Boys Basketball: HNT/GMC Team Preview Capsules - MyCentralJersey.com

Lauren Knego Bridgewater Courier News

Published 6:06 PM EST Dec 13, 2018

GREATER MIDDLESEX CONFERENCE

RED DIVISION

EAST BRUNSWICK

Coach: Mark Motusesky, 21st season

Last season: 13-13

Letterwinners: 7 lost, 5 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Joe Sampson (Albright College); G Jesse Perel; F Ryan Crocco; G Mitchell Pingoy; G Dave Bermudez. 

Roster: PG Travis Cumber; Jr. SG Isaac Holmes; Sr. SF Kelvin Chen; Sr. SG Christian Kuan; Sr. SF Xavier Fitzgerald; So. C Devin Kennedy; So. SG Jackson Bayuk; Sr. C Brendan Coyne; Jr. SG Rico Gomez; Jr. PG Denzel Taylor; Jr. SG Max Tischhauser; Sr. F Tucker Nevin; Sr. SF Utkarsh Awasthi. 

Outlook: East Brunswick is very hungry to start the season, and if the Bears can defend and rebound they will have a chance to compete with anyone in the GMC.

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J.P. STEVENS

Coach: Christopher Garcia, second season

Last season: 12-12

Top letterwinners lost: Tyrese Conover (12 ppg.); Elisha Smith (10 ppg.). 

Returning players: Sr. PG Solomon Smith; Sr. SG Naysean Burch; Sr. SF Kasi Hazzard; Sr. F Sidate Mdahwe; Sr. Will Thompson; Sr. F Jamar Williamson. 

Newcomers: Sr. G Devon Fowlkes; Sr. G Nas Majied. 

Outlook: J.P. Stevens is a senior-led team with a lot of speed, size and talent. The Hawks pride themselves on playing great defense and executing on offense. Smith, Burch, Hazzard, Mdahwe and Williamson are the projected starters. 

MONROE

Coach: Jeff Warner, second season

Last season: 7-19

Letterwinners: 5 lost, 4 returning

Roster: Sr. Mike Kides (10 ppg., 598 career points, 150 3s made); Sr. Joshua Daniels (6 ppg.); Jr. Andrew Turco (4 ppg.); Sr. Jari Davis (5 ppg.); Sr. Dylan McLaughlin; Sr. James Kolavitch; Sr. Jalen Allen; So. Chris Kobierowski; Sr. Tim Carey; Sr. Samip Patel. 

Outlook: The Falcons will look to improve upon their sub par 7-19 season last year. They will be relying upon senior leadership to guide them through the extremely competitive GMC Red Division. Returning starters Michael Kides (10 ppg.) and Josh Daniels (6 ppg.) will be looked upon to provide the scoring load this season. Junior PG Andrew Turco will lead the offense along with 6-foot-6 senior center James Kolavitch manning the paint. 

OLD BRIDGE

Coach: Jim Macomber, seventh season

Last season: 19-8, GMC Tournament semifinalist, Central Group IV quarterfinalist. 

Letterwinners: 2 lost, 7 returning

Roster: Sr. G Jared Meyer; Sr. G Mike Oliva; Sr. G Julius Belton; Jr. Ryan De La Cuesta; Sr. G Jack Startner; So. G Lucas Grissett; Sr. C Robert Benites; G Sean Williams (transfer from St. Joseph); F Jaden Caban (transfer from St. Peter's); F Andrew Zaleck; F TJ Oreagan. 

Outlook: With a host of experience returning from last year, Old Bridge will look to build on last season and make it one step further in the GMC Tounament and state tournament. 

PERTH AMBOY

Coach: Julius David Sr., second season

Last season: 12-14

Letterwinners: 8 lost, 2 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Joshua Cabezudo; Luis Bonilla; Marquis Hercules; Adam Gornowicz; Aaron Mohammed; Avery Mohammed; Alfeny Javier; Alexis Adames (transferred); Jonathan Wilkins (transferred); Joseph Duran (injury).

Roster: Quasim Jackson; Enmanuelle Lora; Juan Nunez; Yefry Fajardo; Frandy Jimenez; Nicholas Dos Santos; Frendy Plancencia; Kader Biteye; Alex Olivarez; Rafael Hernandez Jr.; Isaiah Booker; Ojahni Roberts; Franklin Rosario; Ashbey Jimenez; Ralph Castillo; Waldy Santos; Nathanial Santiago. 

Outlook: The projected starters are Quasim Jackson, Enmanuelle Lora, Yefry Fajardo, Isaiah Booker and Alex Olivarez. After losing seven seniors and three impact players due to transfers and injury, Perth Amboy has a generally inexperienced lineup. Early in the season, the main objective is to find the core and identity of the team. Although this season’s squad is composed of naturally talented athletes, most of these rookies have not had any varsity experience. For some of them, it is their first time playing organized basketball because they have been previously rejected by sub-varsity coaches. Coach David expects for this group to struggle in the first half of the season as they learn how to play fundamental basketball. Nevertheless, as soon as they grasp the concepts of sound and basic basketball, these raw but naturally gifted group of kids can potentially make a run in the postseason. 

The goal of the team is to demonstrate grit each game as the coaches try to trim down the rotation towards the end of the season and identify who can actually play a structured game of basketball. The program will experiment to come up with the appropriate line-up with the best chemistry on the floor. The two returning varsity players, Quasim Jackson and Enmanuelle Lora, will be expected to be the floor generals of the team. 

PISCATAWAY

Coach: Darius Griffin, third season

Last season: 23-4, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist, North 2 Group IV semifinalist. 

Letterwinners: 6 lost, 9 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Jordan Davidson (10 ppg., 2 apg.); Mattias Arrindell (15 ppg., 4 apg.); Keshawn Grant (12 ppg.). 

Roster: S. F Antonio Chandler (13 ppg.); Sr. G Tyrek Barba-Bey (10 ppg.); Sr. G Daryl DeCohen (4 ppg,); Sr. F Mark Davis (6 ppg.); Sr. F Aiden Edman (4 ppg.); Sr. G David Benitez (4 ppg.); Sr. C Savoi Smith; Sr. G Samuel Ezeonu; Sr. G Carlos Edmundo; F Jordin Martell; F Nadir Holman; G Adonis Njokubi; G Keshawn Peterson-Fish; G Jonathan Livingston; G Khrstian Hernandez; F Khalief Walker

Outlook: The projected starters will be Chandler, Barba-Bey, DeCohen, Davis and Edman. Piscataway will be competitive this season but has a number of new players who have never played varsity before, so it will take some time for them to get used to the competition. The team goals will be to win one game at a time. 

SOUTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Joseph Hoehman, 12th season

Last season: 1-18

Letterwinners: 2 lost, 9 returning

Roster: Jr. G/F Devin Strickland; Sr. F Kimani Daniel; Jr. G Akhil Edekar; So. G Ty Murchison; So. G CJ Mangrum; Jr. G/F Justin Carbone; Sr. C Darrin Seavers; Sr. G Ron Qavolli; Sr. G Zach Shi; Fr. G Yathin Vemula; Sr. C Kamal Patibandla; Jr. G/F Alex Strange; So. G Andrew Tesser; Fr. G Shyiem Davis.

Outlook: The Vikings are very eager to get this season started after their uncharacteristic production last year. They were only able to compile a single win last season as they returned zero varsity minutes. This year, however, the Vikings return the majority of their team and their scoring from a year ago. As long as the can stay healthy, they should prove to be much more competitive this year in the tough Red Division. There are plenty of guys that could potentially start this season but they will frequently turn to their leading scorer from last year, Devin Strickland, to lead them back to being a respectable competitor.

ST. JOSEPH (MET.)

Coach: Mike Thompson, second season

Last season: 23-5, GMC Tournament champions, South Non-Public A finalist. 

Letterwinners: 2 lost, 13 returning

Top letterwinners lost: F Dan Young (7 ppg.). 

Roster: Sr. F Howard McBurnie (12 ppg.); Sr. G Luke Fresco (17 ppg.); Jr. G Tyree Taganeca-Ford (18 ppg.); Jr. G K-Shawn Schulters (8 ppg.); Sr. G Jack Hogarty (7 ppg.); Sr. F Ryan Granito (5 ppg.); Sr. G Matt Cruz (4 ppg.); Jr. F Andrew Olden; Jr. G Adam Slawinski; Jr. G Martin Greene; So. F Maurice Johnson; So. G Kody Robinson. 

Outlook: The projected starters are McBurnie, Taganeca-Ford, Fresco, Schulters and Olden. St. Joseph loses only one senior from last year's GMC Tournament championship team, and this season the Falcons look to have continuted success in the GMC and advance further in the state tournament. 

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WHITE DIVISION

EDISON

Coach: Charlie Mohr, 15th season

Last season: 15-12

Letterwinners: 3 lost, 4 returning

Top letterwinners lost: C Abu Kaikai (14 ppg., 10 rpg., All-County First Team); G Alkeim Raines (7 ppg., 4 apg.); G Paul Rago (5 ppg.). 

Roster: Sr. G/F Thomas Johnson (6 ppg.); Sr. G Franklyn Martinez; Sr. G Jaymin Vakharia (8 ppg.); Sr. F Christian Wantong (12 ppg., 7 rpg.); Sr. C Will Adkins; Sr. G Kamille Pryor (transfer from Piscataway); Sr. F Jayden Woods; Jr. G Emanuel Davila; Jr. G Shane Doherty; Jr. F Nasir McLean; Jr. G Malachi White; Jr. F Micah White.

Outlook: The projected starters are Davila, Vakharia, Martinez, Johnson and Wantong. Edison is very optimistic about the upcoming season as it has a good mix of returners and newcomers. The Eagles will look for seniors to lead the way throughout the season. Edison has three returning starters and one other player returning with varsity experience, plus several players who could come off the bench and contribute. Goals are to improve every day, compete for the division title, and play the best basketball around tournament time.  

COLONIA

Coach: Jose Rodriguez, first season

Last season: 17-10, GMC Tournament finalist, North 2 Group III semifinalist. 

Letterwinners: 4 lost, 6 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Connor Bevilacqua; Kristian Chapmann; Frank Lehmann; Timmy Carrol.

Roster: Luke Valeriano; Chris Sica; Chad Baker; Thomas Mitch; Timmy Rodriguez; Jimmy Frage; Ola Aridegbe; Timmy Meehan; Dawayne DeRios; Keyshawn Davis.

Outlook: Colonia lost a number of key players from last year's team that advanced to the GMC Tournament final as the No. 7 seed, but with a new head coach and a mix of veteran players and newcomers, the Patriots will look to be competitive in the White Division as well as the GMC and the state tournament. Coach Jose Rodriguez joins Colonia after a stint as the Plainfield coach and was also coach at Carteret. He is a former assistant at St. Joseph (Met.) and is a former All Area, All-County and All-State player from Carteret. 

J.F. KENNEDY

Coach: Sebastiaan de Voogd, third season

Last season: 0-21

Letterwinners: 7 lost, 4 returning

Top letterwinners lost: F Cadre Ali; F Deandre Carter; G Rohan Chakke; G Richard Choque; G Randy Diaz; C Hossam El Rashidy; G Anthony Ferro. 

Roster: Sr. G Jonathan Bragg; Sr. F Abhishek Dave; Sr. F Dennis Howard; Sr. G David Silva; Jr. F Aalyan Asif; Jr. F Papa Asmah; Jr. G Nadir Cassiem; So. F Luis De Los Santos; Jr. G Jesus Duran; So. F Joseph Kopchik; So. F Vishal Patel. 

Outlook: The Mustangs will continue to rebuild this season, and an even mix of sophomores, juniors and seniors will aid the process. With only four players returning from last year, it is difficult to project who the starters are going to be.Point guard Jonathan Bragg has been a leader on the court, while forward Abhishek Dave has been a leader off the court. The goal is to be competitive in every game and improve on last year’s record.

NEW BRUNSWICK

Coach: Samir Sanu, third season

Last season: 8-14

Letterwinners: 4 lost, 4 returning

Top letterwinners lost: F Nymir Belk (10 ppg., 7 rpg.); G Kenny Lebron (6 ppg.); F Aaron Hayler (5 ppg., 7 rpg.).

Roster: Jr. PG Ahyan Brown-Miller (19.5 ppg., 5 apg., 5 rpg.); Jr. C Tahjay Moore (9.4 ppg., 8 rpg., 3 bpg.); Jr. G Nydir Harmon (8 ppg., 6 rpg., 3 apg., 2 spg.); Jr. G/F Divine Hayes (7.5 ppg., 5 rpg.); Sr. F Alquan Brown-Taylor; So. G Quentin Tibbs; Sr. F Se'Yohn Taylor; Fr. PG Josiah Brown; So. G/F John Carlos Ortega.

Outlook: Ahyan Brown-Miller, Nydir Harmon, Josiah Brown, Tahjay Moore and Divine Hayes are the projected starters. This year New Brunswick will be returning four out of five starters led by first team all-division selection Brown-Miller and Moore. The Zebras will be looking to compete for the GMC White Division and qualify for the state tournament for the first time since 2012. 

NORTH BRUNSWICK

Coach: Ed Breheney, 29th season

Last season: 13-12

Roster: Delano Whitfield; Brandon Outlaw; Sr. Manny Herrera; Jr. Corey Smith; Jr. Will Britton; Jr Toby Ezenou; Jr. Davon Alsbrook; So. Jabri Fitzpatrick. 

Outlook: North Brunswick expects to compete and get better each day.

SAYREVILLE

Coach: John Wojcik, 11th season

Last season: 16-9, White Division champions. 

Letterwinners: 10 lost, 6 returning

Top letterwinners lost: G Elijah Clark; G Zac Kaczmarek; G Derek Astarita; G Zaire Jackson.

Roster: G Jaijuan Macklin; G Kaieme Byers; F Jake Dougherty; G Elijah Thomason; G Luca Ventricelli; G Patrick Sekman; Sr. G Alfred Arina; Sr. G Mark Khalil; Sr. G Kamron Jamedar; Sr. G John Lewis; Sr. F Cameron Davis; Jr. F Ryan Arment; Jr. F Andrew Onativia.

Outlook: Sayreville graduated 10 seniors and the Bombers will be inexperienced but banking on toughness and effort to keep them in games. The Bombers will look to Jaijuan Macklin, the crafty guard to do majority of their scoring. Senior Kaieme Byers will be a key piece from the outside. Kamron Jamedar will run the show and is expected to be the floor general. The Bombers look to defend their White Division title and compete for a county championship. They will also look to make a run in the state tournament. 

WOODBRIDGE

Coach: Matt Gigliello, seventh season

Last season: 13-12

Top letterwinners lost: Curtis Nesbit (first team All-County, first team All-White Division); Kemari Persol. 

Roster: Sr. G Kesean Glover; Sr. G/F Jaelen Hymes; So. G/F Daniel Boateng; Sr. G Justin Smith; So. G Kyree Henry; So. G Elijah Lane; Sr. G Trace Reyes; Jr. G/F Ja Hi Blaine; So. G/F Miles Whye; Jr. G Isiah Smith; Jr. G Ismael Reynosa; Jr. G Jahmir Brown. 

Outlook: The goals for Woodbridge are very simple this season: compete every night in the White Division, contend for a division title and advance as far as it can in the county and state tournaments. The Barrons have three letterwinners returning and a good young nucleus back. The team will be counting on seniors Kesean Glover and Jaelen Hymes as well a sophomore Kyree Henry. Success will be based on how well the team can defend in both the full-court and half-court situations and how well the young kids and newcomers pick up the system.

BLUE DIVISION

BISHOP AHR

Coach: Bob Turco, first season

Last season: 17-8, GMC Tournament quarterfinalist, South Non-Public A quarterfinalist. 

Letterwinners: 7 lost, 2 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Alex Santiago. 

Roster: Sr. F Marquise Billingsley (6.5 ppg., 7.2 rpg.); Jr. G Quadry Adams (13.6 ppg.); Sr. G Kobe Walker; Sr. Ryan Pittari; Jr. Derrick Grant; Jr. Omari Fleming; Jr. Derrick Golden; So. Jalen Jones; So. Ernest Carter; So. Hassan Jackson; So. Terrell Henderson; Fr. Saivon Pressley; Fr. Samar Abdullah. 

Outlook: Bishop Ahr is very young and will need to improve every day so it can be ready for the tournaments come February. Goals are to win the Blue Division, play for a county championship and get the school's first-ever win in the state tournament. Coach Turco returns to the GMC after a seven-year stint coaching at Notre Dame, where he led the team to two Mercer County Tournament championships and numerous Colonial Division titles. He also coached at Monroe for five seasons, during which the Falcons advanced to three county semifinals and made the state tournament all five years.

CARTERET

Coach: Herman "Mugsy" White, 11th season

Last season: 23-7, GMC Tournament semifinalist, Central Group II finalist. 

Letterwinners: 4 lost, 5 returning

Top letterwinners lost: F Isaiah Daniels-Porter; G Chris Poythress; F Zamar Brake (transfer); F Zacceus Brake (transfer).

Roster: Sr. PG Tim Ellis; Sr. F Jahlil Nix; So. Malik Austin; Sr. Thamirr Lamarr; Jr Donte Prioleau; Jr. SF Cam'Ron McCargo. 

Outlook: Carteret lost a good amount production with the graduation of Home News Tribune All Area First Teamer Isaiah Daniels-Porter. Replacing his leadership will be the difference in the Ramblers competing at a high level. This is a new group with some varsity experience but will take a while to mesh together.

MIDDLESEX

Coach: Jared Goldstein, fourth season

Last season: 13-14

Letterwinners: 8 lost, 3 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Jake Robel; Tyler Ha. 

Roster: Sr. G John Dickey; Jr. G Kevin Reynolds; Jr. G Tyrus Chippendale; Sr. F Cosimo Tripoli; Jr. G/F Keenan Reynolds; Jr. G Brendan Buckley; Jr. F Mason Smith; Jr. F Elias Burgos; So. G/F Mark Brower. 

Outlook: Losing eight seniors, including a 1,000-point scorer and two all-division players is never easy, but this group of athletes have already formed a strong bond since their time on JV together. This team is a bit unconventional when it comes to positions because everyone is interchangeable, which will hopefully create mismatches for the opponents. John Dickey is expected to lead this young team as the lone starter from last year’s squad. Joining him in the backcourt will be Kevin Reynolds and Tyrus Chippendale, who will take over the primary ball handling responsibilities. Keenan Reynolds is a hybrid who can play any position on the floor and Brendan Buckley will be a key contributor as he can play any spot on the perimeter. Elias Burgos, Mason Smith, and Cosimo Tripoli will protect the paint and do most of the dirty work down low. Mark Brower is the lone sophomore on this squad who plays well beyond his years and is looking to make an impact this season as well. The Blue Jays compete in a tough Blue Division of the GMC. They are the only Group I school in the division, so each night will be a battle. The young Blue Jays will look to control the pace of play and dictate the tempo to their favor. Whether it’s playing fast or smart, this team has a very high IQ when it comes to the game, and defense is the key to their success.  

SOUTH PLAINFIELD

Coach: John Greco, second season

Last season: 5-20

Letterwinners: 5 lost, 5 returning

Top letterwinners lost: G Jalil Palms (11 ppg.); G Gio Dudley (10 ppg.); G Julian Lee (5 ppg.); F Dheer Patel; F Steven Dang. 

Roster: G Dondre Tate (6 ppg.); F Ian McCoid (9 ppg.); F Joe Siegenthaler (11 ppg.); G Sam Wolak; F Ryan Massett; Sr. G/F Jose Hernandez; Sr. G McNeil Louis; Jr. G Peter Marotta; Jr. G Dylan DeLisa; So. G Josh Liberato; So. F Moshood Adebule; So. F Troy O'Connor; So. G Destiny Nwankwo. 

Outlook: South Plainfield has a very interesting year ahead of it, with a lot of new faces. The Tigers lost three starters and players who did some good things. Joe Siegenthaler, Ian McCoid and Dondre Tate all started a lot of games last year and will be returning to help lead the team in their senior season. They will be joined by five other seniors, including varsity lettermen Ryan Massett and Sam Wolak, that can help contribute in the upcoming season. There are a lot of unknowns with the younger guys, but they are hungry and getting better and better every day. The Tigers will have a very deep roster with guys fighting for playing time all year, and hopefully they can put it all together for a very successful season.  

SOUTH RIVER

Coach: Rodney Harris, 11th season

Last season: 17-10

Letterwinners: 2 lost, 8 returning

Roster: So. G Zachary Harris; Shivam Arya; Sr. G Michael DeSantis; Sr. F Davine Mayers; Sr. G Derrick Whitaker; Sr. G Silvio Cruz; Sr. G Joseph Nigro; Sr. G Zachary Rafano-Tinsley; Jr. G/F Jayvon Taylor; Sr. G Christopher Barbiero; Sr. G Fernando Rivera. 

Outlook: With a number of returning players with varsity experience and a group of talented newcomers, South River will strive to compete for the Blue Division title and advance in the GMC and state tournaments. 

SPOTSWOOD

Coach: Steve Mate, 23rd season

Last season: 17-10

Letterwinners: 7 lost, 7 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Abdullah Nieskins; Justin Dekovics; Derek Buhl; Vinnie Guardiola. 

Roster: Matt Vento; Michael Harris; Matt Fuzesi; Zach Mataya; Andrew Bishara; Jack Welsh; Kyle Davey; Jimmy Clarke; George Guyette; Evan Scarduffa; Zach Wathen; Ryan Quinn; Jack Andrulewich; Darius Harrison; Shane Dwyer. 

Outlook: Spotswood is looking to rebuild after losing several key seniors from last year’s successful team. A lot of the players are getting their first year of quality varsity minutes, but they are playing very hard and have shown excellent defensive tenacity already. Matt Vento should score his 1,000th point this season. 

GOLD DIVISION

DUNELLEN

Coach: Howie Horowitz, fourth season

Last season: 14-12

Letterwinners: 3 lost, 9 returning

Top letterwinners lost: G RJ Mitchell; G Nazir Martin; G Isaih Roberts. 

Roster: Jr. G/F Tyje Kelton (All Group I, All-Gold Division, 20.2 ppg., 11.6 rpg., 4.9 apg., 4.2 spg., 1.9 bpg.); So. G/F Drew Johnson (13.6 ppg., 5.3 rpg.); Sr. PG Noah Wenzel; Sr. C Baraka Yabidi (4.8 rpg.); Sr. G Alex Gibney; Sr. G Kilwa Casey; Sr. C Angel Suarez; Sr. F/C Nick Herbig; So. F Nasir White; So. G Jalen Thomas (transfer); So. F/C Michael Burr; Fr. G Nasir Tippett. 

Outlook: The projected starters are Wenzel, Gibney, Johnson, Kelton and Yabidi. The Destroyers feel that they have the ability to compete for a Gold Division title. After a few rebuilding years, they took a major step forward behind Kelton and Johnson. With both returning with another summer of lifting and improvement, big things are expected of them. Wenzel, Yabidi and the other seniors add experience role players capable of easing the scoring burden on Kelton and Johnson, with Yabidi also commanding a defense that can shut down teams when everything is working right. Thomas, Burr, White, and Tippett add even more athleticism and youth to the roster, with Thomas and White expected to play big roles off the bench.

EAST BRUNSWICK TECH

Coach: Jeff Staples, 11th season

Last season: 4-20

Letterwinners: 5 lost, 3 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Ron Jobin. 

Roster: Sr. F David Roman; Sr. G Christopher Rosa; Jr. F Garrett Allo; Jr. G Jordan Horowitz; Sr. F Paadei Amponsah; Sr. G Matthew McGeachy; Sr. F Julian Castillo; Jr. G Gabriel Sirimis; So. F Daniel Mailgioglio; Jr. G Joseph Tomazic. 

Outlook: East Brunswick will look to improve on last year's record and compete every day. 

HIGHLAND PARK

Coach: Derek Nobles, 12th season

Last season: 7-13

Letterwinners: 3 lost, 3 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Dylan Powell. 

Roster: Sr. F Romelo Haskins; Jr. F Dylan Darkwah; So. G Donovan Crawford; Sr. F Chad Ghee; Sr. F Declan Walsh; Sr. PG Jalen Webb; Sr. F Brandon Doss; Sr. C Ramone Valentine. 

Outlook: Highland Park will look to be competitive and make a run for the Gold Division title.

SOUTH AMBOY

Coach: Matt Wiater, first season

Last season: 2-22

Letterwinners: 2 lost, 8 returning

Top letterwinners lost: TJ Carter; Stephen Fusco. 

Roster: Sr. Kyle Gasiewski (18.7 ppg.); Sr. John McCleery (6.2 ppg.); Sr. Stephen McLaughlin (5.5 ppg.); Sr. Christian Gonzalez; Jr. Aiden Pelkey (5.7 ppg.); Jr. Jacob Ross; Jr. Louie Martinez (8.4 ppg.); Jr. Michael Ajilowura; Sr. Steven Pena; Sr. Kemar Thomas; Sr. Jomere Morrison; Jr. Joshua Jimenez. 

Outlook: The team this year has a lot of depth with many players returning with varsity experience, along with a few newcomers who are looking to make an impact right away. The Governors will be looking to take it one game at a time, controlling what is in the present and not trying to look too far down the road. 

TIMOTHY CHRISTIAN

Coach: Richard J. Starling, first season

Last season: 15-11

Letterwinners: 5 lost, 5 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Robert Saydee (20.6 ppg.); Pierce Kokosinski (20.3 ppg.). 

Roster: Jr. Nate Aviles (7.1 ppg.); Sr. Lonnie Cardon (6 ppg.); So. Brandon McCall; Jr. Liam Page; Sr. Matt Spiess; Fr. Gian Wagner; So. Kevin Knemoeller; Fr. Jonathan Mcnulty; So. Johnathan Yepes. 

Outlook: New coach Richard Starling played Division I basketball at Canisius College and has coached at Blair Academy, Wardlaw-Hartridge and Gill St. Bernard's. The projected starters are Aviles, Carden, Wagner, Page and McCall. The team expectations and goals for this season are simple: to win. 

SKYLAND CONFERENCE

DELAWARE DIVISION

FRANKLIN

Coach: Tony Mento, first season

Last season: 8-15

Roster: Sr. F Dominic Bacallo-Wright; Sr. F Jared Williams; Sr. F Trevin Midgette; Sr. G Josh Gestosani; So. G Josh Kuroda-Grauer; So. F Anthony Milligan; So. F Demi Alao; So. G Krish Mistry; Jr. G Tracy Brown; Jr. F Edward Turay; Jr. F Cyre Hooper; Sr. F Damani Wainwright.

Outlook: The new-look Warriors are ready, willing and able to do whatever is necessary to reach their full potential. With a new coaching staff and team culture, the players have embraced selfless play, respect the challenge of competition, and enjoy taking advantage of each day on the court. The Warriors value, understand and are committed to the type of relentlessness and passion that is necessary for the team to progress throughout the season. With the common goal of season-long improvement and growth, the Warriors expect to compete in every game and to be a tough out for any opponent come tournament time. Coach Mento spent 10 seasons as head coach at Rutgers Prep and has a career record of 181-72. He has won two Non-Public titles and four conference championships. A 1989 Franklin graduate, Mento was named the 2005 Courier News Coach of the Year.

RARITAN DIVISION

RUTGERS PREP

Coach: Matt Bloom, second season

Last season: 16-10, Somerset County Tournament finalist, South Non-Public B quarterfinalist. 

Top letterwinners lost: Richie Greaves (transferred to Roselle Catholic); Zach Martini (transferred to Gill St. Bernard's); Nahshon Battle (transferred to Union Catholic); Lucas Green (transferred to Princeton Day).

Roster: So. G/F Trey Patterson; Jr. G/F Nick Galette (transfer from Rahway); Sr. G Kaylen Owen; Sr. G Jonah Charles; So. G Noah Harris; Fr. G/F Otega Oweh; Fr. G Ryan Pettit; Jr. G Bryce Dupree. 

Outlook: The Argonauts are poised to take another step forward this season as they return two senior leaders in 6-foot-3 guard Jonah Charles (committed to Penn) and 6-foot-4 guard Kaylen Oweh. Two sophomores poised to have breakout seasons are 6-foot-9 guard/forward Trey Patterson and 6-foot guard Noah Harris, while 6-foot junior guard Bryce Dupree will play a role in solidifying the backcourt. The Argonauts have also added 6-foot-5 junior guard/forward Nico Galette from Rahway, and two exciting freshmen in 6-foot-1 guard Ryan Pettit and 6-foot-3 guard/forward Otega Oweh. 

UNION COUNTY CONFERENCE

LINDEN

Coach: Anthony Drejaj, first season

Last season: 22-7, Union County Tournament semifinalist, North 2 Group IV finalist. 

Letterwinners: 13 lost, 3 returning

Top letterwinners lost: Tavon Jones (23 ppg.); Mikey Watkins (12 ppg.); Luis Rodriguez (10 ppg.); Myles Ruth (transferred). 

Roster: Jr. F Amir Williams; Sr. G Gerby Janvier; Jr. G Nashawn Holmes; Jr. G Isaac Thompkins; Jr. G Dremar Hopkinson; Jr. F Yasin Willock; Sr. G Julien Giraud. 

Outlook: The projected starters for Linden this season are Janvier, Williams, Holmes, Willock and Thompkins. This is going to be an inexperienced team that has talent, with three returning players from last year that didn’t have any significant role. Linden will have some depth at the guard position and coach Drejaj believes the Tigers can be very competitive in Group IV this year. Team goals are to make it to the county finals, make a deep run in the state tournament and have the toughest defensive team in the state. 

Staff Writer Lauren Knego: lknego@gannettnj.com; on Twitter: @laurenknego

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