The holiday season is in full swing, and with that brings the beginning of winter sports for NPHS. It’s a fresh and exciting time as teams get their seasons underway, and here’s how last week went for the Pioneers.

Boys Basketball 

Boys basketball started their season with an intense game in Rahway. The Pioneers started off with a strong first half, before Rahway closed the gap late. In a back and forth game, Rahway came out on top 61-60. Senior Matt Demareski had 22 points, but it wasn’t enough as the Pioneers dropped to 0-1. This week features two big games, as Summit comes to town on 12/21, and the team visits Millburn on 12/23 before Christmas break.

Girls Basketball 

The girls basketball team enters the 2021-2022 season with extremely high expectations. The team received the number 8 ranking in the state, and looks to win some hardware after last season’s championships were canceled by COVID. The season started with a bang, as the girls defeated Nutley 60-19 led by a 20 point performance from junior Meghan Lamanna. The team then had the opportunity to play in the Crusader Showcase, hosted by Morris Catholic, facing another top 10 team in Ramapo. The team started well, but Ramapo got hot from the three point line, taking a 12 point lead into halftime. That lead was never relinquished, as NP fell 54-33. The Pioneers have one lone game before Christmas break, a road trip to Roselle Catholic on 12/21.

Boys and Girls Swimming

The swim season began on December 1st, and the team has been competing against the top talent of Union County. The boys sit at 0-3, after defeats to Westfield, Summit and Scotch Plains. The girls have suffered the same fate, with an additional loss to Mount Saint Mary’s. Despite the rough start, the schedule gets easier from here, with a long break before both squads next game on 1/6. 

Indoor Track

The Indoor Track team has begun its preparations for what should be a successful season. The team mixes some senior experience, with good youth, and looks to continue the track and field success that New Providence has shown. The season gets underway next week, in Staten Island.

Wrestling 

The Pioneers wrestling squad opens their season 12/20 against Linden. The team is looking to build off of some late season success last season, returning most of the squad from last year.

Hockey (Co-Op With GL)

The hockey season is well underway, and the co-op of Governor Livingston and New Providence is building off of its success from last season. The team sits at 5-1, and is ranked 19th in the state. The most recent game was a big time clash with Morristown. The team came out victorious 2-0, behind a game winning goal from junior Brandon Cuccaro, and a 27-save shutout from senior Shane Cook. It was Cook’s second straight shutout. The attention now turns to a key Union County clash with summit on 12/20, before the team takes their holiday break.