Morris Catholic beats Rutgers Prep in a battle of the state’s top two teams to win second straight Non-Public Group B title

This year was different, but not different enough, for the Rutgers Prep girls’ basketball team.

In the 2023 Non-Public Group B final an early lead evaporated and a third-quarter surge by Morris Catholic did in the Argonauts.

This time, the score was tied at 22 at the half, and there was no big run. But Morris Cathlolic edged ahead a few minutes into the third. The game went into the fourth quarter close, never more than two possessions.

But in the end, Rutgers Prep had some missed shots, and missed opportunities that cost them the game.

In her final game with Prep, Vanderbilt-bound senior Mikayla Blakes led all scorers with 21 points, while sophomore GiGi Battle – part of a core that will return next year with Leah Crosby and Ava LaMonica – notched her fourth career double-double with a solid 14 point, 13 rebound game.

Rutgers Prep didn’t have a great night from the field, shooting 18-of-46, but kept their lead – and stayed in it when behind – with a perfect night from the foul line, shooting 18-for-18.

The Pauldo twins for Morris Catholic were again the focal point for the Crusaders, up by a possession, running the clock down because any defender who doesn’t give Mia or Mya space can get left in the dust by either. It allowed them to run over 40-seconds off the clock on their penultimate possession, which started with about 90 seconds to go in the game.

Mia Pauldo finished with 20, while Mya Pauldo had 16.

Rutgers Prep’s season finished 24-5, with a fourth straight county title and third straight Non-Public South B title. They came into the game ranked No. 2 in New Jersey, with Morris Catholic No. 1.

The Crusaders will finish as the state’s top-ranked girls’ basketball team, 27-1, Morris County Tourney champs, and Non-Public Group B state champions.

Click below for postgame reaction from Rutgers Prep, presented by Sportsplex at Metuchen: