St. Rose Defends Home Court with Stellar Win Over Rutgers Prep

by NJ Athletics December 23, 2024

photo by: Marco Morales

In a celebratory atmosphere with alumni in attendance, St. Rose High School, the defending state champions, secured an 80-63 victory over Rutgers Prep in a thrilling matchup between two top-ranked teams. The game, which unfolded at St. Rose’s home court, was not just about celebrating past glories but also about marking a promising future with standout performances, particularly from Jayden Hodge of St. Rose.

The game stared out fast as Rutgers Prep put a quick 8 points on the board. St. Rose soon followed with an 8-0 run of their own. After being even once again, Rutgers Prep faced an uphill battle as St. Rose quickly erased that early deficit with a 20-5 run, spurred by energetic plays and strategic steals, leading 20-13 at the end of the first quarter. Evan Romano's versatility shone brightly in the second quarter, helping extend the lead with his defensive ability and timely assists, culminating in a 39-32 halftime lead for St. Rose.

The third quarter saw Jayden Hodge, the game’s leading scorer with 30 points and 11 rebounds, dominate both ends of the floor. He scored 11 of his points in this quarter alone, pushing the Purple Roses to a comfortable lead, which they maintained into the final quarter. Hodge’s performance was a testament to his skill and a critical factor in St. Rose’s ability to control the game tempo and execution.

Rutgers Prep tried to claw back with multiple three-pointers, but St. Rose’s defense, led by Romano and Hodge, kept the pressure high, thwarting any significant comeback attempts. As the final quarter progressed, St. Rose maintained their lead, showcasing a disciplined approach to ball handling and shot selection, which has been a hallmark of their play throughout the season.

Key Performances:

Jayden Hodge: Not only did he lead in scoring and rebounds, but his presence on the court was a constant challenge for Rutgers Prep’s defense. His ability to convert crucial baskets and his defensive rebounds were pivotal.
Evan Romano: A versatile player who contributed significantly on both ends of the court, helping to maintain the momentum for St. Rose with steals, assists, and key baskets.
Jacob Canton of Rutgers Prep also deserves a mention for his team-high 20 points, although it wasn’t enough to overcome St. Rose’s robust team performance.

This victory not only signifies a strong start for St. Rose in defending their title but also sets the stage for what appears to be another promising season. With such young talent at the helm, St. Rose looks poised to remain a formidable force in high school basketball.