Belleville HS boys’ basketball team falls to Kearny and Nutley in Kearny tournament

BELLEVILLE – The Belleville High School boys’ varsity basketball team lost both of its games in the Charlie Dolan Holiday Festival in Kearny, falling to Kearny and arch rival Nutley, to move to a 2-3 record.

Andre Velez scored 30 points, including hitting seven 3-pointers, in the 79-54 loss to Kearny on Dec. 29. Adrielle Henson had nine points and Jose Gallardo, Kayson Wilder and Mohamed Yousef each had four points for the Bucs.

In the consolation round the following day, the Bucs lost to Nutley, 64-57.  Yousef had 22 points and Velez and Alcides DosRies each had 10 points. Ethan Luarca had eight points and Henson had seven points.

In earlier action, the Bucs defeated Glen Ridge, 53-49, Dec. 22. Velez had 21 points and Brandon Torres had seven points in the win.