Linden Defeats Union, 54-35, in Sectional Semifinal

Second-seeded Linden pulls away in the second half to end Union's strong season

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Linden High School defeated Union High School, 54-35, in the semifinal round of the NJSIAA North 2, Group 4 boys basketball tournament. Linden took control of the game late in the first half and then pulled away with a dominant third quarter performance, forcing 10 Union turnovers in the period. No player on either team scored more than 10 points, with Linden's Jayden Holman and Jekhi Burnham each scoring 10 to lead their team. Union freshman Elijah Cortes-Sosa had a team-high 9 points in the loss.

Why it matters

This game marked the end of a strong season for Union, which won 22 games - the most for the program in over a decade. However, Linden's stifling defense and transition game proved too much for Union to overcome. The loss denies Union a chance to play for the sectional title, but the Farmers' season still represents significant progress under first-year head coach Erick Loften-Harris as he looks to build the program into a consistent contender.

The details

Linden trailed early but closed the first half on a 14-2 run to take a 25-18 lead at the break. The Tigers then opened the second half with a 17-3 surge to blow the game open. Union committed 10 turnovers in the third quarter, leading to easy transition baskets for Linden. The Tigers' length, quickness and defensive pressure proved too much for the Farmers to handle, as they struggled to catch and control the ball.

  • The game was played on Tuesday night.
  • Linden will host Plainfield in the sectional final on Friday night.

The players

Linden High School

The second-seeded boys basketball team that defeated Union in the sectional semifinal.

Union High School

The third-seeded boys basketball team that had its strong season end with the loss to Linden.

Jayden Holman

A Linden player who scored 10 points to lead his team.

Jekhi Burnham

A Linden player who scored 10 points to lead his team.

Elijah Cortes-Sosa

A freshman guard for Union who led his team with 9 points and 3 assists.

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What they’re saying

“At practice, we made sure that our guys denied everything, and even there, it was somewhat tough, but at the same time (in practice), we got stuff off that today you're not getting (those shots) off as clean.”

— Erick Loften-Harris, Union head coach (tapinto.net)

“They've got a 6-10 kid waiting back there, so even if you do end up going by somebody, it's tough. They're a tough basketball team. Much credit to them, for sure. That's Linden. That's been them forever now — stifling defense. And when that starts to impact you, that's what they feed on. Now they're getting out in transition, now they're getting these layups, and it just turns up from there. They're relentless with it.”

— Erick Loften-Harris, Union head coach (tapinto.net)

What’s next

Linden will host fourth-seeded Plainfield, the defending Group 4 state champion, in the sectional final on Friday night.

The takeaway

This game highlighted the gap between Linden, a perennial powerhouse, and Union, which is still building its program under a new coach. However, Union's 22-win season represents significant progress, and the Farmers will look to use this experience as a stepping stone to becoming a consistent contender in the future.