Crusaders Out Wrestle Rival for League Title

Bergen Catholic found itself on Friday night wrestling against arch rival Don Bosco Prep with the United Division title on the line. The Crusaders succeed in earning their 19th league title with a 35-26 victory. Behind strong pins by seniors Connor Melde (132), Matt Mangini (145), and Lukas Iorio (182) while Johnny Sebastian and Troy Schaafsma added tech falls. Hunter Kiselick earned a win by decision at 220 pounds, with Tyler Casamenti scoring a major decision at 106 pounds. Over the weekend, Bergen picked up a 41-29 win over St. Anthony behind Schaafsma, JP Ascolese, Melde, Sebastian, Kruklinski, Iorio, Christian Jenco and Carmine Goldsack.

Mahwah was no match for the Golden Hawks or Lady Hawks on the court as both River Dell basketball squads cruised to victory. The boys won 61-50 with Ben Orth taking the lead in a game-high 21 points, the bulk of which came from behind the arc. Sean Boland finished with 17 and Timmy Barnes added 12. The girls came in with a 53-27 win as the Lady T-Birds were limited to single digits throughout. Kate Brock hit a staggering 30 points followed by Jordan Bastable's 10. Brock then came out on top on Saturday's first round County Tournament game with a double-double (29 points, 11 rebounds) to lead the Lady Hawks in a 66-40 win over Wood-Ridge.

River Dell bowling took a hit before the end of the school week as both teams were shut out by the Tenafly Tigers, 7-0. Max Barnett had a high series of 726 (257, 236, 233).

The Lady Hawks swim team finished out the regular season with a 114-55 win over rival Rutherford. The team had first place finishes in all heats except for the 100 backstroke. The boys swim team were not as lucky to finish the season with a win, falling 118-50 to the Bulldogs. Brian Seeber (200 free) and Peter Mari (100 breakstroke) took the lone first place finishes.

The St. Joseph Green Knights out of Montvale were once again shut out by Bergen Catholic at the alley, 7-0 on Friday afternoon. Charles Long had a high series of 733 (268, 256, 209) followed by Simon Lezaja's 614 and Brian Hund's 602.

Jamie Woods and her fleet feet finished the 55 high hurdlers in 8.8 seconds at the Ridgewood Winter Games I at the Rothman Center in Hackensack for River Dell.

Also on the mat this weekend were the Golden Hawks who came out on top with three wins: 44-25 over Hackensack, 66-9 over Fair Lawn and 61-12 over Lodi. Dylan Mitchell (106), DJ Tirelli (113), Brendan Campbell (132), Tyler Kallensee (152), Nick Baranello (182) and Lenny Smith (220) all earned wins in three matches.

With David Gerity (19 saves) and Gennaro Anzevino (9 saves) splitting time in the net on Saturday, the Crusaders hockey fell 8-3 to the Colts of Christian Brothers Academy. The Colts took an early lead and continued to out score Bergen each period as Anthony Cusanelli notched a hat trick into the net. For the Crusaders Brian Ayers had two goals and Tucker James the third.

Nadi Beciri had ca­reer highs of 16 points and 14 re­bounds as the Crusaders threw everything they had on the court to win 73-39 over the Ridgefield Royals in the opening round of the Bergen Jamboree in Oradell. Ten additional Crusaders scored points on the court: Amani Adams (4), Richie Deluca (9), George Kloak (2), Kyle Queiro (3), John Tsimis (4), Connor Van Cleave (9), Brian Ward (4), Chuck Wingate (9), Zach Zalarick (7) andPJ Reed (6).