RPS Boys and Girls Basketball Teams Both Win Somerset County Championships

This past Saturday, cheered on by friends, family, teachers and classmates, both the Rutgers Prep Girls and Boys Basketball Teams won their Somerset County Tournament Championship games. The girls defeated Watchung Hills 60-34, soon followed by the boys with a victory of their own; conquering Watchung Hills 71-57 and winning the program’s first title since 1983.

Sophomore Ryan Petit said that this was a special moment that they will never forget, and it has given them momentum as they head into the State Tournament. When asked if they were worried before the Watchung Hills game, senior Nico Galette stated, “We won the game in practice the day before – the energy was there!” He also credits the fans for their role in the victory: “We have big energy together, but with the crowd… it explodes!” When asked about goals for the next round, Junior Trey Patterson said, “…to keep winning. And we need all the student support we can get to bring that energy!”  Nico, Ryan, Trey, Noah Harris and Otega Oweh all agree that energy is a big word for the team. “Coach Bloom must use it, and the expression, “Pick up the game,” 30-40 times a day!” The teammates agree that working together, encouraging each other, and playing together as a team is helping them work towards the same goal – to make history!

The girls’ county championship drought was not as long as the boys – this highly successful program last won Counties in 2017. Since then, although they made it to the finals each year, they lost to Franklin High School both times. Seniors, Macey Mento and Olivia Mullins were committed to ending this pattern. The team beat Franklin during Fall Ball, so they were eager to face them once again in the finals. Franklin lost in the semis, but this did not deter the team’s ultimate goal. Senior, Julia Nilsen said, “Franklin’s always been a rivalry game. This year, the hunger (to win Counties) was there, even though they were knocked out.” Their hunger was sated when they beat WH, but to this team, it was only the beginning. Macey stated that Coach Klinger always says, “Don’t dwell on the past. Even if we win a big game, it’s always what’s next?”  Macey, Olivia, Julia and Molly Lynch concur; Coach Klinger’s mindset is always, “Win the moment, but what’s next?” 

Coach Klinger stated, "Winning this championship has meant so much to this group of players....we set one of our goals in early December to win the County Championship and to see them accomplish this goal was tremendous. Our schedule this year included 4 nationally ranked teams....we did this to prepare them for the BIG STAGE....they faced this competition with respect and determination rather than fear. What a great effort they put forward. In the next couple of weeks we will continue to prepare for our opponents with the same determination and fearlessness that we've used all year. I tell my kids all the time, ‘Luck is what happens when preparation meets opportunity. We'll take one game at a time and see what happens.’"

Coach Bloom stated, "I am so proud of our team. It is never easy to win a championship and winning the Somerset County Tournament speaks volumes about our team's chemistry, energy, and love for one another. All season long, we've attacked each day with focus and determination to learn from our experiences and to get better. We look to bring that same energy into the State tournament."

After speaking with these coaches and players, and seeing their love and commitment to their teammates, it’s easy to see why they’ve accomplished what they have – and how they will keep on winning. As Macey said, “Winning Counties with the boys is great! It’s nice to be on this journey together.” 

We can all support the players and coaches as they compete in their State Tournament games. We can all share in their journey together.