Hudson Reporter Archive

Ascolese’s best performers

After reaching his 300th career coaching win last week, North Bergen’s Vince Ascolese was asked if reaching a milestone forced him to remember some of the best moments and players of his career.

He came up with a list of six players who rank among the all-time best Bruins.

Ascolese pointed out that all six kids were All-State performers and all played for state championship teams as well.

They were all great players, with the latest, Wiley, being the recipient of the 1997-1998 Hudson Reporter Athlete of the Year Award.

In this reporter’s opinion, there was no finer high school defensive player than Bello, who literally dominated every time he took the field.

I vividly recall attending the Associated Press All-State voting that year at the Asbury Park Press offices. When the time came up for sportswriters around the state to nominate players from their area, I put up Bello’s name with the simple explanation:

"Kenny Bello, North Bergen, 6-2, 235 pounds, he’s the greatest defensive high school football player I’ve ever seen."

He earned unanimous selection status from the other 15 or so sportswriters in attendance, before he headed off to the University of Nebraska, then transferring to the University of Massachusetts.

Thirteen years later, Bello still holds that distinction in my eyes.

It’s still a fine collection of talent that remains at the top of coach Ascolese’s "Dream Team." – Jim Hague

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