By Jimmy Allinder
Bishop Ahr
Bishop George Ahr High School’s girls’ basketball team will feature a new coach this season with Brittney Griffin taking over for Kevin Harper.
The former Edison High School player teaches physical education and health at Piscataway Vocational and Technical High School, taught those subjects at Bishop Ahr and has been the Trojans’ assistant coach the past five seasons.
“The days have gone by quickly since preseason tryouts began and up to now,” the Montclair State University graduate said. “We’ve been busy implementing the offense and defense, and there’s a positive buzz in the gym because of so many outstanding players — both experienced and new.”
Griffin said the work her players put in during the offseason is obvious. The team participated in the Middlesex County College Summer League and the Fall Hoop Group Showcase in Neptune, to name two initiatives. Another plus has been the addition of Griffin’s coach when she played at Edison, Patti Jaworski, who led multiple teams to championships while at Piscataway Township High School.
Much of Bishop Ahr’s success will hinge on replacing guard Jenna Harsh, who was one of the top all-around players in the history of the program. As the Trojans’ offensive quarterback, Harsh provided stability and leadership in leading the team to an 18-9 record a year ago.
The heir apparent is senior Elle Cimilluca — a four-year starter and a player Griffin considers to be the backbone of the squad.
“Elle is the leader on and off the court,” Griffin said. “She embodies everything you want in a captain, including excellent court knowledge and vision.”
Cimilluca will be joined by senior Brianna Jackson and Sara Jackson, who were both starters a year ago. Other returning players include junior guards Virginia Lagdameo and Elyssa Jackson and sophomore guard Morgan Maguire. A pair of freshmen, Emma Boslet and Megan Herka, could see significant playing time.
Members of the Greater Middlesex Conference (GMC) White Division, the Trojans open the season with games against division opponents beginning with a visit to Colonia High School Dec. 16, followed by the home opener against North Brunswick Township High School Dec. 20 and a road game with South Plainfield High School Dec. 22 before the holiday break.
Edison
The Edison boys’ basketball team comes off a 6-19 season, including a 4-10 record in the GMC White Division.
With the graduations of top scorer Brandon Radd and versatile John Zanfordino — and the departure of Haaziq Daniels, who transferred to St. John Vianney High School — the Eagles face a difficult task being competitive in the division.
Still, Charlie Mohr, who is in his 14th season as head coach, said there’s cause for optimism if for no other reason than the Eagles possess the most depth they’ve had in years.
“We had a good summer competing in the Rahway High School Summer League and have worked hard in the preseason,” he said. “We are going to use our speed and athleticism to play an up-tempo offense and pressure defense.”
Returning players who hope to crack the rotation are seniors Joe Cudakiewicz, Justin Turner, Cecil Bonds and Dominic Kurtyan. Newcomers include senior Moiz Manzoor; juniors Alkeim Raines, Ahmed Romer and Abu Kaikai; and sophomores Christian Wantong and Jaymin Vakharia.
“Wantong and Raines are newcomers who will play significant roles,” Mohr said. “We also hope to get contributions for Romer, Kaikai, Manzoor and Vakharia.”
The Eagles open with home games against White Division opponents North Brunswick Dec. 16 and New Brunswick High School Dec. 20. Before the holiday break, Edison will meet Scotch Plains-Fanwood High School Dec. 22.
Metuchen
Devan Miller is first and foremost a promising football prospect, and the Metuchen High School senior will be playing the sport at some major college.
However, the 6-foot-4 Miller is such an outstanding athlete, his first season playing basketball could impact the Bulldogs’ season immeasurably. With only one graduation loss, Metuchen hopes to be better than the team that finished 6-18 last year, which included a 1-9 record in the GMC Blue Division.
If Miller develops as quickly as head coach Guy Jensen hopes, he will join a rotation that includes senior guards Danny Flaherty and Thomas Christine, senior forward David Weiss, junior guard Riley Watkins and junior swingman Sohan Ullal.
Forwards Justin Briggs (senior), Danny Petto (junior) and Will Hronich (junior) will provide depth in the front court, while sophomores Ethan Lebovitz and Ryan Grice hope to see playing time at guard. Freshman Amari Whitehead is an athletic but raw freshman who could see playing time as he develops.
“Based on our experience, size, quickness and depth, we could have a solid season,” Jensen said. “Our physical and mental toughness will determine how far we go this year.”
Metuchen is a member of the GMC Blue Division and opens Dec. 19 at Middlesex High School. The team then has home games against South River High School Dec. 21 and Spotswood High School Dec. 23 before the holiday break.
