High Point basketball teams ready to open season

SUSSEX BOROUGH — If someone were to enter a gymnasium to watch either the High Point High School’s boys or girls basketball programs compete, they may see two teams competing with different strategies.

But one thing that both Wildcat squads have in common is their desire and willingness to not just play the game and to do so with a strong commitment to finding ways to improve themselves, not just as individuals, but in the larger picture as a team as well.

Jesse Strehl, the coach for the High Points boys' team, is certainly anticipating the regular season with a sense of seemingly well-placed enthusiasm. It’s possible the Wildcats may be able match or even surpass its overall record of 16-10 from the 2013-14 season. High Point also advanced to NJSIAA North I Group II semifinal round before losing to Westwood last season.

Returning to the Wildcats’ lineup includes Brad Smolen (senior/guard) and Billy Hemmer (senior/forward).

Erik Checkur (senior/center), Brian Lange (senior/forward), Harrison French (junior/forward), John Nelson (junior/forward), Connor O'Malley (junior/guard), Jack Degroot (sophomore/guard) and John Numann (sophomore/guard) will look to add depth and balance to the varsity roster.

“We are looking for all of our seniors to be leaders this year and show the young guys how to work hard and do the right thing on and off the court," Strehl said. “We just want to get a little bit better every day by working hard in practice — if we do that we will have a successful year."

High Point is scheduled to open the regular season with a home game versus Kittatinny on Friday, Dec. 19.

“We are looking to be a contender every year," Strehl said. “We are in a new division this year with Jefferson, Hackettstown, Lenape Valley and Sussex Tech. We look forward to the challenge of competing against these programs."

Also on Dec. 19, the High Point girls' team is scheduled to travel to face Kittatinny in the season opener for both squads.

After finishing last season with an outstanding record of 23-4, the Wildcats return April Peterson (senior/center), Madalyn Smith (junior/guard), Loree Tallamy (junior/guard), Kayla Halloran (junior/guard) and Casey Langenbach (sophomore/forward). Both April Peterson and Smith averaged double digits in scoring last year.

Key newcomers hoping to propel the High Point toward their goals this winter, include Paige Heller (junior/guard), Keeley McGregor (junior/forward), Kate Morris (junior/forward), Emily Mulvoy (freshman/guard), Margo Peterson (freshman/guard) and Trisha Peterson (freshman/guard).

Last season, the Wildcats reached the North I Group II championship round before losing a five-point game to Newton. Strehl noted that his team will strive to reach the sectional championship round once again this season.