In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 Camden County Boys Basketball Tournament, Clinton Suggs of Paul VI delivered a game-winning performance that will not soon be forgotten.
Facing off against South Jersey’s top-ranked Camden team, Suggs found himself in a surprising position in the game’s final minutes.
Despite struggling throughout most of the contest, he stepped up when it mattered most, leading the Eagles to a 58-54 victory.
The game, held at Rutgers-Camden, was packed with drama. Paul VI had a solid lead at one point, going up by as many as eight points midway through the third quarter.
However, Camden, known for their resilience, stormed back and managed to pull ahead by two points heading into the final quarter. The Eagles, though, refused to be shaken.
Suggs, who had only scored a single basket in the second quarter, came alive in the final minutes.
He scored five of his seven points in the closing stretch, including a pivotal drive to the basket that gave Paul VI the lead for good.
Suggs’ clutch performance came at a crucial time for Paul VI, as the lead had been changing hands multiple times in the fourth quarter.
After he put the Eagles ahead with a strong finish at the basket, Suggs made a series of free throws, hitting three of four attempts to seal the win.
His ability to stay composed under pressure was invaluable in the final moments.
For much of the game, it seemed as though Camden was poised to take control.
Their star player, Torrey Brooks, Jr., had a strong outing, finishing with 18 points and four steals, but his efforts weren’t enough to carry the Panthers to victory.
Camden’s inability to capitalize on critical moments, particularly due to eight turnovers in the final minutes, ultimately led to their downfall.
The Panthers did stage a competitive surge in the fourth quarter, but their sloppy play in crucial moments hindered their chances.
The loss aside, Camden’s senior leadership acknowledged the missed opportunity, recognizing the importance of staying focused as they look ahead to the NJSIAA state tournament.
For Camden, this defeat felt like a setback, but it also served as a learning experience, one that could shape their approach in the coming games.
On the other hand, Paul VI proved their resilience after struggling earlier in the season. Having lost twice to Camden, they entered the final with a renewed sense of determination.
The Eagles knew that despite the challenges, they could compete with Camden, and this time, their perseverance paid off.
The game-winning moments from Suggs and the strong start from senior guard Ivan Moore, who contributed nine of his 13 points in the first quarter, were key to their success.
With the win, Paul VI improved their record to an impressive 25-3, while Camden dropped to 18-8.
While the Panthers may have been disappointed by the loss, they now shift their focus to the state tournament, where they will face Pennsauken Tech in their next game.
Paul VI, meanwhile, can bask in the glory of an unexpected but hard-earned victory before turning their attention to the upcoming postseason.
