Whitaker, Moore lead UC boys basketball team over Prestige Prep
The Union Catholic boys' basketball team, ranked No. 8 in New Jersey, delivered a dominant performance in their matchup against Prestige Prep on Tuesday night in Scotch Plains.
With a commanding 78-43 victory, Union Catholic showcased why they are among the state's elite, displaying depth, precision, and unrelenting defense from start to finish.
From the opening tip, Union Catholic came out firing, quickly establishing a lead they would never relinquish. The first quarter was a clinic in long range shot-making, as Union Catholic outscored Prestige Prep 30-6. Union Catholic buried 13 three-pointers in the game.
Malik Moore and Trevor Whitaker were the driving forces in the early onslaught, with Moore finishing the game with 15 points, including 4 two-pointers and 2 three-pointers. Whitaker was on fire, hitting 5 three-pointers on his way to 15 points as well.
In the second quarter, Union Catholic continued to extend their lead, outscoring Prestige Prep 18-15. The team's defense also remained stifling.
Union Catholic's offense was spread across the board, with contributions coming from nearly every player on the roster. AJ Altobelli added 9 points, including a three-pointer, while Luke Schorr chipped in 11 points. Even players who weren't the primary scoring options were key contributors.
For Union Catholic, it wasn't just about scoring, but about the team's all-around performance. Their balance was evident, with 6 players scoring 4 or more points, and they shared the ball efficiently with an unselfish mindset. The team's depth, with multiple players capable of stepping up, was on full display.
In addition to Moore and Whitaker, several players showed they could step up and contribute when called upon. Greg Viloria chipped in with 6 points, including two 3-pointers. Jhan Acosta and Xavier Thompson each made their mark from beyond the arc, adding another 6 points between them.
Defensively, Union Catholic remained rock-solid throughout. Their ball pressure, active hands, and quick rotations made it nearly impossible for Prestige Prep to generate consistent offense.
With the win, Union Catholic improved to 9-3 on the season, and their performance was a reminder to the state why they hold a top-10 ranking. With a balanced attack, tough defense, and an ever-growing list of contributors, Union Catholic is poised for another strong finish. The victory against Prestige Prep further solidified their position as one of the top teams in the state.
