Red Bank Catholic Caseys and SJV Lady Lancers who are considered two of the top teams in girls high school basketball faced off against each other in a huge matchup. The winner would advance to the final round of NJSIAA Tournament Non-Public A. Dawn Karpell and Joe Montano bring a tough hard nose mindset as head coaches for their respective teams with them matching up well in this game. Red Bank and SJV have talent throughout their roster with the ability to beat you in many ways. It was a college atmosphere type feel with students from both schools showing support.
The Caseys got off to a quick start with Addy Nyemchek getting things going which led them to a 7-0 run early. Lady Lancers had trouble controlling the ball, giving up turnovers and Red Bank taking advantage of it. Then SJV started to make shots with Daniella Matus getting to the free throw line, Julia Karpell hitting a big three and Stella Lockhart forcing a foul also. They did a great job of cutting into Caseys lead as it was down to six. Red Bank had a 13-7 lead heading into the second quarter with intensity picking up.
Both teams were scoring at a high percentage in second quarter as they went back and forth. Aleena Dinker, Taylor Sofilkanich and Madison Kocis were getting involved more for SJV along with Julia Karpell and Stella Lockhart. Tessa Carman, Christina Liggio and Tessa Liggio did the same for Red Bank Catholic along with Addy Nyemchek. The Lady Lancers was able to get to free throw line more in second quarter with Lockhart and Brooklyn Taylor got a big and one opportunity. Caseys lead was three at 24-21 going into halftime and setting up to be a thriller second half.
The third quarter was intense, chippy between the two teams which ended up being a scary situation middle of this quarter. Addy Nyemchek suffered an laceration to the head after a collision with Taylor Sofilkanich. Nyemchek didn't end up returning to the game as Red Bank Catholic still kept their composure and played inspired basketball. Sofilkanich stayed in the game for SJV Lady Lancers as the game was close heading into the fourth quarter with Caseys still up three by a score of 37-34. Red Bank Catholic did a great job of keeping their lead and not giving up easy plays.
SJV Lady Lancers struggled in the fourth quarter as Red Bank Catholic was able to extend their lead again. The Caseys ended up getting a 59-51 victory, improving to 24-5 and advancing to the final round of NJSIAA Tournament Non-Public A. They didn't let Nyemchek's injury get to them and continued to play team basketball. Caseys will now face Paul VI on Monday March 4th at 6:00 Pm Eastern.
Leading scorers for Red Bank Catholic Caseys
Christina Liggio 14 points, 4 rebounds, 2 steals
Addy Nyemchek 10 points, 2 assists, 1 block, 1 steal
Tessa Carman 12 points, 4 rebounds, 1 assist, 1 block
Tessa Liggio 9 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists
Photo Credit 📹 Mike Franco
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