SJV & RBC: ONE WIN AWAY FROM A REMATCH

When St, John Vianney beat Red Bank Catholic, 63-32, on February 20th I was among the many who figured it was the first of two meetings between the perennial girls basketball powers and if both win their games today the rematch will take place on Saturday. The top-seeded Lady Lancers and #2 Caseys have reached the semifinal round of the "championship pod" in the Shore Conference Postseason Tournament and let's take a look at their matchups.

#4 Manasquan at #1 St. John Vianney  (5:30)

The Warriors would have had a very big mountain to climb under normal circumstances after surviving a thrilling overtime matchup with Rumson-Fair Haven on Tuesday.  However, the mountain is even bigger after leading scorer Brooke Hollawell suffered a torn ACL early in the overtime after hitting a dramatic game-tying "3" at the buzzer in regulation.  Juniors Mary Elizabeth Donnelly, Georgia Heine and Dorothy Loffredo will do their best against NJ's top-ranked team who is deep and talented with standouts like Madison St. Rose, Katie Hill, Meg Cahalan and company.  Vianney had no trouble with Jackson Memorial in the quarterfinals, leading by 27 at their half on their way to an 85-58 victory.

Prediction:  St. John Vianney  71   Manasquan     47

#3 St. Rose  at  #2 Red Bank Catholic  (5:30)

The Purple Roses got off to a fast start and never looked back in taking down Manchester on Tuesday with five players scoring in double figures.  Abby Antognoli led the way with 16 points while Layla Laws (15), Maggie Cavanaugh (14), Rosie Scognamiglio & Niasya Ervin (12 each) all contributed to a solid effort.  Meanwhile, RBC hardly broke a sweat in dismantling Red Bank by 49 points.  Justine Pissott exploded for a season-high 29 points, including six 3-pointers, and is making up for losing time because of health protocols.  Expect this one to be close for a while but the Caseys want that rematch with SJV, this time with Pissott in the lineup.

Prediction:   RBC    69   St. Rose    62

(Consolation Games)

Rumson-Fair Haven    59    Jackson Memorial   53

Manchester                 66    Red Bank Regional  55