Saturday Girls’ Basketball Roundup: Bound Brook takes early game in Crusader Classic, Rutgers Prep remains undefeated ahead of clash with No. 1 Red Bank Catholic

A number of girls’ high school basketball holiday tournaments played on Saturday, though some were postponed, and some had altered schedules, moving some games later in the day depending on the severity of the snow and ice storm that fell across the state Friday night into Saturday.

The Cougar Holiday Classic at Montgomery – involving the host Cougar girls, as well as Watchung Hills, Delaware Valley and Belvidere – was moved to Monday. And Red Back Catholic’s Showcase Bracket game at the Kevin Williams Christmas Classic at RWJ Barnabas Arena at Toms River North was cancelled, though Rutgers Prep’s game at 6 pm against St. Rose was still on the docket Saturday afternoon.

Postponed:

• Edison Holiday Tournament at Edison HS (rescheduled to Monday, same times)
• Jonathan Dayton Holiday Tournament, Springfield (rescheduled to Tuesday)
• Cougar Holiday Classic at Montgomery HS (rescheduled to Monday, same times)
• Pete Tierney Holiday Basketball Tournament at Summit HS (rescheduled to Monday, same times)
• Coaches’ Choice Holiday Classic at FDU-Madison (rescheduled to Tuesday, same times)

Mercer County Community College Holiday Showcase at MCCC, West Windsor
Monroe 61, Trenton, 38
Hillsborough 67, Thrive Charter 52

The Falcons (2-2) got a season-high 21 points from Kiera Longo and another 14 from Sophia Rivas as they evened up their record at .500. Hillsborough (4-1) won for the second straight year at the MCCC Holiday Showcase, beating Thrive Charter behind a new career-high 19 points and three treys from Kayla Cebedo and as season-best 16 from Isabella Ruh.

Crusader Classic at Bound Brook HS
Bound Brook 49, Columbia 46
Union Catholic 67, Oak Knoll 46

The Crusaders (4-0) stayed undefeated behind a double-double from from freshman sensation Peytan Pugh, with 15 points and ten rebounds. It was her second straight, as she also had 17 and 10 against Pope John last Saturday in a 51-36 win over Pope John in the Shore Games at The Fort Athletic Club in Oceanport. Bound Brook will play Union Catholic at 5 pm Monday in the Crusader Classic title game, while Columbia and Oak Knoll will play in the 1:00 Consolation Game.

Kevin Williams Christmas Classic at RWJ Barnabas Arena, Toms River North HS
Showcase Games
Red Bank Catholic vs. Teaneck, 4:15 pm (rescheduled to Tuesday at 3 pm)
Rutgers Prep 58, St. Rose 17

The Lady Argonauts (5-0) dominated the Purple Roses (0-4) to stay unbeaten, jumping out to a 13-5 first quarter lead, and taking a 31-10 lead going into halftime. Senior Ava LaMonica led the way with 16 points, including two treys, while Hannah Fraser and Sophia Georgiades each chipped in 11. With Rutgers Prep in the “Showcase Bracket,” they face a set opponent in the next round and will take on Red Bank Catholic (4-0) Monday at 6 pm. The Caseys are the No. 1 team in the latest statewide rankings, with Rutgers Prep No. 4.

Ridge Holiday Classic at Ridge HS, Basking Ridge
Ridge 45, South Brunswick 21

The Red Devils improved to 2-2 with the win, while South Brunswick drops to 0-4. Ridge will play North Hunterdon Monday at 10 am.