LINDEN &8212; John Essex High School&8217;s junior varsity team made the ride down to Linden High School Friday afternoon a 3-0 undefeated group. On the way home the mood wasn&8217;t as jovial, after the previously 1-1 Patriots dominated the Hornets in a 66-20 win to get over .500.

Linden came out early in the game and established themselves as the points leaders, scoring 13 to John Essex&8217;s six in the first period. In the second period, the Hornets seemed to pick themselves up and battle, allowing the Linden lead to grow only by two going into the half 22-13.

On the positive side, Armstead said the Patriots played well on defense and rebounded and shot well. Most of the Linden dominance Armstead applauded came in the second half &8212; particularly the in the third quarter when Hornet coach Ronald Constant pulled out his starter and cleared the bench.

In the third quarter John Essex was outscored 26-7 and in the final period the Hornets put up a goose egg to the Patriots&8217; 18 points &8212; finishing up the game 66-20.

Leading scorers for Linden, who had seven of nine players put up points, were Larento Taylor with 12 and Terrance Sander with 18. For the Hornets, the high score on the team was a three-way tie with four.