A superlative second half comeback may have ultimately come up short, but even in its season-ending 67-57 setback at No. 1 ranked and top-seeded Bergen Catholic in Monday night’s Non-Public, North A state sectional final at Franklin High School, the Pirates left every indication that the program is poised for even more success in 2026-2027.
The second-seeded Pirates (20-7) overcame a 12-point halftime deficit by staging an impressive 16-4 surge while eventually taking the lead, 52-50, on junior guard Anthony Gonzalez’ third 3-pointer of the night as he drained a shot from the left corner with 6:29 remaining in the fourth quarter.
Bergen Catholic (28-3) proceeded to close the contest with a 17-5 run, led by its Michigan State-bound 6-foot-8 senior Julius Avent, who sank a 3-pointer and had a put-back to create a 57-52 Crusaders lead as they were then on the way to a fourth state sectional title in the past seven seasons.
SHP, which was appearing in its first North ‘A’ final since 2016, completed its second straight 20-win season and will return one of the state’s best backcourts next winter with outstanding juniors in Gonzalez and Avery George and a terrific sophomore in Infinite Sincere-Amen Ra leading the way with additional depth provided with freshman Bryce McCray.
Gonzalez finished Monday night’s exciting contest at BC with 17 points, 3 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 blocks, while Sincere-Amen Ra was the game’s high-scorer with 22 points, including five 3-pointers. George had 3 points, 4 rebounds and 3 assists.
The Pirates’ senior forwards, Alex Ante (6 points, 5 rebounds) and Daniele Beazer (6 rebounds, 3 assists) were solid contributors all season long.
All came together in impressive fashion under second-year head coach Sterling Gibbs, the former standout Pirates backcourt ace, and the team had its share of significant victories during the February and early March stretch run as SHP tied St. Benedict’s for first place in the final Super Essex Conference-American Division standings plus defeated the Gray Bees for its second straight and record 21st Essex County Tournament title.
The end wasn’t what the Pirates wanted, but they played with spirit and vigor against New Jersey’s No. 1 ranked team.
“We have a lot of talent and great senior leadership,” said Gibbs. “We found a way to get ourselves back in the game, but as all good teams do, Bergen Catholic made their run and did it a timely fashion.
“We have come a long way and I am so proud of every single one of the players, and they should be proud of the way they played tonight as well as during the whole season.
“There is no reason for them to hang their heads tonight.”
SHP had won nine straight games entering Monday night’s North A final.
Eight players are set to return next season for the Pirates including three starters in Gonzalez, Geoge and Sincere-Amen Ra making the future look extremely bright for the storied Essex County Catholic school hoops program.
Bergen Catholic meets South A winner St. Peter’s Prep in the overall Non-Public A state final on Thursday at Rutgers’ Jersey Mike’s Arena in Piscataway.
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