Courier News Boys Basketball Team Preview Capsules
SKYLAND CONFERENCE
DELAWARE DIVISION
BRIDGEWATER-RARITAN
Coach: Gene McAteer, ninth season
Last season: 14-13
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 6 lost
Roster: Griffin Rosen (Sr., G, 5-8); Alden Christensen (Sr., G, 5-8); Mark Bieda (Sr., G, 5-10); Brian Cooper (Sr., F, 6-0); Aaron Gao (Jr., F, 6-2); Dan Kaschak (Sr., F, 6-2); Tony Colarusso (Sr., F, 6-2); Sterling White (Jr., G, 5-10); Christian Rodriguez (Sr., G, 5-8); James Thiongo (Sr., G, 5-10); Justin Bryant (Jr., F, 6-0); Ryan Collins (Jr., G, 5-10); Doug Collins (Jr., G, 6-0).
Outlook: The Panthers lost six players last season that accounted for almost 40 points a game, as leading scorer Matt Mancuso (17.5 ppg., 7.5 rpg.) is gone. The team returns a number of players who gained valuable experience last year and will look to help lead Bridgewater-Raritan to its seventh-straight winning season.
FRANKLIN
Coach: Corey Floyd, third season
Last season: 13-12
Letterwinners: 0 returning, 12 lost
Roster: Imaun Stephens (Sr., G/F, 6-0); Colin Walcott (Sr., G/F, 6-1); Keenen Reid (Sr., G, 5-9); Barry McCloud (Sr., G, 5-9); Christian James (Sr., F/C, 6-1); Lamont Purcell (Sr., G/F, 6-0); Kobe Robinson (Jr., C/F, 6-4); Sayed Athar (Jr., G, 5-7); Matthew Xi (So., F/C, 6-5); Joshua Gestosani (So., PG, 5-10); Dominic Wright (So., G, 6-2); Jared Williams (So., G, 6-0); Trevin Midgette (So., G, 6-1); DaQuan Watkins (So., G, 5-9).
Outlook: Franklin will have no returning seniors on the team this season, and none of the players have played on the varsity level. This season will be a rebuilding season with a few talented seniors, juniors and sophomores, and will include a freshman. The team is a focused group that is willing to learn, and while inexperienced are ready to complete at the varsity level.
GILL ST. BERNARD'S
Coach: Mergin Sina, 13th season
Last season: 25-5, South Non-Public B finalist, Somerset County Tournament champion
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 3 lost
Roster: Michael Morreale (Sr., G, 6-4); Evan Storch (Sr., G, 6-0); Brad Bundschuh (Jr., F, 6-8); Alex Schachne (Jr., PG, 5-10); Will Yarbrough (Jr., G, 6-0); Scott Begane (Jr., F, 6-3); TJ Chaney (Jr., PG, 5-10); John Yoss (Jr., G, 5-10); Daniel Wang (Jr., G, 5-10); Paul Mulcahy (So., G, 6-5); Will Soucie (Fr., G, 6-4); Nice DeMarco (Fr., G, 6-0).
Outlook: Gill St. Bernard's will be a very young and talented team this season. Seniors Morreale and Storch will be looked to to provide leadership, while the duo of Schachne and Mulcahy will be one of the top backcourts in New Jersey. Chaney and newcomers Yarbrough and Bundschuh will be important pieces to this season's success. The Knights should be a top team in Somerset County once again, with key games against Ridge and Rutgers Prep.
RIDGE
Coach: Brian Feath, sixth season
Last season: 17-8, Somerset County Tournament semifinalists
Letterwinners: 4 returning, 6 lost
Roster: Aidan Murphy (Sr., G, 6-0); Alex Alano (Sr., G, 5-9); Chris Feringa (Jr., G, 6-5); Mike Harris (Jr., G, 6-0); Rohan Somar (Sr., G, 6-0); Jake Herrera (Jr., G, 6-2); Jeremy McCavera (Jr., G, 6-2); Chris Baurkot (Jr., G, 5-10); John Steitz (Jr., F, 6-2); Curtis Lyons (So., G, 6-0); Mike Demarco (So., G, 5-11).
Outlook: There will be a lot of new faces on the court for Ridge this season, and the quicker the players adjust to the varsity spotlight and intensity, the sooner the Red Devils will reach their goals. The team needs great leadership, consistent effort and rebounding to compete in a tough Delaware Division.
RUTGERS PREP
Coach: Alex Mahony, third season
Last season: 13-14
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 4 lost
Roster: Jake Needleman (Sr., G, 5-8); Miles Johnson (Sr., G, 6-0); Antonio Gamboa (Sr., G, 6-0); Zach Brown (Sr., F, 6-6); Lyle Zullo (Sr., G, 6-0); Garon Jones (Sr., G, 5-11); Jonah Charles (So., G, 6-1); Nahshon Battle (So., G, 6-2); Chris Phillips (Jr., G, 5-8); Nate Lyles (Jr., F, 6-4); Kaylen Oweh (So., F, 6-1); Lucas Green (So., F, 6-2).
Outlook: Needleman is a returning captain, starter and MVP from last season's team, and the Argonauts will need him to lead in order to have a more consistent, team-oriented season than last year. Rutgers Prep will also rely heavily on returning seniors Gamboa, Brown and Johnson, who have led by example the entire offseason. If the older players and talented younger players can develop a good chemistry on the court, the team can be very competitive.
RARITAN DIVISION
HUNTERDON CENTRAL
Coach: Mike Falco, fifth season
Last season: 24-5, Central Group IV semifinalist, Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament finalist.
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 6 lost
Roster: Tucker Richardson (Sr., 6-4, 16.4 ppg.); Christian Shaw (Sr., 6-3, 5.5 ppg.); Chad Dreswick (Sr., 6-9, 6.4 ppg.); Sam Johnson (Jr., 6-1); Thomas Miller (Sr., 6-0); Alex Degen (Jr., 6-6).
Outlook: With the loss of five rotation players, including Colin McNeil (12 ppg., 5 apg.) and Cole Hanntz (14 ppg.), Hunterdon Central will need players to step up and fill those roles. The Red Devils can be very competitive and will look to grow as the season goes on.
IMMACULATA
Coach: Ryan McKeever, fourth season
Last season: 6-19
Letterwinners: 10 returning, 3 lost
Roster: Jared Chambliss (Jr., 6-3, 18 ppg., 7 rpg.); Kyle Rebelo (Sr., 6-3); TJ Kerwin (Sr., 6-2); Brock Manning (Sr., 6-4); Greg Carolan-Belvin (Sr., 6-2); Matt Lynch (Jr., 5-10); Wade Albore (So., 5-8); Nick Jalandoni (So., 5-10); BJ Honis (Jr., 6-0); Luke Medley (Jr., 6-4); Stephen Dwyer (Jr., 6-4); Shahkyle Matthews (Jr., 5-10); Khaliel Powell (Sr., 5-9); James Cummins (So., 6-2).
Outlook: Immaculata is a very deep team this year that could play anywhere from eight to nine guys a night. Defense is the focus so coach McKeever expects to play fast and get stops. Chambliss will be the go-to guy, but the Spartans have other players that have had a great offseason that will look to make an impact. Immaculata has the pieces to have a successful season, but will have to work early on, especially with Honis, who is a transfer from Bridgewater-Raritan, sitting out 30 days.
MONTGOMERY
Coach: Kris Grundy, 12th season
Last season: 14-8
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 5 lost
Roster: Matt Remsen (Sr., G, 5-10); Matt Summers (Sr., G, 6-3); Danny Engels (Sr., F, 6-3); Matt Heidt (Sr., F, 6-2); Mack Bloom (Jr., G, 6-3); Lawrence Levy (Jr., F, 6-3); Aaron Thomas (Jr., F, 6-4); Kevin Fromelt (So., G, 6-1); Akaash Patel (Sr., G, 5-10); Chris Thomsen (Sr., F, 6-3); Kyle Howard (So., G, 6-1); Riley Greene (So., G, 5-7); Joe Elicone (So., G, 6-2); Rohan Prakash (So., F, 6-5).
Outlook: The Cougars have a really good group of players that love playing together and working hard. Montgomery hopes to play good team basketball each night, which is a must in a very difficult Skyland Conference.
NORTH HUNTERDON
Coach: Kyle Rehrig, seventh season
Last season: 14-10
Letterwinners: 5 returning, 5 lost
Roster: Elijah Hayden (Sr., G); Karl Sethna (Sr., G); Ahman Cooks (Jr., G); Andrew Berger (Sr., F, 4.5 ppg.); Ryan Miceli (Jr., G); Xander Braun (Jr., G); Kyle Conover (Jr., G); Jacob Berg (Sr., F); Sean Swider (Sr., F); Jack Malley (Jr., G); Michael DelSantro (Jr., G, 7.5 ppg.); Colin Lavigne (Jr., G): Paul Woolhouse (Jr., G): Wes Reinagel (Fr., G): Nick Guasta (So., G); Luke Hannon (So., G): Evan Saraceno (Jr., F).
Outlook: The goal for North Hunterdon this season is to get better every time the team steps on the floor, and to compete at a high level no matter who it plays. The Lions want to compete for a division title as well as the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament crown and qualify for the state tournament. Leadership has been coming from a lot of players, especially tri-captains Berg, Berger and Woolhouse. After graduating five starters from last season, the newcomers need to adjust and step up quickly.
WATCHUNG HILLS
Coach: Justin Salton, ninth season
Last season: 11-11
Letterwinners: 2 returning, 8 lost
Roster: Dan Pilsbury (Jr., G, 6-2, 14 ppg., 5.1 rpg., 2.3 apg.); Noah Allen (Sr., G, 5-10, 4.6 ppg., 1.3 apg.); Ryan Keller (Sr., F, 6-1); Brian Leon (Sr., G, 5-10); Nick Sofo (Sr., G, 5-9); Drew Taylor (Sr. C, 6-5); Steven Bressler (Jr., G, 5-6); Gavin DeFuria (Jr., G, 6-0); Mike Hopwood (Jr., F, 5-11).
Outlook: The Warriors have a few injuries to deal with at the start of the season (Taylor has been sidelined all year and is out indefinitely). Last season Watchung Hills finished the season winning eight of its last 10 games, however the team lost a majority of that leadership with the departure of eight seniors. Allen and Pilsbury return and will be looked upon to help acclimate the rest of the team that has relatively little varsity experience. Watchung Hills has found success on the sub-varsity levels, but will need to elevate its game to handle the rigors of the tough varsity schedule.
VALLEY DIVISION
BOUND BROOK
Coach: Anthony Melesurgo, 13th season
Last season: 21-8, Central Group I finalist, Somerset County Tournament quarterfinalist.
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 5 lost
Roster: Evian Brown (Sr., PG, 6-1); Kyle Frauenheim (Jr., F, 6-2); Jaqere Tedder (Sr., C, 6-4); EJ Vargas (Sr., C, 6-4); RJ Frazier (So., G, 5-11); Noah Smith (Sr., G, 6-0); Tyson Amaker (Sr., F, 6-2); Cardell Wiggins (Sr., F, 6-1); Bryan Camelo (Sr., G, 5-10); Ben Albarracin (So., G, 5-8); Jason Cuba (Jr., G, 5-10).
Outlook: The Crusaders lost a great deal of their scoring to graduation from a team that advanced to the Central Group I final for only the second time since 1979 and knocking off state power Point Beach. Bound Brook will again look to compete in the Skyland Conference Valley Division, where the Crusaders get tested every night by quality bigger schools. Bound Brook will be led by returning guards Brown and Frauenheim and sharpshooter Frazier. The front court will be very deep and strong with Vargas, Amaker, Smith, Tedder and Wiggins.
DELAWARE VALLEY
Coach: Mike DePaolo, first season
Last season: 6-16
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 5 lost
Roster: Kevin Scanlan (Sr., G/F, 6-3); Alex Ferrara (Sr., G, 5-11); Brian Godown (Sr., F, 6-3); Joe Cansfield (So., G, 6-1); Christian Hlinka (Jr., F, 6-2); Brendan Bernhardt (Jr., F, 6-2); Matt DiGuardia (Jr., G/F, 6-2); Brad Apgar (F, 6-3); Christian Perna (F, 6-1); Evan Gundell (G, 6-0); Andy Panfile (G, 5-9); Jack Skibinski (F, 6-2); Vinny Giordano (F, 6-0); Jason McCamy (G, 5-10).
Outlook: Delaware Valley returns several players with varsity experience who are hungry to succeed. The team expects to be competitive, successful and carry a winning attitude to get back to the success the Terriers had during the mid-2000's. Delaware Valley has set goals to be above .500 and make a run in counties and states. Scanlan and Hlinka have become leaders on the court and in the weight room since the fall workouts began, while Cansfield and Godown have stepped up in recent weeks and become leaders on the floor. The Terriers have had a lot of pieces of the puzzle come together in the early weeks of the season.
SOMERVILLE
Coach: Chris Nevolo, first season
Last season: 24-4, North 2 Group III semifinalist, Somerset County Tournament finalist.
Letterwinners: 2 returning, 4 lost
Roster: Rob Melillo (Sr., PG, 5-9, 5 ppg., 3 apg.); Will Sokol (Sr., F/C, 6-3, 5 ppg., 4 rpg.); Chris Elwood (Jr., 6-5); Sam Preston (Sr., 6-3); Alex Willenbrock (Sr., 6-6); Kevin Sokol (So., 6-3); Da'Shaun Smith (So., 5-11).
Outlook: Chris Nevolo takes over for former Hall of Fame head coach Joe D'Alessandro, who stepped down in early October after 26 years at Somerville. Nevolo played at Somerville from 2001-05 and was an all-conference, all-county and all-area player. In college he played at Gettysburg where he won a conference champion and advanced to the NCAA Sweet 16. He coached at Drew University and Gettysburg for a combined five years, and started coaching at Somerville three years ago as the varsity assistant and head JV coach. According to Nevolo, this season will be a rebuilding year of sorts for the Pioneers, as they lost a number of big players from last year's team, including JoJo Mosca (10 ppg., 5 apg.), Randy Walko (22.2 ppg.) and John Jimenez (10 ppg., 5 rpg.). The Pioneers will be inexperienced in terms of varsity experience with mostly underclassmen playing, but their strength will be their size and depth. Rob Melillo and Will Sokol will be looked to for leadership and to lead this team back to its third-straight conference title as well as compete in the county and state tournaments.
VOORHEES
Coach: Jeff Franz, third season
Last season: 13-14
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 5 lost
Roster: Blair Felts (Sr., G, 6-0, 8.4 ppg.); Kyle Kokoski (Jr., G, 5-10, 8 ppg.); Doug Lemenze (Jr., G, 6-2, 4.3 ppg.); Adam Kenzari (Jr., F, 6-3, 3.4 ppg.); Joey Capone (Jr., G, 6-0); Jake McCabe (Jr., F, 6-2); Tim Gallagher (Jr., G, 5-11); Eric Schroeter (Jr., G, 5-8); Kendall Pierson (Jr., F, 6-4); Matt Czerw (Jr., F, 6-3); Chris Sernas (Jr., G, 5-11).
Outlook: The Vikings graduated several starters but have enough players back with varsity experience to continue to build on the program's success. Evan Aronowitz, last year's leading scorer with 13.7 ppg. has graduated, along with a solid defensive presence in the paint, but Voorhees has multiple shooters who can put up points and athletes that can run the floor. The Vikings will look to be competitive in the division and improve throughout the year so they're playing their best basketball come tournament time.
MOUNTAIN DIVISION
BERNARDS
Coach: Tim Palek, fourth season
Last season: 10-14
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 4 lost
Roster: Dan Ball (Sr., F, 6-2, 8 ppg.); Alex Kotwick (Jr., PG, 5-9, 4 apg.); Cubby Schuler (Jr., C, 6-5); Owen Loughlin (Jr., SG, 5-8); Kyle Levine (Jr., SG, 5-8); Scott Thomas (Jr., C, 6-4); Phil Mahlik (Jr., G, 5-8); Ryan Tantleff (Jr., F, 6-2); Griffin DeMaris (Sr., SF, 6-0); Austin Gill (Sr., G, 5-10); Luke Ballard (So., 6-2); Brendan Ryan (Sr., 5-10).
Outlook: While Bernards lost its two leading scorers from last year, Zach Walljasper (10 ppg., 7 rpg.) 3 apg.) and Michael Isselin (12 ppg., 60 3s), it should be much improved on the offensive end of the floor. Kotwick, Loughlin and Levine all received time last season as sophomores and Ball started as junior, and all four can space the floor and shoot from the outside. The improved shooting should open things up for Schuler and Thomas down low, as both are skilled and physical players around the rim and gained experience playing last year as sophomores. The Mountaineers will be a junior-heavy team which returns a lot of experience, and they will look to take a big step forward this season under the leadership of the seniors, Ball, Gill, DeMaris and Ryan.
MANVILLE
Coach: Charles Brown, third season
Last season: 6-20
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 4 lost
Roster: Ramon Quinonez (Sr., F, 6-1, 8 ppg., 8 rpg.); Kenny Velasquez (Sr., G, 5-4, 6 ppg., 4 apg.); Ondra Mayfield (Sr., F, 6-1, 8 ppg., 4 rpg.); Jake Bentz (Jr., F, 6-0, 4 ppg.); Antonio McFadden (Jr., 6-0); Hunter Norz (Jr., F, 6-0); Kehinde Ibironke (Jr., G, 5-11); Nasir Peek (Fr., F, 6-0).
Outlook: Manville will look to evolve the lineup in order to integrate the newcomers with the returning players who are coming off a 6-20 season. The Mustangs will be led by Quinonez, Mayfield, Velasquez and Ibironke as they look to improve on last season.
NORTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Reginald Sainte-Rose, fourth season
Last season: 16-9, Mountain Division champions
Letterwinners: 6 returning, three lost
Roster: Karon Dock (Sr., 5-7); Khalil Dock (Sr., 5-8); James Gardner (Sr., 6-0); Tony Godwin (Jr., 6-3); Brian Robinson (Sr., 6-3); Rashad Graham (Sr., 6-3); Xavier Underwood (Sr., 6-3); Jason Okali (Sr., 6-5); Tyler Mixon (Sr., 5-10); Daniel Mitchell (Sr., 6-2); Sean Taylor (So., 6-0).
Outlook: With a strong core of returning players with varsity experience, the Canucks will look to win their fourth-straight Skyland Conference Mountain Division title.
PINGRY
Coach: Jason Murdock, 10th season
Last season: 13-10
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 4 lost
Roster: Ethan Blum (Sr., F, 6-2); Zach Keller (Sr., F, 6-5); LJ Davidson (Sr., G, 6-2); Jack Wolfson (Sr. G, 5-9); Phito Jean-Louis (Jr., G, 5-6, 5 ppg., 3 apg.); Mike Weber (Jr., F, 6-5, 17 ppg., 5 rpg.); Zach Aanstoots (Jr., F, 6-2. 8 ppg., 5 rpg.); Kyle Aanstoots (So., G, 6-0); Ray Fluet (Fr., G, 5-6); Patrick Stefurak (Fr., G, 6-1).
Outlook: Pingry will look to incorporate an uptempo offensive system with players who also play hard defensively. The returning eight players all have varsity experience and the team will be counting on everyone to make contributions when called upon.
SOUTH HUNTERDON
Coach: Jason Miller, 10th season
Last season: 12-16
Letterwinners: 4 returning, 4 lost
Roster: Chris Jackson (Jr., G, 5-10); Jack Myers (Jr., G, 5-11); Eric Myers (Jr., F, 6-1); Joe Armstrong (Jr., G, 5-11); Quenton Beyha (Fr., G, 5-10); Mekhi Beckett (So., G, 5-6); Desmond Kenebrew (Jr., G, 5-10); Cameron Paventi (Jr., F, 6-1).
Outlook: With the graduation of leading scorer Elijah Davis (20.2 ppg.), and no seniors on the roster this season, the Eagles will have to deal with a large learning curve this season. South Hunterdon will be competitive with balanced athleticism and the ability to defend, and Jack and Eric Myers, Armstrong and Jackson all have varsity experience that will help provide stability.
INDEPENDENT
SOMERSET TECH
Coach: Mike McClain, second season
Last season: 17-7
Roster: Elijah Bowers (Jr., G); Terrance Driscoll (Sr., F); Brian Turck (Jr., G/F); Yakim Jean-Philippe (Jr., F); Aamon Sparrow (So., G); Norbert Malik (Fr., C); Harris Syed (So., G).
Outlook: The Runnin' Jags are a solid contender for the holiday tournament, and look to advance past the first rounds of the Somerset County and state tournaments.
UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE
WATCHUNG DIVISION
PLAINFIELD
Coach: Jose Rodriguez, first season
Last season: 10-14
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 4 lost
Roster: Romey Talley (Jr., G, 6-1); Genaro Pena (Sr., 6-6); Jordan Cook (Sr., G, 6-0); Dante Porter (Jr., F, 6-5); Vaughn Smith (Jr., G, 5-10); Jordan Troutman (Sr., F, 6-4); Antoine Spencer (Jr., G, 6-2); Matthew Jones (Jr., G, 6-2); Haleem Woods (Jr., G, 6-0).
Outlook: Rodriguez takes over at Plainfield after positions as an assistant at St. Joseph (Met.) and head coach at Carteret. Rodriguez, who was an All-Area, All-County and All-State player at Carteret, will look to get the Cardinals to be competitive in the Watchung Division while developing the younger players for the future. The team will look for leadership from a reliable and committed senior class, while expecting production from Talley and Porter, as well as the rest of the supporting junior class.
MOUNTAIN DIVISION
SCOTCH PLAINS-FANWOOD
Coach: Steve Siracusa, second season
Last season: 3-21
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 3 lost
Roster: Teddy Willmott (Sr., G, 5-11); Nigel Nelson (Sr., F, 6-4); Peter Warren (Sr., F, 6-2); Ravi Desai (Sr., G, 5-9); Jack Brady (Jr., F, 6-3); Lamont Cruse (Jr., G, 6-0); Cooper Heisey (Jr., F, 6-4); Tommy Drubulis (Jr., G, 5-11); Shon Williams (Jr., G, 6-0); Brogan Quigley (Jr., G, 5-10); Richard Jackson (Jr., G, 6-1); John Petris (Jr., C, 6-3); Ryan Muench (Jr., G, 6-1); Brendan Beriont (Jr., F, 6-3); Dwight Laylor (Jr., F, 6-2); Thomas Laucik (So., F, 6-1).
Outlook: Coach Siracusa feels that there are many players who can have an impact on the team this season, however he is expecting a lot out of Nelson, Willmott, Drubulis, Brady and Heisey, as they are all returning starters from last year's team. The strengths for the Raiders will be in the numbers, as a lot of players return from last season plus some new additions, so there will be some depth this year. The expectations are to get better every day, if they can improve on a daily basis, work extremely hard, stay disciplined and play as a team, Scotch Plains-Fanwood has a chance to compete in the conference and have a successful season.
UNION CATHOLIC
Coach: Dr. James Reagan, Jr., 15th season
Last season: 17-8, Union County Tournament semifinalists,
Letterwinners: 3 lost
Roster: Justin Archer (So., F, 6-6); Isaiah Chase (Jr., G, 5-10); Jasir Clark-Washington (Jr., F, 6-3); Phil Derisse (Jr., F, 6-3); Brandon Hampton (Sr., F, 6-5); Kyle Lofton (Jr., G, 6-3); Ibn Lynn (Jr., G/F, 6-4); Scott McLaughlin (Sr., F, 6-3); Rob Miller (Jr., G, 5-10); Jordan Pierce (Sr., C, 7-0); Maguire Sweeney (Sr., G/F, 6-3); Jaheim Tanksley (So., G, 5-8); Trey Wilson (Jr., F, 6-4).
Outlook: Union Catholic will look to fill the holes left behind by George Papas, Zahir Newell and Mikey Watkins, as well as try and find its rhythm early as it plays one of the toughest schedules in New Jersey with games against the likes of Roselle Catholic and the Patrick School. Despite the early challenges, the Vikings will look to be the top seed in the Union County Tournament and make a deep run in South Non-Public A, where they've lost to St. Augustine the last two seasons.
WESTFIELD
Coach: Daryl Palmieri, sixth season
Last season: 18-9, North 2 Group IV semifinalist, Union County Tournament quarterfinalist.
Letterwinners: 4 returning, 8 lost
Roster: Matt LaCorte (Sr., SF, 6-2, 10.7 ppg., 67 3s); Adam McDaniel (Jr., SG, 6-1); Jeff Gagum (Sr., C, 6-1); Tristan Quallis (Sr., G, 5-10); Phil Zanfagna (Sr., C, 6-3); Phil Martini (Sr., SF, 6-1); Dylan Jackson (G, 5-11); Mark Natiello (G, 6-2); Marshall Roberson (PG, 5-8); Rob Norris (F, 6-1); Mike Leniart (G, 5-8); Luke Spellman (C, 6-5); Chris Wagner (C, 6-5); Chris Marner (G, 5-8).
Outlook: The Blue Devils will have to replace three of its four top scorers from last season (Owen Murray 12 ppg., Nick Mele 8.2 ppg., Parker Hess 13.4 ppg.) after winning a conference title for the first time since 1977 and advancing to the sectional semifinals. Westfield will look to senior swingman Matt LaCorte to lead the way this season, as he is one of the best outside shooters in the area. Adam McDaniel played sparingly as a sophomore but will be counted on for major minutes this year in a starting role, and senior Jeff Gagum is a tough and physical player. The team will be replacing its entire backcourt, but Marshall Roberson will see an opportunity to win the point guard position, but will also see help from Dylan Jackson and Mark Natiello. Senior Phil Martini, a two-time state champion in football, will be counted on for leadership and is a capable outside shooter.
VALLEY DIVISION
GOV. LIVINGSTON
Coach: Chris Loeffler, second season
Last season: 6-17
Letterwinners: 3 returning, 9 lost
Roster: Billy Pencek (Sr., G, 5-9); Charles DeAngelis (Sr., F, 6-2); Kevin Keegan (Sr., F, 6-4); Tyler Stapleton (Sr., F, 6-2); Ryan Davey (So., G, 6-0); Matt Schuman (Jr., F, 6-0); Liam Wolfe (Jr., C, 6-5).
Outlook: Loeffler's expectations are for this team to develop and get better every day, to compete in every single game on the schedule, to have the mentality that they can win every game on the schedule and to trust in how they've been prepared and understand what it takes to execute and win games at this level. The senior leadership was evident all offseason and has translated to the start of this season, and the seniors that have been making that happen are Pencek, DeAngelis and Keegan.
SKY DIVISION
NEW PROVIDENCE
Coach: Art Cattano, 34th season
Last season: 8-17
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 7 lost
Roster: Jack Barletta (Jr., F, 6-3); Pat Trezza (Jr., G, 5-11); Will Faucher (Sr., G, 5-9); Jonathan Romeo (Sr., F, 6-3); Eamon Granger (Sr., C, 6-5); Joe Nave (Sr., G, 5-11); Brian Kelly (So., F, 6-3); Thomas Mickel (Sr., G, 5-11); Tyler DeGeorge (Jr., G, 5-6); Greg Meyers (So., G, 5-11); Dylan Bedder (So., C, 6-5); Sean Dillon (Fr., G, 5-6).
Outlook: Depth will play a big part for New Providence this season, as Cattano expects to use more players than he has in the past. The team goals are to be conference and state champions in addition playing well at the Cougar Holiday Classic and Union County Tournament.
GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE
RED DIVISION
PISCATAWAY
Coach: Darius Griffin, Sr., first season
Last season: 7-23
Letterwinners: 8 returning, 6 lost
Roster: Mattias Arrindell (Jr., F, 6-1, 8 ppg.); Dahjuan Bennerman (Sr., G, 6-0, 3 ppg.); Jordan Davidson (Jr., G, 6-0, 8 ppg.); D'Ondre Dent (Sr., 6-1, 10 ppg.); Keshawn Grant (Jr., 6-2); Danny Haus (Sr., G, 6-0); Mekhi Morgan (Sr., G, 6-0); Cameron Saintil (Sr., F, 6-2); Deandre Scott (Sr., G, 6-1); Noah Freeney (Sr., G, 5-11); Matt Dread (Sr., F, 6-2); Brevin Donnerson (Sr., G, 6-0); Nasir Gray (Sr., F, 6-1); Parris Washington (Jr., F, 6-1); Tyree Barba-Bey (So., G, 6-0); Robert Terry (Jr., G, 5-11).
Outlook: Darius Griffin, who played basketball at Rutgers and coached with Bob Turco and Antoine Allen, takes over at Piscataway this season. Griffin expects his players to run, press opponents and play great defense in order to win games.
BLUE DIVISION
MIDDLESEX
Coach: Jared Goldstein, third season
Last season: 9-17
Letterwinners: 5 returning, 5 lost
Roster: Chris Hendricks (Sr., G, 5-10); Chris Spencer (Sr., G, 5-10); Nick Montajes (Sr., G/F, 5-10); Tyler Ha (Jr., G, 5-8); Jake Robel (Jr., F, 6-6); Pat Rudawski (Sr., F, 6-1); Anthony Mason (Jr., G/F, 5-10); Kareem Aref (Jr., F, 6-3); Ryan Reynolds (Jr., G, 5-10); Brad Kaplan (Jr., G, 5-7); John Dickey (So., G, 6-0).
Outlook: This season the Blue Jays will look to improve on last season's success, despite losing five seniors. A solid core of returning players will be expected to pick up the slack as Hendricks is poised to run the show as the returning point guard and Robel will control the paint and be counted on as an inside threat. Ha took major strides as a sophomore and will be asked to continue his evolution as the primary ball handler, Montajes and Spencer logged decent minutes as juniors and are expected to contribute much more this season. Rudawski will provide senior leadership and another long athletic body to defend the paint and perimeter.
SOUTH PLAINFIELD
Coach: Matt Connell, fourth season
Last season: 9-15
Letterwinners: 5 returning, 8 lost
Roster: Will McLaughlin (Sr., G, 6-0); Jalil Palms (Jr., G, 5-10); DeShai Smith (Sr., F, 6-3); Dondre Tate (So., G, 5-9); Ian McCoid (So., G, 6-1).
Outlook: With the loss of eight seniors, including 1,000-point scorer Lamont Williams (23.4 ppg.), South Plainfield will look to McLaughlin and Palms in the backcourt with the hope that their experience will fill that void. The Tigers look to be competitive in the Blue Division and experienced players Smith and Tate will look to contribute as leaders on and off the court.
GOLD DIVISION
DUNELLEN
Coach: Howie Horowitz, second season
Last season: 4-21
Letterwinners: 6 returning, 5 lost
Roster: Oscar Caballero (Sr., G, 6-0); Jabril Hagood-Henry (Sr., 6-2, injured); Nazir Martin (Jr., G, 5-10); RJ Mitchell (Jr., G, 5-8); Angel Suarez (So., C, 6-3); Baraka Yabidi (So., C, 6-1); Tyje Kelton (Fr., G/F, 6-0); Jason Vellejo (Sr., G, 5-10); Chris Rouland (Sr., C, 6-4); Isaih Roberts (Jr., G, 5-9); Noah Wenzel (So., G, 5-6).
Outlook: Jabril Hagood-Henry will miss time with a broken leg, which is a big loss for Dunellen. He is the one returning player with meaningful varsity experience and is the best defensive player and most versatile big man on the roster. Dunellen doesn't return a ton of in-game varsity experience and will look to returning senior Caballero to lead until Hagood-Henry returns. The Destroyers look to compete in the Gold Division thanks to its toughness and defense and with the size they have inside, they hope to be a force in the paint as guards like Kelton, Martin and Mitchell find their footing at the varsity level.
WARDLAW-HARTRIDGE
Coach: Eugene Maxwell, fourth season
Last season: 9-13
Letterwinners: 4 returning, 3 lost
Roster: Scott Hargrove (Sr., G, 6-1); Raphael Genty (Sr., C, 6-4); Jordan Rose (Sr., G, 5-9); Ryan Petella (So., G, 5-11); Amaan Bhojani (Sr., F, 6-3); Tom Borner du Cane (Jr., F, 6-2); Shalon Wallace (Jr., G, 5-11); Ayush Menon (So., F, 6-3);
Outlook: Wardlaw-Hartridge will look to improve overall this season with a new addition of talented players.