Non-Public A Basketball Final: Bergen Catholic vs. Camden Catholic

In a thrilling conclusion to the high school basketball season, Bergen Catholic and Camden Catholic are set to battle for the Non-Public A title at Rutgers. This matchup pits the #3 ranked Bergen Catholic, a powerhouse with a 26-5 record, against the #5 Camden Catholic, which has a 24-6 record and a reputation for upset victories.

Season Recap

Coached by Billy Armstrong, Bergen Catholic has demonstrated a robust and dynamic offense throughout the season, led by Declan Wucherpfennig and Jaden Brown. Wucherpfennig, a senior, has been particularly impressive, averaging nearly 19 points and over 10 rebounds per game. Jaden Brown has complemented him well, contributing significantly both as a scorer and a playmaker. The Crusaders have shown resilience and depth, bouncing back from losses to secure key victories against top-tier competition, including a recent triumph over Don Bosco Prep to claim the North Jersey, Non-Public A crown.

Under the guidance of Head Coach Matt Crawford, Camden Catholic has crafted a narrative of defensive grit and clutch performances. Senior Luke Kennevan leads the team with an average of 17 points per game, supported by Azyris Richmond, a standout in rebounding and shot-blocking. Camden Catholic's path to the final included a dramatic double-overtime victory against St. Peter's Prep, highlighting their ability to perform in high-pressure situations.

Head-to-Head Matchup

This game will be the first meeting of the season between Bergen Catholic and Camden Catholic, adding an element of unpredictability to the final. Both teams have strengths that have carried them through tough postseason challenges, setting the stage for a classic showdown.

Key Players to Watch

• Declan Wucherpfennig (Bergen Catholic): A dominant inside presence, his ability to control the paint could be decisive.
• Jaden Brown (Bergen Catholic): Known for his scoring and passing, Brown also plays with a lot of hustle and grit
• Julius Avent (Bergen Catholic) A stretch guard that can score from all over the floor and can become a problem for opposing defenses
• Luke Kennevan (Camden Catholic): The team's leading scorer, Kennevan's performance from the perimeter will be critical.
• Azyris Richmond (Camden Catholic): His defense and rebounding will be key to containing Bergen Catholic's forwards.
• Seamus Bieg (Camden Catholic) A true sharpshooting guard that will knockdown threes from anywhere on the floor

Strategic Insights

Bergen Catholic's offense is multifaceted, combining effective perimeter shooting with strong inside play. Their ability to spread the floor and create scoring opportunities has been a hallmark of their success. Camden Catholic, on the other hand, will rely on their stout defense and the ability to control the tempo. Slowing down the game and forcing Bergen Catholic into a half-court battle could tilt the advantage in their favor. The Irish will have to be on point with their shot selection and hit threes as needed. 

What to Expect

Expect a game of lively styles, where both teams truly have the balance needed to contend. The battle will likely hinge on key matchups in the paint and which team can impose their game plan more effectively. With both teams having proven their mettle against tough opponents, this final is set to be a memorable clash, filled with intensity and high-level basketball.

The game tips off at 7:00 PM at Rutgers, promising to be a highlight for New Jersey high school basketball.