NAPA VALLEY, Calif. — In one of the most competitive games of the weekend, St. Joseph’s outlasted Salesian College Prep 67–62 on Saturday night at the Crush in the Valley Basketball Showcase, delivering a hard-earned victory in front of an energetic Napa Valley crowd.
The game lived up to its billing, featuring lead changes and momentum swings throughout all four quarters. St. Joseph’s took a slim 30–29 advantage into halftime, setting the stage for a decisive second half.
Julius Prince led the way for St. Joseph’s with a standout performance, finishing with 24 points and four rebounds. Prince consistently delivered in key moments, attacking the rim and making timely plays when the game tightened late. He received strong support from Malcolm Price, who added 16 points, and Godson Eyita, who chipped in 12 points to give St. Joseph’s three players in double figures.
The turning point came in the third quarter, where St. Joseph’s established control by winning the period and building a six-point cushion heading into the fourth. That separation proved crucial, as Salesian continued to battle but could not fully close the gap down the stretch.
Salesian was led by Isaiah Davis, who poured in 20 points, while Elias Obenyah added 16 in a strong interior effort. Despite their scoring punch, Salesian struggled to overcome St. Joseph’s physical presence inside.
St. Joseph’s dominance on the glass was a major factor in the outcome, as they won the rebounding battle 33–21 in the paint. That edge allowed them to control possessions and limit Salesian’s second-chance opportunities. Neither team found much rhythm from beyond the three-point arc, placing added emphasis on interior scoring and defensive execution.
In the end, St. Joseph’s ability to control the boards and seize momentum in the third quarter made the difference, as they held firm late to secure a well-earned 67–62 victory in one of the showcase’s most entertaining matchups.
