Twelve CVC teams ready to start six-week campaign
In a boys basketball season shortened by COVID-19, experienced teams are likely to benefit more than usual.
Nottingham is favored to be the best in the Colonial Valley Conference as games get underway Tuesday because it returns all but one player from last year’s squad that won a league-best 22 games.
Brandon Raba leads the way as a reigning First-Team All-CVC and All-Area guard. Meanwhile, Tre Kauffman broke the school’s single-season rebounding record, Nasir Collins is the team’s Swiss Army knife and Josh Morrison is back from injury.
Nottingham also added TCA transfer Donavin Crawford and will again count on heavy minutes from Kishawn Douragh, Chris Williams and Jack Bissett. Look for Quiyon McMillian and Joe Lemly to step up as sophomores.
“We can’t beat ourselves,” coach Chris Raba said. “We will have to continue to share the ball, and our identity will have to be our defense. These kids have been playing with each other for four years now, and they know they will be the hunted this year. We need to stay focused every game and take one game at a time.”
There should be several quality teams in what will be a six-week campaign with no state playoffs and no division titles.
Coming off the first 20win season in school history, Robbinsville has the pieces to make another run behind CVC Coach of the Year Conor Hayes’ defensive schemes.
Ryan Smith was a First Team All-CVC forward and one of three players in the league to score more than 400 points. Brian Herbert is the top returning guard with his outside shooting. The Ravens also now feature freshman Luke Billings, an impressive point guard.
“We return a lot of varsity experience and add some very talented young players,” Hayes said. “We pride ourselves on the defensive end and are looking to be one of the best defensive units in the CVC again this season.”
Hightstown graduated its top six scorers after going 21-7 but plans to remain deep. Leading the way are lanky 3-point sniper Spencer Kenny, ace defender Ayden Hogan and athletic scoring guard Keenan Reiss.
Coach Don DeLeo said the Rams will now be running the Grinnell System, which relies on 3-point shooting and relentless pressure on defense.
“We will look to play 15 guys and rotate five players every 45-90 seconds,” DeLeo said. “We will look to fullcourt press for 32 minutes and push the pace. We will look to score the majority of our points from the 3-point line.”
Allentown also won 21 games and must prove itself again with a relatively new team. Only four of the Redbirds’ 12 players have varsity experience.
Look out for floor general Dante Weise, strong rebounder/post defender Sean Foley and sharpshooter Brandon Pfeifer, who was a Second Team All-CVC pick last year.
“We are a close-knit group that enjoys playing with each other,” coach Walter Kelly said. “Our style of play is fast-paced. Our strengths are running the floor and playing defense. Our team has a mixture of being youthful and experienced.”
Meanwhile, Notre Dame is talented but the roster lacks game experience and will have to adjust quickly to the season’s delayed start.
Mike Jean is the team’s best all-around player. Christian Anderson, Jake Croce and Erik Nally are set to play key roles. The Irish will run a bit of a different motion offense since they lack a traditional post presence.
“While we were unable to play together since last March, the guys dedicated themselves to the weight room,” coach Rich Roche said. “Some of the young guys made significant strides working with John McKenna by gaining strength and putting on weight. Willingness to put the needs of the team before personal goals has been a program strength. If we share the ball, we will be a better team.”
Trenton hopes for a resurgence with a pair of impressive sophomores: point guard Antwan Bridgett and wing man Davontay Hutson, who started as freshmen.
The Tornadoes are also counting on Davvonne Wells and Doug Evans Jr. to be senior leaders, and for Sam Gadie and Vincent Bridgett Jr. to provide rebounding and shot blocking.
“We go as our defense goes,” coach Darryl Young said. “Players must buy in to playing our pressure style of defense. Five guys defending, communicating, and all on the same page from start to finish. On offense we look to push at every opportunity. We want to apply our will on teams and wear them down. We want the game at our pace for 32 minutes.”
Hamilton West had a solid first season under coach Brandon Johnson last year as the Hornets improved from six wins to 10 and won a state tournament game.
Jack Boufford is a dynamic scorer who led Hamilton in points last year. Jerel Hall is a strong perimeter defender and complementary scorer. Arterio Williams controls the interior, and Maurice Williams runs the point with crisp passing.
“Overall, we want to apply pressure and make teams uncomfortable,” Johnson said. “Offensively we want to be unselfish, space you out, and exploit mismatches. We want to force double teams and have the help defenders commit and find the open guy. We want to have 50% of our made field goals come off assists.”
Lawrence has a handful of seniors but will largely be looking for younger players to step up.
Gabe Mitchell-White is the one of the CVC’s most athletic guards, Diesel Barnes does all the little things and Yahseer Oliver has the upside to be a top point if he stays healthy coming off an injury.
“I am excited to coach the team this season,” coach Jeff Molinelli said. “We are young, but the future is bright and I believe that future can start now. We have some speed so we will be able to run the floor and be tough on the defensive side of the basketball.”
Ewing won only four games last year but is eager to get back to the program’s winning tradition in the second season under coach Amir Siddiqu.
Marcus Beaubrun is the team’s top returner scorer. Tyreek Rollins is a smart ball-handler. Jeff Jenkins brings perimeter defense. Naire Preston-Woodall came on strong toward the end of last season as a freshman.
“We are a youthful team with good team speed which will help defensively,” Sid- diqu said. “I think we have the pieces to be a multiple team, run when we get a chance or play in the half court. Our goals this season are to stay healthy and safe, have a positive experience as student-athletes, and compete.”
Hopewell Valley is also aiming for a comeback season with nine returning players, some of who battled injuries last year.
The Bulldogs’ best players are defensive stalwart Beckett Harrison, 3-point sharpshooter Jake Loughery and versatile big man Gabe Rodriguez. Kevin Ellis and Ryan Kuuskvere will step up at the guard and forward spots, respectively.
“Our chemistry and terminology are definitely a positive going into this unique season,” coach Matt Stein said. “Our identity is our toughness and playing our tempo. If we play our style, play tough defense and handle other teams’ pressure, we will be in a lot of games.”
Steinert will lean on Jaden Oldjohn, Sherief Guinyard and Sean Finnegan to grow from last year’s seven-win total.
Oldjohn is a smart, wiry guard who extends the floor, Guinyard is a rangy forward who brings athleticism and hustle, and Finnegan is a good ball-handler and 3-point shooter.
“We will pride ourselves on the team-first mentality on both sides of the ball and rely on strength in numbers,” coach Kyle Flanagan said.
Princeton should also contend as it returns a good chunk of its offensive firepower with point guard Timmy Evidente and 3-point shooter Ethan Guy.
West Windsor-Plainsboro North and South have opted to only play games within their district and won’t participate in CVC action. ALLENTOWN
Colten Ahern 6-0 Sr. F Neil DeFelice 5-11 Sr. G Sean Foley 6-6 Sr. C Justin Kobrin 5-11 Sr. G Ryan Kozlosky 6-0 So. G Jack Kulpa 5-10 Sr. G Cole Leach 5-10 Sr. G Brandon Pfeifer 6-1 Sr. G Nick Ruiz 5-9 Sr. G Dante Weise 6-1 Jr. G Ryan Woode 6-2 Jr. F Justin Marcario 6-2 Sr. F