HNT/GMC Boys Basketball Team Preview Capsules

RED DIVISION

EAST BRUNSWICK

Coach: Mark Motusesky, 20th season

Last season: 18-8, GMC Tournament semifinalist, Central Group IV quarterfinalist.

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 7 lost

Roster: Jesse Perel (Jr., PG, 5-8); Joe Sampson (Jr., G, 6-0, 40 3s); Dante Ralph (Sr., C, 6-4); Ezra Levitt (Sr., G, 5-11); Eric Schneider (Jr., PG, 5-10); Ryan Crocco (Jr., F, 6-1); Brandon Rosenthal (Jr., G, 5-9); Xavier Fitzgerald (So., F, 6-1); Tom Connolly (Sr., C, 6-4); Gil Wyman (Sr., F, 6-1); Mitchell Pingoy (Jr., G, 5-10); David Bermudez (Jr., G, 5-9).

Outlook: The Bears will be looking to compete with the best teams in the GMC. They will defend every night in order to give themselves an opportunity to be successful in a tough Red Division. Despite the graduation of Mike Vick (12 ppg., 4 apg.), Matt Ross (18 ppg.) and Addis Ralph (14 ppg., 10 rpg.), East Brunswick will continue to improve and hopes to play its best basketball come tournament time.

J.P. STEVENS

Coach: Robert Jones, eighth season

Last season: 15-9

Letterwinners: 3 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Rishav Ghosh (Sr., F, 6-0, 6.2 ppg.); Javon Scott (Sr., F, 6-4, 3.5 ppg.); Tyrese Conover (Jr., G, 5-5, 2.3 ppg.); Elijah Smith (Jr., G, 5-9); Rohan Rao (Jr., G, 6-0); Solomon Smith (So., G, 5-9); Jared Baptist (Jr., G, 6-0); Dylan Zamora (Jr., F, 5-11); Frank Diserio (Jr., F, 6-0); Jesse Shiluli (Jr., G, 5-11); Jamar Williamson (So., F, 6-0); Naysean Burch (So., G, 5-10).

Outlook: J.P. Stevens graduated five seniors from last year's team, and will miss the scoring from Alex Corrigan (13.6 ppg.) and Mike Lionikis (14 ppg.), but defensive standout Scott returns and Ghosh was the sixth man of the year last year in the GMC. Elijah Smith will jump into a starting role after missing last year because of eligibility and Baptist, a transfer, will add some scoring punch.

MONROE

Coach: Nick Puleio, seventh season

Last season: 9-14

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Luke Patel (Jr., PG, 6-0, 11 ppg.); Michael Kides (So., G, 6-3, 8 ppg.); Akash Patel (Sr., G, 6-1, 6.2 ppg.); Fritz Frage (Jr., G, 5-10, 3.5 ppg.); Peter Nesti (Sr., F, 6-0, 6.5 ppg.); Eric Johnson (Jr., F, 6-4); Shashank Sindhia (Jr., G/F, 6-3); Jackson Maddox (Sr., F, 6-1); Kevin Shea (Jr., PG, 6-0); Arsany Malak (Sr., G, 6-1); Justin Murray (Jr., PG, 5-9).

Outlook: The Falcons are coming off a rebuilding year and are also making the transition to the Red Division this season. Monroe expects to be prepared and compete hard every night. Possible starters are Luke Patel, Akash Patel, Nesti, Kides, Sindhia, Frage, Johnson and Maddox.

OLD BRIDGE

Coach: Jim Macomber, fifth season

Last season: 18-9, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist, Central Group IV quarterfinalist.

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Will Osvald (Sr., 6-0); Kyle Parris (Sr., 6-2); Rich Calandrino (Sr., 6-3); Brandon Millings (Sr., 5-10); Jared Meyer (So., 5-10); Julius Beltan (So., 5-10); Mike Olivia (So., 5-10); Robert Beneties (So, 6-8); Tyler Green (So., 5-10); Robert Laconte (Sr., 5-10); Kavonj Morgan (Jr., 6-1); Tommy Torre (Sr., 6-0).

Outlook: With the loss of five players from last season, Old Bridge will look to compete every night and improve on last year's record.

PERTH AMBOY

Coach: Edwin Santana, ninth season

Last season: 7-14

Roster: Chris Carrera (So.); Jazheel Espritusanto (Jr.); Wilbert Rosario (Sr.); Wylie Rosario (Sr.); Kevin Canela (Sr.); Joseph Malave (Sr.); Joshua Nazario (G); Luis Bonilla (G); Joshua Cabezudo (G); Kaieme Byers (G); Fres Cabrera (G); Gabriel Torres (F).

Outlook: With the losses of Jose Genao (12.6 ppg., 4.1 rpg.), Johnny Jones, Luis Rivera, Victor Soto and Ethon Diaz, Perth Amboy lost a bit of size and rebounding, but with a strong mix of talented newcomers and experienced veterans, the Panthers will look to be competitive every night, play great defense and shoot at a high percentage. Team chemistry, speed, depth and athleticism will be the team's strength as it looks to be playing its best basketball come tournament time.

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.

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Joe Hoehman, 10th season

Last season: 22-5, GMC Tournament finalist, Central Group IV semifinalist.

Letterwinners: 3 returning, 6 lost

Roster: Michael Ugarte (Sr., G, 6-1); Ryan Moran (Sr., G, 5-9); Christopher James (Sr., G, 5-11); Greg Lee (Sr., G, 6-2); Devante Saintfort (Sr., G, 6-2); Tavian Alford (Sr., G 6-0); Victor Heutz (Sr., F, 6-0); Kunal Thakral (Sr., G, 6-0); Anthony Blakey (Sr., G, 6-1); Brendon Scarlett (Sr. F, 6-0); Morgan Jones (Sr., G, 5-10); Shawn Bautista (Sr., G, 5-8).

Outlook: The Vikings will look to be competitive once again this season as they hope to build off last year's success. Ugarte, Moran and James return, with a good core of JV players that managed to reach the final of the JV Tournament the last two seasons. What South Brunswick lacks in size, it hopes to make up for with smart, gritty play.

ST. JOSEPH

Coach: Dave Turco, 11th season

Last season: 22-6, GMC Tournament champions, South Non-Public A finalist.

Letterwinners: 3 returning, 10 lost

Roster: Letrell West (Sr., G, 6-2); Malachai Walker (Sr., F, 6-5); Mike Granda (Sr., G, 5-8); Richie Greaves (Fr., G, 5-11); Zach Martini (Fr., F, 6-7); Ethan Hilliman (Fr., F, 6-5); Tyree Ford (Fr., G, 6-2); Matt Crowley (So., G, 5-11); Dan Young (Jr., F, 6-5); Howard McBurnie (So., G, 6-1); Ryan Granito (So., G, 6-1); Matt Cruz (So., G, 6-0); Luke Fresco (So., G, 6-1); Jack Hogarty (So., G, 5-10); Kshawn Schulters (Fr., G, 6-0); Sean Williams (Fr., G, 5-10).

Outlook: With the graduation of Tyus Battle (19.1 ppg., 7.5 rpg.), Breein Tyree (16.2 ppg., 4.8 rpg.) and Branislav Vujadinovic (7.4 ppg., 3.8 rpg., 2.3 apg.), and with junior Alanzo Frink (12 ppg., 7.7 rpg.) and senior Xavier Townes, who transferred to Sayreville, also gone, the Falcons will be a young team that has very little varsity experience this season. St. Joseph has a very talented group of incoming freshmen that will help to lead the team back to the GMC Tournament final and the state tournament, but the season will depend on how quickly the team can gel and how fast the younger players adjust to playing at the varsity level.

WHITE DIVISION

COLONIA

Coach: Brandon Hall, first season

Last season: 16-9, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist.

Letterwinners: 2 returning, 6 lost

Roster: Frank Lehman (Jr., PG, 6-0, 6.3 ppg., 2 apg.); Kristian Chapman (Jr., F, 6-3, 9 ppg., 3 rpg.); Luke Valeriano (So., G, 5-11); Connor Bevilacqua (Jr., G, 6-2); Chris Sica (Jr., C, 6-4); Tim Carroll (Jr., F, 6-2); Oliver French (Jr., C, 6-3); Eric Marcus (Sr., F, 6-0); Matt Zweibel (Jr., F, 6-1); Chris Pannone (Sr., G, 5-10); Sarim Saqib (Sr., F, 6-2); Ramel Boone (Jr., G, 6-1).

Outlook: After losing six seniors to graduation, including Chase Barneys (19.7 ppg., 4 apg.) and Kolby Chapman (15.9 ppg., 2 apg.), the Patriots are looking to reload under first-year coach Brandon Hall. Hall played at Colonia from 2004-08 where the team won four-straight White Division titles, as well as the 2006 GMC Tournament title and sectional title in 2007. Hall won the MAAC Tournament at St. Peter's University, and was the JV/assistant varsity coach at Woodbridge from 2012-16. Having returning juniors Lehman and Chapman, along with St. Joseph (Met.) transfers Valeriano and Carroll will be a plus for such a young group. Sica and French will both have an upgraded role as front court players this year, along with Bevilacqua and Pannone on the perimeter. Forwards Zweibel, Marcus and Saqib will look to add leadership. The team goals will be to compete for the White Division and GMC title, as well as position itself for a deep state tournament run.

EDISON

Coach: Charlie Mohr, 14th season

Last season: 6-19

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Joe Cudakawiecz (Sr., G, 5-10, 9 ppg.); Justin Turner (Sr., G, 5-11, 8 ppg.); Cecil Bonds (Sr., C, 6-2); Dominic Kurtyan (Sr., G, 5-9); Alkeim Raines (Jr., G, 5-10); Ahmed Romer (Jr., G, 5-9); Christian Wantong (So., F, 6-1); Moiz Manzoor (Sr., F, 6-2); Jaymin Vakharia (So., G, 5-11); Abu Kaikai (Jr., C, 6-4).

Outlook: Edison is optimistic about the upcoming season after having a successful summer during the Rahway Summer League and has been working hard this preseason. The Eagles are going to use their speed and athleticism to play an up-tempo game, and they have several letterwinners returning and several other players who have had success at the sub-varsity level. Depth will be a big strength this season.

J.F. KENNEDY 

Coach: Sebastian De Voogd, first season

Last season: 9-14

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Tamaj Coleman (Sr., G, 5-5); Kyle Heaney (Sr., F, 6-2); Peter Obertan (Sr., F, 6-6); Carlton Sears (Sr., G, 6-1); Kobie Wells (Sr., G, 5-10); Bendji Pierre (So., F, 6-5); Rohan Chakke (Jr., G, 5-10); Hossam El Rashidy (Jr., F, 6-4); Rishi Patel (Jr., F, 6-3); Elijah Calvert (Sr., G, 5-8); David Morales (Sr., G, 5-6); Mamadou Ndome (Sr., F, 6-0).

Outlook: Coach de Voogd took over this season after coaching the JV team at the middle school level last season. He was also an assistant coach at New Providence and South Plainfield, played college basketball at St. Peter's University and played professionally in Europe for six years. This season, even though the Mustangs return five seniors, they will face the challenge of moving up to the White Division. Pierre, Tamaj Coleman, Peter Obertan, Wells and Sears are competing for starting positions, and the team will look to Coleman and Obertan for leadership in order to reach its goals this year.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Coach: Samir Sanu, first season

Last season: 3-19

Letterwinners: 3 returning, 6 lost

Roster: Curtis Revan (Sr., F, 6-3, 8 ppg., 5 rpg.); Wenzel Dunlap (G, 6-1); Jah'bree Seawright-Jeffrey (F, 6-2); German Pimentel (Sr., F, 6-6); Ahyan Brown-Miller (Fr., PG, 5-9); Kenneth LeBron (Jr., G, 6-1); Nymir Belk (Jr., F); Joseph Harris (Sr., F, 6-2); Brandon Rodriguez (Jr., F, 6-2); Ny'dir Harmon (Fr., 5-11); Jordan Harris (Sr., G, 5-7).

Outlook: New Brunswick will have to find replacements for Maurice Ffrench (12 ppg., 9 rpg.), and Emmanuel Osei (10 ppg., 8 rpg., 2 bpg.), but have a number of talented newcomers who will look to step up and help lead the team.

NORTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Ed Breheney, 27th season

Last season: 5-16

Letterwinners: 2 returning, 9 lost

Roster: Adryan Salazar (Sr., F, 6-1, 6 ppg.); Marquise Stewart (Sr., C, 6-3); Jordan Salisbury (Jr., G); Avery Claggett (Jr., G); Maneet Batra (Jr., G); Jhonell Brown (Sr., F); Quadir Butler (Sr., G); Dan Reardon (Jr., F); Chernoh Barrie (Jr., C); Mwanzia Fitzpatrick (Jr., F); Demond Miller (Sr.); Bismarck Boakye (Sr.).

Outlook: The Raiders are working hard in preparation for the season, but despite that fact that there is very limited varsity experience, this is a group that is intent on improving daily and reaching their potential.

SAYREVILLE

Coach: John Wojcik, eighth season

Last season: 18-10

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 3 lost

Roster: Jahsim Floyd (Sr., F, 6-8); Ryan O'Leary (Sr., G, 6-5); Hendersen Mautes (Sr., G, 6-1); Jayson DeMild (Sr. G, 6-2); Ope Olaloko (Sr., F, 6-4); Michael Gray (Sr., G, 6-0); Derek Astarita (Jr., G, 5-10); Elijah Clark (Jr., G, 6-4); Zac Kaczmarek (Jr., G, 6-1); Xavier Townes (Sr., G, 6-3).

Outlook: An experienced team with depth with create a very competitive atmosphere in practice. Expectations are high as the majority of Sayreville's scoring returns from last year, so expect the Bombers to be a very deep team that will defend, rebound and run. The seven seniors will lead the way and provide experience as Sayreville looks to improve every day.

WOODBRIDGE

Coach: Matt Gigliello, fifth season

Last season: 20-6, GMC Tournament semifinalist, North 2 Group IV quarterfinalist.

Roster: Kamari Persol (Jr., G, 6-1); Hura Blaine (Sr., G, 6-3); Harry Rutkowski (Sr., F, 6-4); Quaasim Glover (Sr., G, 6-2); Keshaun Henry (Sr., G, 5-9); Terrell Smith (Jr., G, 6-2); Curtis Nesbit (Jr., G, 5-9); Quran Robinson (Sr., G, 6-0); Trajan Pritchard (Sr., F, 6-2); Evan Romaniak (Sr., W, 6-2); Ke'Sean Glover (So., G, 5-11); Danny Thermitus (Jr., F, 6-7); Tim Mondesir (So., F, 6-2); Justin Smith (So., G, 6-2).

Outlook: Woodbridge has five starters and four letterwinners returning from last season, and the team will be counting on All-Division players Quaasim Glover, Rutkowski and Henry as well as Robinson and Blaine to lead the charge. Persol and Nesbit will also be counted on heavily. The Barrons' success will be based on how well they defend in both the full-court and half-court situations.

BLUE DIVISION

BISHOP AHR

Coach: Darius Griffin, Jr., first season

Last season: 11-10

Letterwinners: 4 returning, 10 lost

Roster: Sean Kudelka (Sr., F, 6-3, 15 ppg., 7 rpg.); Alex Santiago (Jr., G, 5-10, 10 ppg.); Kieran Hodder (Sr., G, 6-4); Jordan Wells (Jr., G, 6-0); Deontae Crawford (Jr., F, 6-5); Simon Llaguno (Jr., G, 6-0); Matt Panganiban (Jr., G, 5-11); Alex Guketlov (Sr., G); Charles Hinton (Sr., F); Gregory Cruz (Jr., G); Jack Roarty (Jr., F); Kobe Walker (So., G); Matt Mellos (Jr., F); Matt Panganiban (Jr., G); Sean LeGall-Fleming (Sr., F).

Outlook: After losing 10 players from last season (six were seniors, three didn't tryout and one was lost to a season-ending football injury), the Trojans will have a different look this season, but it's a challenge they are willing to accept. The returning players have done a good job of accepting the new players, and their bond will make them stronger on the court. Depth will be a strength this season as most players can play two or three positions, so Bishop Ahr will be able to get up and down the floor and move players around if need be. Kudelka, Santiago and Llaguno will be looked to for leadership as Bishop Ahr competes in the conference and for a state tournament berth. Griffin, who attended Bishop Ahr from 2006-10 and was a three-time Blue Division champion, played in college at The College of New Jersey, was an undergrad assistant coach at TCNJ in 2015 and was an assistant at Bishop Ahr last season.

CARTERET

Coach: Herman "Mugsy" White, eighth season

Last season: 8-14

Letterwinners: 7 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Jemar Jordan (Sr., F, 6-3); Kahir Raymond (Sr., PG, 5-10); Jalen Harris (Sr., G, 5-10); Angelo Golino (Sr., F, 6-0); Judah Pascal (Sr., C, 6-4); Nasseir Moore (Jr., G, 6-1); Isaiah Daniels-Porter (Jr., PF, 6-3); Zemar Brake (So., F, 6-3); Timothy Ellis (So., G, 5-11); Donte Prioleau (Fr., G, 5-10); Dwayne Sharpe (Jr., F, 5-11); James Hart (Sr., G, 5-11, out for the first month).

Outlook: Coach White is very optimistic about the immediate future of this year's team. Carteret was a young team last year, but the returning experience should pay dividends as the Ramblers are making big strides daily.

METUCHEN

Coach: Guy Jensen, third season

Last season: 6-16

Roster: Danny Flaherty (Sr., G, 6-1, 12 ppg.); Thomas Christine (Sr., G, 6-0); Justin Briggs (Sr., F, 6-2); David Weiss (Sr., F, 6-4); Devan Miller (Sr., F, 6-4); Souan Ullal (Jr. S, 6-4); Riley Watkins (Jr., G, 6-1); Ethan Lebovits (So., G, 5-9); Danny Petto (Jr., F, 6-2); Jack Bradley (Jr., F, 6-0); Christian Nagy (Jr., G, 6-0); Will Hronich (Jr., G, 6-0); Danny Russell (Jr., G, 5-11); Ryan Grice (So., G, 5-10); Amari Whitehead (Fr., G, 6-0).

Outlook: Miller, a new addition to the roster, will find plenty of minutes in the front court as his athleticism and physicality can be a decisive factor in many games. Ullal, a swing player who can play guard and forward, has put the time in during the offseason to strengthen his game. Petto and Briggs give depth to the front court and will battle for Miller and Weiss for minutes. Lebovits, Hronich, Grice and Whitehead will be battling for guard minutes in place of an injured Russell, while Bradley and Nagy add depth to the roster and are versatile players. Based on experience, size, quickness and depth, Metuchen could have a solid season, as physical and mental toughness will determine how far it cane go.

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.

SOUTH RIVER

Coach: Rodney Harris, eighth season

Last season: 18-11

Letterwinners: 6 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Derrick Whitaker (So., G, 6-1); Joseph Nigro (So., G, 5-11); Zachary Rafano (So., G, 5-10); Silvio Cruz (So., F, 6-3); RJ Fisher (Jr., F, 6-3); Matthew Pietryzk (Sr., C, 6-4); Jaryn Bullock (Sr., F, 6-2); Divine Mayes (So., G, 5-11); Nicholas Morris (Sr., C, 6-0); Michael DeSantis (So., G, 5-10); Javon Taylor (Fr., G, 5-10); D'Juan Ross-Jackson (Jr., F, 6-1); Ishmael Abass-Shereef.

Outlook: South River will look to compete in the Blue Division with their shooting and speed, but will lack height this season.

SPOTSWOOD

Coach: Steve Mate, 22nd season

Last season: 22-6, Central Group II quarterfinalist, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist.

Letterwinners: 7 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Andrew Fuzesi (Sr., G, 5-10, 10.1 ppg.); JT Vento (Sr., F, 6-3, 7.8 ppg.); Vinnie Guardiola (Jr., G, 5-10); Justin Dekovics (Jr., 5-10); Derek Buhl (Jr., G, 5-8); Nate Carone (Jr., F); Abdul Nieskens (Jr., G, 5-7); Mateo Tavella (Sr., 5-10); Solomon Tyon (Jr., 6-2); Dominic Tesoriero (Jr., 5-8); Matt Vento (So., 6-0).

Outlook: Spotswood will look to replace two 1,000-point scorers in Eric Dadika (21.8 ppg.) and Marlon Hart (16.7 ppg.), but Nieksens has the opportunity to be a special playmaker but must get everyone involved. The Chargers will look to run more than in year's past as they look to build on last season.

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.

EAST BRUNSWICK TECH

Coach: Jeff Staples, eighth season

Last season: 16-9

Letterwinners: 1 returning, 6 lost

Roster: Enudy Jimenez-Hernandez; AJ Rambone (G); Vinny Pellicane (G); RJ Jobin (C); Dan Rachkelyuk (F); Justin Jezercak (F); Justyn Rivera (F); Dylan Stratton (G/F); Nick Mistretta (G); Sean Mejorada (G); Paadie Amposah (F); Matt McGreachy (G).

Outlook: Jimenez-Hernandez is the lone returning starter on the roster, as the Tigers are made up mostly of junior and seniors who have been waiting for the opportunity to play on varsity.

HIGHLAND PARK

Coach: Derek Nobles, 10th season

Last season: 5-17

Letterwinners: 3 returning, 5 lost

Roster: Nasir Boykins (Sr., F, 6-1); Na'eem Ghee (Sr., C, 6-3); Justin Simms (Sr., G, 6-1); Angel Holguin (Sr., G, 5-10); Dylan Powell (Jr., G, 5-7); Dylan Boyton (Sr., G, 5-7); Sam Murphy (Sr., F, 6-2); Matt Landis (Jr., G, 5-10).

Outlook: The Owls will be a senior-heavy team this season, and Nobles expects that experience and leadership will help the team compete for a Gold Division title.

PERTH AMBOY TECH

Coach: John Meyer, ninth season

Last season: 17-10

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 1 lost

Roster: Javon Fisher (Sr., F, 6-3, 10.9 ppg., 11.6 rpg.); Pedro Gonzalez (Sr., SG, 6-1, 10 ppg.); Eric Negro (Sr., C, 6-3, 7.3 ppg., 7.7 rpg.); Kyle Gregory (Sr., 5-6, 6.8 ppg.); Miguel Hernandez (Sr., 6-1, 4.5 ppg.); Carlos Morla (Jr., C, 6-4); Jeff Javier (Jr., PG, 5-10); Yire Belliard (So., G, 5-9); Mauricio Arias (So., G, 5-10).

Outlook: With Fisher, Gonzalez, Negro, Morla and Gregory slated to be the starting five, Perth Amboy Tech has a lot of varsity experience returning and should have a chance to three-peat as Gold Division champions. Fisher and Gonzalez will be looked to to lead the team as both have been on varsity for three years. The Patriots will play a fast-paced style using man-to-man defense and running the floor every chance they get.

SOUTH AMBOY

Coach: John Zammit, third season

Last season: 11-15

Roster: Alan Kazar (Sr., F); Isaiah Munoz (Sr., G); Justin Lewish (Sr., G); Bobby Nebus (Sr., C); Kyle Gasiewski (So., G); Vincent Burns (Sr., F); Jordan Correa (Sr., F); John McCleery (So., F); Steve McClaughlin (So., G).

Outlook: Under third-year head coach Zammit, South Amboy expects to be more consistent and has found its identity as a basketball program. With emphasis on team basketball, playing with fluidity and a strong commitment to defense, the Governors are looking forward to the upcoming season. With South Amboy's move down to the Blue Division and a more evenly balanced schedule in terms of competition, the team has one goal, to compete every night and to win every game. With a nice balance of seniors and sophomores, the Governors have a solid core of players who will be led by Lewis and Munoz.

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.

UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE

WATCHUNG DIVISION

LINDEN

Coach: Phil Colicchio, 20th season

Last season: 25-6, Union County Tournament semifinalist, North 2 Group IV champion, Group IV champion, Tournament of Champions finalist.

Letterwinners: 11 returning, 4 lost

Roster: Tavon Jones (Jr., G, 6-3, 15.7 ppg.); Khalief Crawford (Jr., G, 6-2, 10.8 ppg.); Joey Krempa (Sr., G, 5-10, 3.5 ppg.); Abraham Kromah (Sr., G, 5-10, 3.2 ppg.); Marcellus Livingston (Sr., G, 6-3, 4.5 ppg.); Derrick Lewis (Sr., F, 6-4); Kyree Rogers (Sr., F, 6-5); Robert Gaudenzi (Sr., F, 6-3); Louis Rodriguez (Jr., G, 5-10); Reggie Winston (Sr., G, 5-9); DeAndre Clark (Sr., F, 6-2); Mikey Watkins (Jr., G, 5-10); Markel McDuffie (Jr., G, 5-9); Jordan Ragland (Jr., F, 6-4); Malcolm King (Jr., F, 6-4); Dane Doyle (Sr., G, 6-0); Shadrac Petite-Homme (So., F, 6-3).

Outlook: After a season in which Linden advanced to the Tournament of Champions final for the first time since 2006 last season, and only lost four players from that team, including Tafari Lowe (4.4 rpg.), Josiah King, William Phelps (13.8 ppg., 6 rpg.) and Fritz Moncion (5 ppg., 4.6 rpg.). The Tigers will return a ton of experience as Krempa, Watkins, Jones, Crawford and Lewis are the projected starting five.

VALLEY DIVISION

RAHWAY

Coach: Jeff Lubreski, second season

Last season: 21-4, North 2 Group III semifinalist.

Letterwinners: 5 returning, 7 lost

Roster: Keyshawn Cummings, Zion Pendleton, Kamaje Tennet, Pharoh Allah, Zion Perry, Zion Cooper, Denzel Cooper, Antwan Dasher, Kiontay Nobles, Jamal Rabb, Jeremy Rosario,

Outlook: The Indians will a relatively inexperienced group who will look to compete for the division title and be competitive in both the county and state tournaments.

SKYLAND CONFERENCE

DELAWARE DIVISION

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.

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.