The New Providence Boys Basketball year is about to begin. They have lofty expectations from last year’s team that won the section and the group before losing in the Tournament of Champions. That team had many seniors and this class returns only two players who made the team last year, Owen Kovacs and Sean Dillon. The team is very young now but the infusion of young talent may spark them to another magical run. 

The team has a couple tough games this year but team captain Dillon remains hopeful and says that this team can truly compete with anyone if everyone is doing their job: “This year is gonna be a fun year. I can’t wait to get out there with the new guys and develop chemistry with them. We are just gonna play as hard as we can and the results will show for themselves.” 

“I’m really excited to get out on the court for the first time with the varsity team. We have been practicing very hard since our first practice and we remain confident in our ability. Being young means nothing to us, we want to show that New Providence is as good as last year. Maybe even better,” said Tim Walsh about their first game, December 23. 

The boys will face more challenges this year than last year, however, as they moved up a conference and will face better schools than they faced last year. James Reilly showed no fear in the increased competition when he said, “We do not care who we face this year, we just want to go out and play. We feel like the system that coach Cattano put into place will be very effective, plus our practices get us ready for game time. Like I said, we just want to go out on the court and give it our all.” 

Fans have high expectations as well:  “I expect to have another very good season, I can’t wait to come to every home game and cheer the team on. My fellow classmates are also playing on the team now so I have even more of a reason to be excited” said Will Parker.  It looks like our team will be up for the challenge of recreating the magical season from last year.