St. Peter’s Prep Holds Off Gill St. Bernard’s in Top 5 Battle

The Big Jersey Showcase opened with exactly what it promised, a heavyweight matchup between two established powers. In a fast-paced, physical showdown at Christian Brothers Academy, the Marauders turned back Gill St. Bernard’s, 59–43, remaining unbeaten and reinforcing why they’re one of the early teams to beat in New Jersey.

From the opening tip, both teams traded punches. Gill came out composed and confident, matching Prep’s early energy shot for shot and forcing the Marauders to earn every possession. Prep carried a slim 16–14 edge after one, but the game never felt settled. Gill’s spacing and perimeter shooting kept the pressure on, while Prep leaned into its depth and physicality to weather each push.

The separation came through discipline and balance. Prep didn’t rely on one scorer or one stretch of momentum, they chipped away. Mason Santiago led the way with 15 points, consistently getting to the line and finishing through contact. Richie Rosa was everywhere, slicing to the rim, defending at the point of attack, and steadying the group whenever Gill threatened to swing momentum. By halftime, Prep had created just enough breathing room to control the tempo.

Gill St. Bernard’s made its run coming out of the break behind Connor Junker, who knocked down shots from deep and kept the game within reach. But every surge met an answer. Prep’s defense tightened, the rotations sharpened, and the Marauders began to win the rebounding battle. Nick Ferdinand owned the glass with nine boards, while Derek Gomez provided timely scoring to push the lead back to double digits heading into the fourth.

That final quarter reflected the difference between two elite programs — one pressing, the other composed. Prep closed the game with a 21-point fourth, punishing defensive lapses and capitalizing at the free-throw line. Gill continued to compete, but Prep’s depth and execution ultimately dictated the finish.

After the game, senior leader Richie Rosa summed up the mindset that carried the Marauders through the afternoon. “We had to keep the foot on the gas and not fold when they made runs,” Rosa said. “They’re a good team and very well coached, so we knew it would come down to who wanted it more.”

Rosa also made it clear that the focus never shifts too far ahead. “There are a lot of good games coming up, but I’m always locked into the next one. The most important game to me is always the next game.”

With the win, St. Peter’s Prep moves to 3–0, showing poise, balance, and the ability to close against high-level competition. Gill St. Bernard’s, now 3–1, proved they belong in the conversation and will be a problem for anyone on the schedule moving forward.