Boys’ Basketball Back at It

 

Two points – one simple layup – ended the 2012-2013 Verona High School Boys’ Basketball team’s hopes of winning a state championship last year, as they were upset by number 12 seeded Becton 48-46.

This year’s Verona team plans to build on last year’s momentum and to make a much farther run in this year’s state tournament.  Playing in a new conference last season, Verona earned themselves a number five seed in the state tournament.   With the entire starting five players from last year returning, the team feels as though it is in a good position to make a run for the championship.

“The thing is everyone on varsity is extremely talented; we all make each other work harder because no one feels safe,” explained senior captain Alex Kaslander.  Along with Alex, senior captains Matt Braschi and Luke Weiss lead an experienced Hillbillies squad this year, which features five seniors.

Along with achieving the team’s goals, Alex Kaslander is chasing his own milestone entering the season only 160 points away from 1000 for his career.

“Looking at this year’s group makes me think of the 2009 team; we have tons of potential,” explained Hillbilly coach Eric MacElroy, who is entering his twelfth year coaching basketball at VHS.  Adding even more depth to an already deep bench this year is a transfer from Bergen Catholic, junior William Mulderry, will provide even more competition among the numerous players fighting for starting spots and playing time.

“I am really excited to see the intensity from this year’s team, even in practice,” said senior Tommy DeNicola.

“There has to be around seven different guys competing for basically two spots this year which says a lot about our team,” remarked Matt Braschi.  The team kicks off its season in mid-December against Weequahic.  Although this will surely be a veteran-dominated team this year the future looks bright for the Hillbillies as well – 27 freshmen tried out this year.  In response, the Verona Board of Education brought back the freshman team.   Prior to this year, there was no freshmen team and the freshmen had to compete with older players for junior varsity time.

With the experience and depth of this year’s team the feat of winning a sectional championship, not accomplished since 2009, seems within reach to many of the players.

However, after last year’s disappointment and early exit from the tournament, this year’s Verona team has to prove that it is championship material.