Kevin Williams Christmas Classic Inaugural Girls Showcase Delivers with RBC’s Nyemchek Leading the Way
The Kevin Williams Christmas Classic’s first annual Girls Showcase delivered everything it promised, featuring a marquee match-up between two of New Jersey’s top-ranked programs as Red Bank Catholic, the top ranked team in New Jersey according to NJ Advance Media, faced off with fourth-ranked Rutgers Prep.
RBC’s Addy Nyemchek drives to the basket against a Rutgers Prep defender (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
The Caseys entered RWJ Barnabas Health Arena facing perhaps their toughest test of the season to date against an undefeated Argonauts team coming off a 58-17 shellacking against St. Rose. The Argonauts proved to be a formidable early on as they opened up a 28-22 lead at halftime against the Shore Conference’s top-ranked team. Early in the third quarter, it looked like Rutgers Prep was primed to shake up the rankings as they opened up a 36-24 lead. Facing the adversity of a double-digit deficit, the Caseys turned to their star senior and Indiana commit Addy Nyemchek.
Midway through the third quarter, the Caseys seized control behind Nyemchek’s scoring efforts. She would score 11 points in the last 4:15 of the third quarter as the Caseys took the lead and held a 51-46 advantage heading into the fourth quarter. Red Bank Catholic rode the momentum in the fourth quarter and secured a 59-42 victory, their fifth double-digit victory to start the season.
Nyemchek finished the night with a game-high 25 points. Senior guard Daniela Maletsky and senior guard Sophie Smith each added eight points. Senior center Sophie Smith chipped in seven points.
Red Bank Catholic’s Sophie Smith finishes a layup (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
Senior forward Ava Frith, who transferred from Manasquan after her sophomore year, led Rutgers Prep with 14 points.
Red Bank Catholic will play one final game at the Kevin Williams Christmas Classic’s Girls Showcase tomorrow against Teaneck who fell to St. Rose on Monday night. A win, would make the Caseys the only team to finish the four team showcase undefeated.
Red Bank Catholic head coach Joe Montano addresses the team (Photo by Patrick Olivero)
The inaugural Girls Showcase marked an exciting new chapter for the Kevin Williams Christmas Classic, reinforcing its commitment to celebrating elite girls basketball and providing a premier platform for the state’s top programs.
