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St. Peter's Prep Defeats Montclair in Metro Classic Showdown

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 1st 2026 at 1:12 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: New Jersey, UNITED STATES

Jersey City & Beyond - February 1st, 2026 - The annual New Jersey Metro Classic, held on January 31st, 2026, offered a compelling glimpse into the evolving landscape of high school basketball in the state. While traditionally a showcase for established programs, this year's matchups highlighted the growing depth of competition and the emergence of promising young talent. Four contests delivered thrilling action, close scores, and underscored the increasingly competitive nature of New Jersey's basketball scene.

The headliner of the evening saw St. Peter's Prep secure a hard-fought 74-66 victory over Montclair. This win is particularly significant for St. Peter's, who have been steadily rebuilding their program over the last few seasons. Led by senior guard, Jamal Washington, who reportedly scored 28 points, the Prep demonstrated a balanced attack and a tenacious defensive strategy. Montclair, traditionally a powerhouse in North Jersey, fought valiantly but ultimately succumbed to St. Peter's relentless pressure. Analysts note that Montclair's reliance on perimeter shooting proved ineffective against St. Peter's packed defense, allowing the Prep to control the tempo and secure key rebounds. The game was reportedly tight throughout, with multiple lead changes in the first half before St. Peter's pulled away in the fourth quarter.

Equally compelling was the nail-biting 68-66 win by Seton Hall Prep over Paterson Kennedy. The Knights of Paterson Kennedy, known for their aggressive, fast-paced style of play, were expected to dominate. However, Seton Hall Prep countered with a disciplined and strategic approach, utilizing a strong inside game anchored by junior forward, Ethan Ramirez. Ramirez's performance - a reported double-double of 18 points and 12 rebounds - proved crucial. The final seconds were a frenzy of activity, with both teams trading baskets and Kennedy narrowly missing a game-tying shot at the buzzer. This victory solidifies Seton Hall Prep's position as a contender in the upcoming state tournament. The game's intensity suggests a potential rivalry brewing between these two programs.

Beyond the high-profile matchups, Union City's convincing 73-60 victory over Dickinson demonstrated the rising strength of programs from Hudson County. Union City, often overlooked in favor of larger schools, has been quietly building a consistent winner under head coach, Maria Rodriguez. Their success is attributed to a strong team chemistry and a focus on fundamental basketball skills. Dickinson, despite the loss, showed flashes of potential, particularly from freshman point guard, David Chen, who is already attracting college scouts. The game's outcome highlights the increasingly competitive nature of Group 4 basketball in New Jersey.

Finally, Millburn dominated Columbia with a decisive 70-52 victory. While the score suggests a blowout, it's important to note that Columbia has been undergoing a period of rebuilding. Millburn, however, showcased a well-rounded team with strong contributions from multiple players. Senior captain, Olivia Davis, led the team in scoring with 22 points, demonstrating excellent shooting accuracy. This win further establishes Millburn as a team to watch in the upcoming Essex County tournament.

The Metro Classic's results aren't isolated incidents. They represent a broader trend of increased parity within New Jersey high school basketball. Traditionally dominant programs are facing stiffer competition from schools that have invested in their basketball programs and developed strong coaching staffs. The influx of talented young players, coupled with a growing emphasis on player development, is contributing to this shift. Scouts attending the event identified a number of players with Division I potential, suggesting a bright future for the state's basketball landscape. Looking ahead, the next few weeks promise exciting matchups as teams prepare for their respective county and state tournaments. The Metro Classic served as a powerful reminder that anything can happen on any given night, and that the battle for basketball supremacy in New Jersey is more intense than ever before.