Two freshmen step up on varsity

BY MATTHEW MANGAM

Sports Editor

            Freshmen Krish Patel and Brandon Medel have made significant contributions and earned playing time on the varsity basketball team. “Winning games is always important as we want the freshmen to learn what it takes to have success but getting game action is essential to their development,” said Assistant Varsity Coach Matt McCann.

            Patel has scored 104 points this season, with 87 coming from three pointers to lead the team. Patel said, “It feels great being the main freshman on the varsity team knowing that I have to step up into a big role to help the team win.” Patel is the third highest scorer on the team this season, behind junior Adam Scire and senior Jayden St. Rose.

            Medel has scored 61 points, including 14 in the team’s wins against Matawan and Perth Amboy.  “It feels great to be getting playing time on the team and that my coach is giving me the opportunity,” said Medel.

            Both players are making the most of their opportunities. “They are highly skilled already and only getting better with experience,” said McCann. “Brandon and Krish … give us high level shooting and ball handling that allows us to better space the floor and attack teams with both the drive and shot.”

            Neither freshman is satisfied with what they have accomplished so far. “My personal goals is to try to end the season with at least 75 threes and 250 points.” Patel had his best game of the season Saturday at New Brunswick, putting up 20 points, including six three-pointers.

            Medel said, “My personal goals for the season are to have a spot in the starting lineup and contribute however I can help the team win.” Medel has earned starts in multiple games already this season.

            The players and coaches are excited about what these players might accomplish over the next four years of their high school careers. Coach McCann said, “Getting the freshmen experience now is an investment in the next three years, so that when they are seniors, they will have a chance to compete for conference and state sectional titles.”

Posted 1/19/22

Photos by Madison Benner and Tim O’Neill