PCL Championship: Father Judge 55, Neumann-Goretti 52

In front of a sellout crowd of nearly 10,000 at the historic Palestra, Father Judge took home its second straight Catholic League title with a 55-52 win over Neumann-Goretti. Temple signee [player_tooltip player_id='1611959' first='Derrick' last='Morton-Rivera'] led a balanced effort with 14 points. Junior swingman [player_tooltip player_id='2364681' first='Marquis' last='Newson'] paced Neumann with a game-high 19.    Morton-Rivera didn't quite have his best, like he did in last week's semifinals, but the senior leader had just enough to squeeze out the win and come away with another championship. After struggling from the field to start and then sitting much of the first half with foul trouble, he came out after halftime with a fire in his eyes and a clear refusal to lose, scoring 11 of his 14 points in the second half. He was able to manufacture offense getting downhill and, in a game mostly starved for perimeter shooting, delivered a pair of massive 3s to help maintain separation. The win cements the future Temple Owl as the greatest player in Judge history, with a chance to further add to his legacy in the upcoming state playoffs.     One could easily argue for Moshinski as the MVP of the championship game, as the Iona commit did pieces of everything on both ends of the floor to help Judge emerge victorious. With his starting backcourt both struggling with foul trouble, Moshinski took on an increased load as a ballhandler, navigating Neumann's swarming ball pressure to help get the Crusaders into offense and make things happen going toward the rim. He used his length and toughness to crash the glass for 10 rebounds while his rangy athleticism on the defensive end caused problems for a smaller Neumann rotation. The type of versatility he displayed on the biggest of stages projects as a calling card for him in his transition to the MAAC.     With Neumann struggling mightily for much of the game offensively, Newson did all he could to keep the Saints within striking distance. The athletic junior swingman scored a game-high 19 points, all but one coming in the first three quarters before ceding to his seniors for the final frame as he battled foul trouble. He spaced the floor with Neumann's only two 3s before the closing minutes but was most impressive while showcasing his twitchiness and fluidity on a number of decisive drives to the rim. His length and athleticism also helped the Saints contend with a bigger Judge lineup both defensively and on the glass. Newson continues to track as a potential high-major option moving into a key spring and summer on the grassroots circuit.     Neumann faced an uphill battle in the second half, starving for offense and facing a near double-digit deficit, but that's when N'Diaye stepped up most to drag his team back into the game and give them a shot to force OT in the final seconds. The only frontcourt presence against a long and athletic Judge rotation, the East Stroudsburg commit pieced together a workmanlike performance on his way to 17 points and 13 rebounds, scoring 14 points in the second half. He was a nonstop force attacking the offensive glass, using his strength and sticky hands to create extra possessions. N'Diaye is the type of undersized but tough-nosed forward that ESU has thrived with for years, with the Delaware native slotting in as next in line for the perennial PSAC contender.     After playing sparingly in the semifinals, Brown stepped up in a big way on the biggest stage to give Judge a key spark and help make the difference in the game. The rangy young wing added an infusion of energy, coming in right away and using his lengthy frame to hit the offensive glass and create extra possessions. He showed impressive touch and dexterity as a finisher around the rim with a smooth stroke from the foul line. His length also provided a strong, disciplined contest on Neumann's final attempt to tie the game in the closing seconds. With Neumann receiving almost nothing from its bench, Brown's contributions were key toward determining the final result.

In front of a sellout crowd of nearly 10,000 at the historic Palestra, Father Judge took home its second straight Catholic League title with a 55-52 win over Neumann-Goretti. Temple signee Derrick Morton-Rivera Derrick Morton-Rivera 6'4" | SG Father Judge | 2026 State PA led a balanced effort with 14 points. Junior swingman Marquis Newson Marquis Newson 6'5" | SG Neumann-Goretti | 2027 State #117 Nation PA paced Neumann with a game-high 19.