Paul VI outlasts rival Camden Catholic in overtime thriller

Paul VI High School senior Will Spross scored a team-high 25 points in the Eagles' 61-58 overtime win against Camden Catholic in the Olympic Conference National Division basketball game played at Camden Catholic High School in Cherry Hill, New Jersey on Thursday, February 12, 2026. Kevin Emmons/South Jersey Sports Zone

CHERRY HILL - The Paul VI High School boys' basketball team, ranked No. 1 in the latest South Jersey Sports Zone Top 15 boys' basketball rankings, outdueled Cuthbert Boulevard rival Camden Catholic, 61-58, in overtime in an Olympic Conference National Division showdown on Thursday night.

The Eagles have won 19 games in a row.

St. Joseph Academy (N.J.) transfer Will Spross led the Eagles with a team-high 25 points. The senior that has previously visited Dartmouth, Davidson and Lafayette scored five of Paul VI's 11 points in overtime. Spross showcased his three-level scoring with midrange pull-up jumpers, finishes at the rim and spot up 3-point shots from the corners. His ability to attack from various angles and score off the dribble was on full display.

Freshman Seth Dozier added 16 points for Paul VI. Dozier drained four 3-point field goals and made a pair of free throws with less than 10 seconds left in overtime to help secure the victory. 7-foot-2 sophomore Toussaint Malukila finished with 10 points including a pair of thunderous dunks.

Seamus Bieg hit a step back 3-pointer for Camden Catholic with 0:04 remaining in regulation to tie the game at 50-50 and force an extra period. The senior led Camden Catholic with a game-high 26 points, five assists and three rebounds. Bieg impressed with his ability to shoot from distance and score in the open court despite being face guarded and double teamed throughout much of the contest.

Freshman Ryder Lacey scored 10 of his 13 points in the third quarter for the Irish. The rookie was held scoreless in the first half and made a layup for his first points to give Camden Catholic its first lead - a 23-22 advantage - with 7:18 left in the third quarter. Lacey showcased his ability to split double teams and score in the lane and beyond with his high arching release. Sophomore Rashad Donaldson tallied eight points, seven rebounds and four assists.

Paul VI improved its record to 20-3 with the win. The Eagles are the top seed in the Camden County Tournament. Paul VI will host College Achieve Asbury Park's National team on Saturday at noon before beginning county tournament play. Coach Tony Devlin's squad will face the winner of Audubon and LEAP Academy in the first round of the Camden County Tournament. The Eagles are the defending Camden Co. champions.

Camden Catholic dropped its record to 14-8. The Irish are the No. 4 seed in the Camden Co. Tournament and await the winner of Pennsauken and Haddon Heights. Matt Crawford's team will conclude regular season play at Lenape on February 21.