VIDEO: Win over Wildwood continues trend of solid defensive efforts by improved WCA

Posted: January 1st 2025

Tayshaun Jackson, Alex Daniel and Naz Ruiz each scored in double figures in Wildwood Catholic's win over Wildwood

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

WILDWOOD – The Wildwood Catholic Academy basketball team is proving it can play excellent defense.

The Crusaders continued their trend of holding opponents to 40 points or less in a dominating effort over island rival Wildwood in the Andrew Alameno Memorial Showcase Game at the Boardwalk Basketball Classic Monday. Wildwood Catholic held the Warriors scoreless for the first 7 minutes, 15 seconds of the game and rolled to a 54-30 victory.

Wildwood Catholic (4-1) has conceded no more than 40 points in any game so far this season. Monday’s game marked the fourth time in five games its opponent scored no more than 35 points.

“Our defense has been really good, and I know we held them to just a few field goals in the first half,” Wildwood Catholic coach Will Wareham said. “If we can play defense how we have through our first five games, we’ll have an opportunity to be competitive in every game we play.”

Wildwood Catholic did not light up the scoreboard through its halfcourt sets against Wildwood but found major success on the offensive glass, scoring many of their points on putbacks. The Crusaders enjoyed excellent scoring balance as junior Alex Daniel (13 points), senior Tayshaun Jackson (11 points) and senior Naz Ruiz (10 points) each scored in double figures in the win.

Wareham expects his team’s offensive fortunes to improve once 6-7 senior Riley Powell becomes eligible in mid January after sitting out the first 30 days of the season due to NJSIAA transfer rules.

“Once we get Riley eligible I think that’s going to really help our offense,” Wareham said. “We’ll definitely score a lot more once he gets in the mix. As long as we keep our defense at a high level I think we’ll be a tough out going forward.”

Wildwood (2-4), which had just eight field goals and shot only 9 for 19 from the foul line, received 16 points from senior guard/forward Brian Cunniff. Sophomore Trevor Troiano added eight.