Coming into this season, the Blue Devils had four out of five returning starters and over 70 percent of their scoring. Although the team had virtually no changes from last year, except for losing their leading scorer and 6’8 center Shane Sheehan, the team rose above all expectations. The group ended with an 18-11 overall record and 5-7 in the Union County Watchung Division, considered the most competitive and talented division in the state.
Despite the tough competition, the Blue Devils succeeded in taking down two top-ten teams, Elizabeth and Union Catholic. Head coach Jim McKeon said, “We grew closer as a team. We played selfless basketball.” He added, “Winning was a priority over individual statistics. If you add all those up, you will achieve great things, which this team did.”
Senior tri-captain, Enzo Ferrero said, “I feel like we grew together, not just individually. We complimented each other’s games really well and we understood what we were all good at. We were able to play off of each other very well and we had great chemistry. I think our strength was our locker room. I think everything started there, our bond that brought us together as a team started there.” Ferrero, a dependable sharpshooter, tallied 58 three-pointers this season.
The season included many highlights with a memorable senior night, McKeon’s 100th career win, and a die-hard fanbase who showed up around the clock.
Senior Will Kirby said, “Senior night was definitely the highlight of my season, the stands were packed, and we also won by 40, it was just a great night for everyone.”
This senior class contributed heavily to the success of this year’s team. Together the six standouts scored 1,031 points and grabbed 370 rebounds. McKeon said, “How invested your seniors are is generally how invested the underclassmen are. Senior leadership is huge, when you get a productive group and the underclassmen contribute in a way they do, it’s because they want to do it for the seniors.” The underclassman did just that, working hard to get farther than prior years. The Blue Devils reached the semifinal round of the North Jersey, Section Two, Group Four New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association where they fell short to Plainfield.
Next year, the Blue Devils will have two returning starters, Jake Russell and Connor Whelan along with three-point shooter Max MacEacheron. In the off-season, McKeon said, “Strength is our main goal. We have a lot to fill in with scoring, and leadership. We need a group of guys to do it.”
