Boys’ Basketball

Coming into the 2019-20 basketball season, the Cresskill Cougars Varsity Squad is ready to build off of the previous season’s success and become the true veteran team that other teams were against them. During the 2018-19 season, the Cougars had a 15-13 overall record as well as an 11-5 NJIC Patriot division record. Additionally, they were able to fight their way through the NJSIAA North 1 Group 1 State Sectional Quarterfinals, only falling to Wallkill Valley 48-45. This year, the Cougars bring back five key seniors — Kristian Radovich, Chris Tracy, Aiden Feulner, Davis Rogovich, and Mark McDermott — three of whom pulled all-league mentions last season. With a seasoned and experienced lineup, this season will be about fine-tuning technique toward once again becoming contenders for the state titles, League Championships, and the Top 16 of the Bergen County Jamboree.

Girls’ Basketball 

After an outstanding 2018-2019 season, in which they clinched the 26-4 Overall and 14-0 in the NJIC, the girls’ basketball team is primed for another epic year of success. Although the girls suffered the loss of more than a few crucial players — Courtney Madison, Sophie Green, Jen Garcia, and Jules Rogovich graduated in 2019 — no bar is too lofty for Top Returners and co-captains Lauren Coffey (‘20), Elley Wells (‘20), Annie Mioli (‘20), and Colleen McQuillen (‘21).

In an exclusive interview with The Communiqué, Lauren anticipated, “It will definitely be a different year compared to the past two years of my experience.” Although she acknowledged that graduation has left holes in its wake, she was extremely optimistic about the team’s younger talent: “Players from JV from last year are really stepping up and making a difference,” she said.

When asked about any new changes to technique, Lauren said, “We have always been a defensive team which will continue to be [true] but also more of the players have been stepping up on offense.” “But other than that,” she added, “we will continue to practice and prepare for games the same way because that’s what has helped us succeed.”

The girls kick off their season at home on Friday, December 20 at 4PM, against longtime rival Park Ridge.

Wrestling

Last Season: 22-6 NJIC, 3-1 NJIC, 2nd in League, and Sectional Quarterfinalists

Senior Captains: Tim Coffey, Luke Munier, Ariel Hiterer, Michael Lee, and Ben Dubetsky.

Top Returners: Seniors Tim Coffey (31-9), Luke Munier (18-6), junior Luis Abreu (19-16), and sophomore Sidney Hamburger (20-10).

Outlook: NJIC Division 4 Coach of the Year Nick Calandrino and District 4 Assistant Coach of the Year John Mullins look to replenish a lineup that saw seven seniors leave including two 100 win wrestlers in Kenny Spadaccini and Owen Ross. The Cougars return a talented group in 4 all-league and 2 honorable mention all-county selections. The recruitment of new wrestlers from the soccer and football fields along with a large incoming freshmen class are ready to contribute to a young starting lineup. Cresskill starts their season on December 21st at Fair Lawn High School in the 25th annual Cutter Classic tournament.