This story is written by Michael Stoia and Denise Jadevaia with updates from redbankgreen.
RBR Ice Hockey: A Historic Season
Congratulations to the RBR Ice Hockey Team for qualifying for the state tournament for the first time since 2013! The Bucs also achieved their highest season win total since 2020. Standout players Jack Smith and Brayden Sainato earned notable honors, with Smith receiving Third-Team All-Division and Sainato receiving Honorable Mention All-Division.
Additionally, junior goalie Owen Montgomery set a new school record with 1405 career saves—a number that will only grow as he returns next season.
Head Coach Keating reflected on the team’s journey:
“All things considered, we persevered this season. We had two major injuries in the first week that completely shifted our expectations. But we pulled together at the end and earned a bid in states. I am very proud of this team.”
RBR Wrestling: A Standout Season
Senior wrestler Kevin Ruland (126 lbs) had a phenomenal season, winning Districts and advancing through the Regions tournament to earn a spot in the state championships in Atlantic City this March.
RBR Girls’ Basketball run to the finals
Congratulations to the RBR Girls’ Basketball Team on an incredible run to the NJSIAA Central NJ Group 3 Finals! The team lost to Neptune 55-50 March 7 in the state tournament final, but the run to the finals marked a major milestone for RBR Athletics, marking the first time since 1998 that the girls’ team has reached this level of competition. The team boasted a 13-8 regular season record as well.
Key players leading the charge include Riley Joyce, Riley Wheeler, Synai Blychanton, Caroline Polloway, Zoe Gulley, and Kristen Connors. Senior Caroline Polloway has had an outstanding career at RBR, and with a strong group of returning players, the future is bright for RBR Girls’ Basketball.
RBR Boys’ Basketball: Record-Breaking Success
The RBR Boys’ Basketball Team wrapped up a phenomenal 22-5 season, making an impressive run before falling in a hard-fought quarterfinal matchup against Freehold Boro in the NJSIAA State Tournament.
Despite the tough loss, RBR guard Zayier Dean made history, setting the school record for most career points (1578).
View this post on Instagram
Head Coach Sourlis shared his thoughts:
“The boys had another great season—winning the division outright in back-to-back seasons, securing consecutive 20-win seasons, and capturing back-to-back Buc Classic titles. I am very proud of how hard they worked and the strong team they became. They have set a high bar for future teams while leading by example for the returning players.”
Spring Sports Update
The spring season is off to an exciting start! RBR welcomes a new Boys’ Tennis Head Coach, Matthew Cardano, an accomplished tennis professional with an impressive playing career.
Coach Cardano’s Career Highlights
High School (Middletown South):
- 1st Singles Monmouth County Champion
- First-Team All-Shore Conference
- Four-time Team MVP
- Seeded in the Top-32 players in New Jersey
- Second-Team All-Decade (2010-2019) Shore Conference
College (Loyola University Maryland):
- Two-time Team Captain
- Second-Team All-Patriot League (Top 12 in the conference)
- Three-time Academic All-Patriot League Team selection
- Four-time Team MVP
- Second most individual wins in a single season (24)
- Holds record for most wins at 1st Singles in a season (22)
- Ranks second in all-time career singles wins (72)
- First player in Loyola history to earn an NCAA Division I ranking (124th nationally)
We are excited to see what Coach Cardano brings to the program!
Support RBR Spring Sports!
Come cheer on the Bucs this season! Join us for a home tennis match, baseball, softball, lacrosse game, or track meet. We look forward to seeing you on a sunny spring afternoon at RBR.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331 or yelling his name loudly as he walks by. Do you value the news coverage provided by redbankgreen? Please become a financial supporter if you haven’t already. Click here to set your own level of monthly or annual contribution.
