Watch Thursday 3.5 JSZ Playoff Basketball Highlights

St. Peter's Prep and St. Joe's Metuchen advance to Non-Public 'A' South final

Mar. 6, 2026 at 10:07am

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The playoffs are heating up as St. Peter's Prep and St. Joe's Metuchen both won their Non-Public 'A' South semifinal matchups. St. Peter's Prep defeated CBA 57-41 behind 20 points and 11 rebounds from Nick Ferdinand and a double-double from Mason Santiago. St. Joe's Metuchen held off a late rally from Paul VI to win 63-58 and advance to the sectional final against St. Peter's Prep.

Why it matters

The Non-Public 'A' South final will feature two of the top teams in the state as St. Peter's Prep and St. Joe's Metuchen, both ranked in the top 10, will battle for a spot in the state championship game. This matchup showcases the high level of talent and competition in New Jersey high school basketball.

The details

St. Peter's Prep jumped out to an 11-6 lead after the first quarter and extended their advantage to 16 points by halftime. CBA's Izayah Cooper scored a team-high 20 points in the losing effort. For St. Joe's Metuchen, Andrew Kretkowski scored 13 of his game-high 18 points in the first quarter to help the Falcons seize control early. Aidan Carter scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half to hold off a late Paul VI rally.

  • The Non-Public 'A' South semifinal games were played on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
  • The Non-Public 'A' South final between St. Peter's Prep and St. Joe's Metuchen will be played on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Lenape High School.

The players

Nick Ferdinand

A player for St. Peter's Prep who had 20 points and 11 rebounds in their semifinal win.

Mason Santiago

A player for St. Peter's Prep who recorded a double-double with 18 points and 14 rebounds in their semifinal victory.

Izayah Cooper

A player for CBA who scored a team-high 20 points in their semifinal loss to St. Peter's Prep.

Andrew Kretkowski

A player for St. Joe's Metuchen who scored 13 of his game-high 18 points in the first quarter to help the Falcons take control early.

Aidan Carter

A player for St. Joe's Metuchen who scored 15 of his 18 points in the second half to hold off a late rally by Paul VI.

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What they’re saying

“The playoffs may be winding down, but the intensity ticks up a few notches as we bring you action from the Non-Public 'A' South semifinals.”

— James Mooney, Author

What’s next

The Non-Public 'A' South final between St. Peter's Prep and St. Joe's Metuchen will be played on Monday, March 9, 2026 at Lenape High School.

The takeaway

The matchup between St. Peter's Prep and St. Joe's Metuchen in the Non-Public 'A' South final will feature two of the top high school basketball teams in New Jersey, showcasing the high level of talent and competition in the state.