Caseys ready to take on the state’s best BY VIN RAPOLLA Staff Writer Red Bank Catholic’s girls have the opportunity to see how they measure up against the best the state has to offer this Sunday. The Caseys, ranked second in the state and first in the Shore Conference, will take on top-ranked Malcom X Shabazz of Newark in the marquee matchup of Sunday’s Battle on the Boardwalk. The undercards will feature several of the Shore’s top teams battling it out, starting with Howell vs. Neptune at noon, followed by Monmouth Regional against Manasquan at 1:30 p.m. and St. John Vianney vs. Colts Neck at 3 p.m. But it is the RBC-Shabazz game that is generating the most hype, as the state’s two elite teams battle it out for the top spot in what could be a Tournament of Champions preview. RBC, which improved to 7-1 on Saturday with a 51-39 nondivisional win over St. Rose, is a talented and deep team, led by sophomore Kristen Danella, who continues to emerge as one of the top players in the state. RBC is still a young team, but has played like wily veterans under longtime head coach Joe Montano. Shabazz is led by University of Pittsburgh-bound senior Jania Sims, a 5-foot-8 forward, and her frontcourt mate Kellindra Zackery, a 6-0 senior heading to South Carolina University in the fall. Shabazz is an experienced team, filled with talented athletes who like to push the pace, and will test the Caseys’ poise from the opening tip on Sunday. Montano expects quite a battle indeed. “Their ranking is definitely accurate,” the coach said. “They’re the best in New Jersey. They have great depth and tremendous athleticism, and are a very well-rounded team.” Montano said his team knows what it needs to do to stay with the Bulldogs. First and foremost they’ll have to control and handle the ball well, while also controlling the boards and not giving up any easy baskets on second chances. “The most important thing we’ll have to do is not turn the ball over,” said Montano. “They’ve got some very good players, and we can’t afford to give up easy baskets.” Offensively the Caseys will try to slow the tempo down and make it a half-court game. Ball control will be crucial, and RBC’s ability to make backdoor plays will be crucial if they are to win. “It’s pretty simple, but not turning the ball over will be most important,” said Montano. Montano is also knows that he can’t rely on any one player to carry the load in this game. It will take a total team effort to knock off Shabazz, and with a well-balanced team that relies heavily on its depth and experience, the Caseys certainly will have their chances. “Everyone is going to have to play, not just one kid,” said Montano. “We all have to do our part and do it as well as we can. We have the type of team that anyone can step up, but they all have to play well.”