Piscataway, NJ — They finally made it to the top of the mountain. After losing to national powerhouse Morris Catholic in three straight state semifinals, Montclair Immaculate found their window this season and nabbed their program’s first state championship, taking down Gloucester Catholic 41-30.

The narrative around this team has been one of heartbreak and frankly, being just plain snakebitten. Generations before this group, the Lions made it to five consecutive Non-Public B Finals, falling short all five times from 1987 to 1991.

That chapter has ended, and a new era of victory has begun.

In many ways, the final at Jersey Mike’s Arena closely mirrored the trials and tribulations Montclair Immaculate faced all season long. Getting off to a tremendous start on both ends of the floor, the Lions made the Rams look overmatched following the opening tip, jumping out to an impressive 9-1 lead by the end of the first quarter.

In the second stanza, Gloucester showed their stuff, storming back with 16 points of their own to close the gap to 18-17 by the half. The Lions looked much like the team that could field just five players like they had earlier in the season, unable to keep up with the pace of Jahzara Green and company.

After a quick halftime rest, Montclair Immaculate found the resilience that had carried them through the season, knocking down threes, and even attacking the inside despite a size disadvantage.

Leading the way was junior London Caldwell. Running the floor like an experienced veteran, she picked her spots incredibly well, scoring 10 points, mostly off drives, and delivering delicious dimes all over the floor.

Green did everything she could on the other end to keep her team in it, chipping in nine points and eight rebounds, but ultimately the superior Lions defense was too much.

The school may be closing at the end of the June, but Montclair Immaculate played like a dynasty that could’ve continued for years to come.