The boys basketball season is officially in full swing, with their first few games played after weeks of practice. The Varsity season opener was away against Montgomery on Friday, Dec. 17. It was a close game, with Hillsborough leading in the first quarter; however, Montgomery pulled ahead, beating Hillsborough 69-45. But, the team is optimistic about the upcoming season, and feel confident that they can secure some wins in the next games. 

Perseverance is common in the boys basketball team. This year, they’ve had to start their season practicing at the ARIS gym due to construction on the high school one. However, the players are looking forward to returning to their own court once it is completed.  

In addition, while in the past the team has had an average record, they are hoping for a much more successful season. Much of this optimism is due to the revamping of the program. The Freshman, JV and Varsity teams all received new coaches, with the main highlight being the new varsity coach, Timothy Palek, a former Bernards High School boys basketball coach. The players are excited to work with him throughout the season and see what his new strategies and teaching will bring for the team. 

Although Hillsborough is playing a tough schedule this year, versus teams such as Rutgers Prep and Gill St. Bernards, they are putting in hard work at long practices in order to secure a winning season. Boys basketball is looking forward to close games filled with tight competition and the team camaraderie which will carry them through the season. 

Andrew Drinkwater, a senior on Varsity, put the team’s thoughts about the season best, stating, “I’m really excited to play my final year of basketball with my friends and hope we can have our best year yet.”