In a thrilling encounter, No. 17 Immaculate Heart Academy edged past the previously unbeaten No. 8 DePaul Catholic with a final score of 52-50 during a highly anticipated matchup in the Big North-United Division on January 10, 2026. The game took place in Washington Township, showcasing intense competition from both teams.
Addison Valdez led the charge for Immaculate Heart, scoring 11 points while securing eight rebounds and making four steals. She was supported by Samantha Grella, who contributed nine points alongside a team-high 11 rebounds. Giuliana Huaranga also played a crucial role, adding 10 points, five rebounds, and a team-high six assists to the scoring effort.
DePaul fought hard, with Angelyn Almonte emerging as the standout performer, netting a game-high 18 points, including four three-pointers. Giovanna Burress and Maya Morrison added 15 points and 11 points, respectively, but it wasn’t enough to secure a victory.
The match started with both teams evenly matched, ending the first quarter in a 18-18 tie. The second quarter saw a dip in offensive production, as both squads struggled to find their rhythm. Heading into the final quarter, Immaculate Heart found themselves trailing 35-33. However, they turned up the intensity, outscoring DePaul 19-13 in the final period to clinch the win.
With this victory, Immaculate Heart remains undefeated in division play at 3-0. Conversely, DePaul faced its first loss of the season, falling to 10-1 overall and 2-1 in the Big North-United division. This result is a significant boost for Immaculate Heart as they continue to build momentum in the season.
The excitement surrounding this game highlights the competitive nature of high school basketball, with both teams showcasing their talents on the court. Fans and players alike will be eager to see how the rest of the season unfolds.
