VIDEO: WCA seniors enjoy state playoff victory in final home game as Crusaders lock up first 20-win season in five years

Posted: February 28th 2025

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

NORTH WILDWOOD – There was a party atmosphere in the Sister Mary Ellen Ford Gymnasium Friday evening following the Wildwood Catholic Academy boys basketball team’s state playoff game.

It was easy to understand why.

The Crusaders sent their seniors out in glorious fashion by topping Princeton Day School, 76-39, in a first-round South Jersey Non-Public B Tournament game.

The sixth-seeded Crusaders jumped out to a 22-10 lead after one quarter, led 42-22 at the half and never looked back.

Following the contest, music blared through speakers in the gym as parents and other family members snapped pictures to commemorate the victory in the team’s final home game of the season. Players, parents and fans lingered in the gym long after the contest was complete.

Wildwood Catholic’s two four-year seniors were instrumental in the victory. Ryan McGrath knocked down four three-pointers, made all seven of his free-throw attempts and finished with a game-high 21 points, while Tayshuan Jackson posted 11 of his 15 points in the first half to help the Crusaders establish their big lead.

“The way Ryan and Tay showed up, as four-year program guys, this probably meant a little more to them than the rest of the guys,” Wildwood Catholic coach Will Wareham said. “I thought Princeton Day did a good job neutralizing Alex (Daniel) and Riley (Powell) a little bit by being physical in the paint, and Tay and Ryan did exactly what they’re supposed to do as seniors by taking advantage of their opportunities.”

Powell, also a senior, finished with 13 points, getting nine of them in the second half.

The victory also clinched the first 20-win season in five years for the Crusaders (20-8).

“Before the season, you go through your goals,” Wareham said. “One of them is definitely to try to eclipse that 20-win mark.”

Princeton Day (11-11), a team with a rather young roster, received 14 points from sophomore Gary Jennings.

The win sends Wildwood Catholic to a difficult second-round matchup at No.3 Rutgers Prep, which enjoyed a first-round bye. Rutgers Prep (18-9) is ranked 11th in the state.

“They’re probably the best team we will have played all year long,” Wareham said. “It’s going to take a lot for us to be in that game. But that’s what you play for, right? To go up against the best.”