Mushman leads Pope John Lions on hardwood

Sophomore Sam Mushman netted a team-high 13 points to propel Pope John to a 42-33 win over Newton on an SCIL boys’ basketball game on Thursday in Sparta. The win was the second for the Lions againts three losses. Doug Green tallied eight points with Brian St. John popping seven into the basket. Two days earlier, the Lions dropped a 45-37 verdict to Hopatcong. Mushman topped the Lions’ scoring column with 14 while Theo Lusardi netted seven of his nine points in the fourth quarter when the Lions outscored the Chiefs 17-11. Pope John has jumped out to a 4-1-1 start playing in the elite Gordon Conference of the New Jersey Hockey League. The Lions have recorded a 6-3 win over Don Bosco Prep and a 4-1 win over Malvern Prep (PA) while skating to a 1-1 draw with Delbarton. In the pool, Pope John utilized its depth to defeat Vernon 93-77 in the boys’ competition and post a 91-79 victory over the Lady Vikings. Nick Ferriero doubled in the 200 and 500 freestyle races, while Nick Lumkong sprinted to victory in the 50 and 100 freestyle events. Kristen Ferriero, Amie Leonard and Anna Susko posted winning efforts for the Pope John girls’ squad.