Immaculate Heart Academy, ranked No. 17 in the NJ.com Top 20, achieved a remarkable victory over No. 8 DePaul Catholic, ending their unbeaten streak with a score of 52-50 in a Big North-United Division clash held in Washington Township on January 10, 2026. The thrilling match showcased strong performances from both teams, but Immaculate Heart ultimately secured the win, maintaining its perfect record in division play.
Addison Valdez led Immaculate Heart with a solid performance, contributing 11 points, 8 rebounds, and 4 steals. Her consistent play was complemented by teammate Samantha Grella, who recorded 9 points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Giuliana Huaranga also played a pivotal role, adding 10 points, 5 rebounds, and a game-high 6 assists to the team’s total.
DePaul Catholic’s offense was spearheaded by Angelyn Almonte, who delivered a standout performance with a game-high 18 points, including four three-pointers. Giovanna Burress supported the effort with 15 points, while Maya Morrison chipped in with 11 points during the contest.
The game unfolded with a tight first quarter, ending in a 18-18 tie. However, both teams faced challenges in the second quarter, leading to a lower scoring period. Immaculate Heart entered the final quarter trailing 35-33, but demonstrated resilience by outscoring DePaul 19-13 in the final minutes, clinching the win.
This victory keeps Immaculate Heart undefeated in the Big North-United Division at 3-0. In contrast, DePaul suffers its first loss of the season, now holding an overall record of 10-1 and 2-1 in the division. The match not only highlights the competitive spirit of high school girls’ basketball but also sets the stage for an exciting remainder of the season as both teams look to build on their performances.
