VIDEO: Crusaders bounce back from tough losses with terrific performance vs. Prep

Posted: January 15th 2025

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

NORTH WILDWOOD – The Wildwood Catholic Academy boys basketball team made sure there wouldn’t be another disappointing finish Wednesday.

After two straight one-point losses in games in which Wildwood Catholic led by double digits at one point in both contests, the Crusaders led from start to finish in a surprisingly comfortable 55-41 win over St. Augustine Prep that wasn’t as close as the final 14-point margin.

Wildwood Catholic led from start to finish. The Crusaders scored the first seven points of the game and led 11-8 after the first quarter before reeling off an impressive 17-2 run in the second quarter to lead by 18 points at the half.

Wildwood Catholic eventually upped its lead to as high as 23 points in the third quarter. St. Augustine chipped away early in the fourth quarter and got as close as 13 points, but a pair of three-pointers by Ryan McGrath and a steal and layup by Tayshaun Jackson accounted for a quick 8-0 run by the Crusaders that put the game away.

Wildwood Catholic (7-3 overall, 3-3 Cape-Atlantic American) had three players post double-doubles in the win. McGrath, who made four three-pointers, scored a game-high 16 points to go with 10 rebounds. Alex Daniel added 13 points, 10 rebounds and six assists and Jackson provided 12 points and 10 rebounds.

St. Augustine (7-6, 1-4) suffered a major blow early in the contest when its leading scorer, Rory Friel, injured his shoulder while driving to the basket. Friel, who entered the contest averaging 21 points per game, did not return.

Kyle Helphenstine led the Hermits with 11 points.

Wildwood Catholic held its opponent to 45 points or less for the eighth time in 10 games. The team is 7-1 in those games.

Wildwood Catholic shot just 1 for 9 from the foul line but did make eight three-pointers in the game.