players junior Luken Biggan and Durkin hit crucial three-pointers as the Rams closed out the victory.

“This win was very important; we need all the momentum we can get headed into this week full with tough matchups,” Durkin said.

Wednesday, Jan. 7: Randolph falls to Morris Hills 50-43 on Teacher Appreciation Night

Randolph fell short in a competitive conference matchup against Morris Hills 50-43 on Wednesday, Jan. 7, which was also Teacher Appreciation night.

Despite the loss, several Rams stood out on the court. Leonard led Randolph on both ends of the floor, finishing with a team high of nine points, three rebounds and two steals, providing steady energy throughout the night. Durkin followed with eight points, knocking down a three-pointer and going a perfect five-for-five from the free-throw line.

Jordan Dixon also contributed eight points, along with three rebounds and two assists, while Tighe added five points, three assists and a block, helping keep Randolph within striking distance into the fourth quarter. Inside, Ricky Fleischer chipped in defensively with two steals and a block, and Warner added rebounds and ball movement to support the Rams effort.

Despite a strong third quarter push, Randolph was unable to close the gap late. The Rams showed balance and defensive activity, finishing with six steals and two blocks, as they continue to compete in a tough NJAC schedule.

“Wins are never determined before the timer hits zero; we have to play our heart out every second,” Warner said.

Friday, Jan. 9: Randolph defeats Pope John 50-45

Randolph earned a 50–45 win over Pope John on Friday, Jan. 9, improving to 8–4 overall and 5–1 in NJAC National play. Leonard led the Rams with 19 points, five rebounds, and three steals, helping Randolph pull away with a strong fourth quarter. Warner added 12 points, while Kristian Foote contributed seven points and three blocks. Randolph’s defense limited Pope John to 11 points in the final period to secure the victory and remain near the top of the NJAC National standings.

Tuesday, Jan. 13: Randolph defeats Roxbury 45-38 on Fan Appreciation Night

Durkin led the way for Randolph, scoring a game-high 18 points, including three three-pointers, to spark the offense. Warner delivered a strong all-around performance with 11 points and a team-high eight rebounds, controlling the glass and providing key buckets down the stretch. Tighe added eight points, while also contributing defensively with two blocks.

Defensively, Randolph set the tone with active hands and interior presence. Leonard finished with three steals and five points, while Warner and Tighe each recorded blocks to protect the rim. The Rams finished with seven steals and four blocks as a team, helping them pull away late in the fourth quarter.

The win came on Fan Appreciation Night, making the atmosphere inside RHS even more electric. Fans were welcomed with towels, bracelets, mini basketballs and raffles, with lucky attendees taking home gift cards and a signed team basketball. The energy from the stands fueled the Rams as they improved to 8–4 overall and 5–1 in NJAC play.

Thursday, Jan. 15: Randolph defeats Boonton 60-40

The Rams extended their win streak to three, as they were able to take down the Boonton Bombers comfortably in out-of-conference play. Warner was the offensive engine in this game, making five threes and 19 points overall. His off-ball movement through screens, backdoor cuts, and pump fakes allowed him to have open looks all night.

Tighe was the defensive anchor, with a career-high four blocks in the game, protecting the rim and limiting the Bombers’ opportunities. This was arguably the most complete game by the Rams this year, extending their record to 9-4.

“This truly showed our potential as a team; it boosts our confidence heading into the harder part of the season,” Tighe said after the game.

Saturday, Jan. 17: Randolph falls to West Morris Central 55-53.

Randolph’s offense picked up right where it left off, with Warner recording another five-three game, his second of the season. Leonard started off hot, using any possible way to get to the rim in the early half of the game, scoring the Rams’ first five and 14 points overall. However, their defensive play is what lost them the game. Teddy Olsen of West Morris could not be stopped, scoring 24 points and taking the nail-biting victory.

“There are some things I wish went differently in this game, but now it’s time to hit practice hard and fix the mistakes,” Durkin said after the game.

Monday, Jan. 19: Randolph defeats Mount Olive 60-55

The dynamic duo of Foote and Warner powered Randolph to a season-series sweep over the Marauders. This game was highlighted by a 13-point third quarter by Foote, putting the nail in the coffin on a tough Mount Olive squad. Warner was the leading scorer for the third game in a row, with 19 points.