Team: Bishop Ahr
Coach: Dennis O'Keefe
Year: 13th
Assistant Coaches: Bob Johnston, Rocky Prosdocimo, Tom Roarty
This Year's Overall Record: 13-10
This Year's Division Record: 11-3, 2nd Place
This Year's Conference Record: 12-5
This Year's Home Record: 5-4
This Year's Road Record: 8-6
This Year's Accomplishments: Qualified for the South Jersey Parochial A State Tournament and Finished Second In Blue
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 6 Straight
Scoring Offense: 53.4 points per game (Ranked 20th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 53.1 points per game allowed (Ranked Tied for 6th in GMC)
Point Differential: +0.3 points per game (Ranked 15th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 45.7 (Ranked 14th)

Returning Starters: Ernst Ambroise (6'3", 185, Jr. F, 6 ppg) and Corey Francisco (6'3", 185, So. G, 10 ppg)

Returning Reserves: Adam Drici (6'3", 190, Sr. C), Elie Maroun (5'10", 145, Sr. G, 3 ppg), and Chris Ciardello (6'0", 175, Sr. F)

Key Losses From Last Season: Mario Campo (5'7", Sr. G, 12 ppg), Steve Holmes (5'9", Sr. G, 11 ppg), and Keenan Thomas (6'4", Sr. F, 9 ppg)

Key Newcomers: Wesley Buffalo (6'1", 160, Jr. G, 11 ppg--JV), Dan Hurley (6'2", 230, So. F), Drew Newcomb (5'8", Sr. G)

View the Bishop Ahr Season Ledger

Summary: The Trojans got off to a rather promising start that included wins in nine of their first twelve games, a six game winning streak that started with a sound win over rival J.F. Kennedy, and an appearance in the GMC Hoops Top Ten. Wins included a last second upset win at Monroe, and on the road at Metuchen. However, a tough late season loss in an interdivisional game with crosstown rival, J.P. Stevens, cost Ahr a higher seed in the GMC Tournament, and put the team in reverse as they dropped seven out of their last eleven games including four straight to end the season. Nevertheless, the Trojans had their best season in the Blue yet with a 11-3 mark, and with their core players Francisco, Ambroise, and Buffalo returning, steady role players like Dan Hurley back, and a solid group of youngsters coming up in Figueredo, Uszenski, Rooney, and Williamson, BGA should be right back in the thick of things again in 2005-06.

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Team: Cardinal McCarrick
Coach: Joe Lewis
Year: 10th
Assistant Coaches: Pat Kennedy, Darrel Pratt, Mike Biabalo, and Kevin Burns
This Year's Overall Record: 23-5
This Year's Division Record: 14-0, First Place
This Year's Conference Record: 18-4
This Year's Home Record: 12-1
This Year's Road Record: 11-4
This Year's Accomplishments: Won Second Non-Public South B Tournament in Three Years, Won GMC Hoops Trophy, Third Consecutive Blue Division Title, and Eighth Consecutive Division Title (5 straight in Gold), Second Straight Season Undefeated in GMC Blue, and Third Straight 20+ win season.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 17 Straight
Scoring Offense: 72.7 points per game (Ranked 1st in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 58.2 points per game allowed (Ranked 21st in GMC)
Point Differential: +14.5 points per game (Ranked 1st in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 66.3 (Ranked 3rd)

Returning Starters: Kevin Olivieri (6'1", 170, Sr. G) and Donnie Reid (5'11", 160, Sr. G)

Returning Reserves: J.V. Obaze (6'4", 185, Sr. C) and Steve Liberty (5'10", 170, Sr. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: Billy Wagner (6'4", F), Mike Garcia (6'0", G), Marcus Jones (5'9", G), and Yarek Koslowski (5'10", G)

Key Newcomers: Vincente Rosario (5'10", 165, So. G), Alex Batista (6'1", 185, Jr. F), Mike Costello (6'4", 180, Jr. F), Rolffi Canela (5'7", 150, So. G), and Steve Calvarusso (6'0", 170, Jr. G)

View the Cardinal McCarrick Season Ledger

Summary: The Eagles had another fine run in 2004-05 with their first ever GMC Hoops Trophy, second state sectional title in three years, and third consecutive Blue Division title as well as their eighth consecutive division title overall. The team actually had a slightly better overall record (23-5) than the memorable team led by Mika Wilson two years ago that won the school's first ever conference tournament crown (23-6). Depsite losing the likes of Wilson, Jose Rosario, Mike Garcia, and Billy Wagner to graduation the past two seasons, the Eagles still managed to undefeated in division play for the second consecutive year, and extended their consecutive division game winning streak to 29 dating back to their last, and only loss ever in Blue Division play to date against Spotswood in February, 2003. If McCarrick can manage win another eleven straight, the Eagles will set a new mark for consecutive wins in the Blue with 40 breaking the current mark by Carteret with 39. However, that will be very tough to do with a much more competitive Blue in 2005-06 with the likes of a solid Metuchen team returning most of its players from last year, and Bishop Ahr, which still has its key player from 2004-05. The Eagles will also have to get back to their trademark stingy in your face defense, which took a bit of a hit from last year as McCarrick, which led the conference in scoring and point differential, played a more up-tempo style. The Eagles registered a couple impressive victories on the schedule by defeating Columbia of Maplewood in the South Brunswick/Roselle Catholic Christmas Tournament, and East Brunswick on the road in mid-season.

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Team: Highland Park
Coach: Tom Scalafani
Year: 2nd
Assistant Coaches: Glenn Kertes and Rich Mcglen
This Year's Overall Record: 6-14
This Year's Division Record: 4-10, Tied for Fifth Place
This Year's Conference Record: 4-12
This Year's Home Record: 3-6
This Year's Road Record: 3-8
This Year's Accomplishments: Won more games both overall and in division than last year.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 2 Straight (twice)
Scoring Offense: 47.3 points per game (Ranked 28th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 56.7 points per game allowed (Ranked 18th in GMC)
Point Differential: -9.4 points per game (Ranked 27th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 31.8 (Ranked 27th)

Returning Starters: Alieu Bangura (6'7",180, Jr. F), Josh Price (6'3", 175, Sr. F) and Anson Devonish (6'0", 170, Sr. F)

Returning Reserves: Wesley Hedden (5'11", 165, So. G), Rob Hrapsky (6'0", 180, Sr. G), Reuven Szleifer (6'3", 180, Sr. G), Isaac Gable-Frank (5'10", 160, Sr. G), Rafieu Deen-Cole (5'9", 150, Sr. G), and Sam Wolpert (6'4", 160, Jr. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: Anthony Bey (6'2", G), Al-Tariq Stephenson (5'7", G), and Ben Masur (5'9",G)

Key Newcomers: Nick Wimberley (5'10", 150, Jr. G), Cecilio Luciano (5'10", 150, Jr. G), Robert Rubenstein (5'10", 155, So. G), and Mike Burwell (6'1", 150, Fr. G)

View the Highland Park Season Ledger

Summary: The Owls improved a bit over the previous season by winning two more games while losing no more than they did in 2003-04. Highland Park also score a big upset by knocking off South River at home. The Rams were 8-1 going into that game. The Owls also finished the season with three wins in their last four games, and did their best to salvage what they could after starting out 0-5 on the campaign. Highland Park's other significant win on the year was against Princeton of the Colonial Valley Conference although the Little Tigers are no where near the juggernaut they were in the early to mid 1990's. They even made an almost incredulous comeback against Edison in the second game of the season with a frantic fourth quarter rally that just came up short in a 68-60 loss at home to the Eagles. The Owls, which are two years removed from a scandal that cost them a berth in the state tournament, have some promising new faces to compliment veterans returning. Mike Burwell, Cecilio Luciano, Robert Rubenstein, and Bryan Graciano are all returning along with senior pivot man, Alieu Bangura. HP should be more improved in 2005-06.

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Team: J.F. Kennedy
Coach: Jamie Panko
Year: 2nd
Assistant Coaches: Jerry Smith
This Year's Overall Record: 4-17
This Year's Division Record: 3-11, Tied for Seventh Place
This Year's Conference Record: 4-15
This Year's Home Record: 2-6
This Year's Road Record: 2-11
This Year's Accomplishments: None
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 1 Straight
Scoring Offense: 53.4 points per game (Ranked 21st in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 65.8 points per game allowed (Ranked Last in GMC)
Point Differential: -12.4 points per game (Ranked 29th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 39.0 (Ranked 21st)

Returning Starters: Eliot Solop (6'5", 190, Sr. F) and Marc Terantino (5'10", 145, Sr. F)

Returning Reserves: Cory Rosenbuam (6'4", 215, Jr. C), Kevin Markussen (5'9", 168, Sr. G), and Vincent Marciano (5'11", 130, So. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: Bobby Jorgensen (6'3", F), Damien Gordon (5'10", G), Walter Smith (5'9", G), Nick Wahl (6'1", G/F), and Brian Nathanson (6'3", F)

Key Newcomers: Kyle Dunich (6'5", 190, Sr. F), Mike Gaudin (5'11, 190, Sr. F), Tim Reilly (6'0", 165, Sr. F), David Annetta (5'8", 150, Jr. G), Juan Carillo (5'10", 165, Jr. F), Miguel Otchere (5'8", 170, Jr. F), Mike Richie (5'11", 185, Jr. F), Daniel Brown (5'9", 130, So, G), and Mike Terantino (5'8", 149, So. G)

View the J.F. Kennedy Season Ledger

Summary: Considering the fact that the Mustangs had Eliot Solop returning from injury, key veteran players coming back in 2004-05, and moving down to the Blue Division from the usually tougher GMC White, JFK was one of the disappointments in the GMC in 2004-05. Hampered by turnovers, and ranked down at the bottom in point differential and scoring defense, the Mustangs dug too deep a hole for them to get out of with losses in ten of their first thirteen contests. In all fairness though, J.F. Kennedy was without one of its top younger players from the previous season as J'Ron McDowell was academically ineligible. The Mustangs did have some positive moments with a win in the consolation game of the Gene Haley Tournament over host school Edison, and gave Woodbridge all it could handle before losing the game, which gave the crosstown rival Barrons its first playoff berth in six years, and second since 1989. The future does look bright though for the Mustangs with youngsters such as Vinnie Marciano and Shawn Hendricks returning in 2005-06 as well as a solid group of sophomores led by Chris Galadyk and Jelani Davis that won the Perth Amboy/GMC Freshman Tournament.

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Team: Metuchen
Coach: Rich Stoner
Year: 1st
Assistant Coaches: Not Available
This Year's Overall Record: 17-9
This Year's Division Record: 8-6, Fourth Place
This Year's Conference Record: 12-8
This Year's Home Record: 7-4
This Year's Road Record: 10-5
This Year's Accomplishments: Qualified for State Tournament for the first time since 1988, Reached Central Jersey Group I Final, Won Roselle Park Holiday Tournament, Won twice as many games than last year in both division and overall, and upset Bishop Ahr and South River.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 3 Straight
Scoring Offense: 63.8 points per game (Ranked 4th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 58.9 points per game allowed (Ranked 23rd in GMC)
Point Differential: +4.9 points per game (Ranked 11th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 39.2 (Ranked Tied for 19th)

Returning Starters: Kevin Rush (6'1", Sr. G), Jerry Nichols (6'1", Sr. G), and Steve Thomas (6'3", Jr. F)

Returning Reserves: Lamar Nichols (6'0", So. F), Marquis Blakely (6'2", Jr. F), Nick Storts (6'1", Jr. F), and Eddy Darrah (6'1", Sr. F)

Key Losses From Last Season: Keith Walker (6'5", C)

Key Newcomers: Dejuan Miller (6'1", Fr. F)

Summary: It was quite a year for Metuchen Boys Basketball as the Bulldog hoopsters not only returned to the state tournament for the first time in 17 years, but also advanced to the championship, where the last Bulldog state qualifying team ended up in 1988 when it defeated Manville. This time, however, the Bulldogs would come up short in a tough loss to Group I state power, Florence, which had defeated Central Jersey Group III finalist, Hamilton several weeks earlier in a tune-up game. Nevertheless, Metuchen won ten more games overall than it did the year before while losing seven fewer games to end up 17-9. The Bulldogs almost knocked off Cardinal McCarrick in South Amboy while defeating Bishop Ahr and South River (CJ Group I Semifinals) on the road. They also won their first holiday tournament in a number of years while defeating state playoff qualifiers Keansburg and Perth Amboy Vo-Tech, and handling Red Division foe, Edison at home. With much of their talented roster returning including Marquis Blakeley, DeJuan Miller, Steve Thomas, Jon Brown, and Lamar Nichols, expect bigger things from the Bulldogs in 2005-06.

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Team: Middlesex
Coach: Michael Hayes
Year: 3rd (8th overall)
Assistant Coaches: Kerry Ferrell, Dereal Finklin, and Jason McCann
This Year's Overall Record: 9-12
This Year's Division Record: 4-10, Tied for Fifth Place
This Year's Conference Record: 6-12
This Year's Home Record: 3-5
This Year's Road Record: 6-7
This Year's Accomplishments: Won over twice as many games as last year. Upset Dunellen in season finale.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 4 Straight
Scoring Offense: 49.0 points per game (Ranked 27th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 53.8 points per game allowed (Ranked 9th in GMC)
Point Differential: -4.8 points per game (Ranked 22nd in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 46.1 (Ranked 13th)

Returning Starters: Authnel Reid (5'10", Sr. G), Albert Carter (5'11", Sr. G), and David Earl (6'3", Sr. C)

Returning Reserves: Wesley Johnson (6'2", Sr. F), , Vinny Falcicchio (6'1", Jr. G/F), and Gary Brenner (6'1", Jr. F)

Key Losses From Last Season: Lewis Bland (6'0", G/F), Matt La Vigne (6'1", F), and Nick Schneider (6'0", F)

Key Newcomers: Jabree Sunkins (6'0", Jr. G/F), Robbie Tolomeo (6'3", Jr. C), Vincent Casale (5'10", Jr. G), Phil Barnes (6'3", Jr. F), Jonathan Chapparo (5'10", Sr. G), Steve LoRe (6'0", Jr. F), and Stpehen Powell (5'11", Jr. G/F)

Summary: While not qualifying for the state tournament for the third consecutive year, the Blue Jays did make some progress including a win over Dunellen late in the season, and twice as many wins as the year before. They also gave Perth Amboy Tech quite a scare in the opening round of the GMCT before losing in overtime, 67-64. Middlesex also experienced a four game winning streak that included a win over Metuchen. The Blue Jays were undefeated in non-conference play, and were closer to .500 on the road (6-7) than at home (3-5). They were even actually in the top ten in the GMC in scoring defense. Although Jabree Sunkins will not be returning, players such as Robbie Tolomeo, Vinny Casale, Phil Barnes, and Gary Brenner as well as upcoming newcomers like sophomore John Stockton will make the Blue Jays competitive again in 2005-06.

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Team: South River
Coach: Michael Del Aversano
Year: 1st as Head Coach (4th year overall with three as an assistant)
Assistant Coaches: Mike Daly, Rafael Rocha, and Dave Davidson
This Year's Overall Record: 16-8
This Year's Division Record: 9-5, Third Place
This Year's Conference Record: 12-8
This Year's Home Record: 7-3
This Year's Road Record: 9-5
This Year's Accomplishments: Qualfied for the Central Jersey Group II State Tournament for the first time in 10 years, Reached Semifinals of Central Jersey Group I State Tournament, Won South Amboy Holiday Tournament, Best finish in GMC Blue in over five years, and Won more games both overall and in division than last year.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 8 Straight
Scoring Offense: 54.0 points per game (Ranked 18th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 54.1 points per game allowed (Ranked 11th in GMC)
Point Differential: -0.1 points per game (Ranked 16th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 41.6 (Ranked 18th)

Returning Starters: Zyhair Dotson (6'0", 195, Sr. F, 9.0 ppg, 7.4 rpg, 1.5 apg, and 1.3 spg) and Eric McDaniel (5'10", 180, Sr. PG, 6.4 ppg, 2.6 rpg, 2.6 apg, and 1.1 spg)

Returning Reserves: Danny Kosko (6'0", 175, Sr. G), Horace Hill (6'3", 210, Jr. C), Joe LaSala (6'1", 175, So. F), and Matt Malgieri (5'8", 170, Sr. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: Tyreek Robinson (5'10" G, 4.5 ppg, 4.8 rpg, 2.0 apg, and 1.1 spg), Lee Matech (6'3" C, 7.7 ppg, 6.5 rpg, 1.0 apg, and 1.0 bpg), Robert Hickey (5'11" F, 9.1 ppg, 4.8 rpg, and 1.5 apg), and J.J. Adelino (5'9", G, 7.3 ppg, 4.6 rpg, 3.7 apg, and 1.7 spg)

Key Newcomers: Ron Litz (5'11, 215, Jr. G), Marty McGough (5'10", 175, Jr. G), Jason Martin, (6'1", 290, Jr. F), Horace Hill (6'3", 210, Jr. C), Emil Imbriano (5'11", 235, Jr. F), and Matt Malgieri (5'8", 170, Sr. G).

View the South River Season Ledger

Summary: The season appeared to start out with much promise for the Rams as they won eight straight. Many of those wins were close encounters including 42-35 victory over Spotswood and a 51-45 win over host school South Amboy in the South Amboy Christmas Tourney. They added to that a five point win over Metuchen, and a six point win at Perth Amboy Vo-Tech before they were blitzed by Cardinal McCarrick, which put in their best defensive effort of the year in a 74-30 rout. Then, South River followed that up with a tough upset loss on the road at Highland Park. After that, the Rams were really not the same as they finished their last 16 games with an 8-8 mark. Nevertheless, South River did manage to garner a third place finish in the Blue, a holiday tournament championship with their victories in the South Amboy Tournament, and they advanced to the semifinal round of the Central Jersey Group I State Tournament before losing to Metuchen, which they defeated twice during the regular season.

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Team: Spotswood
Coach: Steve Mate
Year: 10th
Assistant Coaches: Danny Fredericks and Mike Kneller
This Year's Overall Record: 4-16
This Year's Division Record: 3-11, Tied for Seventh Place
This Year's Conference Record: 3-15
This Year's Home Record: 3-5
This Year's Road Record: 1-11
This Year's Accomplishments: None
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 2 Straight
Scoring Offense: 45.6 points per game (Ranked 29th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 55.0 points per game allowed (Ranked 15th in GMC)
Point Differential: -9.4 points per game (Ranked Tied for 26th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 23.7 (Ranked 28th)

Returning Starters: Greg Becker (6'0", 160, Sr. G), Mike Dubovick (5'9", 175, Sr. G), and John Dubovick (6'1", 180, Sr. G)

Returning Reserves: Bill Becker (6'0", Sr. G/F), Travis Retzloff (6'1", Sr. F/C), Rob Thuring (5'10", Jr. G), Steve Curry (5'10", Sr. G), and Steve Abbott (5'8", Sr. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: Tim Logan (6'0", G), Dan Osofsky (6'0", G), Ricki Pace (6'0", G), Bob Sannwaldt (6'1", F), Ryan Scanlon (5'11", G), and Eric Hines (6'1", F)

Key Newcomers: Bryan Osofsky (5'9", 165, So. G), Zack Olesinski (5'11", Jr. G), and Mike Hohman (5'7", So. G)

View the Spotswood Season Ledger

Summary: The 2004-05 season was a rebuilding one for the Chargers, which had enjoyed tremendous success over the previous four seasons. Nevertheless, Spotswood did score some upset wins during the year with a resounding 65-45 win over J.F. Kennedy early on in the season, and then got their last win of the year on the road against an improved Middlesex team that had previously beaten Metuchen, 61-54. The Chargers won three of their four games at home as the younger squad trying to start anew after graduation losses like Tim Logan, Dan Osofsky, Ricki Pace, Jean Georges, and Dave Curry finally took their toll. However, look for Spotswood to make some improvement in 2005-06. The team reached the finals of the Middlesex County College Summer League in 2005 before losing to another surprising Blue Division team, Highland Park.

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