Coach Jim Reagan, Jr. Wins 200th Game as Union Catholic Rallies to Defeat Seton Hall Prep

Union, NJ - The Vikings overcame a 15-point deficit to win its second straight game. Union Catholic came storming back from a huge deficit to defeat Seton Hall Prep, 57-52, to give head coach Dr. James Reagan, Jr. ’96 of Scotch Plains, his 200th boys basketball coaching victory on Sunday at Kean University in Union.

The victory completed a unique coaching double for Reagan Jr., who has also compiled over 200 victories as the head coach of the baseball team at Union Catholic. Reagan Jr. now has a 200-154 record as the basketball coach at UC, and has a record of 207-138-3 record as the head baseball coach.

“We’ve had some great kids and families through my years,’’ said Reagan Jr. “And my assistants have all been with me for years. None of this would be possible without them. I’m very pleased with where the two programs are and where we have come from.’’

Union Catholic, which evened its record at 4-4, had to come from way behind to pull this one out as the Vikings trailed Seton Hall Prep, 25-10, in the second quarter. But UC went on a 15-2 to close out the first half and cut the deficit to 27-25.

In the second half, the Vikings had to fight back again after Seton Hall Prep took a 37-29 lead with 3:16 left in the third quarter. UC responded with a 13-5 run to end the third quarter, capped off a buzzer-beating 3-pointer by Ibn Lynn.

Union Catholic, which has now won two straight games, secured the milestone victory for Coach Reagan by outscoring Seton Hall Prep, 15-10, in the fourth quarter. The Vikings, which hit 15 of 17 free throws, were led by Brandon Hampton’s 14 points. Kyle Lofton scored 12, and Jordan Pierce scored 10 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

The Union Catholic community congratulates Coach Reagan on this milestone.

For 54 years, Union Catholic High School has earned its reputation as one of New Jersey's foremost Catholic secondary schools. For information, visit unioncatholic.org.