Team: Dunellen
Coach: Steve Kania
Year: 5th
Assistant Coaches: Mike Lanza, Ron Perillo, Glen Beatty
This Year's Overall Record: 16-6
This Year's Division Record: 8-2, Tied For First Place
This Year's Conference Record: 10-4
This Year's Home Record: 10-4
This Year's Road Record: 6-2
This Year's Accomplishments: Won 13 Straight To Start Season, Won Mike Shello Holiday Tournament, Qualified for the Central Jersey Group I State Tournament, and Gold Division Co-Champions
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 13 Straight
Scoring Offense: 53.9 points per game (Ranked 19th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 47.2 points per game allowed (Ranked 1st in GMC)
Point Differential: +6.7 points per game (Ranked 7th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 65.5 (Ranked 4th)

Returning Starters: Todd DeNapoli (5'10", Sr. PG) and Tim Sweeney (6'4", Sr. C)

Returning Reserves: Lim Beltran (6'2", So. PF)

Key Losses From Last Season: Eddie Kania (6'3", F), Jacquan Barnett (5'10", G), John Scalzo (6'1", Sr. F)

Key Newcomers: Travis DeNapoli (5'10", Jr. SG/PG), Kyle Lendach (5'10", Jr. SG), Dean Hoski (6'1", SF), John Schleppenbach (6'1", Jr. SF), John Velasco (5'10", Jr. PG/SG), Mike Bartilotti (6'2", So. PF/C), and Matt Turlip (5'10", So. SG/SF)

View the Complete Dunellen Season Ledger

Summary: The Destroyers had a very successful season although it didn't finish as well as it started. For the fourth time in five years, Dunellen qualified for the Central Jersey Group I State Tournament, but were promptly knocked out in their opening round game to Keansburg, which also defeated fellow Gold Division rival, Piscataway Vo-Tech. One of the smaller schools in Middlesex County, Dunellen started out the season with the longest winning streak at the school in years. After going 13-0 though, the Destroyers became bogged down with illnesses and injuries, and ended up losing six out of their last nine games. Nevertheless, Dunellen won a share of the Gold Division crown, and its first GMC Tournament playoff game under Coach Kania. Todd DeNapoli, who now attends Susquehanna, lead the way for the Destroyers with shooting, scoring, and more importantly, play making ability. Tim Sweeney, who is attending William Paterson College, continued th yeoman like work ehtic he has had underneath for the previous two seasons. But there were others, role players such as Kyle Lendach, Dean Hoski, Travis DeNapoli, and Mike Bartilotti made big contributions as well. The one nice thing that was happening during the season at Dunellen were the fans. Members of the D-Block made every visit to the Faber Gymnasium a memorable one.

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Team: East Brunswick Vo-Tech
Coach: Rocco Funari
Year: 1st
Assistant Coaches: James Gallo
This Year's Overall Record: 8-14
This Year's Division Record: 0-10, Sixth Place
This Year's Conference Record: 0-11
This Year's Home Record: 4-7
This Year's Road Record: 4-7
This Year's Accomplishments: Won over twice as many games than last year.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 2 Straight
Scoring Offense: 42.0 points per game (Ranked Last in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 50.8 points per game allowed (Ranked 4th in GMC)
Point Differential: -8.8 points per game (Ranked 25th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 50.1 (Ranked 9th)

Returning Starters: C.J. Jones (5'8", Jr. G), Freddie Outler (5'10", Jr. G), and Manny Todd (6'2", Jr. F)

Returning Reserves: Tommy Gibson (5'7", Jr. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: T.J. Gilsenan (5'9", G)

Key Newcomers: Tim Smith (6'0", So. F), Alvaro Holguin (6'2", Jr. C), Anthony Threadgill (5'9", Jr. G), Nima Samani (5'8", Jr. G), Lawrence Cooper (5'8", Jr. G), Ty Tewksbury (5'10", Jr. G), Joe Carollo (5'9", Jr. G), and Darral Black (6'3", Jr. F)

Summary: Although the Tigers didn't win a single game in the GMC Gold, the team still showed signs of improvement over the 2003-04 season. East Brunswick Vo-Tech even made a run at qualifying for the state tournament before their hopes were dashed in a game at South Amboy. The important thing is that Rocco Funari has the kids more disciplined, and playing better defense. The Tigers won eight games including a win over Somerset Vo-Tech earlier in the season that propelled them into their holiday tournament final, where they lost to Henry Hudson. This team, which is led by the likes of C.J. Jones, Tommy Gibson, Alvaro Holguin, and Corey Segur is also very young with no seniors on the team. In addition, their best player, Darral Black didn't play most of the season since he only became eligible in February. Nevertheless, with solid wins over teams that they should handle like Warren Tech and Sussex Tech, the Tigers made an important first step in getting their program back on the right track.

Team: Perth Amboy Vo-Tech
Coach: Art Wachtel
Year: 9th
Assistant Coaches: Terry Reagan and Felix Romero
This Year's Overall Record: 13-10
This Year's Division Record: 8-2, Tied for First Place
This Year's Conference Record: 9-5
This Year's Home Record: 6-4
This Year's Road Record: 7-6
This Year's Accomplishments: Qualfied for Central Jersey Group I State Tournament, Reached Championship Game of NJ Vo-Tech Tournament, and Gold Division Co-Champions
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 3 Straight (twice)
Scoring Offense: 61.0 points per game (Ranked 7th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 54.8 points per game allowed (Ranked 14th in GMC)
Point Differential: +6.2 points per game (Ranked 8th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 48.3 (Ranked 11th)

Returning Starters: Juan De Los Santos (6'1", 175, Sr. G/F, 10.9 ppg, 5.3 rpg, 3.3 apg, 1.4 spg, and 1.4 bpg) and Roman Hernandez (5'3", 115, Sr. G, 6.5 ppg, 2.2 rpg, 2.7 apg, and 2.0 spg)

Returning Reserves: Hector Aponte (6'3", 175, Sr. F/C), Benny Gomez (5'7", 137, Jr. G), Marcos Kennedy (6'0", 152, Jr. F), and Gerardo Ortiz (5'7", 155, Jr. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: Elias Guzman (6'3", F/C, 20.8 ppg, and 9.3 rpg) and Kerwin David (6'0", F, 9.0 ppg, and 7.9 rpg)

Key Newcomers: Freddy Espinal (6'4", 230, So. C) and Jose Tavarez (5'11", 150, So. F)

View the Complete Perth Amboy Vo-Tech Season Ledger

Summary: One of the more perplexing teams last year, Perth Amboy Tech certainly provided plenty of excitement during the 2004-05 campaign. With the likes of Juan De Los Santos leading the way, it appeared that the Patriots would be a favorite to win the GMC Gold. However, with losses against Henry Hudson, South River, Academy Charter, Piscataway Vo-Tech, and Dunellen early on, Amboy Tech was 6-6 at one point in the season with the state tournament cutoff approaching. However, the Patriots responded by winning seven out of their next nine including victories over Dunellen on the road to gain a share of the GMC Gold Division crown, a thrilling come from behind win over Middlesex at home in the opening round of the GMC Tournament, and an upset win over Newark Tech in the semifinals of the New Jersey Vo-Tech Tournament. Sadly, Perth Amboy Tech didn't come away with nothing more than a share of the Gold Division as they lost to David Brearley of Kenilworth in their opening round state tournament game, and then closed out the season with a lost to Westampton Tech in the New Jersey Vo-Tech Tournament Championship.

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Team: Piscataway Vo-Tech
Coach: Karl Towns
Year: 6th
Assistant Coaches: Mahdee Najeeullah
This Year's Overall Record: 12-9
This Year's Division Record: 7-3, Third Place
This Year's Conference Record: 7-4
This Year's Home Record: 5-5
This Year's Road Record: 7-4
This Year's Accomplishments: Qualified for the Central Jersey Group I State Tournament.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 4 Straight
Scoring Offense: 58.8 points per game (Ranked 8th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 50.7 points per game allowed (Ranked 3rd in GMC)
Point Differential: +8.1 points per game (Ranked 5th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 38.4 (Ranked Tied for 22nd)

Returning Starters: James Brunson (6'2", Jr. F)

Returning Reserves: Manny Sanchez (5'9", Jr. G), David Edwards (5'9", Jr. G), and Tai Alexander (6'3", Jr. F)

Key Losses From Last Season: Charles Edwards (6'0", G), Avery Browning (6'4", F), Akeem Creese (5'8", G), Darrin James (6'5", F), Todd Brewer (6'1", F), James Armour (6'2", F) and Rhahmeir Myers (6'3", F)

Key Newcomers: Alvaro Nunez (6'3", Jr. F), Fred Worley (6'5", Jr. C), Nazir Hamid (6'7", Jr. C), Shaun Jackson (6'1", Sr. G), Xavier Colon (6'0", Jr. G), Harold Carmen (6'2", Jr. F), Charles Jackson (6'0", Jr. G), Ray Foxx (5'10", Jr. G), and Justin Braxton (6'4", Fr. F)

Summary: After dominating the Gold Division the previous two seasons, there were some doubts of whether the Raiders would be in the thick of things for the title this year that included those from this web site. However, much to Karl Towns' credit, Piscataway Vo-Tech did make a run at the division championship with a win over Perth Amboy Tech at home. But after being 8-4 at one point, the season turned ugly as the Raiders were embroiled in a controversial division matchup at Dunellen. In a game that would be eventually called, the Destroyers won. Coach Towns and his assistant were ejected, fined by the GMC, and the team was not able to compete in the Greater Middlesex Conference Tournament. On top of that, Piscataway Vo-Tech lost five of its last nine games including a sound defeat to Keansburg in their opening round game of the state tournament. Nevertheless, the team still managed to have a 12-9 overall record, and a third place finish in the division. In light of the losses to graduation and the fact that the team doesn't play in any summer or fall leagues, that is a fine accomplishment.

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Team: South Amboy
Coach: George Krzyzanowski
Year: 26th (29 years total ncluding 3 years JV)
Assistant Coaches: Gary Kuhn
This Year's Overall Record: 7-12
This Year's Division Record: 3-7, Fifth Place
This Year's Conference Record: 3-9
This Year's Home Record: 5-9
This Year's Road Record: 2-4
This Year's Accomplishments: Won more games than last year.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 2 Straight
Scoring Offense: 55.8 points per game (Ranked 15th in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 56.7 points per game allowed (Ranked 26th in GMC)
Point Differential: -4.2 points per game (Ranked 20th in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 47.5 (Ranked 12th)

Returning Starters: Joe Bartlinski (6'4", 175, Jr. G/F, 13.5 ppg), Brian Seres (5'10", 145, So. G, 16.5 ppg), and Sean Powell (6'4", 170, Jr. F/C)

Returning Reserves: Greg Stephaniuk (5'11", 160, Jr. G), Robert Mehal (6'3", 180, So., F/C), Tom Szatkowski (6'2", 155, Jr. F), and Fred Beaudry (5'11", 160, Jr. G)

Key Losses From Last Season: Bruce Martins (6'2", F)

Key Newcomers: Paul Tylek (6'4", 180, So. F/C), Mike DeJoy (5'8", 145, Jr. G), and Colin Krzyzanowski (5'11", 155, Fr. G)

View the Complete South Amboy Season Ledger

Summary: The Governors did make some strides in 2004-05 with one more win overall, but still missed a berth in the state tournament. The team does have plenty of decent young talent with the likes of Seres, Bartlinski, and Powell. Some notable wins included a victory in their holiday tournament over Keansburg, which went on to reach the semifinals of Central Jersey Group I before losing to eventual champion, Florence, and St. Peter's, which was picked by this site to finish in the top three in the division. In addition, South Amboy played very tough at home including losses to Dunellen (59-52) on opening night, South River (51-45) in the championship game of their holiday tournament, Metuchen (65-56), A.L. Johnson in overtime (80-73), Piscataway Vo-Tech (46-42), and Keansburg (64-55) in a regular season game. The team has a lot of players returning as well as some promising youngsters coming up. If South Amboy can take better care of the basketball, handle pressure, and develop a better flow to their offense, they could be better in 2005-06.

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Team: St. Peter's
Coach: Glen Fleming
Year: 4th
Assistant Coaches: Rodney Britton
This Year's Overall Record: 8-13
This Year's Division Record: 4-6, Fourth Place
This Year's Conference Record: 4-10
This Year's Home Record: 5-5
This Year's Road Record: 3-8
This Year's Accomplishments: Knocked Dunellen from the ranks of the unbeaten in upset win at home.
Longest Winning Streak Of Season: Won 2 Straight (twice)
Scoring Offense: 53.2 points per game (Ranked 22nd in GMC)
Scoring Defense: 59.9 points per game allowed (Ranked 25th in GMC)
Point Differential: -6.7 points per game (Ranked 23rd in GMC)
GMC Hoops Teamwork Rating: 12.9 (Ranked 29th)

Returning Starters: Da'Von Hickman (6'6", Sr. F), and Danny Gonzalez (6'2", Sr. F)

Returning Reserves: Marcellus Willis (5'11", Jr. G), John McLaughlin (5'11", Sr. F), Jamal Zubairu (6'0", Jr. G) and Kyle Hartland (6'0", Sr. F)

Key Losses From Last Season: Ryan Shellhamer (5'8", G), William Smith (6'0", G), and Bryce Houser (6'0", G)

Key Newcomers: Justin Alexander (6'1", Fr. F) and Colin Farrell (6'2", Jr. C)

View the Complete St. Peter's Season Ledger

Summary: The Cardinals were a bit disappointing last year, especially after getting off to a promising start with three wins in their first four games. However, things went downhill in a hurry as St. Peter's lost seven out of their next eight, and finished the year with losses in twelve of their last seventeen games. The Cardinals missed qualifying for the Non-Public B South State Tournament for the first time in three years. Considering the fact that the Redbirds had Danny Gonzalez and Da'Von Hickman returning for their senior year, the progress the program made in the previous two years took quite a setback in 2004-05. The brightest moment for the school was an upset win over Dunellen at home, which knocked the Destroyers from the ranks of the unbeaten. Dunellen was pretty much not the same team after that as they lost six of their last nine games.

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