Team Unity Propels St. Peter's Prep to Hudson County Glory Over Hudson Catholic

by NJ Athletics

In a captivating display of basketball unity, St. Peter's Prep emerged victorious in the Hudson County final, defeating Hudson Catholic with a final score of 73-67 in an overtime battle that solidified their status as champions. The contest, which took place on February 17th, was not just a test of skill but of composure and collective will.

The game was a rollercoaster of momentum shifts. St. Peter's Prep entered halftime with a lead, setting the stage for what would become a gripping second half. As the game progressed, both teams exchanged blows, with Hudson Catholic's Tahaad Pettiford and Alex Massung putting on scoring clinics to rally their team back from a deficit. However, St. Peter's Prep's guards, including Peyton Miller and Richie Rosa Jr., consistently answered back, keeping their team ahead or within striking distance throughout the match.

Peyton Miller's clutch performance in the final minutes and overtime was a testament to the team's philosophy - any player can take over when it matters most. His 13 points in the final minutes, were pivotal in keeping top-seeded St. Peter's Prep in control of the game's rhythm. Richie Rosa Jr.'s timely basket to open the overtime period, followed by Nico Pena's put-back, exemplified the team's depth and ability to step up under pressure.

Despite trailing for most of the game, Hudson Catholic's indomitable spirit saw them claw back into the contest, with Pettiford's heroics tying the game and pushing it to overtime. Yet, it was St. Peter's Prep's assertive start in the extra period that ultimately decided the contest, as they never trailed from thereon. 

The Hudson County final was a showcase of high school basketball at its finest - with the electric atmosphere of a sold-out crowd at NJCU. The back-and-forth nature of the game and the dramatics always come around when these two teams meet. With this win, St. Peter's Prep not only secured the county title but also set the tone for the upcoming state tournament. 

Top Performers

St. Peter's Prep:

  • Austin Spencer: 19 points, 8 rebounds
  • Peyton Miller: 16 points, crucial in 4th quarter and overtime 
  • Richie Rosa Jr.: 16 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists, including key defensive plays
  • Nico Pena: 12 points

Hudson Catholic:

  • Tahaad Pettiford: 24 points, including game-tying shot for OT
  • Alex Massung: 20 points, 5 rebounds, scored his 1000th point
  • Keith McKnight: 12 points, key defensive plays
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