RBR SPORTS UPDATE: WINTER SPORTS WRAP UP

Led by first-year head coach Adam Merklinger, the RBR girls basketball team finished the season on a high note, winning five of their final six games.

In the NJSIAA State Sectional Tournament, the Buccaneers defeated Hopewell Valley, Middletown South, and Neptune in convincing fashion to advance to the Sectional Final, where they faced Colts Neck. Although RBR fell short in the championship game, the team’s determination, teamwork, and competitive spirit were on full display throughout the tournament.

Congratulations to the players and coaches on an exceptional season that brought tremendous pride and excitement to the entire RBR community.

Wrestlers Advance to the State Tournament

Over the past two weeks, the Bucs wrestling program has celebrated major milestones and postseason success. The team closed out the regular season with a historic 23 wins, breaking the previous school record of 19.

The boys began their individual postseason at the District 17 Tournament at Middletown South, where senior Jason Huss finished as runner-up and senior Keegan Farry placed 3rd, earning spots at the Region 5 Tournament in Franklin. At regions this past week, Jason Huss continued his strong run, placing 4th and securing his first-ever trip to the legendary Boardwalk Hall.

The girls also kicked off their postseason at the inaugural Girls District 7 Tournament at Old Bridge, where seven Lady Bucs competed. Senior Arianna placed 4th and junior Kaory Olvera placed 3rd to qualify for the Girls Region 3 Tournament in East Brunswick. While five others narrowly missed qualifying, the team had four additional wrestlers place 5th: seniors Lily and Mia, sophomore Mia A., and freshman Valeria. At regions, Kaory Olvera earned a 4th place finish, punching her ticket to compete at Boardwalk Hall for the first time.

We are incredibly proud of all our student-athletes and the success they achieved this season.

Boys Basketball Recap

The Red Bank Regional boys basketball team completed the season with an 11–16 record and plenty of momentum under new head coach Ben DiBiase. The Buccaneers captured the Shore Conference Coaches’ Cup Tournament Championship as the No. 3 seed, highlighting a season filled with competitive play.

RBR earned impressive Class A North victories over both Rumson-Fair Haven and St. Rose while competing in one of the Shore Conference’s toughest divisions. Junior standout Justin Valentino led the offense, averaging 13.3 points per game. The Buccaneers closed the season strong, winning four of their final five games.

Ice Hockey Highlights

The RBR ice hockey team completed its first season with our co-op with Jackson High School, finishing with a 5–13–3 record. While the record doesn’t fully reflect the team’s effort, the Buccaneers competed hard in nearly every contest and gained valuable experience throughout the season. The team also qualified for the Shore Conference Tournament, marking an important milestone for the program.

On an individual note, Owen Montgomery has been honored with the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing an ice hockey player who exemplifies character both on and off the ice. The award reflects the belief that success in life, much like success in hockey, requires more than talent alone. It calls for a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and the determination to succeed regardless of the challenges faced.

RBR Swimmers Post Outstanding Seasons

The RBR girls swimming team continued its dominance in the Shore Conference, finishing the season with an 8–2 record and capturing the Public A North Division Championship for the fourth consecutive year. The team also placed second at the Monmouth County Championships for the third straight year and second at the Shore Conference Championships for the fourth consecutive year.

The Lady Bucs captured four Shore Conference titles, including:

• Setting a new RBR school record, the 200 Medley Relay Champions: Amira Washington, Addison VanDeBoe, Maya Freeman, Sydney VanDeBoe 

• 100 Butterfly Champion: Amira Washington
  
  
• 100 Freestyle Champion: Sydney VanDeBoe
  
  
• 400 Freestyle Relay Champions: Maya Freeman, Libby Mannix, Eleanor Richards, Amira Washington
  
  

Another strong relay team of Avery Guild, Libby Mannix, Addison VanDeBoe, and Sydney VanDeBoe placed second at the Shore Conference Meet.

The Lady Bucs advanced to the NJSIAA Sectional Finals and have now competed in the state tournament for twelve consecutive years.

The RBR boys swimming team also delivered an impressive season, finishing with a 5–3 record and capturing a Shore Conference Championship event.

• Ryan Bailey was crowned Shore Champion in the 100 Breaststroke and later placed 12th at the Meet of Champions in the same event.
  
  
• Will Babik competed at the Meet of Champions in both the 100 Butterfly and 50 Freestyle.
  
  
• The relay team of Mac Koster, Ryan Bailey, Will Babik, and Rowan Mulcahy qualified for the Meet of Champions in the 200 Medley Relay and placed third at Shore Conference.
  
  

Congratulations to all of the RBR swimmers on an outstanding season in the pool.

Game Changing Bucs Host 3rd Annual Mental Fitness Symposium for Student-Athletes

On Friday, March 6, the Game Changing Bucs hosted their 3rd Annual Mental Fitness Symposium, bringing together more than 180 student-athletes from Red Bank Regional High School and Ocean Township High School for a day focused on strengthening the mental side of athletics.

This year’s featured speaker, Dr. Jonathan Jenkins, co-author of Mentality Wins with Dr. Kimberly O’Brien, delivered an engaging presentation centered on the theme: “Play Present, Finish Strong, and Flourish On and Off the Field.” His message emphasized the importance of mental preparation, resilience, and focus for athletes striving to perform at their best both in competition and in life.

Following the presentation, the second half of the event took place in the Field House, where members of the Game Changing Bucs and Spartans Offering Support led small-group activities designed to help athletes apply the concepts shared during the keynote address.

Participants proudly wore their Mental Fitness shirts throughout the event and each received a copy of Dr. Jenkins’ book Mentality Wins to support their continued development mentally and physically.

The symposium continues to grow each year, reinforcing the commitment of both school communities to supporting the mental wellness and overall development of their student-athletes.

Spring Sports Season Begins

As winter sports conclude, the excitement of spring athletics is just beginning. Soon the sounds of bats cracking, whistles blowing, tennis rackets striking, and golf balls soaring through the air will signal the return of Buccaneer spring competition.

Fans are encouraged to come out and support RBR teams this season:

• Baseball & Softball: Home games begin at 4:00 PM
  
  
• Boys & Girls Lacrosse: Games on the stadium field starting at 4:30 PM
  
  
• Tennis: Matches begin at 3:45 PM
  
  

Many track meets will take place away from campus, but schedules for all teams can be found on the school website by visiting rbrhs.org, clicking Athletics, and selecting Schedule.

We hope to see the RBR community out on a beautiful spring afternoon cheering on our Buccaneers.

Hall of Fame Nominations Now Open

As Red Bank Regional celebrates its current success, the school is also honoring its storied past. The Red Bank Athletic Hall of Fame is now accepting nominations for its Fall 2026 induction class. Community members are encouraged to nominate deserving former Red Bank High School or Red Bank Regional athletes.

The athletic department is also seeking information on the following potential future inductees: Pat Geroni (Class of ’66), Frank Booth, Walter “Babe” Jackson, Alvin Griggs, Jim “Chick” Vaccarelli, Ralph Mazzucca, and Wesley Reevey. Those with information are asked to contact Athletic Secretary Denise Jadevaia, [email protected].

With championships, records, and national recognition already secured, the Buccaneers’ winter season has firmly established itself as one of the most successful in recent school history.