RBC ekes out win over rivals SJV

By Jim Hintelmann
RED BANK — The Red Bank Catholic-St. John Vianney girls basketball rivalry is arguably the best in the state, and Saturday’s 58-56 RBC victory over the Lady Lancers in the NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public A semifinals is a perfect example.
Before a near capacity crowd at RBC’s Eck Center, the Caseys (26-1) built up a 15-point lead in the third quarter, but had to hold of a furious SJV rally before obtaining the win and reaching the sectional finals where it will play Gloucester Catholic Tuesday at Jackson Liberty.
“SJV is an awesome basketball team with great basketball players,” said RBC coach Joe Montano.”They are competitive and don’t quit. We knew they would come out hard at us, but I’m proud of my kids for getting the job done.”
Two foul shots by RBC’s Alex Alfano gave the Caseys what seemed to be a safe 44-29 lead, but  SJV’s pressing defense began to take a toll on the Caseys and it’s shooting improved. That sparked a run of 14 straight points, six each by Lindsay Rowe and Jackie Gallagher, that closed the gap to 44-43. A three-pointer by Rowe finished off the streak.
“We don’t have too much depth and the kids probably got a little tired,” said Montano. “But I have to give credit to my kids for getting the job done.”
Caroline Corcoran finally snapped the streak with a layup just before the end of the quarter. The two teams played at a furious pace in the final quarter with SJV closing to within one point five times, but it could never get the lead as RBC answered every challenge.
“We just had to stay calm, keep our composure and keep attacking,” said RBC’s Grace Fallon. “Fortunately, we were able to make some shots. We didn’t want to go on the defensive. We had to keep pushing the ball.”
RBC seemed to finally get control of the game when Alex Barazotti drilled a three-pointer and Fallon followed with a drive to push RBC’s lead to 56-50 with 3:20  left, but SJV kept coming back with a trey by Kelly Campbell and Kelly Urbie’s layup making it a one-point game again.
Barazotti made another layup before Rowe hit one of two free throws made it 58-56 with 1:55 to go. RBC then had a cold spell at the foul line, missing four in a row, including two one-and-ones, but SJV was unable to capitalize.
Gallagher had a last chance to tie the game in the final seconds but her layup attempt missed, leaving the RBC players to celebrate on the court.
“We did what we do all year,” said Montano. “The only switch we made was to put more pressure on the ball. We put Grace out on Gallagher.  She looked at the clock and realized that she had to make a play. She went  to the hole but had a hard time shooting over Fallon.”
RBC got off to a fast start as Barazotti scored eight straight points to put RBC up, 8-2. She had 10 points overall in the quarter, in which RBC had a 16-11 lead.
“Alex was 2 for 14 from the floor and  zero for eight against Holy Cross Thursday,” said Montano. “I just told her after the game to keep shooting and stay positive. She came out today and shot the ball very well.”
RBC built the lead to 29-16 by halftime, but SJV made another run with seven straight points to begin the third quarter. RBC, answered, however, with a seven-point run of its own for a 36-23 lead. Then came the wild final quarter.

Photos by Jack Flaherty Left to right (standing), are Gillian Hansen, Caitlin Conroy, Tara Daniels,Caitlin Carroll, Alex Alfano, Jackie Robinson, Cameron Lynch, Mary Kate Caverly, Joe Montano, Jenna kowal, Joe Pingitore and Peggy Fallon. Sitting, are Alex Barazotti, Jennifer Bagnell, Caroline Corcoran, Eryn Mills, Grace Fallon and Quinn McMenaman.

Photos by Jack Flaherty Casey’s junior Grace Fallon scoops up a missed shot and puts it in the basket.