The Montclair Boys Fencing Team will host its final regular season competition Friday, February 2 against Oratory Prep as they prepare for the upcoming District 3 Championships. It will be a big event as the team will honor the senior performers prior to the competition. The team will recognize the careers of Ryan Bendera, Gavin Burr, Elliot Day, Lucas Gilson, Mike Hadley, Jett Higgins, Jackson Hsieh, Matt Hymowitz, Mitchell O’Keefe and Milino Sinha Roy. First bout is at 6:30 at Glenfield Middle School.

The team is coming off an exciting overtime win over St. Peter's Prep last Thursday. The match came down to a winner -take -all duel in Foil in which Jett Higgins scored the first touch for the victory. Saber posted a 6-3 record and Mitchell O’Keefe was 3-0 for the evening. The Mounties won 14-13 and handed St. Peter's Prep their first defeat of the season.

The Saber (67-31) and Epee (62-36) weapon groups have performed well all season. Reigning Saber state Champ, Lucas Gilson had a great showing at the Cetrulo Tournament. Mitchell O’Keefe also chipped in an outstanding performance that helped the team garner a 2nd place finish in Saber. Jett Higgins was also a standout performer in Epee. Higgins finished 7-0 in the morning session and the Mounties won 20 of 21 possible bouts allowing them to advance to the first pool of the finals. Epee finished in 6th place and the team captured a 3rd place finish overall.

According to Coach Lee Shead, placement in the District Tournament is heavily based on performance at the Cetrulo Tournament which should result in favorable seeds in Saber and Epee. With team Championships upcoming on February 4, 2024, the Mountie fencers will turn their attention to the final season match against Oratory Prep. Coach Shead indicated that he should receive seeding notification by Friday. The District Championships will be held at North Hunterdon High School.