Pope John boys basketball team ready to navigate tough schedule

The excitement about the Pope John High School boys basketball program is warranted.

The Lions worked hard during preseason practices and scrimmages. Now they are ready to compete in games that count.

Pope John is scheduled to host Mendham on Friday, Dec. 23. On Tuesday, Dec. 27, the Lions will participate in a holiday tournament at Hawthorne High School.

“We graduated over 60 percent of our scoring and 70 percent of our rebounding last year, but our returning players are ready to step in and step up in their new roles,’’ head coach Lee Van Horn said.

Key student athletes returning to the varsity lineup include senior Nate Pluviose (guard, 14 points per game, three rebounds per game, two assists per game, First Team All Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference American Division last season), senior Jack Sakowski (guard, seven points per game, four assists per game, three steals per game last season), senior Mike DiBernardino (guard, three-year varsity letter winner), senior Andre Jackson (guard, three-year varsity letter winner), junior Joey Walton (forward, one-year varsity letter winner), junior Sir Paris Jones (forward, one-year varsity letter winner), junior Ayden Aguiar (guard, one-year varsity letter winner) and sophomore Tyler Houser (forward, one-year varsity letter winner).

Promising newcomers include junior Alex Grubbs (guard), sophomore Anthony Schnabel (guard), freshman Chrystian Grubbs (forward), freshman Nicky Ferdinand (forward) and freshman John Campbell (center).

Leadership will be vital for the Lions on the court this winter.

Pluviose and Sakowski will be looked on as leaders, Van Horn said.

“They lead by example, first and foremost. They are two of the hardest-working guys in the gym - weight room, conditioning, everything that we do. They set the tone for the entire team with their effort and energy.’’

The Lions finished with 11 wins last season and advanced to the NJSIAA North Jersey Non Public A sectional tournament, where they were defeated by St. Peter’s Prep.

“We want to improve on our record from last season, 11-13,’’ the coach said. “We are hoping to host multiple Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex County tournament games again and get a hosting seed in the Non-Public North A state (sectional) tournament.’’

The Lions play in the NJAC American Division along with Mendham, Delbarton, West Morris Central, Randolph, Chatham and Sparta.

“I believe we are true contenders in our division,’’ Van Horn said. “We made a big jump from dead last two years ago to tied for second place last season and hope to only get better.

“Delbarton is always very tough as well as West Morris Central. The entire division is full of tough match-ups and great competition.’’