Red Bank Catholic Pulls Away from St. John Vianney to Capture South Non-Public A Title

photo & coverage by: Marco Morales

When the two best teams in the state meet for the fourth time in a season, there are no secrets left.

Red Bank Catholic and St. John Vianney know each other as well as any two programs in New Jersey, and Monday night’s South Jersey Non-Public A final delivered another chapter in one of the state’s premier matchups. In the end, it was Red Bank Catholic once again finding the answers, defeating the Lancers 54–39 to claim the sectional title.

The win gives the Caseys their third victory over St. John Vianney this season, including the most recent one in the Shore Conference Tournament final, while sending them to the Non-Public A state championship game.

St. John Vianney came out aggressive in the opening quarter, attacking the boards and capitalizing on early opportunities. Taylor Sofilkanich controlled the paint and helped the Lancers build a quick advantage, while the Caseys struggled to settle into their offense. By the end of the first quarter, SJV held a 13–8 lead and looked comfortable controlling the pace.

Early in the second quarter, the Lancers continued their push and extended the lead further as their defense forced Red Bank Catholic into tough possessions. But as the half progressed, the Caseys began to find their footing.

Addy Nyemchek started to heat up offensively, attacking the basket and finding space on the perimeter. As RBC tightened up defensively and cleaned up possessions on the glass, the momentum quickly shifted. The Caseys closed the half with a strong run to flip the score and take a narrow 21–19 lead into halftime.

That surge carried into the third quarter.

Red Bank Catholic opened the second half with renewed energy on both ends of the floor, forcing turnovers and turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. Nyemchek continued her strong performance, while contributions from Tessa Liggio, Lola Giordano and Scarlet LeVake helped stretch the lead. By the end of the third quarter, RBC had created separation and led 39–24.

St. John Vianney continued to battle in the fourth behind Sofilkanich, who finished with 12 points and 13 rebounds, but the Caseys remained in control down the stretch. Nyemchek finished with a game-high 22 points while also adding five steals, setting the tone on both ends of the court.

Liggio added seven points and nine rebounds, Giordano chipped in nine points, and LeVake finished with seven as RBC’s balanced effort helped secure the 54–39 win.

In a rivalry built on familiarity and intensity, execution often becomes the deciding factor. On Monday night, Red Bank Catholic made the key adjustments after a slow start and once again proved why it sits atop the state rankings.

With the sectional title secured, the Caseys now move on to the Non-Public A state championship game, where they will look to add another chapter to what has already been an impressive season.