It’s time to crown the first two state champions of the 2023 season! We’re on site at Rutgers University for the Non-Public A and Non-Public B state championships. Stay tuned for full highlights from both games.


Union Catholic 38 St. Peter’s Prep 35 | Non-Public A State Championship

The Vikings finished off a cinderella run Friday night to win the program’s first state championship since 1987. Plainfield transfer Chime Okeoma delivered a game-high 13 points to pace Union Catholic (21-9) to an upset win over St. Peter’s Prep (27-5). The Vikings “embraced the journey,” according to head coach Jim Reagan, Jr.  – they traveled to South Jersey regularly over the last two weeks to play in Non-Public A South, despite being located in Union County. Jackson Tindall’s high school career came to a close with a 10-point, 10-rebound double-double in the loss.

JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights and reaction:


Roselle Catholic 68 St. Rose 59 | Non-Public B State Championship

Akil Watson scored 23 points and Roselle Catholic rallied from a second-half surge from the upset-minded Purple Roses to repeat as Non-Public “B” state champions for a second straight year.  The Lions had an eight-point halftime lead before Saint Rose went on a 12-0 run in the third quarter to take a 37-35 lead.  Gio Panzini’s buzzer-beater gave the Roses a 44-43 lead at the end of three.  But Roselle Catholic got a thunderous dunk from Rich Brisco and Watson followed with a jam to put the game away with a dominant fourth quarter.

JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Rutgers:

Jersey Sports Zone’s coverage of Saint Rose is brought to you by Georgian Court University


Jersey Sports Zone’s state championship coverage is made possible by RWJ Barnabas Health.