By Josh Lashley
WEST MILFORD ‑‑ If the West Milford High School boys basketball program catches catching any opponent by surprise this winter then it’s most likely a case of that team not doing their due diligence in preparation for the game.
The Highlanders have a number of experienced, talented and accomplished student-athletes back in the varsity lineup and they’re looking to improve upon last year’s nine win tally.
“I am very glad to be back leading this team,’’ West Milford head coach John Finke said. “This is my 29th year as the head coach and feel this could be one of our best teams ever. We have all the pieces that you need to be successful at the high school level.’’
Key returnees for the Highlanders this season include Andrew Finke (senior, 6 feet 1 inch tall, shooting guard, First Team All County and All Conference last season, 18 points per game last season, four-sport athlete), Josiah Basket (junior, 6 feet 3 inches tall, small forward, 13 points per game last season), Chris Gomez (junior, 5 feet 9 inches tall, point guard, Team MVP last season, three-sport athlete), Zack Milko (junior, 6 feet 4 inches tall, center/forward, three-sport athlete), Brandon Licursi (junior, 6 feet 4 inches tall, center/forward, three-sport athlete) and Kevin DeRaffele (sophomore, 6 feet 4 inches tall, center/forward).
Newcomers hoping to contribute at the varsity level include John Jacobs (senior, shooting guard), Ardens Estiverne (senior, center), Jack Vreeland (junior, shooting guard), Billy Vogt (junior, center) and Kevin Schaeffer (sophomore, forward).
“Our three captains this year are all juniors - Josiah Basket, Chris Gomez and Brandon Licursi,’’ Finke said. All of them have different styles of leadership and will help us have the best season possible by holding the players accountable, playing hard and making sure we play the right way at all times.’’
West Milford plays in the Big North Conference Independence Division along with Wayne Hills, Wayne Valley, Fair Lawn, Passaic Valley and Lakeland.
“We are definitely a contender,’’ Finke said. “Our Division is strong but we feel we can be right there competing for the title at the end. Wayne Hills has a big part of a very good team from last year back-they are the favorites. Wayne Valley and Fair Lawn will be good too.’’
The Highlanders are scheduled to host Fair Lawn on January 4.
“We also want to represent WMHS by displaying good sportsmanship, by playing hard and by doing our best at all times,’’ Finke said. “We think we can challenge for our league title and be in the mix for the County Championship.’’