Cougars beat Pope John, 78-74

The Kittatinny Regional High School boys basketball team posted its first win of the season Friday, Dec. 27, defeating Pope John, 78-74.

Senior center Connor Logan contributed 32 points, followed by sophomore guard Michael Strong with 25 and sophomore forward Justin Bair with 11.

The Cougars lost their first four games to Dover, Hopatcong, Kinnelon and High Point.

They will face Morris Tech there at 4 p.m. Friday, Jan. 3.

Key returning players this year include Logan, Strong, and senior guards Joey DePaola and Luke Kramer.

Among the promising newcomers are Bair, junior forward Vinny Falchetta, and sophomores Mason Reed (guard), Tyler Coombs (guard), Lucas Inglima (forward) and Hayden Thibault (guard).

“Connor, Luke and Michael were the team’s clear picks for captains,’’ head coach Mike Lupo said. “Each of them have had a very strong off-season.

“They lead vocally and by example and have earned the respect of their teammates. Connor Logan, our senior big man, is hopefully going to have a big season.’’

The Cougars posted an overall record of 4-20 in 2023-24 season.

This season, they compete in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Colonial Division along with Hopatcong, Dover, Newton, Sussex Tech and North Warren.

“I’d like to see our seniors steer the ship and our young core of players step up,’’ Lupo said.

“Dover and Newton had the best performance in the Hopatcong Summer League that we all played in.’’