Lodaer Img
Release, Relax, And Rejuvenate With Acupuncture. Offering Dry Needling, Cupping & Gua Sha Techniques

Start Your Journey to a Pain Free Life

back-pain

Back Pain

Neck Pain

Neck Pain

Sciatica

Sciatica

Disc-pain

Herniated Disc

Neuropathy

Neuropathy

TMJ

TMJ

Vertigo

Vertigo

Pregnancy

Pregnancy & Lactation

Muscle-pain

Muscle Pain

Hip-pain

Hip Displacement

Allergies

Allergies

Acupuncture in Colonia, NJ

Acupuncture Colonia, NJ

It's hard to deny that we live in a world where health issues seem to be increasingly common. From allergies that baffle doctors to chronic pain that never seems to go away, it's no secret that many individuals struggle to maintain good health. Respiratory issues, reproductive complications, and other conditions add to the mix, making it clear that we're all susceptible to some kind of malady.

Unfortunately, many modern doctors still believe that throwing pills at the problem or scheduling surgery is the best way to provide long-term relief. While certain serious conditions can warrant such extreme treatments, a large percentage of Americans are looking for something far less harmful and much more holistic. They're looking high and low for a reliable, well-studied solution that doesn't require time off work or sketchy pain medications.

At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, one of the most effective and exciting treatments we've seen work for such patients is acupuncture in Colonia, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.

 Acupuncturists Colonia, NJ

If you're new to holistic healing, acupuncture may seem intimidating. You might be wondering how needles pressed into your skin could possibly make you feel better. Wouldn't someone pushing a needle into your back be painful? As it turns out, acupuncture is far from painful and is quickly becoming one of the most sought-after treatments for chronic pain and for regulating issues relating to:

  • Digestion
  • Hormones
  • Breathing
  • Muscles
  • Nerves & Brain
  • Sex & Libido
  • Body Circulation
  • Organs & Heart

In fact, acupuncture has been studied and practiced for over 2,500 years and, more recently, has been researched and supported by many scientific studies. While acupuncture may not be a "miracle" treatment for every type of pain or condition, it has been shown to be effective in treating a wide range of issues, from depression and allergies to morning sickness and cramps.

Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Colonia, NJ

Acupuncture is a therapy in traditional Chinese medicine (TCM) that aims to balance the body's energy, called qi, which flows through pathways called meridians. This balance is crucial for overall wellness, as disruptions to qi can lead to health concerns. According to TCM, inserting small stainless-steel needles into specific points called acupoints along the meridians can help rebalance the flow of qi and restore overall health.

These acupoints are believed to release certain chemicals when stimulated, which can trigger an immune response and promote physiological homeostasis. Recent research suggests that this therapy may help alleviate symptoms of various health ailments.

In fact, the National Institute of Health conducted a survey on complementary health approaches, revealing that acupuncture usage in the United States has increased by 50 percent between 2002 and 2012. As of 2012, 6.4 percent of American adults have reported using acupuncture as a form of treatment.

Acupuncture Near Me Colonia, NJ

Is Acupuncture in Colonia, NJ Actually Legit?

One of the most common questions from new patients interested in acupuncture typically revolves around whether it really works or whether it's all "new age" malarky. We get it - for most folks, the thought of inserting stainless-steel needles into one's back, arms, or neck sounds loony. However, with the ever-increasing popularity of acupuncture in New Jersey and other locations, numerous studies centering on acupuncture's effectiveness have taken place.

Extensive research has been conducted on the effectiveness of acupuncture for various conditions. A February 2022 analysis published in the BMJ, which evaluated over 2,000 scientific reviews of acupuncture therapies, revealed that acupuncture's efficacy is strongest for:

  • Neck Pain
  • Back Pain
  • Post-Stroke Aphasia
  • Muscle Pain
  • Lactation Issues
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Asthma
  • Allergies
  • Vascular Dementia
  • More

Additionally, according to the National Institutes of Health (NIH), acupuncture is most effective for pain relief in cases of chronic conditions such as osteoarthritis, lower back pain, and tension headaches. Additionally, a review of 11 clinical trials found that acupuncture may also alleviate symptoms associated with cancer treatment, as noted by the NIH.

What Happens During an Acupuncture Session at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness?

When meeting with your acupuncturist for the first time, they will discuss your condition with you before conducting a physical examination to identify areas of your body that might respond to acupuncture. The needles used in acupuncture are incredibly thin, sterile, and disposable, with your acupuncturist inserting them at different depths ranging from a fraction of an inch to several inches.

Acupuncture needles are less painful than medical needles used for vaccines or blood draws. This is because acupuncture needles are thinner and solid, not hollow. During the treatment, you may experience some muscle sensations like dull aches or tingling.

Your practitioner will ask you to report any deep heaviness or numbness, which are positive signs that the treatment is working. Depending on the condition you're treating and the supplemental treatments you're undergoing, like physical therapy, acupuncture needles will remain in place for several minutes or up to 30 minutes.

Once your first acupuncture treatment is finished, it's normal to feel extra relaxed and calm. For that reason, some patients like to arrange for a ride home after their first or second session. With that said, you shouldn't experience much pain at all, and it's quite possible for you to return to work after acupuncture.

How Many Treatments Until Acupuncture Works?

This is another common question that we get at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness. The simple answer is, "It depends." While we understand that that's not a satisfying answer for some, it's important to understand that every patient is different. Everyone has different bodies and, by proxy, different bodily conditions and issues that need to be addressed.

During your initial consultation at our office, your licensed acupuncturist will go over your needs and goals as it relates to acupuncture therapy. Once your therapist has a good sense of the scope of your needs, they can give you a loose idea of how many sessions you'll need.

Generally speaking, most patients have appointments once a week. Others may require more or less frequent sessions. It's important to note that the full benefits of acupuncture may not be immediately evident after the first or even the second session. It's common for normal patients to undergo up to five treatments to realize the full benefits of acupuncture.

What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Colonia, NJ?

There's no question that acupuncture is more popular than ever as a non-invasive, non-addictive way to reclaim balance and well-being. But what types of conditions can this traditional therapy help alleviate in the modern world? Advances in acupuncture techniques and applications have resulted in some very promising benefits.

Relief from Chronic Pain

Did you know that regular acupuncture treatments can help reduce the pain associated with osteoarthritis? In May 2017, a meta-analysis was published, which studied approximately 18,000 patients with chronic pain, such as low back, neck, and shoulder pain, knee OA, and headache or migraine. The analysis found that the benefits of acupuncture therapy in reducing pain lasted for more than 12 months.

That's wonderful news for athletes and other people who push their bodies daily to accomplish goals or bring home money for rent and bills. In fact, many medical experts consider acupuncture as a viable option for managing chronic pain in conjunction with traditional methods like physical therapy and chiropractic care. The idea behind this approach is that acupuncture may trigger the body's natural healing response to alleviate pain.

When a licensed acupuncturist in New Jersey inserts an acupuncture needle, it penetrates your fascia, a connective tissue that wraps around your organs and muscles. Like a slight tickle on your arm, your body realizes that something is happening and responds by delivering lymph fluid, blood, and other important nutrients to speed up healing in affected areas like your knees, back, neck, joints, and more.

 Fertility Acupuncture Colonia, NJ
 Best Acupuncture Colonia, NJ

Migraine Headache Relief

If you're like other people who suffer from migraines, you know that once one of them hits, it can be next to impossible to function properly throughout the day. Fortunately, acupuncture in Colonia, NJ may be a viable solution if you have to endure migraines often.

A study conducted in 2009 by the Center for Complementary Medicine at the University of Munich analyzed 11 studies involving 2,137 patients who received acupuncture treatment for chronic tension-type headaches. The researchers concluded that acupuncture could be an effective non-pharmacological solution for frequent headaches.

The study compared the effects of acupuncture sessions with sham acupuncture and no treatment at all. Both groups that received acupuncture treatment, whether needles were placed randomly or strategically, reported a reduction in headache symptoms, while the control group reported no change. The group that received real acupuncture treatment also reported a decrease in the number of headache days and intensity of pain in a follow-up survey.

Improved Sleep

For individuals who struggle with insomnia and other sleep disturbances, acupuncture is a promising therapy. Although sedatives are commonly prescribed for insomnia, long-term use can lead to negative side effects such as dependence and excessive drowsiness.

A study conducted on 72 participants and published in Sleep Medicine in 2017 found that individuals who received acupuncture three times a week for four weeks experienced significant improvements in sleep quality and anxiety compared to those who received sham acupuncture.

Similarly, a review of 30 randomized, controlled trials found that acupuncture was more effective in improving sleep quality and daytime functioning than sham acupuncture.

 Acupuncture Clinic Colonia, NJ
 Facial Acupuncture Colonia, NJ

Better Recovery from Surgery

While many patients choose acupuncture as a way to avoid surgery altogether, those who need surgery also use it for improved recovery. Because, at the end of the day, recovering from surgery is no easy feat. Patients may experience various symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, pain around the incision, restlessness, sleep troubles, constipation, and sore throat.

According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, healthcare providers may use acupuncture as a way to alleviate some of these symptoms and help with healing. A study published in Integrative Cancer Therapies in January 2017 involving 172 participants found that patients who received acupuncture after surgery reported significant improvements in sleep, anxiety, pain, fatigue, nausea, and drowsiness.

 Acupuncture Treatment Colonia, NJ

The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture

Did you know that supplementing physical therapy with acupuncture and vice versa can have profoundly beneficial effects for patients in New Jersey and across the country? If you're like most, chances are you didn't.

The truth is that acupuncture and physical therapy have both been proven effective in reducing pain and inflammation. While many people view them as separate methods, combining the two modalities can produce a synergistic effect that enhances pain relief and delivers long-lasting benefits to patients.

Physical therapists work with patients of all ages and abilities, from children to elderly adults, to help them overcome physical limitations and improve their quality of life. At NJ Sports Spine & Wellness, our physical therapists help treat a wide range of conditions, from neck pain and spinal cord injuries to back pain and arthritis.

To effectively reduce pain and treat tissue injury, a combination of acupuncture and physical therapy can be very helpful. Acupuncture helps to reduce inflammation and release muscle tightness and trigger points, allowing the patient to better receive manual therapy or exercise-based physical therapy techniques. In doing so, acupuncture can actually create a window of time that allows your body to respond better to other treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, such as physical therapy and chiropractic care.

There are many benefits of combining physical therapy with acupuncture in Colonia, NJ, including the following:

  • Increased Range of Motion
  • More Effective Long-Term Pain Relief
  • Enhanced Tissue Repair & Healing
  • Better Response to Physical Therapy Due to Pain Reduction
  • Less of a Need for Pain Medications
  • Boosted Mood & Energy
  • Better Quality of Life Overall

You may be wondering, "Are there any studies showing these benefits?" As it turns out, there are many. One such study, published on the NIH's website, was conducted on patients suffering from frozen shoulder.

 Acupuncture Therapy Colonia, NJ

Patients who received acupuncture experienced a significant reduction in pain, while those who underwent physical therapy saw an improvement in range of motion. However, the best outcome was observed in patients who received a combination of both treatments, with reduced pain, increased their range of motion, and improved quality of life. This study highlights the potential benefits of using acupuncture and physical therapy as complementary treatments for frozen shoulder.

It makes sense, then, that people from all walks of life are combining acupuncture with chiropractic treatments at New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, including:

  • Professional Athletes
  • Football Players
  • Soccer Players
  • Baseball Players
  • Construction Workers
  • Landscapers
  • Accountants and People Working Office Jobs
  • Public Officials
  • Police Officers
  • More

Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness

head-btm

At New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness, our doctors, practitioners, occupational therapists, and physical therapist specialize in a range of therapies and treatments. Much like physical therapy and acupuncture, combining chiropractic care with acupuncture therapy gives patients a new way to reclaim their mobility, reduce chronic pain, and maintain a healthy quality of life.

Chiropractic care and acupuncture in Colonia, NJ are natural healing practices that don't rely on drugs to improve the body's health. They focus on correcting imbalances in the body's structural and supportive systems, promoting natural healing, and ultimately leading to better health. These practices have a proven track record of helping patients improve their quality of life and overcome physical difficulties.

 Medical Acupuncture Colonia, NJ

What are the Benefits of Using Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care?

Integrating chiropractic and acupuncture as a dual-modality treatment offers the most efficient solution for removing blockages from the body, promoting balance, and accelerating healing. Rather than using these treatments sequentially, a combined approach allows for maximum benefits at one time.

Chiropractic targets subluxations in the nervous system through manual adjustments, facilitating the central nervous system to promote healing, while acupuncture removes blockages that may hinder the body's internal balance. Together, these treatments work synergistically to optimize energy flow and restore harmony in the body.

 Cosmetic Acupuncture Colonia, NJ
 Cosmetic Acupuncture Colonia, NJ

What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?

When our physical well-being becomes imbalanced, and our innate healing mechanisms are compromised, illnesses can manifest. The integration of acupuncture and chiropractic practices can effectively address a wide range of health conditions that they individually target, such as:

  • Sports Injuries
  • Headaches
  • Sciatica
  • Lower Back Pain
  • Neck Pain
  • Insomnia
  • Chronic Conditions Like Diabetes
  • More

Curious if combining chiropractic care or physical therapy with acupuncture is right for your body? The best way to find out is to make an appointment at our sports rehab clinic in New Jersey. Once our team of medical professionals has a chance to evaluate your conditions, we can explore the best options to provide the most relief in the shortest amount of time possible.

What Client Say About Us

The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Colonia, NJ

New Jersey Sports Spine & Wellness consists of a team of athletic trainers, chiropractors, occupational therapists, physical therapists, and other professionals. We're very proud and passionate about caring for our patients, many of whom are suffering from debilitating conditions like back and neck pain, plantar fasciitis, sports-related injuries, and more. If you're trying to get on the road to pain relief and recovery, acupuncture may be the non-surgical solution you need to reclaim your life. Contact our office today to learn whether this exciting treatment is right for you.

phone-number732-526-2497
Professional Acupuncture

Latest News in Colonia, NJ

Ramapo basketball again knocks out Colonia in Group 3 semifinals

ELIZABETH — As Yogi Berra once famously uttered, it was deja vu all over again for the Colonia Patriots.For the fourth season in a row, Colonia won the North 2, Group 3 sectional title last weekend. And, for the fourth year in a row, they were prevented from vying for a state championship in the next game by Ramapo.Tuesday, Ramapo prevailed once again by a 52-46 margin in the Group 3 semifinals to earn a berth in Saturday’s Group 3 championship game against Colts Neck, a 47-45 winner over Ocean City....

ELIZABETH — As Yogi Berra once famously uttered, it was deja vu all over again for the Colonia Patriots.

For the fourth season in a row, Colonia won the North 2, Group 3 sectional title last weekend. And, for the fourth year in a row, they were prevented from vying for a state championship in the next game by Ramapo.

Tuesday, Ramapo prevailed once again by a 52-46 margin in the Group 3 semifinals to earn a berth in Saturday’s Group 3 championship game against Colts Neck, a 47-45 winner over Ocean City.

The game turned early in the third quarter, when Colonia's Aiden Derkack picked up his third foul and his team leading 27-24. Colonia (27-5) did not score again in the period, as Ramapo went on an 10-0 excursion to take a lead it would never relinquish. AJ Greig ignited the rally with a pair of 3-pointers, finishing with a game-high 24 points.

“We dealt with that before,” Colonia coach Jose Rodriguez said of Derkack’s foul troubles. “You have other guys who can step up and make plays. We have a team full of guys that are capable but we never got ourselves in any sort of flow.”

To Rodriguez, Colonia’s troubles started long before then, as its uncharacteristic 17 turnovers would attest.

“I think, unfortunately, our lack of execution and making shots and playing so erratic let them get a little comfortable and settled,” Rodriguez noted. “I thought simply that we had opportunities to maybe open the game up but, unfortunately, when we had chances, our guys never really got themselves relaxed and comfortable tonight.”

Ramapo (19-10) led by as many as nine, the last at 42-33. Colonia only made six field goals in the second half and went bucket-less for more than four minutes in the fourth quarter, which prevented it from getting into its full-court pressure.

“We certainly rely on getting out in transition and getting stops and I think that there was a stretch there when we got the stops but unfortunately panicked and threw the ball away multiple times when we had a chance to get going,” said Rodriguez.

There were five lead changes in the first quarter, which ended in an 8-8 deadlock. The Patriots pulled ahead with a 12-8 run and enjoyed a 25-22 edge at the break after a steal and dunk by Derkack.

The junior guard once again played admirably as he continued to battle an inured ankle suffered in the GMCT semifinals, which has prevented him from attacking the rim with gusto ever since.

“He gutted it out, he was substantially hurt for awhile,” Rodriguez said. “I think this was the first time he was closer to feeling better. The county final game he played with an absolutely swollen ankle that most guys would not even lace up for. In a typical situation he could have been out for one or two weeks, easily, but he played through it and he fought through it and we’re certainly proud of him for that.”

Derkack led Colonia with 19 points, seven rebounds and three assists. RJ Wortman, who has emerged as the Patriots’ second option, tallied three points, all in the first quarter, but contributed in other areas with eight boards and five steals.

The Patriots also received significant contributions from role players Colin Kroner (six rebounds, two blocks), Julian Jones (six rebounds) and freshman Jayce Rodriguez, the coach’s son, who knocked down three 3s.

Colonia had a magnificent season and those accomplishments were not lost on Rodriguez.

“As disappointing as this is, and it is disappointing, but it’s also an opportunity to learn, it’s an opportunity to grow, it’s an opportunity to find ways to reflect and look at ourselves and hold ourselves accountable,” Rodriguez offered.

“As much as we’ve been knocking on the door, obviously we wanted this and I thought we were deserving of it. We’re not going to lose sight of the fact that we won the most games in school history, we won a county championship back-to-back, another sectional championship and we’re the smallest team in the (GMC) Red Division and won a division championship. We did some impressive stuff.”

Boys basketball: Colonia handles Mendham to win fourth straight sectional crown

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.BASKETBALLCOLONIA — The plot might have change and the cast of characters might come and go but one thing remains the same: The Colonia High School boys basketball team is a sectional champion....

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.

BASKETBALL

COLONIA — The plot might have change and the cast of characters might come and go but one thing remains the same: The Colonia High School boys basketball team is a sectional champion.

The Patriots captured their fourth consecutive North 2 Group 3 title by breaking open a close contest in the fourth quarter and cruising to a 62-43 victory over Mendham on Friday.

Colonia will travel to the Dunn Center in Elizabeth for Tuesday’s state semifinals, against Ramapo, a nemesis that has ended the Patriots’ season following each of those past three sectional titles.

“It’s outstanding. It’s a reflection of our program and what we do every single day,” Colonia coach Jose Rodriguez said of the four-peat. “Winning isn’t for everybody, the things we have to do to get to this point. Four is special but this is about this particular group and their journey and what they’ve done and I’m really proud of the way they’ve come along.”

The game remained a taut, one-possession affair until Zach Smith nailed a 3-pointer off a dish from Aiden Derkack at the third-quarter buzzer for a 42-37 cushion. The top-seeded Patriots (27-4) then outscored second-seeded Mendham (24-6) by a 20-6 margin in the fourth quarter, limiting the Minutemen to a pair of layups, while connecting on all seven of their field goal attempts in the final period.

“We tried to stay calm, trust the process and trust each other and that was what we did and we came out with the W,” Smith said. “People say that we’re a second-half team. We might struggle early and let the adrenalin get the best of us but we stayed calm and came out strong.”

Colonia once again showed that it doesn’t need a zillion points from Derkack to be successful. The junior guard picked up his second foul in the second quarter and finished with 14 points. R.J. Wortman, arguably the area’s most improved player, stepped up once again by scoring a team-leading 16 points, and freshman Jayce Rodriguez deposited nine of his dozen points in the fourth quarter.

“That’s our main guy. Schools are double-teaming and trying to take him away,” Smith said of Derkack. “We all know that we have to step up our games and become leaders.”

Much of Derkack’s early energy was exhibited on the defensive end, where he shut out Mendham’s Kevin King over the first quarter. King finished with 23 points, dropping 11 in the third quarter to keep the Minutemen within striking distance. Unlike Tuesday’s 57-54 semifinals win over Chatham, in which Colonia nearly squandered a 21-point advantage, the Patriots went off in the fourth quarter Friday.

“I think the difference was, instead of our guys having those moments when they had some bad possessions, they did a good job turning around and responding after halftime,” Rodriguez noted. “I think our group did a really good job of staying with it and we got back to how we play and we were able to get some points in transition.”

Derkack opened the final stanza with a pair of free throws and King answered. The Patriots then took off on a 16-2 barrage that began with a Rodriguez 3 and ended with a Rodriguez jumper.

“It was the most-opposite you could get in fourth quarters, but that game is over and this game is over,” Derkack said. “Everyone played their hardest, everyone gave everything and I’m very proud of my boy Jayce, being a freshman and stepping up in a big role. Now he’s starting to get it right. I think it’s just great for him having older players mentor him, and obviously, his dad being the coach.”

Rodriguez thought for a moment when asked what’s differently about this championship from the previous three.

“I think that this one, whether fair or unfair to them, probably had some higher expectations than some of the other teams because of a guy like Aiden,” Rodriguez stated. “I think some of the other teams had to ground it out to get better and I think that this team kind of had those expectations. They still had to learn how to win so I’m proud of them for figuring that part out.”

Boys Basketball: Colonia holds off fierce rally, advances to sectional final

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.BASKETBALL0:002:03COLONIA — Colonia will appear in its sixth consecutive sectional final on Friday, but it certainly wasn’t easy getting back there.The Patriots amass...

Click here for important updates to our privacy policy.

BASKETBALL

COLONIA — Colonia will appear in its sixth consecutive sectional final on Friday, but it certainly wasn’t easy getting back there.

The Patriots amassed a 21-point lead early in third quarter, then squandered all but one of those points, before holding on for an extremely hard-fought, 57-54 decision over Chatham in Tuesday’s semifinals.

The top-seeded and there-time defending champions will host Essex County Tournament finalist and second-seeded Mendham, a 57-56 winner over Payne Tech, for the North 2 Group 3 sectional crown at 6 p.m. on Friday.

Aiden Derkack powered Colonia (26-4) yet again with 24 points, 18 in the first half, seven rebounds and five assists. But it was his play on the defensive end that secured the outcome.

Derkack missed a pair of free throws with 13.4 seconds remaining and the Patriots clinging to a 55-54 edge. Colonia had fouls to give and gave a pair before Derkack came up with a steal and fed R.J. Wortman for a layup at the buzzer and the final margin.

“We had three fouls to give and, obviously, were trying to give those fouls. I was going for the foul and it turned out to be a steal,” Derkack explained. “This was a big play to steal us the game.”

Much of the contest could be summed as 4-on-4, with Derkack, Colonia’s No. 4 and Chatham’s No. 4, Quinn Burke, taking turns leading their teams, although they were seldom matched up against one another. Burke finished with 21 points, 14 rebounds and three blocked shots.

Burke scored the Cougars’ first six points and nine in the opening quarter as Colonia took a 19-14 advantage.

But Colonia opened the second quarter with a 12-0 run, seven by Derkack, to up the margin to 31-14. Chatham (20-8) had as many turnovers as shots – three – over that sequence, as the Patriots increased their cushion at the break to 39-20.

“Our guys did a really good job paying attention to detail and doing the things we wanted to do on the offensive side,” Colonia coach Jose Rodriguez said of the opening half. “I think with that comfortable lead we just got away from doing some of the things that we worked on.”

The margin swelled to 21 points at 44-23 and Colonia was still enjoying a 47-28 lead after Jayce Rodriguez drained a 3 with 3:25 left in the third quarter. That’s when Chatham went off on an extended 27-7 run to narrow the gap to 51-50 with 2:20 to play.

The Cougars, who only led at 4-2, could never quite regain the lead, as the Patriots struggled with arguably their worst scoring drought of the season.

“I think it was evident that one team was playing like the game was on the line and the other team was playing as if the game was already won,” noted Rodriguez. “We became really selfish and physically we just weren’t playing hard. We thought that the game was in cruise control. I don’t think we were having trouble scoring, I just think we were making a lot of bad decisions.”

Chatham again got within a point at 55-54 after a drive by Milind Talwalkar with 20 seconds remaining and the Cougars put Derkack on the line for two free throws with 13 seconds to play. The foul line is the lone area on the floor where Derkack has struggled, at times, and he missed both, giving Chatham an opportunity to advance with any basket.

Ah, but Derkack giveth, then Derkack taketh away, coming with the steal while attempting to foul, allowing Colonia to contest for a four-peat on Friday.

The Patriots got contributions from seemingly everyone Rodriguez had on the court. RJ Wortman had eight points and seven assists, Collin Kroner claimed seven rebounds and Julian Jones gave a second straight strong effort off the bench.

“This was a good win for us, to get that bad basketball out. We weren’t clicking on offense, defensively we were terrible, but a win’s a win,” Derkack offered. “Move on to the next game.”

Boys Basketball: GMC Final - Colonia vs. Piscataway, February 21, 2025

1 / 34Scott Faytok | NJ Advance MediaBoys Basketball: Colonia vs. Piscataway, February 21, 2025Colonia head coach Jose Rodriguez celebrates with his team after getting his 200th career win during the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament boys basketball final between Colonia and Piscataway at Monroe Township High School in Monroe Township, NJ on 2/21/25....

1 / 34

Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media

Boys Basketball: Colonia vs. Piscataway, February 21, 2025

Colonia head coach Jose Rodriguez celebrates with his team after getting his 200th career win during the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament boys basketball final between Colonia and Piscataway at Monroe Township High School in Monroe Township, NJ on 2/21/25.Get Photo

2 / 34

Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media

Boys Basketball: Colonia vs. Piscataway, February 21, 2025

Aiden Derkack (4) of Colonia reacts after a score by the Patriots in the first half during the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament boys basketball final between Colonia and Piscataway at Monroe Township High School in Monroe Township, NJ on 2/21/25.Get Photo

3 / 34

Scott Faytok | NJ Advance Media

Boys Basketball: Colonia vs. Piscataway, February 21, 2025

Colin Kroner (20) of Colonia sends a pass to RJ Wortman (2) as Donald Nwaigwe (11) of Piscataway defends during the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament boys basketball final between Colonia and Piscataway at Monroe Township High School in Monroe Township, NJ on 2/21/25.Get Photo

Subscribe to enjoy access to licensed print-quality downloads in this gallery.

Photos are waiting for you!

Start now

(Cancel anytime)

Boys Basketball: Wortman emerges, helps Colonia repeat as GMCT champs

MONROE — For Colonia to repeat as Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament champions the Patriots couldn’t expect Aiden Derkack to be Superman every night.Some nights, it might have to settle for its elite junior to be Batman. The task for coach Jose Rodriguez and his capable staff, after heavy losses to graduation, was to find a Robin.That man has been junior RJ Wortman, who has emerged as Colonia’s sec...

MONROE — For Colonia to repeat as Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament champions the Patriots couldn’t expect Aiden Derkack to be Superman every night.

Some nights, it might have to settle for its elite junior to be Batman. The task for coach Jose Rodriguez and his capable staff, after heavy losses to graduation, was to find a Robin.

That man has been junior RJ Wortman, who has emerged as Colonia’s second option, and he joined Derkack in leading the Patriots to a 70-63 victory over Piscataway and a second consecutive GMCT title in the first championship game between two public schools since 2006.

Wortman registered a game-high 23 points and grabbed nine rebounds, and Derkack added 21 points, nine rebounds and two blocked shots as the top-seeded Patriots (22-5) defeated their Red Division rivals for the third time this season. The first two were by 19 and 17 points, respectively, so this was by far the closest encounter.

“I don’t think enough people realize that we’re relatively young in terms of experience, so what our guys have accomplished this year has been off the charts special,” said Colonia coach Jose Rodriguez, who also got to celebrate his 200th victory on this special evening. “These guys really didn’t play that much varsity last year so what they’ve accomplished is really unbelievable.”

Wortman got to celebrate a conference title last year, when he contributed a grand total of nine points all season, but this time he was a major factor in the outcome.

“First of all, it felt great watching everybody else last year, seeing them win. It made me want to be an x-factor and do more,” said Wortman, who was honored as a member of the coaches All-Conference team in a pre-game ceremony. “We just all play great together, and we all did what we had to do.”

Wortman’s exhortations were prescient given that Derkack was nursing a tender ankle and mild foul trouble.

“I coach (RJ) hard because I demand a lot out of him because I think he’s really special and, unfair to him, we knew the clock was ticking and we needed him now,” Rodriguez offered. “He was an animal; he was assertive, and he was fantastic. Aiden was a little dinged up tonight and RJ had no problem talking on the load.”

Derkack launched 11 shots in the first quarter, nailing four for nine points, as Colonia never trailed in building a 17-12 cushion.

“Every game I try to come out as aggressive as I can, I was just trying to get to the rim,” Derkack explained.

Wortman felt the need to assert himself as well.

“I just felt I had to get going so everybody else could get going,” said Wortman. “It feels like when I play tough, we all come together and everybody plays hard.”

The Patriots led by as many 10 in the first half before settling for a 37-29 edge after Jayden Harrison’s late putback for the second-seeded Chiefs (22-5). With that boost the Chiefs had some momentum as the second half began, but that mojo quickly dissipated.

Instead, it was Colonia that opened the second half with an 8-0 run to assume its largest advantage of the night at 47-31. Wortman initiated the decisive spurt with a layup on a pass from Conlin Kroner and ended it with a pair of free throws, with Kroner feeding Dylan Chiera for a 3 for the other basket.

“We just knew what we needed to do to win, just attack the rim and get out in transition and to be very physical rebounding,” said Derkack. “And we did that in the second half, especially from the start.”

Piscataway was able to get within eight points on two occasions before the final minute, when a late 7-0 run drew the Chiefs to 68-63 with 25 seconds remaining, before Colonia nailed a couple of free throws for the final margin.

Disclaimer:

This website publishes news articles that contain copyrighted material whose use has not been specifically authorized by the copyright owner. The non-commercial use of these news articles for the purposes of local news reporting constitutes "Fair Use" of the copyrighted materials as provided for in Section 107 of the US Copyright Law.
Acupuncture Colonia, NJ

Service Areas

Contact Us