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Somerset Today
By the People, for the People
Stuart Country Day falls to Rutgers Prep in girls basketball semifinal
Top-seeded Rutgers Prep defeats fifth-seeded Stuart Country Day 79-46 to advance to the Non-Public B South final
Published on Mar. 6, 2026
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The fifth-seeded Stuart Country Day School varsity girls' basketball team fell to top-seeded Rutgers Prep 79-46 in the sectional semifinal of the NJSIAA Non-Public B South Tournament. With two of their three oldest players away on a senior trip, the Tartans were led by sophomore guard Carmela Arana's 23 points and 12 points from fellow sophomore guard Lia States. Rutgers Prep, which received a game-high 20 points from Natalia Valdez, will now host second-seeded Gloucester Catholic in the Non-Public B South final on Monday.
Why it matters
This loss ends Stuart Country Day's fine 15-10 season, which was only their second year competing in the NJSIAA tournament. Rutgers Prep, a powerhouse program, continues its quest for a sectional title, while Gloucester Catholic also advances to the final.
The details
Stuart Country Day fell behind 42-16 at halftime and could not overcome the deficit despite strong performances from their two sophomore guards. Rutgers Prep was led by Natalia Valdez's 20 points, including six 3-pointers. The Argonauts will now host Gloucester Catholic, a 72-29 winner over Wildwood Catholic, in the sectional final on Monday.
- The game was played on Thursday, March 5, 2026.
- The Non-Public B South final will be played on Monday, March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m.
The players
Carmela Arana
A sophomore guard for Stuart Country Day who scored a team-high 23 points in the loss.
Lia States
A sophomore guard for Stuart Country Day who scored 12 points.
Natalia Valdez
A player for Rutgers Prep who scored a game-high 20 points, including six 3-pointers.
Mary Coyle Klinger
The head coach of the 25-3 Rutgers Prep team.
Lisa Gedaka
The head coach of the 24-4 Gloucester Catholic team, who will face Rutgers Prep in the final.
What they’re saying
“With two of its three oldest players away on their senior trip to Disney World, the fifth-seeded Stuart Country Day School varsity girls' basketball team valiantly took on top-seeded Rutgers Prep Thursday in the sectional semifinal of the NJSIAA Non-Public B South Tournament.”
— Staff report (trentonian.com)
What’s next
The winner of the Non-Public B South final between Rutgers Prep and Gloucester Catholic on Monday, March 10, 2026 at 7 p.m. will advance to the NJSIAA Non-Public B state championship game.
The takeaway
Despite missing two of their top players, the young Stuart Country Day team put up a valiant effort against powerhouse Rutgers Prep. This loss ends their season, but the Tartans have shown promise and will look to build on this experience for the future. Meanwhile, Rutgers Prep continues its quest for a sectional title, setting up an intriguing final matchup with Gloucester Catholic.
