JSZ brings you wall-to-wall coverage as the Non-Public state championship were up for grabs on Friday at Rutgers University. Check back throughout the night as the highlights are posted!
Don Bosco Prep 56 Paul VI 29 | Boys | Non-Public “A” State Final
Friday night was the final night of Dylan Harper’s high school basketball career and it ended in the place that he’ll call home in just a few short months. Harper, the future Rutgers Scarlet Knight, tallied a game-high 26 points and was spectacular again as Don Bosco Prep (29-3) captured their first state championship since 2018. Harper, by himself, was outscoring Paul VI (22-10) through the third quarter.
JSZ’s Jay Cook has the highlights + reaction from Jersey Mike’s Arena:
St. Rose 73 Montclair Immaculate 29 | Boys | Non-Public “B” State Final
The Purple Roses raced out to a 19-3 first quarter lead and never looked back on the way to a 44 point win in the state finals. Gio Panzini had 16 points and nine rebounds, Matt Hodge had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds and Jayden Hodge added 15 points in the dominant effort. Saint Rose finished the year with a 29-2 record with their lone losses coming to Patrick School and Monteverde from Florida.
JSZ’s Rich Chrampanis has the highlights and post-game reaction from Rutgers:
Red Bank Catholic 80 Pope John 23 | Girls | Non-Public “A” State Final
The Caseys captured their first state title since 2017 after a dominant performance against the Lions. Katie Liggio hit six three-pointers on her way to a game-high 20 points for Red Bank Catholic (26-5). Addy Nyemchek went for 15 points and 11 rebounds in the victory. Kaitlyn Platt finished with a team-high six points in the loss for Pope John (25-5).
JSZ’s James Mooney has the highlights and reaction from Jersey Mike’s Arena:
Morris Catholic 53 Rutgers Prep 49 | Girls | Non-Public “B” State Final
Morris Catholic defeated Rutgers Prep 53-49 for their second straight Non-Public B Championship. Rutgers Prep behind McDonald’s All-American Mikayla Blakes led all three quarters when Morris Catholic with the help of its super star sister duo Mia and Mya Pauldo, was able to take and maintain a small lead in the fourth for the victory. Mia Pauldo finished with 20 points while Mya had 16. Morris Catholic wins back to back State Titles for the first time since 1987.
JSZ’s Nery Rodriguez has the highlights from Piscataway: