Oradell, NJ—Bergen Catholic sent a clear message in its first home game of the season, overpowering Don Bosco Prep 60–36 In Oradell. What began as a competitive rivalry matchup quickly turned into a showcase of the Crusaders’ depth, defense, and physicality.
Second-Quarter Surge Turns the Tide
After a tight opening stretch, Bergen Catholic flipped the game in the second quarter. Increased defensive pressure and a deliberate effort to control tempo forced Don Bosco into rushed possessions and difficult shots. The Crusaders capitalized with an extended run that created separation before halftime and set the tone for the remainder of the night.
Senior forward Julius Avent, a Michigan State commit and All-North Jersey standout, led the charge. Avent scored a game-high 16 points, including eight during the pivotal second quarter. Using his size and strength inside, he converted on post-ups, cleaned up the glass for putbacks, and finished in transition as Bergen Catholic seized control.
Defense Sets the Standard
Bergen Catholic’s defensive intensity defined the contest. The Crusaders held Don Bosco to 30 percent shooting (15-of-50) and did not allow a single three-pointer. Aggressive closeouts and active hands disrupted rhythm all night, contributing to 17 Ironmen turnovers.
On the other end, Bergen Catholic was efficient, shooting 48 percent from the field (24-of-50) and 9-of-13 from the free-throw line. Transfer guard Mazz and sophomore Sean Forbes each contributed 10 points, giving the Crusaders balanced scoring to complement Avent’s interior presence.
Head coach Billy Armstrong emphasized the importance of perimeter defense in modern basketball, noting that preventing three-point attempts was a major focus of the game plan.
Avent Anchors the Interior
At 6-foot-8, 225 pounds, Avent was the most physically imposing player on the floor. Time and again, he absorbed contact and finished strong around the rim, stabilizing Bergen Catholic whenever Don Bosco attempted to chip away at the deficit.
Armstrong praised Avent’s continued development and physical maturity, calling him a difference-maker at the high school level. Avent credited his offseason preparation and strength training for allowing him to maintain his attack even through heavy contact.
Don Bosco Searches for Answers
Don Bosco Prep struggled to find sustained offense against Bergen Catholic’s pressure. Senior forward JP Skoric, a Merrimack commit, led the Ironmen with 14 points — 12 of which came after halftime. Brad Brown added 10 points, but the Ironmen were unable to generate consistent scoring runs.
The loss dropped Don Bosco to 2–7, putting its postseason outlook into question. With a .500 record typically required for at-large consideration in the Bergen County Jamboree, the Ironmen now face an uphill climb in the coming weeks.
A Strong Start at Home
With the victory, Bergen Catholic improved to 7–1 and further solidified its status as a top contender in the Big North United Division and the upcoming Bergen County Jamboree. After beginning the season with a travel-heavy schedule that spanned multiple states — including a canceled home matchup against Ramapo — the Crusaders made their home debut count.
While Armstrong noted there is still room for growth offensively, the defensive intensity and focus displayed in this rivalry matchup provided exactly the kind of statement performance Bergen Catholic was seeking.
In the latest chapter of the Bergen–Bosco rivalry, the Crusaders left no doubt who controlled the floor.
