Vikings finish competitive season

VERNON — One word that may best describe the Vernon High School boy’s basketball program’s performance during the recently completed season would be competitive.

But, what’s important to remember about Vernon is that win or lose, they the Vikings were willing to engage their opponent and compete to the best of their ability.

The Vikings finished the winter with seven victories and coach Matt Ferguson points out those games which were most meaningful and memorable for his team.

“The most impressive victories were against Morris Hills (66-63 on Feb. 3), Hopatcong (54-46 on Jan. 3) and High Point (51-48 on Jan. 21, 58-51 on Jan. 30)," Ferguson said. “We had a bye in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament before losing to Warren Hills. Vernon demonstrated the ability to compete against some of the area’s best teams. We lost seven games by less than six points. All three levels (varsity, junior varsity and freshmen) improved on their number of victories from last season."

Those players graduating in just a few months will be missed by the Vikings program.

The Vikings were led by senior Luke Venskus who had 14.1 points and 6.8 rebounds per game. Logan Costello scored 13.7 points and grabbed 9.6 points per game. Tyler Klos averaged 4.8 points and 2.3 rebounds per game. Jordan Vallellanes scored 4.6 points and dished out 4.0 assists per game. Tom Ryder scored 4.3 points per game and 2.2 assists per game. Matt Emerson scored 2.9 points and had 2.6 rebounds per game. Brandon Kinsella scored 1.8 points and recorded 1.5 rebounds per game.

Venskus wa snamed second-team American Division of the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference and Costello was named honorable mention. They also were scheduled to play in the Sussex vs. Morris senior all-star game.

Juniors Seamus Hughes scored 3.7 points and grabbed 4.5 rebounds per game, Tom Plock had 2.7 points and 1.4 rebounds per game, and Nick Izzo had 1.8 points and 1 assist per game. Sophomores Jake Rodriguez averaged 4.4 points and 2.4 assists and Brian Moran had 1.9 points and 2.8 rebounds per game.

A number of players with varsity level experience may very well lead to a strong showing during the 2015-16 season for the Vikings.

“With a solid group of young players returning and a really busy summer schedule ahead the Vikings look to continue to improve," Ferguson said. “We would like to thank our seniors and coaching staff which includes Joe Byrne and Don Ploch, our statisticians Olivia Higgins, Stevie Vallellanes, Madison Kleeschulte and Judy Johnson and our Manager Tommy Martino."