TCA ready to terrorize opponents with size, depth
Good luck matching up with the Trenton Catholic Academy boys basketball team.
The reigning Mercer County champion Iron Mikes feature plenty of size again this season led by seniors Jamir Watkins (6-7), Naji Wright (6-6) and Jean Bernard (6-5).
Watkins, who committed to Virginia Commonwealth in September, has the potential to be the Area Player of the Year. He averaged 18.6 points per game last year while leading the team in rebounds, and he’s particularly tough to guard because of his ball-handling and ability to shoot 3s.
Like most years, TCA has also reloaded with some fresh talent. New players to watch include Freddie Young Jr., Braxton Jones and Anthony Aririguzoh — the younger brother of Princeton University star Richmond Aririguzoh.
Elsewhere in The Trentonian’s suburban coverage, look out for Bordentown. Head coach John Myers is excited about the Scotties, who feature a plethora of talent that has been building chemistry together.
“We could be really, really good,” Myers said. “We have tons of experience, a fast lineup, committed, very good shooters and solid guard play.”
Senior guard Jordan Martin is primed for a monster year coming off a campaign where he averaged 17.5 points, 3.1 rebounds, 3.3 assists and 1.7 steals. Other veterans include fourthyear contributor Roshon Vankline, 3-point sharpshooter Gavin Shiver and top defender Osvaldo Urena. Aiden Kennedy, Hunter Parrish, Logan Saranin and Armaan Gil all played significant minutes as sophomores.
With another tough schedule, Bordentown is aiming to finish stronger in close games and advance further in the Central Jersey Group II Tournament.
“We must all accept our roles and deal with the one thing that hurt us last year. How will we deal with adversity when we face it? Will we get frustrated or overcome?” Myers said. “We lack size so full court, multiple defenses and an aggressive movement offense will be imperative.”
Meanwhile, Northern Burlington is poised to challenge Bordentown in the Burlington County Scholastic League’s newly aligned Patriot Division.
Senior Lorenzo Repack, a Monmouth baseball commit, is the Greyhounds’ top player. Head coach Gene Darling anticipates that sophomore point guard Marcus Gaffney will have a breakout season and allow Repack to become more of a scorer off the ball.
“We will be more experienced this year which will allow us to focus on the little things which help you find ways to win close games,” Darling said. “We will need scorers to step up on a nightly basis because I know we are going to work hard on defense and be prepared.”