RED BANK CATHOLIC 2026 CLASS … KISSES THE SHORE CONFERENCE GOODBYE WITH BACK TO BACK SCT CHIPS!

When the current RBC seniors arrived at RBC 4 years ago, they were already household names. Many already had D1 offers before they played a game. There were expectations and all eyes were on them and there Coach JOE MONTANO. So the then RBC freshman started out on a mission and they now have accomplish that mission. They are now the most successful group in RBC history and one of the best in SHORE HISTORY BY WINNING BACK TO BACK SCT TITLES.

RBC had wonder before their matchup with SJV, why everyone was picking SJV. They had dominated the matchup for the last 3 years. SJV finally got the monkey off their back this season. But it was RBC that had won 5 of the last 6 games. In many ways it was more people hoping to see the Casey’s go down. They were tired of hearing about all the National Rankings, D1 players, tired of hearing about the McDonald All Americans, tired of hearing the talented twins, tired of hearing about the great schools like Harvard and West Point they will be attending. They were tired of the state #1 ranking. They were tired of 4 years of success and a future HALL of FAME reclaiming his throne as the best in the business once again. Maybe they just got tired of hearing about a bunch of beautiful blonde hair beauties, who could ball like no others. Who knows maybe they just all were tired hearing about the tradition and history. This RBC group of seniors reminded outsiders of all these things with what they have achieved and more. They have exceeded your wildest dreams.They have won everything and done everything that is possible in their careers and truthfully there is not much left to do… THERE LEGACY AND CAN BE DESCRIBED IN TWO WORDS…. GREATNESS FULFILLED!

If you want to know how RBC got to where they are today. It wasn’t because they beat SJV to win BACK TO BACK SCT CHIPS. It was not because ADDY NYMCHEK took over in the 4th quarter by scoring 9 points and holding Stella Lockhart who was cooking all game to zero points in the last 5 mins and then moved to Madison Kocis on the last defensive possession to prevent a game tying three. It was not because Katie Liggio who was quite all night woke up late and banked a big three and then hit the biggest shot of the night. It was not because Sophia “Big Game” Smith once again torturing SJV on a big stage in the biggest of the brightest lights. She was sensational all evening. It wasn’t because Daniela MALETSKY put on a defensive show. She chased Madison Kocis and the SJV guards into submission and nobody said a word about it. She did it quietly and didn’t care about getting credit or attention. She simply dominated the defensive side of a ball while nobody was paying attention. It wasn’t because Lola GIORDANO may be the best teammate in the state. She was willing to play any role and she once again did “THE WINNING SHIT” . It was not because Scarlett Levack came of the bench to throw a body at SJV and more importantly play for the name on the front of the Jersey not the back. You may say it was because TESSA LIGGIO , once again proved she is the best point guard in the state of New Jersey. Her 22 point were dynamic but her defense went totally unnoticed. Finally it wasn’t because Joe Montano once again was masterful on the bench. He made all the right moves.. His team believed him. But all this is not what has made this group successful and special.

The reason why the 2026 class was special was because they got it from day. When they were forced as freshman to share playing time with a less talented senior class they didn’t complain. When they lost to SJV in the final 4 years ago there were not sore losers. They learned. While others talk about getting in the gym. They were all true gym rats. While others fight for the spotlight they willingly shared it. While parents complain and bring drama. There parents were the perfect example of how to support their children and coaches. See this was real reason the 2026’s class success. They never let the outsiders in. They never turned on each other. They never let adversity beat them back. They always moved forward as a group and as a team.

Now the team that has accomplished everything will move on. There is not much more left to accomplish. Folks will point to the state tournament and try to make it a big thing, try to hype it up. The fact of the matter is at this point is the only big thing is RBC. Everything else from here on in is just icing on the cake. The real stuff , the real work has now all been done! Now it’s about this group being together as their careers come to an end. Now it about getting ready for college. All have a free education waiting… now it’s about Parents, players, Coaches and teammates enjoying the sweetest ride in RBC HISTORY…. Congratulations BACK TO BACK!