Don Bosco Prevails Over Hudson Catholic in a Top-10 Matchup

photo by: Marco Morales

Don Bosco Prep notched a crucial win against Hudson Catholic, securing a 76-66 triumph in front of a packed home crowd. This Top-10 contest answered a lot of questions that many had for both teams. 

The game kicked off with a palpable intensity as both teams jostled for an early advantage. Hudson Catholic, led by the dynamic Omari Moore at point guard, initially found their rhythm, weaving through Don Bosco’s defense to sink quick baskets. But Don Bosco was quick to counter, matching Hudson Catholic's energy. The first quarter concluded with Don Bosco edging ahead by a 1-point margin, setting the stage for a nail-biting contest.

As the second quarter unfolded, Don Bosco began to pull away, thanks in large part to Brady Loughlin’s sharpshooting and freshman sensation Jaylen Lewis’s all-around play. Loughlin’s ability to knock down three-pointers was complemented by Lewis’s tenacity on defense, helping Don Bosco to establish a more comfortable lead by halftime.

The atmosphere was electric as the game progressed into the third quarter. Keith McKnight of Hudson Catholic tried to rally his team with a series of impressive plays, showcasing his ability to dominate under the basket with dunks and blocks. However, Don Bosco's Jordan Ghee and Loughlin kept the scoreboard ticking, maintaining their team’s lead despite Hudson’s spirited comeback efforts.

The final quarter saw Hudson Catholic mounting a desperate comeback, narrowing the gap in the last two minutes of the game. Their strategy to foul Don Bosco's players seemed to pay off initially as they capitalized on some missed free throws. Yet, the early lead Don Bosco had secured proved insurmountable. The game ended with Don Bosco players embracing in victory, celebrating their hard-fought win over one of their toughest rivals.

Key Performances:

• Brady Loughlin of Don Bosco led all scorers with 25 points, including crucial three-pointers that helped extend his team’s lead.
• Keith McKnight of Hudson Catholic was a standout with 29 points, dominating the post with dunks and providing key blocks.
• Jayden Holman, despite his team's loss, managed to contribute significantly across the board for Hudson Catholic, reinforcing his role as a key player.

As Don Bosco savors this victory, the focus is already shifting to the challenges that lie ahead in the season. For Hudson Catholic, this match serves as a reminder of the thin line between the competition of New Jersey basketball this year.