St. Rose Triumphs Over St. Thomas Aquinas in Girls Basketball Showdown
St. Rose Triumphs Over St. Thomas Aquinas in Girls Basketball Showdown
In a thrilling matchup, St. Rose, ranked 9th in the NJ.com Top 20, secured a convincing 61-43 victory against 11th-ranked St. Thomas Aquinas. The game, held in Belmar on Tuesday, January 28, 2025, showcased exceptional talent and teamwork from both sides.
Kruesi’s Stellar Performance Leads St. Rose to Victory
Cassidy Kruesi emerged as the star of the night, scoring an impressive 21 points for St. Rose. Her outstanding performance included three 2-pointers and five 3-pointers, demonstrating her versatility on the court.
“Cassidy’s shooting was on fire tonight,” said St. Rose’s coach. “Her ability to score from both inside and outside the arc was crucial to our win.”
St. Rose’s Dominant First Quarter Sets the Tone
St. Rose came out strong, establishing a commanding 29-7 lead in the first quarter. This early advantage proved decisive, as St. Thomas Aquinas struggled to close the gap throughout the game.
Balanced Scoring Effort Propels St. Rose
While Kruesi led the charge, St. Rose’s victory was a team effort. Jada Lynch contributed 19 points and grabbed 9 rebounds, showcasing her all-around skills. Brooke Missry and Callie Decker added 8 and 6 points respectively, maintaining the pressure on St. Thomas Aquinas.
St. Thomas Aquinas Fights Back in Second Quarter
Despite the initial setback, St. Thomas Aquinas showed resilience in the second quarter, outscoring St. Rose 22-11. Gianna Chuffo led the charge with 16 points, including four 3-pointers, keeping her team’s hopes alive.
St. Rose’s Defense Shines in Second Half
St. Rose’s defense tightened in the second half, limiting St. Thomas Aquinas to just 14 points. This defensive effort, combined with consistent scoring, secured the victory for St. Rose.
Implications for Shore Conference and GMC Rankings
This win solidifies St. Rose’s position in the Shore Conference A Central division, improving their record to 14-3 overall and 5-1 in the division. St. Thomas Aquinas, despite the loss, maintains their undefeated streak in the GMC Red division at 10-0.
“This game was a great test for both teams,” commented a local sports analyst. “It showcases the high level of girls’ basketball in New Jersey.”
As the season progresses, both teams will look to build on this experience. St. Rose aims to maintain their momentum, while St. Thomas Aquinas will regroup and focus on their continued success in the GMC.
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