WEST ORANGE, NJ — As the Seton Hall Prep basketball team prepares for the 2019-20 season opener against Rutgers Prep in the Hoop Group Tip-Off Classic at the Dunn Center in Elizabeth on Saturday, Dec. 21, there is one thing that is noticeable.
“We don’t have any superstars, but we will compete every night,” said SHP head coach Kevin Williams, entering his ninth year at the helm. “We are very excited to play again in the Hoop Group Tip-Off Classic. It is always a great field and you know that you have to play your best to come out with a win.” SHP finished 19-8 last season.
In discussing the Super Essex Conference-American Division, Williams said, “It is one of the best leagues in the state. Nobody has the depth from top to bottom that our league has.”
Among the returnees are seniors Mike Curran, Mario Bollo and Colin Flaherty. Curran averaged nine points, three rebounds and 2.8 assists last season. Curran commented about the upcoming season. “We have been playing really well as a team, especially on defense in the pre-season. I think we are going to be successful in our conference, the county tournament and the state tournament.”
Bollo, who averaged 5.5 points, three rebounds and 2.5 assists last season, added, “I feel we are going to be a strong team. Because of our depth this year, we are going to be a defensive threat against other teams.”
Flaherty, who averaged 2.3 points, 2.6 rebounds and 2.9 assists, said, “We have a lot of potential and an extremely talented squad. With a lot of depth, I feel we have a strong chance to go far in the counties, states, and finish at the top of our division.”
Besides the Hoop Group Tip-Off Classic, the Pirates will be competing in a major tournament and other showcase events. Right after Christmas, they will be playing in the Governor’s Challenge in Salisbury, Md. In January, they will be in the Scholarship for Inner City Basketball Festival, and the Minutemen Basketball Classic. On Feb. 1, they will travel to Atlantic City HS to participate in the Battle by the Bay.
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