2022-23 GMC Gold Division Previews

School:  Calvary Christian

Team Nickname:  Lions

Head Coach:  Mike Wilkerson (8th Season)

Career Coaching Record:  74-83

Coaching Record At School:  74-83

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  20th

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  1st

Last Year’s Overall Record: 13-11

Last Year’s Division Record:  8-6 (4th in GMC Gold)

Last Year’s Conference Record:  10-9

Last Year’s PPG:  51.8 (22nd in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  48.5 (5th in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG:  3.3 (14th in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  Won Valley Forge Invitational Holiday Tournament andQualified for the Non-Public B South State Tournament

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  Raritan Bay Summer League

Key Players Returning:  Jack Zink (20.0 ppg – 7th in GMC in 2021-22 and 923 career points or 14.7 ppg), Timothy Cranga (296 career points or 5.7 ppg), Kyle Durkin, and Kevin Lincoln.

Key Players Lost:  Isaiah Jones (10.0 ppg in 2021-22 and 765 career points or 8.6 ppg), Lucas Durkin (340 career points or 4.7 ppg) and Eli Fahmy.

Key Newcomers:  Joshua Stephens, Jeremiah Cachie, Michael Schafer, and Hudson Gosselin.

Players Playing in College:  N/A

View the 2022-23 Calvary Christian Lions Boys Basketball Roster

View the Calvary Christian Lions Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 Calvary Christian Lions Boys Basketball Schedule

View the Calvary Christian Lions 1,000 Point Scorers

Summary:  With the likes of Timothy Christian and Wardlaw moving up to the Blue Division, Perth Amboy Magnet decimated by graduation, and one of the top scorers in the GMC returning in Jack Zink, Calvary Christian appears to be the favorite to win its first division title since joining the GMC during the 2018-19 season.  Timothy Cranga, Kyle Durkin, and Kevin Lincoln also return this season.  Losing three key starters from a year ago will hurt.  Hopefully newcomers Joshua Stephens, Jeremiah Cachie, Michael Schafer, and Hudson Gosselin can step up to fill the void.


School:  Dunellen

Team Nickname:  Destroyers

Head Coach:  Howie Horowitz (8th Season)

Career Coaching Record:  83-87

Coaching Record At School:  83-87

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  30th

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  5th

Last Year’s Overall Record: 2-20

Last Year’s Division Record:  0-12 (7th in GMC Blue)

Last Year’s Conference Record:  0-17

Last Year’s PPG:  30.8 (32nd in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  62.2 (25th in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG:  -31.5 (32nd in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  None.

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  Bound Brook Summer League

Key Players Returning:  Eric Greene, Tarique Dorsey, Jordan Diaz, Joel Cruz-Maiza, Luke Peterson, Danny Watts, Anthony Hatz, and Ryan Hutchins

Key Players Lost:  Benny Hernandez 

Key Newcomers:  Elijah Duplesis and Mark Stein

Players Playing in College:  Tyje’ Kelton (Monroe JC in New York)

View the 2022-23 Dunellen Destroyers Boys Basketball Roster

View the Dunellen Destroyers Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 Dunellen Destroyers Boys Basketball Schedule

View the Dunellen Destroyers 1,000 Point Scorers

View the Dunellen Destroyers Sectional Championships

View the Dunellen Destroyers State Championships and State Finals Appearances

Summary:  The Destroyers took their lumps in the GMC Blue last year and over the summer at the Bound Brook Summer League, but they are hoping to be better for it this season.  Having a more experienced squad returning, and moving down into the familiar confines of the GMC Gold, Dunellen looks to have a lot more success in 2022-23.  DHS only lost one key player from a year ago, and many of these same returning players helped it improve a bit during football season.  There’s nowhere to go but up for Dunellen.


School:  East Brunswick Magnet

Team Nickname:  Tigers

Head Coach:  Ben Badeen (1st Season)

Career Coaching Record:  0-0

Coaching Record At School:  0-0

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  32nd

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  7th

Last Year’s Overall Record: 6-18

Last Year’s Division Record:  4-10 (Tied for 6th in GMC Blue)

Last Year’s Conference Record:  5-12

Last Year’s PPG:  43.4 (26th in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  58.2 (22nd in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG:  -14.8 (27th in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  Doubled 2020-21 season win total.

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  N/A

Key Players Returning:  Scott Pede (11.4 ppg in 2021-22 and 425 career points or 10.6 ppg), Estevan Atanacio (206 career points or 6.2 ppg), Juel Holmes-Smith, and Justin Noon.

Key Players Lost:  Ryan Sutton (201 career points or 6.3 ppg), Juan Hernandez, Brett Allo, and Jarryd Pribila.

Key Newcomers:  Tyrese Pompey and Tyrique Pompey

Players Playing in College:  N/A

View the 2022-23 East Brunswick Magnet Tigers Boys Basketball Roster

View the East Brunswick Magnet Tigers Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 East Brunswick Magnet Tigers Boys Basketball Schedule

View the East Brunswick Magnet Tigers 1,000 Point Scorers

Summary:  East Brunswick Magnet is one of three teams in this newly reconstructed GMC Gold Division that is going through its third coaching change in as many seasons.  Last year’s head coach, Matt O’Brien, who looked to have the Tigers heading in the right direction after helping the team double its win total from the COVID shortened 2021 season, stepped down to become the new head coach at Matawan.  Nevertheless, leading scorer Scott Pede is back along with junior Estevan Atanacio along with newcomers Tyrese and Tyrique Pompey.  So, EB Tech’s new head coach, Ben Badeen is optimistic.


School:  Highland Park

Team Nickname:  Owls

Head Coach:  Kambui Little (4th Season)

Career Coaching Record:  11-48

Coaching Record At School:  11-48

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  30th

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  4th

Last Year’s Overall Record: 7-18

Last Year’s Division Record:  4-8 (Tied for 5th in GMC Blue)

Last Year’s Conference Record:  5-13

Last Year’s PPG:  41.9 (28th in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  51.8 (9th in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG:  -9.9 (25th in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  Advanced to the GMCT Preliminary Round and Qualified for CJ Group 1 State Tournament

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  Odie Page Summer League

Key Players Returning:  Daniel Starcevic (8.6 ppg, 7.3 rpg and 2.1 bpg in 7 games before injury), Evangelos Kambitsis, and Phillip Wilson.

Key Players Lost:  Ewan Haley-Lock (12.8 ppg in 2021-22 and 488 career points or 9.6 ppg), Matthew Brzozowski (280 career points or 6.4 ppg), Skyler Mack (213 career points or 4.3 ppg), and Faizon Morris (204 career points or 4.1 ppg). 

Key Newcomers:  Jowan Keyes, Cooper Ballentine, and Evangelis Kambitsis

Players Playing in College:  George Rahi (Middlesex College)

View the 2022-23 Highland Park Owls Boys Basketball Roster

View the Highland Park Owls Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 Highland Park Owls Boys Basketball Schedule

View the Highland Park Owls 1,000 Point Scorers

View the Highland Park Owls Sectional Championships

View the Highland Park Owls State Championships and State Finals Appearances

Summary:  Gone are the likes of Ewan Haley-Lock, Matt Brzozowski, Skyler Mack, and Faizon Morris from the Owls squad that won a GMCT game and qualified for the state playoffs.  However, big man Daniel Starcevic is back and healthy again, and that’s great news for an Owls team looking to compete in the GMC Gold.  Starcevic, who averaged about 9 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 blocks per game before getting hurt a year ago, played very well for Highland Park during the summer, and is looking to have a big year.  The Owls also have a talented incoming freshman class that they are very excited about.


School:  Perth Amboy Magnet

Team Nickname:  Patriots

Head Coach:  Michael Peters (1st Season)

Career Coaching Record:  0-0

Coaching Record At School:  0-0

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  31st

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  6th

Last Year’s Overall Record: 15-11

Last Year’s Division Record:  10-4 (3rd in GMC Gold)

Last Year’s Conference Record:  13-6

Last Year’s PPG:  52.0 (21st in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  44.0 (2nd in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG:  8.0 (10th in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  Advanced to GMCT Preliminary Round and CJ Group 1 Quarterfinals

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  Rahway Summer League

Key Players Returning:  None.

Key Players Lost:   Adrian Pena (11.2 ppg in 2021-22 and 431 career points or 10.5 ppg), Chanel Herrera (10.0 ppg in 2021-22 and 608 career points or 6.8 ppg), Julius Bonilla (380 career points or 7.5 ppg), Jonas Ramos, Jamir Brown, Travis Bruce, and Joshua Acevedo.

Key Newcomers:  Angel Ramos, Amaury Bruce, Diomer Henriquez, Dennis Feliciano, and Johnkelly Jimenez.

Players Playing in College:  Felix Romero Jr. (NJCU)

View the 2022-23 Perth Amboy Magnet Patriots Boys Basketball Roster

View the Perth Amboy Magnet Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 Perth Amboy Magnet Patriots Boys Basketball Schedule

View the Perth Amboy Magnet Patriots 1,000 Point Scorers

View the Perth Amboy Magnet Patriots Sectional Championships

View the Perth Amboy Magnet Patriots State Championships and State Finals Appearances

Summary:  Like EB Magnet and Somerset Tech, Perth Amboy Magnet is going through its third coaching change in as many seasons.  This time, Michael Peters takes the helm for the Patriots following the departure of Donnie Reid, who is now the head coach across town at Perth Amboy.  Peters inherits a team that not only lost its entire starting five from a year ago, but its whole roster graduated.  Despite the inexperience, the Patriots did show some flashes of promise in the Rahway Summer League with a regular season win over Metuchen.  Senior Angel Ramos and juniors Amaury Bruce, Diomer Henriquez, Dennis Feliciano, and Johnkelly Jimenez will need to contribute right away.


School:  Piscataway Magnet

Team Nickname:  Raiders

Head Coach:  Lenny Reyes (8th Season)

Career Coaching Record:  146-189; (45-53 in 4 seasons at South Amboy and 10-35 in 2 seasons at Metuchen)

Coaching Record At School:  77-90

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  28th

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  3rd

Last Year’s Overall Record: 3-18

Last Year’s Division Record:  2-12 (7th in GMC Gold)

Last Year’s Conference Record:  3-17

Last Year’s PPG:  38.9 (30th in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  62.3 (26th in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG:  -23.4 (28th in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  None.

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  N/A

Key Players Returning:  Isaiah Shepard (11.8 ppg in 2021-22), Stanley Velasco, Ja’Kiir Waites, Jacob Lyerly, Nate Carmin, and Joel Polynice.

Key Players Lost:  Jonan Vargas (16.5 ppg in 2021-22 and 260 career points or 13.7 ppg)

Key Newcomers:  Shaan Swam

Players Playing in College:  Chris George (Raritan Valley Community College)

View the 2022-23 Piscataway Magnet Raiderss Boys Basketball Roster

View the Piscataway Magnet Raiders Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 Piscataway Magnet Raiders Boys Basketball Schedule

View the Piscataway Magnet Raiders 1,000 Point Scorers

View the Piscataway Magnet Raiders Sectional Championships

Summary:  Despite its 3-18 record last season, the Piscataway Magnet Raiders and head coach Lenny Reyes, almost pulled off one of the biggest surprises of the 2022 GMCT before falling short against 19th seeded Metuchen (57-52).  Unfortunately for the Raiders, they lost leading scorer Jonan Vargas to graduation.  However, a fairly good nucleus returns led by senior guard/forward Isaiah Shepard.  Stanley Velasco and Ja’Kiir Waites also return along with the likes of Jacob Lyerly, Taron Caldwell, and Joel Polynice.  In a newly revamped GMC Gold, the returning veteran group may have what it takes to contend.


School:  Somerset Tech

Team Nickname:  Jaguars

Head Coach:  Jack O’Neill (1st Season)

Career Coaching Record:  0-0

Coaching Record At School:  0-0

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  33rd

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  8th

Last Year’s Overall Record: 4-22

Last Year’s Division Record:  1-13 (8th in GMC Gold)

Last Year’s Conference Record:  1-14

Last Year’s PPG:  42.5 (27th in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  67.8 (31st in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG: -25.2 (29th in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  Qualified for the Central Jersey Group 1 State Tournament

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  N/A

Key Players Returning:  Robert Pasquale (288 career points or 7.2 ppg), Kenneth Ponteras, Shrey Mehta, Hosman Martinez, Jude Bergman, and Steven LaRosa

Key Players Lost:  Joshua Taveras (206 career points or 6.4 ppg) and Rayyan Alidina

Key Newcomers:  David Yacka, Isaiah Aiyegbo, and Thomas Polakiewicz.

Players Playing in College:  N/A

View the 2022-23 Somerset Tech Jaguars Boys Basketball Roster

View the Somerset Tech Jaguars Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 Somerset Tech Jaguars Boys Basketball Schedule

View the Somerset Tech Jaguars Tigers 1,000 Point Scorers

Summary:  This is the third year and second full season in the Greater Middlesex Conference for the Jaguars.  After losing two top players from its 2020-21 team in Mekai Nunez and John Reynolds-Alvarenga and barely surpassing the shortened 2021 season win total by a game, Somerset Tech did manage to qualify for the state playoffs.  It is another year of transition for the Jags with its third head coach in as many seasons.  Nevertheless, leading scorer and senior Robert Pasquale leads a group of six key players returning this season including Jude Bergman, who didn’t play last year.


School:  South Amboy

Team Nickname:  Governors

Head Coach:  Matt Wiater (5th Season)

Career Coaching Record:  27-58

Coaching Record At School:  27-58

GMC Hoops Pre-Season Rank:  26th

GMC Hoops Predicted Finish in Division:  2nd

Last Year’s Overall Record: 7-16

Last Year’s Division Record:  6-8 (5th in GMC Blue)

Last Year’s Conference Record: 7-10

Last Year’s PPG:  46.2 (25th in GMC)

Last Year’s PAPG:  54.8 (15th in GMC)

Last Year’s PDPG:  -8.6 (23rd in GMC)

Last Year’s Accomplishments:  Qualified for Central Jersey Group 1 State Tournament

2022 Off-Season Leagues:  Raritan Bay Summer League

Key Players Returning:  Brandon Gasiewski (13.7 ppg in 2021-22 and 683 career points or 11.6 ppg), Gavin Pelkey (12.6 ppg in 2021-22 and 289 career points or 12.6 ppg), Josiah Floyd, Jake Eberle, Jianny Caraballo, and Angel Barillas.

Key Players Lost:  Anthony Vella (3.9 ppg in 2021-22 and 153 career points and 218 career rebounds or 3.6 ppg and 5.2 rpg).

Key Newcomers:  Luke Nemeth, Giro Castaldo, Marquez Garner, and Jadiel Vasques.

Players Playing in College:  N/A

View the 2022-23 South Amboy Governors Boys Basketball Roster

View the South Amboy Governors Boys Basketball Roster Archive

View the 2022-23 South Amboy Governors Boys Basketball Schedule

View the South Amboy Governors 1,000 Point Scorers

View the South Amboy Governors Sectional Championships

View the South Amboy Governors State Championships and State Finals Appearances

Summary:  The Guvs looked to be a strong contender for division honors with its top scorer Brandon Gasiewski coming back along with three other starters including junior Gavin Pelkey.  However, Gasiewski suffered an injury over the summer and hasn’t been able to return yet.  Even with Gasiewski in the lineup a year ago, South Amboy struggled offensively, so the team will need Pelkey and Floyd to step up.  Nevertheless, with the nucleus of Pelkey, Josiah Floyd, Jianny Caraballo, and point guard Angel Barillas, the Guvs can still cause some trouble in the newly aligned Gold Division.