Vikings look to top division

The Vernon Township High School boys basketball team aims to be a contender for the title in Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Freedom Division this year.

“We are also looking to make another deep run in the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament as well as the (NJSIAA) state tournament in North 1, Group 2,’’ head coach Connor Healy said.

The Vikings finished with an overall record of 20-7 last season and won the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament for the first time in the 14-year history of the event.

They lost to Ramsey, 42-38, in the final round of the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association (NJSIAA) North Jersey, Section 1, Group 2 Tournament

Vernon opened its season Saturday, Dec. 14 at Mendham.

The team played at Lenape Valley on Tuesday, Dec. 17 and will play at Jefferson on Thursday, Dec. 19.

The Vikings are scheduled to host Warren Hills on Saturday, Dec. 21.

Among the key returning players are seniors Alex Fessel (guard), Michael Pecoraro (forward), Aden Karwoski (guard) and Ryan Ajamian (forward) and junior Dylan Heykoop (guard),

Among the promising newcomers are junior guards Dustin Wagner and Kevni de Stani and sophomores Tyler Dobrzynski (guard and forward) and Dan Decker (forward).

“Alex Fessel, as a junior last season, eclipsed the 1,000-point mark and we expect him to continue to lead by example as one of the top players in our region this season,’’ Healy said. “Alex averaged 18.4 points per game and was named the H/W/S Tournament Most Valuable Player. Alex also earned First Team All Conference honors and was also named Third Team All Group 2 in New Jersey.

“Michael Pecoraro is an experienced varsity athlete who also pitches for our varsity baseball team. We expect Mikey to be one of our vocal leaders and top players this season.

“We expect Aden (Karwoski) to be another vocal leader for us as he has a ton of experience as a varsity athlete. Aden was also our quarterback on the football team.

“Dylan Heykoop started for us last season as a sophomore guard and we expect him to continue to improve and be another leader for us out on the court this year.’’

Healy considers Hackettstown, Jefferson and Wallkill Valley among the top teams to beat in the Freedom Division.