Boys Basketball: Skyland Conference Raritan Division team capsules

IMMACULATA

Coach: Ryan McKeever, eighth season

Last season: 21-6, Somerset County Tournament semifinalist, South Non-Public B quarterfinalist. 

Lost: Jaden Honis (20.3 ppg., 7 apg.); Jordan Myers (16 ppg., 11 rpg.); Xavier Harris (5 ppg., 5 rpg.); Johnny Mallory; Pelton Esannason (5 ppg.).

Returning: Jr. Darren Tuck (6-4, 10 ppg., 5 rpg., 2 bpg.); Jr. Isaiah Honis (6-0, 5 ppg.); Jr. Devin Pombo (6-1, 4 ppg.). 

Newcomers: Sr. G Dylan Hayes (5-11); Sr. F Liam English (6-2); Sr. F Sam Swartwood (6-2); So. G Sean Givens (6-4); So. F Davis Adams (6-4); So. G Josh Williams (5-9); Jr. G Courtney Benjamin (5-10); Jr. G James Dimino (5-10). 

Outlook: Immaculata lost nine players from last year's 21-6 team that advanced to the Somerset County Tournament semifinals and the NJSIAA South Non-Public B quarterfinals. The Spartans will be young and inexperienced with only three players returning, but they will look to compete as a team night in and night out. Immaculata will rely on Tuck, Honis and Pombo's varsity exprience to lead the team. 

MONTGOMERY

Coach: Kris Grundy, 16th season

Last season: 15-12

Lost: Kye Lewis; Eric Schaar; Christian Rowan; Chris Schnackenberg. 

Roster: Sr. Chris Rubayo (15.7 ppg.); Sr. Matt Przekop (9.3 ppg.); Sr. Noah Vlacich (5.2 ppg.); Jr. Ryan Curry (13.2 ppg.); Jr. Aryan Gorty; Jr. James Moore; Jr. Cary Wong; Jr. Alex Pendrous; So. JT Simborski; So. Brian Simborski; So. Matt Levy; Fr. Josh Moore

Outlook: Montgomery is just hoping to play as many games as possible and to get through the season safely. Chris Rubayo, Ryan Curry, Noah Vlacich and Matt Przekop are the four senior captains and the Cougars will look to them to set the pace and lead the team.

NORTH HUNTERDON

Coach: Kyle Rehrig, 11th season

Last season: 9-14

Lost: Wes Reinagel; Dan Dextraze. 

Roster: Sr. G Aidan Finn (6-1); Sr. F Brandon Schifko (6-3); Sr. G Matt Lifshitz (6-0); Sr. G Sam Montemurro (5-11); Sr. G Kyle Weiss (5-11); Jr. G Evan Kuster (6-1); Jr. F Hunter Paulter (6-3); Jr. G Justin Chang (5-10); Jr. F Max Dickson (6-0); Jr. F Todd McCarron (6-2); So. G Ryan Gilhooly (6-0); So. G Trevor Brotons (6-0); So. F Jack Clancy-Mallue (6-4). 

Outlook: After losing all five starters, North Hunterdon only returns 52 total varsity points. This team is very hard working and improving every time they set foot on the court. Lack of experience could hurt the Lions, but this group plays well together and is very unselfish. North Hunterdon wants to be competitive night in and night out and be the best team it can be. The seniors have become leaders quickly and all want to see each other succeed. The Lions hope to grow and develop quickly and see the results of their hard work this year.

RIDGE

Coach: Brian Feath, 10th season

Last season: 17-9

Returning: Sr. Jake Schapiro (7.4 ppg.); Sr. Nolan Murphy; Jr. Colin Lombardi. 

Newcomers: Jr. Chris Dong; Jr. Arnav Arni; Sr. Tommy Ursino; Sr. Johnny Gannon; Sr. Jon Somar; Sr. James Feringa; Jr. Brett Astrin; Jr. Dillon DaDario; Jr. James Deady; So. Matt Fabbio; So. Bradley Feringa; So. Liam Reiss; So. Kevin Castronovo. 

Outlook: Ridge will play extremely hard and embrace every moment it has on the floor together during this shortened season. The Red Devils have a good mix of experience and newcomers that is very exciting. 

RUTGERS PREP

Coach: Matt Bloom, fourth season

Last season: 27-2, Somerset County Tournament champions, South Non-Public B finalist. 

Lost: G/F Nico Galette; G Otega Oweh (transfer); G/F Trey Patterson. 

Returning: Sr. G Noah Harris (6-8, 16 ppg., 7.3 apg., 99 3s); So. G Ryan Pettit (6-2, 56 charges taken); Sr. G/F Sebastian Charles (6-3); So. G Cam Piggeé (6-2); So. G Jordan Atkins (5-10); So. G Johnny Nsenkyire (5-9); So. G James Jackman (5-10); So. G/F Franklin Jones (6-3). 

Newcomers: Jr. G/F Donovan Long (6-6, transfer from Marist); Fr. F Jayden Jenkins (6-2); Fr. G/F DJ Clark (6-1); Fr. G Cameron Martin (5-7). 

Outlook: The Argonauts are coming off a historic 2019-20 season where they finished 27-2 and captured the Somerset County title for the first time since 1983. All-State senior captain Noah Harris returns and will be joined by a talented duo of juniors in Ryan Pettit and newcomer Donovan Long. This experienced group will be joined by last season's sixth man Sebastien Charles, and a promising core of talented freshmen guards, including Cam Piggeé and Jordan Atkins. This year the team strengths are varsity experience and leadership, chemistry, a championship culture, size, shooting and young playmakers. 

Email: lknego@gannettnj.com; on Twitter: @laurenknego

Lauren Knego covers scholastic sports for the Courier News and Home News Tribune. For unlimited access to local high school sports, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.