RBC Caseys Too Much For Girl Dawgs

The tone was set early in the Red Bank Catholic home girl's basketball game against the Bulldogs from Rumson-Fair Haven: defense, along with tenacious, tough, physical play. Just the kind of game the Bulldogs usually thrive in. 

It took over two minutes into the first quarter for even a bucket to be made by either team. Then with five minutes and thirty seconds showing on the clock, a Casey hit a three-pointer, and from then on the Bulldogs played catch-up the entire way.

When time had expired in the opening quarter, only eighteen total points had been scored: twelve by RBC and six by the dogs.

"I knew this game would be tight," commented James Alhert, a Freehold resident and ex-Middletown North athlete.  "I mean, just look at the defensive schemes they're using. Both sides. And they've hit the floor at least three times already and it's only the start of the second quarter," Alhert said.

It seemed every time the girls from Rumson-Fair Haven were drawing close, they would shoot themselves in the foot by committing a turnover by an errant pass, a foul, or a travelling violation. 

At the end of the first half the Caseys had stretched their lead to seven, up 23-16.

During halftime the many fans enjoying the game had plenty of room to stretch their legs and time to catch their breath. 

Bulldogs fans at this point knew winning the game was going to be a stretch. "The Bulldogs are trying their best," said nine-year old Cameron Grove, attending the game with his father, Fred Gove of Leonardo."But it don't look too good for them today."

Also watching the heated contest was Karen Donnelly, "This game is really good and it's warming up the enthusiasm.  I love these games, just watching all the teamwork, seeing them learn to be team players, that's key.  When one shines, they all shine."

The Bulldogs, led by team captains Ashley Cooper, Victoria Lesko, and Ellie Wilbur, came within two points of The Caseys at the end of the third quarter.

Then, a minute into the fourth, RBC hit a three, extending their lead to five. Seconds later, Bulldog Ellie Wilbur drove to the basket, sank a layup while also being fouled. She completed the three-point play to again get the dogs within two.

But that was the closest they would come.  From that point, with four and a half minutes left to play, The Caseys would go on a 13-2 run to silence the dog's bark, winning by a final score of 46-33.

Although it was a tough loss for the highly ranked Bulldogs from Rumson-Fair Haven, it was good for them to play against a large-school, non-divisional opponent to help get them ready for post-season play in which they'll surely be contending for another title to add to their list.