Immaculate Heart Academy, ranked No. 17 in the NJ.com Top 20, achieved a stunning victory against No. 8 DePaul Catholic, winning 52-50 in a tightly contested Big North-United Division matchup held in Washington Township on January 10, 2026. This win not only marked a significant moment for Immaculate Heart but also handed DePaul its first defeat of the season.
Addison Valdez led the charge for Immaculate Heart with an impressive performance, scoring 11 points while contributing eight rebounds and four steals. Samantha Grella also played a vital role, adding nine points and a team-high 11 rebounds. Giuliana Huaranga rounded out the effort with 10 points, five rebounds, and six assists, demonstrating her versatility on the court.
DePaul Catholic, who had entered the game with an undefeated record of 10-0, was led by Angelyn Almonte, who scored a game-high 18 points, including four three-pointers. Giovanna Burress and Maya Morrison also made significant contributions, with Burress scoring 15 points and Morrison adding 11.
The match began with both teams evenly matched, resulting in an 18-18 tie at the end of the first quarter. However, the second quarter proved challenging for both sides as offensive struggles defined the period. Immaculate Heart entered the fourth quarter trailing 35-33, but rallied in the final minutes, outscoring DePaul 19-13 to secure the narrow victory.
This win keeps Immaculate Heart undefeated in the division, improving their record to 3-0, while DePaul’s record now stands at 10-1 overall and 2-1 within the Big North-United division. The thrilling encounter showcased the competitive spirit of high school girls’ basketball and highlighted the potential for more exciting matchups as the season progresses.
