Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, 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 Perth Amboy, NJ - a modern take on an ancient treatment that has been used for thousands of years.
- Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, NJ
- Covering the Basics of Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, NJ
- Is Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, NJ Actually Legit?
- What Conditions Are Treated with Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, NJ?
- The Surprising Benefits of Supplementing Physical Therapy with Acupuncture
- Combining Acupuncture with Chiropractic Care for Pain Relief and Wellness
- What Conditions Can Be Treated with Acupuncture and Chiropractic Care?
- The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, 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 Perth Amboy, 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.
Is Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, 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 Perth Amboy, 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.
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 Perth Amboy, 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.
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.
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 Perth Amboy, 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.
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
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 Perth Amboy, 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.
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.
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.
The Premier Choice for Professional Acupuncture in Perth Amboy, 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.
732-526-2497
Latest News in Perth Amboy, NJ
Perth Amboy approves Kushner plan for 602 rentals, public amenities along city’s waterfront
Joshua Burdhttps://re-nj.com/perth-amboy-approves-kushner-plan-for-602-rentals-public-amenities-along-citys-waterfront/
Plans for Sea Gate in Perth Amboy call for revitalizing a 15.75-acre stretch of waterfront property with 602 market-rate apartments, at least 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the Arthur Kill and public amenities such as a waterfront and tree-lined esplanade. — Renderings by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners/Courtesy: City of Perth AmboyBy Joshua BurdKushner and city officials in Perth Amboy have taken a key step in a plan to bring more than 600 apartments and retail space to a nearly 16...
Plans for Sea Gate in Perth Amboy call for revitalizing a 15.75-acre stretch of waterfront property with 602 market-rate apartments, at least 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the Arthur Kill and public amenities such as a waterfront and tree-lined esplanade. — Renderings by Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners/Courtesy: City of Perth Amboy
By Joshua Burd
Kushner and city officials in Perth Amboy have taken a key step in a plan to bring more than 600 apartments and retail space to a nearly 16-acre stretch along the Arthur Kill waterfront.
The municipality and its redevelopment agency announced Friday that they have finalized agreements with the developer, noting that the project known as Sea Gate would remediate and revitalize an existing brownfield site. That includes parcels on Front, Commerce, Rector, Broad, High and Fayette streets that Kushner is buying from the city for $4.6 million, part of the estimated $200 million development that would be constructed over three years.
Minno & Wasko Architects and Planners is the project’s architect. Along with five buildings housing 602 market-rate one- and two-bedroom apartments, the plan calls for at least 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the Arthur Kill and public amenities such as a waterfront, tree-lined esplanade stretching nearly a half-mile from Front Street to the bulkhead between Smith and Washington streets, as well as a playground, landscaped plazas and a dog park for public use.
“We have been working closely with the redeveloper to create the type of plan that can benefit the entire Perth Amboy community, not just the residents of Sea Gate,” Mayor Helmin Caba said. “We are directly revitalizing unused, waterfront property and creating the type of development that will benefit Perth Amboy for years to come.”
The announcement Friday came two days after the City Council approved a payment in lieu of taxes agreement for the project, which calls for Kushner to pay the municipality about $1.2 million annually, according to a news release. The redevelopment area now generates only about $113,000 a year in net revenue, officials said, adding that the developer will contribute $1 million to Perth Amboy for affordable housing assistance.
“This project has been years in the making, and we’re excited to be working with the City of Perth Amboy to move it forward,” said Michael Sommer, chief development officer at Kushner. “Mayor Helmin Caba, the City Council and the Redevelopment Agency have provided strong leadership while working with us to shape a shared vision for the underutilized waterfront that will benefit the entire community. We look forward to taking the next steps toward turning this vision into a reality.”
In announcing the agreement, city officials said they envision Sea Gate to be a bustling community, with vans shuttling neighborhood residents to the Perth Amboy train station. Restaurants with views of the water would dot the property, complementing shops and potentially a connection to Manhattan-bound ferry service.
The agreement also includes a memorial to Thomas Mundy Peterson, a city resident who was the first African American to vote in an election following the ratification of the 15th Amendment, the news release said. He cast his vote on March 31, 1870.
“This property is a waterfront gem that has been under-used for far too long,” Tashi Vazquez, executive director of the Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency. “There are environmental challenges that can only be handled through redevelopment with a well-capitalized private partner who can create the highest and best use of this property, fulfilling our vision.
“There is a shortage of this higher-end type of rental housing in Perth Amboy, another key reason why we are moving forward with Sea Gate,” she added. “The redeveloper is envisioning such amenities as outdoor fire pits, barbeque areas, lounge space and other recreational areas that connect the tenants and the waterfront views.”
The 15.75-acre redevelopment area, with landscaping, streetscape improvements and lighting funded by the developer, will include 909 parking spaces, the news release said.
$200M waterfront development approved for Perth Amboy
ROI-NJ Staffhttps://www.roi-nj.com/2025/02/14/real_estate/200m-waterfront-development-approved-for-perth-amboy/
The Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency (PARA) and the City have finalized agreements with Kushner Companies to move forward with a $200 million plan to clean up a brownfield site and create a waterfront neighborhood, to be known as “Sea Gate.”The project will bring to life 602 market-rate rental units in five buildings, as well as a mini...
The Perth Amboy Redevelopment Agency (PARA) and the City have finalized agreements with Kushner Companies to move forward with a $200 million plan to clean up a brownfield site and create a waterfront neighborhood, to be known as “Sea Gate.”
The project will bring to life 602 market-rate rental units in five buildings, as well as a minimum of 5,000 square feet of retail and restaurant space on the Arthur Kill.
Additionally, the redevelopment will bring numerous public amenities funded by the redeveloper, such as a waterfront, tree-lined esplanade stretching from Front Street to the bulkhead between Smith Street and Washington Street, as well as a playground, landscaped plazas and dog park for public use.
“We have been working closely with the redeveloper to create the type of plan that can benefit the entire Perth Amboy community, not just the residents of Sea Gate,” Perth Amboy Mayor Helmin Caba said. “We are directly revitalizing unused, waterfront property and creating the type of development that will benefit Perth Amboy for years to come.”
Under the agreement, the redeveloper will pay the city about $1.2 million annually as part of a long-term “payment in lieu of taxes” agreement. City officials note the redevelopment area now generates only about $113,000 a year in net revenue. The City Council approved the annual service charge agreement at its Feb. 12 meeting.
City officials envision Sea Gate to be a bustling community, with vans shuttling neighborhood residents to the Perth Amboy Train Station. Restaurants would dot the property, with views of the water, while there would be plenty of shopping to create another destination point on the water, which in the future may include a connection to Manhattan-bound ferry and possibly a marina.
To fulfill PARA’s vision for Sea Gate, the redeveloper is purchasing properties from the city for $4.6 million; the plan will include parcels on Front, Commerce, Rector, Broad, High and Fayette streets, explained PARA Executive Director Tashi Vazquez.
Kushner Companies will also be contributing $1 million to Perth Amboy for affordable housing assistance, she added.
“This property is a waterfront gem that has been under-used for far too long,” Vazquez said. “There are environmental challenges that can only be handled through redevelopment with a well-capitalized private partner who can create the highest and best use of this property, fulfilling our vision.
The 15.75-acre redevelopment area, with landscaping, streetscape improvements and lighting funded by the developer, will include 909 parking spaces. The project, with one- and two-bedroom units, is expected to be constructed over a three-year period.
Perth Amboy staple, Petrick's Flowers, closing its doors after 100+ years in business
Janice Yuhttps://abc7ny.com/post/perth-amboy-nj-staple-petricks-flowers-closing-doors-100-years-business/15898720/
PERTH AMBOY, New Jersey (WABC) -- A flower shop in New Jersey that has been blooming in its community for more than 100 years is closing down for good.Petrick's Flowers, in Perth Amboy, is serving flower-lovers ahead of Valentine's Day for the last time.The shop's current owner, William Petrick, says he has never known a life without the shop."Maybe I was five or six, when he was cleaning the front refrigerator," he said. "I'm trying to lift the buckets up to take to the sink. And they're probably as big a...
PERTH AMBOY, New Jersey (WABC) -- A flower shop in New Jersey that has been blooming in its community for more than 100 years is closing down for good.
Petrick's Flowers, in Perth Amboy, is serving flower-lovers ahead of Valentine's Day for the last time.
The shop's current owner, William Petrick, says he has never known a life without the shop.
"Maybe I was five or six, when he was cleaning the front refrigerator," he said. "I'm trying to lift the buckets up to take to the sink. And they're probably as big as me."
Petrick's grandfather, Rudolph, opened the family-run business in 1910 after emigrating from Austria-Hungary. The original shop was built on Colgate Avenue with their home was attached to it. Petrick's father, Andrew, took over the shop, and in 1969 moved the shop to Pfeiffer Boulevard. It was in the 2000s that William Petrick got his turn to run the shop.
All throughout that time of continuing to supply flowers and plants for the community, the shop became a cornerstone for many.
"You did our wedding, you did our mother's wedding or grandmothers wedding, the funerals," said one resident. "So you've been with families for generations."
Petrick says the shop will close its doors later this year as the building has been sold and his children are following their own paths in life.
"I'm OK right now, but I'm sure when I don't come in here anymore, I'm sure I'll feel it more then," he added. "But for right now I'm still here. I'm still doing the same job."
Petrick acknowledged they don't have an exact date of when the store will close, but it'll likely be this summer after the rush of Mother's Day and Easter.
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Boys basketball: East Brunswick wakes to roll over Perth Amboy
Josh Rosenfeldhttps://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2025/01/21/nj-boys-basketball-east-brunswick-wakes-to-roll-over-perth-amboy/77843802007/
EAST BRUNSWICK — There’s an old adage that you don’t poke a slumbering bear.That apparently is what the Perth Amboy High School boys basketball team did 17 days ago when it rallied for a one-point victory over East Brunswick, snapping a three-game Bears winning streak in the process.One-sided outcomes are the exception rather than the norm in the congested Greater Middlesex Conference White Division, but the Bears broke the contest open early and kept their collective paw on the gas pedal in rol...
EAST BRUNSWICK — There’s an old adage that you don’t poke a slumbering bear.
That apparently is what the Perth Amboy High School boys basketball team did 17 days ago when it rallied for a one-point victory over East Brunswick, snapping a three-game Bears winning streak in the process.
One-sided outcomes are the exception rather than the norm in the congested Greater Middlesex Conference White Division, but the Bears broke the contest open early and kept their collective paw on the gas pedal in rolling to 70-47 triumph.
“When we lost to them it was probably the worst loss we had. We were angry for a week and I lost sleep over it,” East Brunswick junior Cam Vick revealed. “It was mainly motivation that got us this win, we were playing as a team.”
More:Basketball: Vote now for the Reader’s Choice Central Jersey Player of the Week
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More:Boys basketball rankings: Greater Middlesex Conference, area UCC Top 10, through Jan. 18
East Brunswick (7-7, 5-4) erupted for an early 16-0 blitz over a mere two and a half minutes to forge an 18-4 advantage that only dipped below double digits once, at 22-13 for about 20 seconds.
The Bears opened the third quarter with a 5-0 spurt that created a 20-point gap and ran off 10 unanswered points with four players contributing for a 58-30 cushion with three minutes remaining in the penultimate period.
Junior Matt Mikulka, who recently joined the 1,000-point club, led the way with 24 points, but 16 of those came after intermission when the game was already in hand. Jesse Beckman matched Vick with 12 points, but it was the latter’s all-around effort that stood out; eight assists, five rebounds and four steals.
“It stuck with me, we shouldn’t have lost to them,” Vick said. “Energy. When we’re making shots, we’re a real hard team to stop.”
The Bears usually employ a man-to-man defense, but opted for a 1-3-1 half-court zone, which led to Perth Amboy (6-7, 5-5) misfiring on 12 of 16 first-quarter shots.
“They’re a good team when they’re running and they’re moving and they’re getting to the rim and we just wanted to limit any paint touches,” East Brunswick coach Mark Motusesky said. “We wanted to try to condense a little bit and, at the same time with the 1-3-1, try to get out to their shooters and we did a heck of a job today, we were active in it. My worry was to rebound out of it but were able to rebound enough.”
That challenge was exacerbated by the absence of junior 6th man Andrew Caruso, who sat out after taking a tumble in practice, not to mention the presence of Perth Amboy’s Lavion Balthazar. The senior forward recorded 18 points, 12 rebounds and three steals and never stopped competing.
The result leaves Perth Amboy with a 5-5 divisional record while East Brunswick improves to 5-4 and each has a win over one of the league leaders, the Bears having dealt Sayreville its lone setback and the Panthers splitting a pair of close calls with South Plainfield.
“Everybody’s beating everybody in the division so you never know,” Motusesky said.
Balthazar, Perth Amboy dominates the boards in boys basketball win over Edison
Josh Rosenfeldhttps://www.mycentraljersey.com/story/sports/high-school/basketball/2025/02/01/nj-boys-basketball-perth-amboy-tops-edison/78013642007/
EDISON — Perth Amboy’s path to success usually relies on its ample team speed providing easy baskets in transition, or the occasional binge from the 3-point line.The Panthers took an alternate route Saturday by dominating the boards from the opening tip until the final buzzer to produce a 56-46, inter-divisional victory over Edison.Perth Amboy (9-9) amassed a 32-12 advantage on the boards, with Laivon Balthazar grabbing 18 to set the tone. Edison (10-8) only claimed two offensive rebounds, the first occurring midway...
EDISON — Perth Amboy’s path to success usually relies on its ample team speed providing easy baskets in transition, or the occasional binge from the 3-point line.
The Panthers took an alternate route Saturday by dominating the boards from the opening tip until the final buzzer to produce a 56-46, inter-divisional victory over Edison.
Perth Amboy (9-9) amassed a 32-12 advantage on the boards, with Laivon Balthazar grabbing 18 to set the tone. Edison (10-8) only claimed two offensive rebounds, the first occurring midway through the third quarter when Joshua McQuillar threw the ball off a Panther as he was falling out of bounds, and only had one second-shot opportunity in the entire contest.
More:Boys basketball rankings: Greater Middlesex Conference, area UCC Top 10, through Jan. 25
More:'Like a playoff game': Metuchen wins key GMC Gold meeting for absent coach
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“In practices we always go hard on rebounding and boxing out and it played a factor in the game today,” said Balthazar. “We all crash the boards, everybody boxes out so it helped us get the rebounds this game.”
The Eagles employed a 2-3 zone which neutralized Perth Amboy’s offense but created opportunities on the offensive glass as Edison struggled to box out coming out of the zone.
“Not taking anything away from Edison, they have a great group of kids, but I feel like we had the advantage inside,” Perth Amboy coach Donald Reid offered. “I just feel like they couldn’t hang with Laivon and I told them, keep hitting the boards, and that’s what we did.”
The Panthers never trailed in the contest and forged a 6-1 edge on the boards in the first quarter as Balthazar contributed four points and four rebounds to a 16-13 cushion. The senior forward delivered all six points in a late, second-quarter spurt that extended the lead from 23-20 to 29-20.
“What I’ve been trying to implement lately is to get the ball inside more,” Reid explained. “I feel that with the teams we are playing, sometimes we have the advantage with Laivon. Once we get him going, now they have to come down and double and I’m trying to tell them they’re going to get more shots that way.”
Jadiel Manzueta, who shared Panther scoring honors with Balthazar at 16 apiece, got the message.
“The game plan going in was to work inside/out,” the senior guard explained. “Once we started feeding Laivon, our big, then everything started flowing, he started going to the line (seven second-quarter free throw attempts) and it opened guys up. We were hitting shots and we were feeling it.”
Perth Amboy enjoyed a comfortable, 45-34 lead after three quarters, but no lead appears safe for a squad that has had difficulties finishing games and squandered a 24-point lead against South Plainfield earlier this season. The Panthers committed nine turnovers in the fourth quarter but the lead never dipped below nine points thanks to Manzueta.
The senior guard made just one of seven attempts in the first half but nailed four shots in a row, three from distance, to deliver all 11 points that Perth Amboy scored in the final period.
“Once I started seeing some going in in the second half, then I started feeling myself and I started hitting some good shots, getting to my spots, getting to the basket and taking care of the ball as best as I could even though at the end it was a little sloppy,” Manzueta stated. “We were able to finish the job and come out with the win.”
Edison’s Dheeraj Samparaboyina was the game’s leading scorer with 22 points, his fourth time hitting that total or more this year, while Dedrick Harvey had 10 steals and six assists. One of his steals came when he stripped the ball from Balthazar as he landed with a rebound, a signature move he seems to do every game.
“He’s a little guard and so he can get in the corners with no one seeing him,” Balthazar noted. “It was definitely a little surprise.”
The loss was Edison’s second in its last six games but the Eagles are in a very good place atop the GMC Blue Division. Edison can capture the division title by beating J.P. Stevens on Wednesday and second-place Timothy Christian on Thursday, just before the league’s coaches will convene to prepare for Friday’s GMC Tournament seeding meeting.
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