RBC ENDS ALL CONVERSATIONS WITH WIN OVER SJV!

“Big Game” Sophia Smith got Round #4 of the SJV vs. RBC battle for number #1 with a three point bomb just as she has done in all 4 games. It seemed as if we were ready for another classic, when SJV responded with a devastating punch to RBC’S soul. It seemed SJV was about to make Round #4, their turn to even up the season series at two games apiece. Then they would let the debating and politicking take place to see who is #1 team in the state. That all seemed so possible for the prideful SJV team, that was only team in New Jersey to beat RBC this season. The team that has played RBC down to wire game after the game the past three years. All this seemed possible until the middle of the 2nd quarter. Then reality reared its ugly head.

SJV Stella Lockhart and Taylor Solfilkanick are a forces in the paint, many believe the best frontline in the state. There is an old saying when it comes to playoff basketball or in this case sectional championship games. “ you must protect your defensive backboard ” RBC failed miserably in doing so early in last night’s contest .Both Lockhart and Solfilkanick were murder on the glass. Then scored on put backs, got fouls and kicked the ball out for three’s off offensive rebounds. They made RBC pay dearly for their indiscretions. It seemed RBC had no answers. Coach Montano took two early time outs to settle his team down. But RBC was fouling and worst not scoring and the SJV crowd was getting louder by the bucket and full of energy. And just when RBC thought it couldn’t get worse . There 2nd leading scorer and big shot maker Rhode Island recruit, Katie Liggio went down at the end of the first quarter and was done for the night just line that!. Everything it seemed was going SJV’s way, they were in full control. The Lancer’s built a 11 point lead early in the 2nd quarter. SJV, it seemed was ready to send the mighty Casey’s on their merry way early… well that’s what most thought.

RBC has been the best team in the Shore Conference the last 3 years. There senior class has seen it all, done it all and won it all in almost every manner and fashion. But last night they were looking at the type of adversity that rarely knocks at your door. The type you can’t prepare for when the stakes are at its highest. RBC were being dominated by a storied hungry program seeking redemption, asking for their crown back. They were facing the type of pressure even great teams rarely see when things mean so much, like ones legacy. . There is usually no way back when facing this type adversity against such a great opponent. It appeared SJV was going for an early knock out. But then a funny thing happened. The thing that only happens when you have the best player in the state, when you have the best leader and point guard in the state and when you have role players and bench players that play like rock stars.

When Addy Nyemchek banged out a deep three. It may have given the RBC faithful some hope as it appeared SJV was running away from RBC. But RBC’S foundation is not built on offense. It’s built on defense, some believe the best defense in Shore history. Midway in the 2nd quarter that defense showed up and SJV felt the wrath of Coach Montano and his RBC programs true identity. RBC went on a 20-0 run. They is not a typo, RBC over a 8 minute stretch held SJV scoreless. They did it over the 2nd and 3rd quarters. Danny MALETSKY chased super woman Madison Kocis into the depth’s of hell and beyond. She once again put on a defensive performance for ages. Then Coach Montano sent reinforcements to the defensive glass. He sent his guards to the glass. Tessa Liggio from the point guard spot started to get on the defensive glass. Then Lola GIORDANO got on the glass. Then Danny MALETSKY got on the glass….All the RBC guards got on the glass as the RBC forwards blocked out Lockhart and Solfilkanick; Defensive backboard defended!! Then RBC hands and length went to work on the SJV guards. The RBC defense got deflections and steals. SJV got hesitant and then made the cardinal mistake when under pressure; They started over dribbling. Then the Lancers shot selection got dicey and they lost their composure as RBC got out in the open floor for run outs and layups. This is what the RBC defense does to teams, even great teams, nationally ranked teams. RBC turned up the heat vs SJV for 12 mins of fire and fury, they brought 12 mins of hell and never looked backed.

Last night RBC ended any thoughts of round #4 being an instant classic. RBC, ended any thoughts or questions about who the best team in the state of New Jersey, in a blink of an eye. SJV never got any closer than 13 points and trailed by as many as 17 points in the 2nd half. This was an execution by RBC in a most unexpected way. Gone was the excitement of a great finish. Gone were the fans as the game slowly in a strange way came to an end in a half empty gym. In many ways it was sad because everyone wanted to see an another battle for the ages, just one more for old times. Maybe a going away present for all the magical moments these two teams have given us over the years. Instead we got truth, We got to be witness to a team for ages. We saw a Generation player in Addy Nyemchek once again prove she belongs on the Shore Mt. RUSHMORE. We saw a point guard Tessa Liggio who may be the best general since George Patton. We saw a group of so called role players dominate on the biggest of stages. Danny MALETSKY and Sophia Smith are no role players they are go to players. They’re ok being “GREAT” players who don’t always get credit outside there RBC Family. We saw what truly makes RBC special . A bench that can take over games. Make big shots and big plays. We saw one of the best benches in recent history do it AGAIN on a big stage. Lola GIORDANO , Scarlett LeVake and Sue Lashley simply have no equal. It’s old news now, as they once again imposed their will as they did on teams all year and last night was just another example. No group of role players and bench players have ever meant more to a team’s greatness. None have ever been more effective on a bigger stage in recent history. We even saw the future as a freshman showed up and delivered under enormous pressure, Sue Lashley is just a baby.

THE ARCHITECT BEHIND ALL OF THIS IS COACH JOE MONTANO…. and his team is now one game away from putting there stamp on their legacy as one of the BEST EVER!

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