Kittatinny boys basketball team places 4th in division

There was nothing fake about Kittatinny Regional High School boys basketball program this year.

The tough competition that the Cougars faced, the strong effort that the team gave and the pride that the players can have knowing that they achieved double-digit wins on the court with a difficult schedule are all real.

Kittatinny won 10 victories overall and the team went 5-5 in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Colonial Division, placing fourth.

“We had some quality wins over some very tough opponents,’’ head coach Patrick McCarney said. “Our best wins were over Morris Hills (35-33 on Dec. 27), Kinnelon (59-58 on Jan. 31),= and Waldwick (47-44 on Feb. 20).’’

Leadership was key to keeping the ship steady.

“Caedon Jones, Mike Zoellner and Jackson Choma really took an active role in leading the team this year,’’ McCarney said. “All three were vocal leaders and were a big part of what we preach both on and off the court.’’

The coach proudly mentioned the student athletes who were among those who showed constant improvements from the very first practice through the last game of the season.

“Hunter Thibault became a solid two-way player for us toward the end of the season, playing very good defense, scoring the ball more and becoming a better rebounder,’’ he said. “Connor Logan was a sophomore who entered the starting lineup midway through the season and did some really nice things this year. Shane Carman stepped into a starting role as a freshman for the last three games of the season and showed some potential as well.’’

Kittatinny advanced to the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North 1 Group 1 Sectional Tournament quarterfinal round before being defeated by Cresskill on Feb. 22.

Two days earlier, the Cougars topped Waldwick, 47-44, in the first round of sectionals. Cresskill went on to win the sectional championship.

Kittatinny is looking forward to the 2023-24 season while fondly remembering the contributions of the senior class.

“We lose four seniors who all had big roles this year, so next season will be interesting,’’ McCarney said. “We did get good minutes from four guys who will be returning in Hunter Thibault, Brady Strong, Connor Logan and Shane Carman, and there are a few incoming freshmen who we are excited about.’’