March 16, 2025
By Joseph Brennen
Staff Writer
The boys basketball team ended its season on Feb. 27 with a 75-76 loss in the first round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association Tournament in a home game against Ridgefield Park High School. During what some regarded as a rebuilding year, the team finished with a regular season record of 16-10.
Junior center Samuel Ijeh, who is in his second year on varsity, credits the players’ success to their chemistry and teamwork.
“At first, we all felt like we could do our own stuff, but as we [realized] we needed to work together, that also brought our bond closer,” Ijeh said.
He said he is optimistic about next season.
“I know everybody on this team. I know what we’re capable of. I feel like we can go for way more,” Ijeh said.
He said he hopes to take what he learned from the team’s shortcomings in the state tournament into the next season.
“From the starters to the bench, everybody [got] engaged in the game.”
“We tried our hardest, but I think we can do way better,” Ijeh said. “I have a lot of hope for next year because we’ll learn from what we did wrong this year.”
Junior guard Devin Mathis, who is in his first year on varsity, said he is not discouraged by those who doubt the team’s ability.
“I don’t think it’s important to prove anybody wrong because, at the end of the day, we’re doing it for us, not them,” Mathis said.
He said the Jan. 17 away game at Weehawken High School boosted the team’s confidence and morale. In the 68-61 upset, freshman guard Avery Cano led in steals and LHS’ defense prevented a win for Weehawken.
“After I saw what we could do against a good team with teamwork and communication, I was like, ‘We could beat anybody we really want. It doesn’t really matter who steps in our way,’” Mathis said.
He said the players’ communication was one of their strongest qualities this season.
“The way we work together during practice, how we talk to each other [and] communicate, that’s why we win games,” Mathis said.
Junior guard Johnny Chaname, who is in his second year on varsity, said every player contributed to the team’s success.
“From the starters to the bench, everybody [got] engaged in the game,” Chaname said.
He said he values the impact this year’s seniors, Shawn Bellenger and Marco Bermudez, have made on the team.
“We’re definitely going to miss our seniors from this year because of everything that they gave us,” Chaname said. “I particularly appreciate the camaraderie and chemistry that we built throughout the season.”
With only two out of 15 players graduating this year, Chaname said he is confident the team will be successful in the upcoming seasons.
“We are definitely going to play a big role in the years to come,” Chaname said. “Our future is really bright.”
