Holy Spirit dispatches Gloucester Catholic in Non-Public A South quarterfinal

Sharp shooting senior Sean McGonigal sparks Spirit

By STEVE BELL
Staff Writer

ABSECON _ The Holy Spirit High School varsity boys basketball team jumped out to an 18-5 first-quarter lead and never looked back Thursday, Feb. 28, defeating Gloucester Catholic 68-52 before a sellout home crowd in a NJSIAA Non-Public A South playoff game.
The Spartans were led by senior shooting guard Sean McGonigal, who accounted for a team-high 16 points, including four 3-pointers.
Holy Spirit shot an impressive 10-17 from the 3-point line, as Matt DeSouza hit for three long-range treys, finishing with 15 points. Ryan Brooks added 12 points and was impressive passing the ball inside and providing a tough presence in the paint for the Spartans’ defense.
For the Rams, 6-foot-4 senior forward Nike Calzonetti outscored everyone on the court, tossing in 21 points. He shot an impressive 11-14 from the free throw line. Gloucester Catholic also received a solid performance from junior Steve Rotella, who added 13 points in a losing effort.
Holy Spirit held a 14-point advantage, 33-19, as the teams headed into the locker room at halftime. With eight minutes remaining, the Spartans were in front, 49-28.
Holy Spirit improved to 26-2 with its win over the Rams.
The victory propels the Spartans into the Non-Public Group-A semifinal game scheduled for 4 p.m. Saturday, March 1 against St. Augustine Prep.
The Hermits defeated Bishop George Ahr High School, 76-52, to earn a trip to the semifinal.
Holy Spirit won both of its two regular season games against St. Augustine.