Takeaways From Feb. 11 Games

Thursday saw some great action all across the state. Manasquan and Manchester Township went at it once again in the Shore Conference, University took on East Orange, Stuart Day continued its gauntlet slate against Rutgers Prep and much more. Let’s take a look at some takeaways from the day’s action. <strong>Rutgers Prep Makes Massive Statement: </strong>Stuart Day just took Trenton Catholic to the wire in a five-point loss. Going up against another state power in Rutgers Prep Thursday, Stuart Day had another opportunity to make some noise. The Argonauts had other plans, however, and they used a 26-5 first quarter to roll to a 72-36 win. Villanova commit [player_tooltip player_id="134611" first="Christina" last="Dalce"] put together her fourth consecutive double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds, and Rutgers Prep improved to 4-0. Kay Donahue and Mikayla Blakes scored 12 points apiece for Rutgers Prep. Stuart Day’s schedule does not get any easier, as it will meet the likes of Cherokee, Paul VI, St. Thomas Aquinas and Saddle River Day down the road. Rutgers Prep has not been challenged yet, and it might not up until a potential showdown with Franklin on Feb. 20. <strong>Pope John Picks Up Quality Win Over Montville: </strong>Pope John moved to 2-0 after defeating reigning Morris County Tournament champion Montville, 68-61. Despite Montville’s [player_tooltip player_id="155551" first="Bella" last="Vito"]’s double-double of 22 points and 17 rebounds, Pope John was able to come out on top behind a 15-9 fourth quarter. [player_tooltip player_id="134641" first="Alana" last="Robinson"] was dominant for Pope John with 20 points and 18 rebounds, and Ahjionae Cobb added 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. [player_tooltip player_id="134633" first="Faith" last="Pappas"] rounded out the double-figure scorers for Pope John with 11 points. [player_tooltip player_id="159079" first="Grace" last="Kowalski"], Carey Werheim and Dani Vito all hit double figures for Montville, which dropped to 5-2. Pope John improved to 2-0 against Morris County teams, after defeating Randolph, 48-43, in the season opener on Feb. 9. <strong>Manasquan Gets Better of Manchester Township…Again: </strong>For the second time in three days, Manasquan has bragging rights over Manchester Township. The Warriors (5-1) got off to a hot start with a 15-4 first quarter, and they relied on stellar defense the rest of the way. Mary Elizabeth Donnelly scored 18 points and grabbed 13 rebounds for the winners, and [player_tooltip player_id="155468" first="Brooke" last="Hollawell"] added 13 points and five boards. Manchester Township’s [player_tooltip player_id="134607" first="Destiny" last="Adams"] put in 17 points and had 14 rebounds and three blocks. Manchester Township fell to 5-2 on the campaign. <strong>Johnson Nets 1,000th Point For University: </strong>University stayed perfect on the season at 5-0 behind a 21-point night from [player_tooltip player_id="134624" first="Tara" last="Johnson"], and the team defeated East Orange, 60-30, Thursday. Johnson scored her 1,000th career point in the first half. A four-year starter, Johnson has been massive for University in scoring and rebounding throughout her career. Alyssa Rodriguez added 16 points for University. [player_tooltip player_id="134637" first="Triniti" last="Haskins"] scored 21 points and had four steals and four blocks for East Orange, now 3-3 on the year. <strong>Mount St. Mary is Making Noise in Somerset County: </strong>Mount St. Mary improved to 7-0 this season after defeating Warren Hills, 41-34, in Washington. Natalie Mathern and Olivia LaBruno combined for 30 points for Mount St. Mary. The Watchung-based school defeated Warren Hills for the second time this season, winning the season opener, 51-37. The team will have a real opportunity to finish the regular season undefeated.