By Wayne Witkowski
Four starters return and a sophomore transfer could provide an added spark as Jackson Liberty High School’s boys’ basketball team looks to bounce back into contention in the Shore Conference B South Division after struggling with a rebuilding team last season.
The Lions open their season at 6:30 p.m. at home Dec. 16 against Donovan Catholic High School.
Sophomore Dan Sofield, a 6-foot-5 forward, leads the way. He was named to the all-division second team after averaging 16 points and nine rebounds a game for last year’s 4-16 squad.
“I feel pretty good this year. I felt I could’ve done more for my team last season being more aggressive going to the basket,” said Sofield, who said he sees progress working on that aspect of the game.
“I like our experience,” second-year coach David Zwirz said. “Even though we struggled [last season], we had seven losses by single digits. We gained valuable experience and we’re growing, and we hope to be on the other end [of those close games] after having no varsity experience last season.”
Also back on the team from last season are seniors Alonzo Aponte, a 6-foot-2 forward, and guards Anthony Kaminski and Nico Montano.
Newcomer Takai Anderson, a sophomore shooting guard who relocated to the area, has been pushing hard for a spot in the rotation or perhaps even a starting spot. Kyle White, a 6-foot-4 junior who played largely on the junior varsity team last season, also is a strong candidate for playing time early in the preseason.
Myles Neal, who started last season, transferred from the school.
“We battled last year even though we didn’t make the Shore Conference Tournament and state tournament,” Zwirz said. “We gave Red Bank Catholic and Matawan battles, and they were tournament teams.
“Now we’re playing more cohesively. We have individual talent, but we haven’t put it completely together yet as a unit. We know we can score the ball and can make the stops we need to make.”
Zwirz said that the team plays primarily man-to-man defense and also switches to a variety of zones.
“I think we’re moving the ball better, looking more for wide-open shots instead of settling for one or two passes,” Sofield said. “I think we need to lock down more on defense, more pride on cutting teams down on their second [shot] opportunities.”
Jackson Liberty opened its scrimmage schedule Dec. 5 against Toms River High School South and plays at Long Branch High School Dec. 9. There also are scrimmages coming up at home against Manalapan High School Dec. 12 and at Toms River High School East Dec. 14.
Zwirz is assisted by Jim Rankin and Sean Monahan. Brian Chesley coaches the junior varsity team. Anthony Dzienkiewicz and Mike Spader coach the freshman team.