The Hoboken High School Boys' Varsity Basketball improved to 8-7 on the season, 5-5 in the league on Wednesday as they defeated the Kearny Cardinals 79-50. Senior Eddie Canary led all scores, with 22 in the game.

Canary was also huge on defense. In the first, he had a towering block on Cardinals' senior Leo Chemin, halting Kearny's late first quarter run.

Coach Buddy Matthews said after the game, "The key to the win was that as a team we all came out and played hard, especially on defense, which created numerous steals especially in the second half."

Midway through the second quarter, junior Robert Cabrera had a great follow-up basket, putting the Redwings up 22-14.  Cabrera was at the net again minutes later, scoring off a steal and an assist from junior Maurice Outlaw. Canary also had a strong second quarter, consistently flying through Cardinals' defense on his way to the net. At the half, Hoboken led 37-21.

The Redwings continued to dominate in the third, as junior Delquan Groomes scored eight. Canary, Cabrera and sophomore Abe Groomes also contributed. Kearny seniors Shameer Reevey and Jamal Walton showed their frustration, each with powerful dunks late in the third and Reevey with a three at the buzzer, but it wasn't enough as Kearny trailed 59-38 heading into the fourth.

It was much of the same in the final quarter, with Hoboken controlling on both ends. The win was an important morality booster heading into Tuesday's road match-up next Tuesday with rival St. Mary's of Jersey City. Prior to Wednesday's win, the team suffered tough losses to Bishop Ahr and North Bergen. Coach Matthews said his team has to prepare for "tight defensive pressure" in St. Mary's small gym.