High Point Wildcats look back on productive season

SUSSEX BOROUGH — Now that the journey is complete, the High Point High School boys' basketball team can take the opportunity to sit back and reflect on what was a very productive season.

The Wildcats reached double digits (10) in total wins and advanced to the NJSIAA North I Group III sectional tournament this winter, where their season ended with a loss to Ramapo. They also went 4-4 in the difficult Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division.

Those facts by themselves makes the 2014-15 season worth remembering for High Point, but the way in which they approached each and every game makes it even more special.

The Wildcats embraced the challenges they faced on the court this winter, allowing coach Jesse Strehl to recall several memorable moments.

“We won the Wallkill Holiday Tournament for the second straight year," Strehl said. “We were down four points with about a minute to go and came back for the win (42-39 over Morris Hills). Against North Warren on Jan. 22, we were down at halftime, but used a 12-2 third quarter to regain the lead and beat a tough North Warren squad. First time we have been able to beat Sparta in quite a few years (a 62-54 win on Feb. 21).

“Although it was not a win, our second game against Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex finalist and Freedom champ Hackettstown was a strong performance for us. We lost in the first matchup by 40 points at home. The second time we faced them, we lost 52-44, and had a chance to tie late in the game with about three minutes left."

Leadership emanating from veteran players on the roster was in evidence this season, as were those student-athletes who showed constant improvement throughout the course of the season.

“Senior Billy Hemmer is a natural leader and a high-character person on and off the floor," Strehl said. “He was selected to play in the Morris vs. Sussex Senior All-Star game on March 18 at Mount Olive High School. Junior Brad Smolen was the engine that was driving our team for most of the season. He either led the team or was second in almost every statistical category.

“Junior Jon Nelson was playing his best basketball at the end of the season. He struggled finishing early on in the season, but by the end of the year showed promise as one of the best big men in the area and was selected All-NJAC Honorable Mention. Sophomore Jack DeGroot was the leading scorer on our team with 315 points (12 points per game) in his first season as a varsity starter. An impressive season for any player let alone a sophomore. He was selected All-NJAC First Team.’’

The Wildcats are a team to keep an eye on for the 2015-2016 season.

“We are only losing two seniors to graduation," Strehl said. “Our young players gained a lot of experience this year and are already excited about getting better for next season."