AS EXPECTED, SJV & RBC BATTLE FOR #1

(Championship Pod Final)

Red Bank Catholic (10-1)   at St. John Vianney  (13-0) 1 pm

There really is not much more to say as St. John Vianney and Red Bank Catholic meet in Holmdel Saturday in what is for all intents and purposes the Shore Conference title and in the case of Vianney a chance to finish as the top-ranked team (again) in New Jersey. Some don't expect this one to be any different than the 31 point thrashing Vianney handed the Caseys two weeks ago...they would be mistaken.

I broadcast that game on February 20 and RBC was without leading scorer Justine Pissott due to COVID protocols.  Without her strong outside game the Lady Lancers were able to double team and frustrate 6'5 junior center Ally Carman who managed a season-low 6 points.  Madison St. Rose (18) and Katie Hill (12) took care of the offense as SJV rolled to a dominating win.

Pissott has been back in the lineup for the past three games scoring 57 points including 29 against Red Bank Regional earlier this week.  In those games, she has hit 12 three-pointers and taken some of the heat off Carman.  With all their weapons RBC is a much greater threat to the undefeated Lady Lancers.

These coaches (Joe Montano and Dawn Karpell) and the players know the opposition like the back of their hands so don't expect any surprises.  These are two marquee programs that belong playing for a championship...even if it is unofficial.  Tell the winner (and loser) afterward it doesn't really mean anything.  Their emotions on the court will send a very different message.

Prediction: St. John Vianney 60, Red Bank Catholic 54

(Pod B Final)

Freehold Township (7-7)  at  Donovan Catholic (11-1) 11 am

The Patriots have had a nice end-of-season run with wins over Howell and Holmdel in the postseason with seniors Hannah Orloff and Tanya Elsbree leading the way.  Meanwhile, the Griffins have had a strong season, losing only to Manchester and certainly were in contention for the championship pod.  Sophomore Gabriella Ross and junior Olivia Conroy form a solid 1-2 punch

Prediction: Donovan Catholic 58,  Freehold Township 52