Hudson County Post-Game: Peacocks Miss March Madness, Memorial High School Soccer Player Competes In Italian Tournament

Photo by Joe Simon Photography.

As March Madness hits the world stage again and spring sports get started up, here’s what we’ve found in our new bi-weekly sports roundup: Hudson County Post-Game. 

Memorial High School Soccer Player Is Taking His Talents To Italy

Memorial High School senior captain Emilson Erazo is heading across the Atlantic and all the way to Italy to play in the Viareggio World Football Tournament with NY United Youth Soccer Stars.

Founded in 1949, the tournament is considered one of the best youth football tournaments in the world.

“An incredible opportunity to showcase his talent on an international stage—representing Memorial Soccer with pride! Let’s wish him luck as he takes on some of the best young players in the world,” The Memorial High School soccer team posted in an Instagram post. 

Erazo wished him farewell  and congratulated him. 

“stars gonna shine no matter what, proud of u bro,” commented one user.

“Putting us on the map,” another user commented.

The senior forward had eight goals this season and two assists. He totaled 18 points for the season, the second most on the team. Two of those goals and four of those points came from a 3-1 win against Dickinson High School.

Saint Peter’s Peacocks Will Not Go Dancing This Year

The Saint Peter’s Peacocks made March Madness history back in 2022 when they became  the first 15 seed team \to make the Elite 8. This season they were looking to punch another ticket to the March Madness tournament but unfortunately were eliminated from playoff contention.

The Peacocks closed out their season against the Canisius Golden Griffins with a 70-62 win at home. Before tip off, the Peacocks honored four senior students – Stephon Roberts, Adetokunbo Bakare, Marcus Randolph and Brent Bland.

Randolph led the team in points, scoring 21, including a perfect 8-for-8 from the free throw line. Redshirt junior Mouhamed Sow secured his second double-double of the season with 10 points and 10 rebounds.

With the win over the Golden Griffins and Niagara’s loss to Rider in their final game of the season, the Peacocks’ playoff hopes were still alive. They needed to wait for the outcome of the Quinnipiac vs. Fairfield game to see if they would qualify for the playoffs to join nine other teams in Atlantic City for the MAAC Championship.

The Peacocks needed Fairfield to lose to Quinnipiac, but ultimately, Fairfield beat Quinnipiac 83-74. This confirmed the Peacocks elimination from playoff contention.

On Friday, a report on Instagram said Peacocks sophomore guard Armoni Ziegler “plans to enter the transfer portal,” which the player accepted as a collaboration post. Ziegler had been instrumental on SPU, playing as last year’s only true freshman, averaging 11.1 points and 6.1 rebounds.

The last time the Peacocks made it to March Madness was last year after winning the 2024 Hercules Tires MAAC Men’s Basketball Championship, however they fell short against Tennessee in the first round of the NCAA March Madness tournament.

The Peacocks will resume play in November 2025 with hopes of once again creating a Cinderella story run in March Madness.

Without you, there is no Slice of Culture. Any type of gift helps continue our mission of supporting aspiring journalists and keeping local journalism alive. Give a gift today or become a member with extra perks.

Saint Peter’s Women’s Basketball Falls Short In Tournament

The Saint Peter’s Peacocks fought until the very end, but got eliminated in the first round of the 2025 Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Tournament against the Iona Gaels.

The game took place at Jim Whelan Boardwalk Hall earlier this month where the Peacocks came two  points short.

The Gaels started the game hot, outscoring the Peacocks 10-5 in the first quarter. The Peacocks were able to cut the lead to 27-25 going into half. After a nail-biting fourth quarter that came down to the final minutes, the Peacocks could not hang on anymore, losing 42-40.

Despite how the team ended their season, Peacocks Head Coach Jennifer Leedham was proud of her team.

“I think for us, this isn’t the ideal game or the outcome we wanted, but the way these ladies have fought and built this program throughout the whole season, I am super proud of,” Coach Leedham said. “I don’t think this outcome shapes our season at all. We are obviously disappointed and will be hungry for more next year, but I am really proud of the ladies and this season.”

Sophomore forward Fatmata Janneh dominated the game both offensively and defensively with 18 rebounds. She also led with 17 points and three blocks. Freshman forward De’Naya Rippey had 11 points and shot 100% from the three-point line. 

The Peacocks will return to the court in November 2025 for their 2025-26 season. With momentum from this season, Saint Peter’s will look to make an even bigger impact next year in Jersey City. 

Know any local sports news we should include? Email Stella Accettola at saccettola@sliceofculture.com!