Red Bank Catholic Pulls Away to Top St. John Vianney in a Battle for the Top Spot
When Red Bank Catholic and St. John Vianney share the floor, the stakes rarely need explaining. Two Shore Conference heavyweights. Two programs accustomed to the top of the rankings. And on Tuesday night, a matchup that felt every bit like a measuring stick for the rest of the state.
For a half, it was exactly that. The game opened with both teams trading baskets, defensive pressure, and momentum swings, locked in a 22–22 tie at halftime. Every possession felt contested, every look earned. But once the second half began, Red Bank Catholic showed why they’ve built a reputation as the standard.
The Caseys came out of the locker room with pace and confidence, stretching the floor and turning defensive stops into transition opportunities. The separation came from the perimeter. Timely three-point shooting opened driving lanes, and RBC’s athleticism began to wear on St. John Vianney, who had to expend energy just to keep the game within reach.
Addy Nyemchek led the way with a dominant all-around performance, finishing with 22 points, six rebounds, and three steals, constantly applying pressure on both ends of the floor. As Vianney focused defensive attention inside, the Caseys found answers outside. Katie Liggio knocked down three triples, each one pushing the momentum further in RBC’s favor, while Tessa Liggio added steady scoring and playmaking to keep the offense balanced.
St. John Vianney continued to compete behind Madison Kocis’ 17 points and Taylor Sofilkanich’s nine rebounds, but every run was met with a response. Red Bank Catholic closed the third quarter on a surge and carried that rhythm into the fourth, where they poured in 21 points to seal a 62–51 win and continue to own the top spot in the state.
After the game, Liggio pointed to the preparation that made moments like this possible. “We practice so hard and we’re lucky to have the opportunity to play a game this good,” she said. With her three point shot being a contributing factor in this win she states “I practice it all season long. My teammates know where to find me, and I trust them to get me the ball.”
That trust, and the ability to execute when the game tightened, was the difference. With the win, Red Bank Catholic moved to 7–1, staking its claim at the top of the state picture. St. John Vianney, now 6–1, showed once again it belongs in every high-level conversation and will be right back in the mix as the season unfolds.