Randolph boys basketball poised for breakout season

Matt Tighe has set the bar high for the Randolph boys basketball team. In his first full season as head coach two years ago, the Rams finished 14-13. Last season was uncharacteristic for the Rams, who were a disappointing 7-17 — their first losing season in six years.

With seven of their top 10 players returning, Randolph is poised for a breakout season. With a nice mix of experience and young talent, there is a lot of optimism, particularly from Tighe, who believes the Rams can win 20 games.

“I don’t see a reason why we can’t get there,” Tighe said. “Our first goal is to win our division, but our main goal every year is to get to the County College of Morris. We want to get there, and once you get there, you have a chance to play for a county title.”

The Rams exited the MCT in the second round a season ago. They had made consecutive semifinal appearances in the previous two seasons but were unable to reach the final.

Randolph has never won an MCT final, but it has aspirations of returning to at least the semifinal, with hope of a different outcome than in years past.

“Ten or so years ago, Randolph was like the Buffalo Bills,” Tighe said, comparing Randolph to the early 1990s NFL team that made four consecutive Super Bowls. “Randolph was there three years in a row but never won a championship.”

Six-foot-1 senior Julian Boykins led the Rams in points (9 ppg), assists (6 apg), rebounds (6 rpg) and minutes per game as a junior. Junior Luke Nathan went from playing on the freshman team his first year in the program to starting on varsity as a sophomore and will once again be a starter this winter. Nathan averaged six points and six rebounds a game and should be even more effective this season.

“He has a really good 15-foot jump shot,” Tighe said. “He can score in the post a little bit, but his face-up game is probably when he’s at his best. He can shoot, but he’s 6-foot-8, so he needs to do a little bit of everything.”

Senior captain Mike Sasso is coming off of a back injury, but his leadership is expected to be instrumental in Randolph’s success. Junior Chris Cheng, the team’s most versatile player, averaged five points a game as a sophomore starter. Senior Eric Schuette, the Rams’ best shooter, is expected to play the role of sixth man.

Ryan Maughan had no varsity minutes as a sophomore a season ago but will take over as the team’s starting point guard as a junior.

“I expect him to be one of our best players,” Tighe said. “He has come a long way. He is ready to go.”

Seniors Zak Durbin and Andrew Sciancalepore are expected to be big contributors coming off the bench for the Rams. They are high-energy players who will get a lot of minutes throughout the season.

From top to bottom, Randolph has a roster with depth and balance.

“We are very optimistic coming into this season because of how hard the kids have worked, and the group has each other’s back,” Tighe said. “I do believe we can be good enough to be in the final four of the counties come late February, but our first goal is to win our division. I think we have a drive to win. Every day at practice is a battle, which shows the kids are really going after it.”

Staff Writer Dan Canova: (862) 240-2878;dcanova@gannettnj.com

Morris County Players to Watch

Amir Allen, Morris Catholic: The senior center averaged 19.7 points, 12.7 rebounds and 2.8 blocks per game and finished on the Morris County coaches’ second team and first-team NJAC-Independence.

Chris Boyhan, Mountain Lakes: The 5-foot-8 point guard is quick, he can shoot the basketball, and he is an excellent distributor.

Mike Chapman, Morris Knolls: The 6-foot-3 senior, who averaged 12 points per game a season ago, is a versatile, well-rounded player with great vision and handle for a player of his size. Offensively, he will play the guard position, but on defense, he will be asked to guard everybody on the court.

Stephen Clapp, Delbarton: The 6-foot-4 guard/forward has great range and plays with creativity when he has the ball in his hands.

John Crown, Hanover Park: The senior guard averaged 15.5 points per game last season and was second in New Jersey in assists, averaging 7.5 per game. He should score his 1,000th career point this season.

Ryan Gaynor, Whippany Park: The senior shooting guard is a threat whenever the ball is in his hands. He’s capable of running the break and being a mismatch down low, and he’s bigger, longer and stronger than any guard he matches up against.

Kevin Hoehn, Morristown: The 6-foot guard averaged 12 points per game as a sophomore.

Colin McKenna, Chatham: The 6-foot-4 senior forward, who averaged 12 points per game as a junior, is a very good inside scorer and rebounder.

Brian Monaghan, Morristown-Beard: The junior, who averaged 16 points per game last winter, is tough to guard as he is able to create looks for himself and his teammates.

Jake Stagman, Mendham: The 6-foot-5 senior only played in three games last season due to a back injury. Stagman is an athletic big man who can go hard at the basket with excellent touch around the rim. He’s capable of guarding multiple positions on defense and attacks the glass well.