The 2021 high school basketball season will have a different look, but there’s plenty to look forward to, as well, as Nutley High’s boys basketball team prepares for the start of a new season.
Nutley, which finished 6-17 last season, opens the new campaign, at home, on Jan. 26, against Montclair Kimberley Academy, in a 4 p.m. tip off. On Jan. 28, Nutley stays home for a 4 p.m. game against Weequahic High and on Jan. 30, the team’s first road game is at Shabazz High, starting at 11:30 a.m.
Fans will not be allowed to attend, but there should be streaming of the games in some instances.
Nutley began practice on Jan. 11 and head coach Bob Harbison is pleased with what he’s seen so far.
“Practice is going is well as can be expected,” the coach said. “Turnout was okay, and most of the guys that were expected to be here, are here.”
The team does return a strong base with varsity experience.
“We have a number of returning players, but only two returning seniors this season, (with) Jordan Greene and Justin Edert,” said Harbison. “We also picked up another senior in Ibrihim Elnaggar.”
There is a strong junior class. Harbison noted that Nick Schroeder will be asked to carry a lot of the offense.
“Nick, Justin Edert, Jake O’Connor and Karam Youseff are very effective outside shooters,” Harbison said. “Jordan Greene will be playing point guard, along with junior Matt Pergola.
“Juniors Jake Cirminiello and Peter Riad, along with sophomore Dante Dubois-Carter, are versatile guards
and athletic scorers that could help out a lot on the defensive end as well.”
Up front, junior Matt Harbison will be playing center, along with sophomore Anthony Pinal and junior Sahat Rahman.
Harbison also noted that Frank Contella, another junior, is another versatile athlete who can defend well and play multiple positions.
Despite the obstacles associated with high school sports this year, the pre-season has gone well.
“The kids have been great, although the shortened preparation time is making things a little difficult,” said Harbison. “We had a scrimmage scheduled, but it was cancelled at the last minute, so we’re going into the opening game with a lot of question marks.
:We’re all excited, however, to go up against another team and see how well we can do. I believe we can do well in our division, though it’s tough to tell to get a reading on the other teams in the conference. We open the season at home with a very well-coached MKA team. It should be interesting.”
Having a season is the most important aspect this winter.
“The bottom line is, we’re all grateful that we’re getting a chance to have a season,” the coach said. “I expect us to be very competitive, and I expect marked improvement from the beginning of the year to the end.”
While Harbison hasn’t named captains, he likes the leadership role some of the players have shown.
“Our seniors are good kids, they play hard,” said Harbison. “Nick Schroeder and Matt Harbison have taken over a bit of the leadership role, but I’m not ready to name them captains, as juniors. I’ll let the guys that lead do the leading. It generally happens naturally.”
Nutley will play in the Super Essex Conference’s Independence Division, along with West Essex, Glen Ridge, Newark Academy, Collegiate, Eagle Academy, Weequahic and Montclair Kimberley. The team will play 15 games in the regular season. There will be no county or state tournament this season.
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