Opening Night Hoops Pits Atlantic City Vikings vs. The Holy Spirit Spartans

Ed Rice’s Basketball Diary

High school hoops in South Jersey has a very loyal following. In 2023, there are a few intense high school rivalries competing for hardwood supremacy and bragging rights. However, few rivalries go back as long and fun as Atlantic City vs. Holy Spirit.

First of all, the two schools have competed for student athletes in all sports for decades. They play each other in the season’s most attended football game every Thanksgiving. This year the rivalry is even more intense because several former Holy Spirit stars are now starting for Atlantic City.

The rivalry results in an almost packed gym at Atlantic City High for the first game of the season. To see so many venturing out in sub 40 degree weather and during the holidays to root for both schools was evidence of how much basketball is loved in South Jersey.

For those keeping score … The ACHS Vikings won in their home gym by a score of 57 to 30. Former Spartan and now ACHS Viking, Kahjuan Roseborough led all scorers with 25 points. Roseborough finished filling the opening night stat sheet by also adding 5 rebounds (game high) and 5 steals (game high.)

Next up the Vikings travel to Somers Point, NJ for a nonleague game with St. Joes. In other scores, the Pleasantville Greyhounds got past the Oakcrest Falcons by a score of 67-64. Jah'iere Walker poured in 24 points to lead the Greyhounds and leading the Falcons with 24 points was Sam Daley.

In girls hoops, The Lady Spartans of Holy Spirit led by Sabrina Little and her 14 points beat The Atlantic City Lady Vikings by a score of 52 to 42.

Bulletin Board Material: The Battle By The Bay is coming to The Atlantic City High School gym Friday, Feb. 2, Saturday Feb. 3 and Sunday Feb. 4. The three-day scholarship tournament will feature teams this year from ACIT, EHT, Camden Eastside H.S., Pleasantville and Atlantic City.

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