The following update was provided by Red Bank Regional High School:
RBR Girls Basketball Completes Shore Holiday Tournament Undefeated
Red Bank Regional opened the winter season in impressive fashion, competing in the inaugural Shore Holiday Tournament and emerging undefeated with three victories and a fantastic start for the Bucs.
News from the Pool
The girls swim team currently holds a 3–1 record, placing second in the Shore Conference. They are also seeded third overall in power points in the North 2 Group B State Bracket. The team is led by standout swimmers Amira Washington, Sydney VanDeBoe, Maya Freeman, Eleanor Richards, and Libby Mannix.
The boys swim team also stands at 3–1 on the season, led by Ryan Bailey, Will Babik, Mac Koster, and Max Schembry. Both the boys and girls teams will compete in the Monmouth County Championships, and the program is looking forward to seeing how they perform both individually and as teams.
Albert E. Martin BUC Basketball Tournament
Red Bank Regional was proud to host the 11th Annual Albert E. Martin BUC Basketball Tournament on December 27, 29, and 30. The tournament was extremely well attended and enjoyed by a large and enthusiastic crowd.
In the championship game, Howell High School outlasted Marlboro, led by the Parker brothers. Junior Jayson Parker scored 20 points, while senior Cayden Parker added 15 points and was named the Tournament MVP.
37th Annual YMCA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest
Synai Blychanton (Photo courtesy of RBRHS)
Synai Blychanton, a senior at Red Bank Regional High School and a member of the International Baccalaureate Program, was selected as a winner of the 37th Annual YMCA Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Essay Contest. Synai will present her winning essay at an awards event held on January 16.
She will receive a $3,000 educational scholarship, generously sponsored by HMH New Jersey, NJNG Life, and Porter Plus Realty, along with a full-year YMCA membership.
The RBR community is incredibly proud of Synai’s accomplishment. A highly involved student, Synai has played varsity basketball since her freshman year, volunteers in beach cleanups and youth athletic programs, serves on the Ridge Road Run Committee for suicide prevention, and is the Fundraising Chair for the Jersey Shore Chapter of Jack & Jill of America, Inc., an organization dedicated to developing future leaders.
Red Bank Regional Ice Hockey: 2025–2026 Season
The Red Bank Regional ice hockey team is back on the ice, and there is much to be excited about this winter. This year’s roster is the largest the program has seen in years, reflecting tremendous interest within sending districts and a growing pride in representing the RBR Bucs.
A major factor in the team’s growth is the continued co-op with Jackson Liberty High School, which began last season. Following the merger of the two Jackson high schools this year, all Jackson players joined the RBR program, adding depth and talent for the 2025–2026 season.
The team is anchored by a strong group of seven seniors focused on building culture and improving on last year’s success, which included qualifying for the South Public Co-op State Tournament. Leadership comes from co-captains Michael Holzapfel and Owen Montgomery, joined by Nate Bracken, Caden Brown, Cole Hawthorn, Ryan Bartlett, and Nate Rachunok.
The Bucs play their home games at Jersey Shore Arena in Wall on Tuesday nights at 8:00 p.m. Fans are encouraged to come out and support the team as they face a challenging Shore Conference schedule.
Follow the team on Instagram @rbricehockey and Facebook @RBRBucsIceHockey.
Indoor Track Excels
The RBR indoor track program has already delivered outstanding performances this season. Senior Peter Gallina set the school record in the Long Jump twice, reaching 22’2″, and placed 4th in the Monmouth County Long Jump Relay Championship alongside teammate Nate Doyle.
Senior Julia McCormack also broke her own school record in the Triple Jump, posting a jump of 35’1″.
At the Monmouth County Relay Championship meet, the Distance Medley Relay team of Nico Meza, Peter Gallina, Conor Fagan, and Julian Groom finished 4th, while the Sprint Medley Relay team of Abby Plattel, Julia McCormack, Kiera Rankl, and Bella Vega earned a 6th-place finish.
redbankgreen editor Brian Donohue may be reached via email at [email protected] or by calling or texting 848-331-8331.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.
