CAPE MAY COUNTY HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL PREVIEW

Posted: December 15th 2025

By BRIAN CUNNIFF

CapeAtlanticLive.com

Ready or not, here comes a new high school basketball season.

Some local teams are in action as early as Monday evening, while others will begin later this week.

The following is a look at each of Cape May County’s high school boys basketball teams:

CAPE MAY TECH

Head coach: Dan Loesch (first season; 30-45 in three previous season as girls coach)

Assistant coaches: Ray Brown, Chad Ludeman

Last season: 1-23

Varsity returnees: Seniors - Paul Simmerman (6-2 F), Eidian Valez (5-10 G); Junior - Logan Veras (6-0 F).

Varsity newcomers: Juniors - Chayse Cileone (6-2 F), Lucas Grenfell (6-2 F), Teague Ludeman (5-10 G), Jeziel Moya (5-7 G), Chase Ogden (5-8 G); Freshmen - Jayden Arce (5-3 G), Tristan Blakeslee (5-7 G), Terrel Brown (5-7 G), Teje Brown (5-8 G), Cameron Moore (5-4 G), Jarret Banks (5-9 F).

Outlook: It was a difficult season last winter for the Hawks, who won just one game with a rather small roster. Dan Loesch makes the move into the boys program as head coach after directing the school’s girls program, which saw an increase in victories in each of his three seasons as head coach. Seniors Paul Simmerman and Eidian Valez and junior Logan Veras are the only returning players with varsity experience. They’ll look to lead a young group in a rebuilding season. Some of the freshmen could see some varsity time. Numbers have risen significantly, as the Hawks begin the season with nearly 30 players in the program, which certainly bodes well for the future.

Season opener: Monday vs. Salem Tech

Paul Simmerman and Eidian Valez lead Cape May Tech into the new season.

LOWER CAPE MAY

Head coach: Scott Holden (16th season, 187-201 career)

Assistant coaches: Tom D’Urso, Pat Holden, Champ McGaffney, Rocco Sansone

Last season: 15-12

Varsity returnees: Seniors - Ty Bonner (5-9 G), John Fernandez (5-9 G); Juniors - Cole Sederland (6-0 G/F), Ryan Mallon (5-7 G).

Varsity newcomers: Seniors - Brady Ebel (6-0 G); Juniors - J.J. Brunner (5-8 G), Jadon Henry (6-2 F), Abiezel Montalvo (5-8 G), Gavin Ridgway (6-0 G/F), Jose Ramos (5-10 G), Joey Wareham (5-11 G); Sophomores - Chris Hawes (6-0 F), Cooper Milligan (5-9 G); Josiel Moya (5-8 G); Freshmen - Conner Milligan (5-10 G), Evan Ridgway (6-0 G). 

Outlook: Lower Cape May enjoyed an extremely competitive season a year ago, winning 15 games while also suffering quite a few close losses (seven by seven points or less). With solid returning guards leading the way in seniors Ty Bonner (17.3 ppg, career 1,000-point scorer) and John Fernandez (11.2 ppg) and junior Ryan Mallon (6.9 ppg), Lower can match up with just about any opponent when it comes to perimeter play. Junior Cole Sederland is also an experienced returnee. A handful of newcomers are vying for a starting position and roles as key substitutes. A lot of Lower’s success will be determined by how an undersized team can rebound the ball. The Tigers will hope to make up for a lack of height through athleticism, quickness and defensive pressure. Lower, which finished second in conference play last season, should again be able to challenge for top honors in the Cape-Atlantic National Conference.

Season opener: Tuesday vs. Glassboro

John Fernandez, Brady Ebel and Ty Bonner are the seniors on the Lower Cape May Regional boys basketball team.

MIDDLE TOWNSHIP

Head coach: LaMarr Greer (fifth season, 86-32 career)

Assistant coaches: Ryan Babnew, Frank Brown, Ray Brown, Marcus Harmon, Charlie McNeal, Rajohn Odom

Last season: 21-9, Cape-Atlantic American Conference champions

Varsity returnees: Seniors - Adam Bouabbache (6-2 G), Chase Moore (6-5 F); Juniors - Mason Murawski (6-0 G), Kanye Perkins (6-7 F).

Varsity newcomers: Seniors - Gio Beaman (5-10 G), Amine Cherifi (6-3 F), Alex Daniel (6-1 F),Juniors - Luca DelConte (6-2 F), Mike Farrow (6-2 G/F), Derion Hawkins (5-10 G), Jaleo Wakefield (5-9 G), Tommy Yarson (5-8 G); Sophomores - Ty Burton (5-10 G), Kyle Mick (6-0 G), Joey Povio (5-8 G), Angelo Panzini (5-10 G).

Outlook: Expectations are always high at Middle, and this season is no different. Despite the loss of Division I talent Jamir McNeil (Rider University), Middle is regarded as one of the top teams in both the CAL and across South Jersey thanks to its mix of size, experience and talent. Chase Moore (9.8 ppg, 6.9 rpg) and the extremely improved Kanye Perkins give Middle lots of scoring options both around the basket and from the mid range. Adam Bouabbache and Mason Murawski are experienced threats from the outside. Among players up from the junior varsity, juniors Mike Farrow, Derion Hawkins and Tommy Yarson are expected to make a major impact. Transfers Alex Daniel (13.2 ppg at Wildwood Catholic, six points from 1,000) and Jaleo Wakefield (St. Augustine) will also bring lots of varsity experience after sitting out the season’s first 30 days. Amine Cherifi (Cape May Tech) is another transfer who could help. Coach LaMarr Greer is also happy with his sophomore class. Middle is again one of the top teams in the CAL and is one of the favorites to win the league’s playoff tournament. There’s no doubt the team will be hungry to do so after last season’s upset loss in the quarterfinal round. Middle will also be a major factor in the South Jersey Group II Tournament.

Season opener: Tuesday vs. Lenape

Five seniors lead Middle Township into the new season (from left): Adam Bouabbache, Alex Daniel, Chase Moore, Amine Cherifi, Gio Beaman.

OCEAN CITY

Head coach: John Bruno (37th season, 512-399 career)

Assistant coaches: Ryan Gill, Tom Ballezzi

Last season: 22-7, South Jersey Group III champions

Varsity returnees: Seniors - Dean Lappin (5-9 G), Tighe Olek (6-3 G/F), Luke Tjoumakaris (6-4 F); Junior - Josh Lenko (6-2 F).

Varsity newcomers: Seniors - Alec Bell (5-9 G), Luke Passarella (6-1 F), Chris Pontari (6-1 G/F), Liam Zinter (6-4 F); Sophomores - Columb Higgins (6-2 F), Nevin Millstein (5-11 G), Quinn Olek (5-7 G); Freshman - Cory Clemens (5-8 G).

Outlook: Coming off its first South Jersey championship in 26 seasons, Ocean City is expected to be among the top teams in South Jersey once again. Although the Raiders lost point guard and leading scorer Ben McGonigle, they return four major contributors in seniors Luke Tjoumakaris (13.2 ppg), Tighe Olek and Dean Lappin and junior Josh Lenko (9.5 ppg). A number of newcomers are vying for the fifth starter’s position and important roles off the bench. The Raiders enjoy excellent team chemistry and are among the most efficient offensive teams in the CAL. If things go well, Ocean City will emerge as one of the better teams in South Jersey, challenging for Cape-Atlantic American Conference and South Jersey championships.

Season opener: Tuesday at Holy Spirit

WILDWOOD

Head coach: Scott McCracken (16th season, 235-162 career)

Assistant coaches: Rip Engel, Rich Hans, Bobby Mulholland, Joe Murray, Tim Mahon

Last season: 10-17

Varsity returnees: Seniors - Jordan Dozier (6-3 F), Eric Jordan (6-4 F), Jeffrey Knight (6-2 F); Juniors - Danny Benichou (5-8 G), Nolan Mawhinney (6-3 G/F), Vinny Sweeney (5-8 G), Gianni Troiano (5-11 G), Trevor Troiano (5-10 G).

Varsity newcomers: Senior - Justice Santiago (5-8 G/F); Juniors - Jack Fullerton (6-4 F), Noah Jones (6-2 F); Freshmen - Owen Bannon (5-9 G), Levi Sheppard (6-1 G/F), Michael Sciarra (5-8 G/F).

Outlook: Wildwood lost career 1,000-point scorer Brian Cunniff to graduation but returns its four other starters. Leading the way is junior Nolan Mawhinney (11.7 ppg, 42 three-pointers). Junior point guard Trevor Troianio and senior forwards Eric Jordan and Jordan Dozier also return. Junior Gianni Troiano was a key substitute last season and should enjoy an increased role. One of Wildwood’s strengths is its size, with five players 6-2 or taller. The Warriors have a very strong freshmen class. A few may challenge for varsity playing time right away. Wildwood returns as much as any team in the Tri-County Classic Division and should be able to better compete in division games. Expect Wildwood to challenge for a winning season.

Season opener: Thursday at Pitman

The seniors for Wildwood include Jeffrey Knight (left), Eric Jordan (center), Jordan Dozier and Justice Santiago (not pictured).

WILDWOOD CATHOLIC

Head coach: Brendan Norris (first season)

Assistant coaches: Dom Caraballo, Andrew Draghi, Matt Moretti, Kyle Morinelli

Last season: 20-9, Cape-Atlantic League Playoff Tournament finalist

Varsity returnees: Seniors - Calvin Kiker (5-11 G), Chris Papageorgiou (6-0 G), Peyton Rosenello (6-1 G/F).

Varsity newcomers: Seniors - Paris Kinsey (6-2 G/F), Jack Kurtz (6-4 F), Evan Landis (6-1 F), Brody Zuccarello (5-11 G); Juniors - Monroe Bowman (6-3 G), Micah Deanna (6-2 F), Luke Galasso (6-2 F), Ashe O’Donnell (6-2 F), Nick Catanoso (5-7 G); Sophomores - Almamy Diallo Monney (6-2 G), Evan Papageorgiou (5-6 G); Freshmen - Andrew Catanoso (5-7 G), Mason Zuccarello (6-3 F).

Outlook: Wildwood Catholic enjoyed a fine season last winter, winning 20 games and advancing to the CAL playoff tournament title game. But this sets up as a bit of a transition season for the Crusaders, who enter with a new first-time head coach in Brendan Norris and without the services of a couple of players who transferred out, most notably leading scorer Alex Daniel (now at Middle Township). Wildwood Catholic still expects to compete in the rugged CAL American Conference, however. The team will lean on seniors Calvin Kiker, Peyton Rosenello and Chris Papageorgiou to guide the team, especially at the season’s outset as transfers Paris Kinsey (Vineland), Monroe Bowman (Mainland), Micah Deanna (Mainland) and Almamy Diallo Monney (international) sit out the first few weeks due to NJSIAA transfer rules. If the Crusaders can navigate the first few weeks until the reinforcements are eligible, they certainly can challenge for a winning season and be competitive in the very tough CAL American Conference.

Season opener: Monday vs. Atlantic Christian

Wildwood Catholic's team features six seniors (from left): bottom row - Brody Zuccarello, Jack Kurtz; back row - Paris Kinsey, Chris Papageorgiou, Calvin Kiker, Peyton Rosenello. Not pictured: Evan Landis (injured).