Jamir Johnson’s late free throws lift Monroe-Woodbury over Washingtonville

Monroe-Woodbury edged Washingtonville in a tight non-league contest played Jan. 5, 2026, with Jamir Johnson’s late fourth-quarter free throws and late-game composure decisive in securing the outcome. The Crusaders put together the final offensive and defensive stretches needed to hold off a persistent Washingtonville team, turning a close contest into a late-game win that energized the Monroe-Woodbury sideline.

Johnson took control in the closing minutes, converting critical free throws and making clutch plays that preserved a slim lead. Defensively, the Crusaders tightened up in the fourth quarter, forcing Washingtonville into turnovers and contested shots that limited comeback opportunities. Offensively, Monroe-Woodbury mixed ball movement and pick-and-roll sets to create the high-percentage chances that ultimately produced the game-clinching points.

Because the game was non-league, the result will not directly alter league standings, but it carries practical value for Monroe-Woodbury’s season trajectory. Non-league wins in January serve as live rehearsals for schemes and rotations that teams plan to deploy in the weeks ahead. For a roster still fine-tuning rotations and defensive assignments, the win offers measurable confidence gains and sharper execution under pressure, two intangible assets that can affect performance in upcoming league play and into postseason tournaments.

Local impact extends beyond the scoreboard. Community turnout at high-school games fuels school spirit and supports student-athlete development, and competitive non-league matchups like this one help regional programs evaluate depth and readiness. For Monroe-Woodbury, the victory is a short-term boost for players and coaches and a signal to scouts, parents, and students that the program can close tight games.

Action photos from the contest accompanied local sports coverage, highlighting the game’s decisive moments and on-court intensity. The Crusaders will return to league play in the coming days, aiming to convert the momentum from Jan. 5 into consistent results as the season progresses. For Orange County basketball followers, the game underscored the close margins that often determine local rivalries and the growing competitiveness across area high-school programs.