Progin likes chemistry of team
By: Rudy Brandl
The Hillsborough High boys’ basketball team is primed to join the big time.
With eight varsity lettermen returning from last year’s team that surged into the state playoffs with a dramatic winning streak in the final two weeks before the NJSIAA deadline, the Raiders are no longer interested in minor victories like gaining respectability by pushing the top teams. They’re expecting to join that elite group of teams that makes the major headlines in Central Jersey.
"I feel good about our team and I feel confident," HHS third-year head coach Ian Progin said. "We have more depth and experience than we’ve had and there’s a lot of good chemistry."
Progin has watched his program develop in the last few years and the Raiders now can be considered a contender in Somerset County and the powerful Skyland Conference Delaware East Division. Progin has a good grip on this team and understands what needs to be done in order for this group to reach its potential.
"We need to rebound better and make foul shots," Progin said. "If we can improve on that, we can be right up there with the big guns."
Somerset County and Delaware East division rivals Bridgewater-Raritan and Immaculata sit atop that list of big teams. Progin knows that his boys will need to defeat both local powers to reach their goals.
"(Head coach) Tim Ortelli and Bridgewater own Somerset County," Progin said. "We’re still chasing them because they have the county titles and conference titles. Immaculata has a lot of talent. Those teams were in the county finals last year but our goal is to get to that level."
The Raiders will learn right away how they stack up against the big boys when they travel to Bridgewater-Raritan for Friday night’s opener. The Panthers have two giants in the middle at 6-7 and 6-6, but the Raiders boast a talented perimeter team with eight returning lettermen.
Progin’s varsity roster consists of 11 players, including six senior veterans and two returning juniors. Another senior and two impressive sophomores will also see action.
Senior shooting guard Tom Molarz (5-10) returns for his third varsity campaign as one of the most dangerous 3-point shooters in the area. Molarz led the Raiders with a 14.0 average last winter.
Point guard Tom Pappalardo (5-10) is back to run the show for his second full varsity season. Pappalardo, like most other players in the program, has worked extremely hard to improve his game in the off-season. He will also move out to play some shooting guard this season.
Junior center Rob Champouillon (6-4) enjoyed a productive first varsity season with an 8.2 scoring average but that number should soar into double figures this winter. Champouillon hit some clutch shots last year and will be the team’s primary presence around the basket.
Senior power forward Bryan Humphrey (6-1) is a physical specimen who does much of the dirty work around the glass. Senior forwards Pat Fedroff (6-0) and Brett Bisconti (6-4) and senior guard Chris Livelli (6-0) also return after seeing significant action last winter. Junior point guard Steve Westphal (5-10) is back for his second varsity campaign. Senior center Eric Udowychenko (6-4) and sophomores Jason Smartt (5-11) and Dennis McGill (6-3) round out the Raider roster.
"I have guys who are versatile and can play different positions," Progin said. "We don’t have a lot of size, but we can go big and we can go small. I like how I can put out different combinations."
In the preseason, most of those combinations have worked. Progin has been happy with the team’s offensive balance and defensive pressure in the scrimmages.
"The guys are playing very unselfishly," Progin said. "That comes from the chemistry and experience of playing together. Our defensive pressure has been good and we’re going to play a lot more full-court defense this year."
The Raiders spent a good part of the off-season strengthening what was already a very solid team unit. They performed extremely well in the Plainfield summer league, going undefeated during the regular season before losing in the playoffs. These guys are ready to win, but it won’t be easy in a tough conference and county with many veteran teams.
"We have to bring our ‘A’ game every night," Progin said. "We all want more this year. The kids want Bridgewater and Immaculata. These seniors don’t want to leave here without making their mark on the Hillsborough basketball program."
The Raiders have the talent to put themselves in position to win almost every game, but then they’ll have to grab that key rebound or come through with those clutch free throws to seal the victory.
"Rebounding and foul shooting will determine our success," Progin said. "We have a lot of strengths, but we need to improve on those areas if we want to win a championship."

