RBR Dismantles Port Richmond in Buc Classic
- Alex Fydryszewski
- Dec 28, 2023
- 2 min read
Red Bank Regional’s forecast for the 2023 season got brighter when talented junior guard Zayier Dean transferred in after leading Ocean Township in scoring as a sophomore. His presence as a scorer has given RBR a shot in the arm. Port Richmond came from behind to down Notre Dame in the tournament opener behind a big game from senior forward Xavier Cardona.
Cardona, coming off a big performance against Notre Dame, opened the scoring for Port Richmond on a drive and finish. Dean answered with a deep three to give RBR a quick 3-2 lead. The teams traded scores throughout a hard played quarter, with Dean leading the way. RBR led 13-8 after a tight first quarter.
The tough defensive battle continued in the second with physical defense and began with a Cardona bucket and foul. The teams battled through the quarter with physical defense and the game developed an up-and-down flow that was aided by the officiating—the referees allowed both teams to play physical on ball defense. RBR took a mini run into the half and led 23-13.
Port Richmond began the third on a 6-0 run to start the third and George Sourlis called timeout to squelch the run with RBR holding on a 23-19 lead. The timeout kept the door open and Cardona cut the lead down to 23-21 after a layup midway through the third. RBR used an effective set to run their lead to double digits, leading 33-21 after 3.
RBR opened the fourth by picking up right where they left off, extending their lead to a comfortable margin, 38-22, with 6:13 to go. RBR put their foot on the gas and ran the lead to 47-26 late in the fourth before emptying their bench and cruising to a 53-28 victory.
Case Agency Player Of the Game
Zayier Dean, RBR
The junior guard facilitates the offense for the Bucs. He scored when he needed to, he moved the ball when his coaching staff asked him to. Dean was the major catalyst for their victory and finished the game with 15 points. They'll look to claim the title in their own tournament on Saturday vs a talented Ranney squad.
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