Boys Basketball – Roselle Catholic Ends Ranney’s Historic Season

TINTON FALLS - The best boys basketball season in Ranney history ended Thursday at the hands of of a team the likes of which the Panthers hope to chase down in the not-so-distant future.

Defending NJSIAA Tournament of Champions winner Roselle Catholic rolled into Ranney the No. 5 seed in the South Jersey Non-Public B section and rolled over the Panthers, 69-44, to advance to the sectional quarterfinals Saturday against the top-seeded Patrick School.

Roselle Catholic entered play this week the No. 3 team in N.J., according to NJ.com, yet was only the No. 5 seed in its section and had to play on the road Thursday.

Nate Pierre-Louis scored 13 points to lead four Roselle Catholic players in double-figures - two of whom are Shore natives. Long Branch native Raheem Carter scored 12 points on four three-pointers while Asbury Park native Naz Reid dropped 10 points. Senior Matt Bullock also scored 12 points for the Lions.

Freshmen Bryan Antoine and Scottie Lewis scored 14 points each to lead Ranney. Antoine added nine rebounds, three assists and three steals, while Lewis contributed five boards, three assists and three blocks in defeat.

The Panthers finished the season 22-4 with three losses to Mater Dei Prep to go with Thursday's loss to the defending T of C champs - all with a starting lineup that features four freshmen. Mater Dei won the Shore Conference Tournament on Saturday and is currently ranked No. 8 in the state.