Defense the key to Gloucester Catholic’s postseason run

Gloucester Catholic coach Todd Powers figured his boys' basketball team might be capable of doing something special this postseason if only because of what the Rams didn't do in the regular season: Give up points.

"Our defense has been good all year," Powers said. "The most points we gave up was 49 to Pitman."

Still, the Rams were 13-12, with four consecutive losses entering the South B tournament. They were the No. 4 seed.

But after a 28-20 victory over fifth-seeded Wildwood Catholic, the Rams shook the bracket with a 50-40 victory Monday night at top-seeded St. Rose of Belmar.

On the same night, Cardinal McCarrick upset defending Tournament of Champions winner Trenton Catholic in the other South B semifinal.

Gloucester Catholic (15-12) will face second-seeded Cardinal McCarrick (20-7) in the South B title game at 6:30 Wednesday night at Jackson Liberty High.

The Rams are seeking their first sectional title since 1972.

"Our kids are excited, and the school is excited," Powers said. "I told our kids they can set themselves up for a memory that will last a lifetime."

Gloucester Catholic has been led at the offensive end by junior guard Robbie Alessandrine, who had 15 points and four assists against St. Rose.

Senior forward Kevin Cato had 11 points and six rebounds, and senior guard Mike Okafor had four steals. Senior guard Kevin Mainart and sophomore forward Mike Showaryn also played key roles.

Powers and the Rams know they can't look past Cardinal McCarrick, which knocked Gloucester Catholic out of the tournament in the sectional semifinals last season.

"Very quick, very athletic," Powers said of Cardinal McCarrick.

With a victory, the Rams would advance to the Non-Public B state title game Saturday at Toms River, where they would face the winner of Wednesday night's North B clash at sold-out Rutgers University between the Nos. 1 and 2 teams in USA Today's Top 25 national rankings, undefeated St. Patrick's of Elizabeth and undefeated St. Anthony of Jersey City.

"I heard it's going to be streamed online," Powers said of the North B final, which is considered one of the most highly anticipated high school games in state history. "I'm hoping we can win, and then I'll go home and watch an NBA game online."