A season defined by tempo
Bergen Catholic closed the 2025‑26 schedule with a 29‑3 overall record, finishing unbeaten against every New Jersey rival and capturing the Non‑Public A state championship in dramatic overtime. The Crusaders’ philosophy centered on pushing the ball up the court and releasing a shot within ten seconds, a pace that left opponents scrambling to keep up.
Stars and supporting cast
Junior guard Alex Mazzella emerged as the vocal champion of the fast‑break approach, while seniors Julius Avent and Jaden Brown anchored the offense with an average of 15 points per game each. Underclassmen such as Jahlil Owusu, Kieran Quinn, Sean Forbes, Brandon McMillan and Owen Wucherpfennig repeatedly stepped into scoring roles, ensuring that the team never relied on a single star.
Recognition and future outlook
The Crusaders will be honored as the North Jersey Boys Team of the Year at the 2026 North Jersey High School Sports Awards, a testament to a season that blended relentless defense with a high‑octane offense. Coach Billy Armstrong praised the team’s chemistry, noting that the same blend of speed and teamwork should keep Bergen Catholic at the top of the state conversation next year.
The upcoming awards ceremony will also spotlight the program’s developmental pipeline, as several younger players who contributed key minutes this season are expected to assume larger roles. With a culture built on teamwork and a commitment to fast‑paced play, the team looks poised to defend its league, county and state titles in the coming season.