The Patriots ended their season on a winning note with a home-court 54-48 win against
Belvidere February 17th.
They’ll close the season with a 6-9 record in the New Jersey Athletic Conference with a total season record of 8-17. Head Coach Rob Steingall said overall he was pleased with the efforts his team made and that they gave it their all throughout the season.
“I’m happy for our guys,” Steingall said after the Belvidere game. “We haven’t shot the ball
great for most of the year, but we’ve always been good on the glass.”
North Warren will be losing several seniors to graduation including Craig Shipps, one of two 18-point shooters in the Belvidere game with 18 points and 11 rebounds.
“Losing Shipps is going to hurt,” Steingall said. “We’re also losing senior leadership with Jared, Mikie and Brody,” he added, referring to Jared Van Valkenburg, Brodie McLain and Michael Ferro.
Steingall said he is confident the incoming seniors of next season will be able assume the
responsibilities of mentoring the younger players. “We’ll come back with an experienced group of guys and you know, next year is another year,” Steingall said. “Hopefully we improve this season.”
Among the upcoming players is Christian Otufale, who matched Shipps’ 18 points against
Belvidere and has frequently led the North Warren in scoring throughout the season. He also had two steals on the night.
Maximus Hambos had 10 points and six rebounds. Ferro also pulled down six rebounds with
Van Valkenburg notching four. Van Valkenburg also scored the Patriots’ lone three-pointer.
