Prep ready to make the next step

Two years ago, they were the Cinderella darlings of Hudson County boys’ basketball, going from the downtrodden eighth seed to HCIAA Coviello Division champions.
Last year, the Marauders of St. Peter’s Prep were exactly the opposite, the heavily favored top seed that rolled through the regular season and Coviello playoffs without a loss, winning their second straight county title.
All in all, the mighty Marauders went 23-3, but suffered a disappointing setback at home to Seton Hall Prep in the NJSIAA Non-Public A semifinals.
With all of the players returning from last year’s powerhouse team, fourth-year head coach Mike Kelly, the Jersey City police lieutenant who was one of the first police officers to arrive on the scene at the shooting incident in July that claimed the life of Detective Marc DiNardo, doesn’t want his team to forget about that loss to Seton Hall.
“They want to forget about it, but I won’t let them,” Kelly said. “We had a very loose team last year and I let them be loose. It was kind of working for a while, until Seton Hall drilled us in a lot of ways. I blame myself for that game and I can only hope they learned from it. But I’m going to remind them every single day.”
Kelly was ejected from that contest, so it was a forgettable afternoon all the way around. But the Marauders, who played four sophomores and a freshman for most of that afternoon, had to learn how to handle adversity.
The returning talent is the main reason why the Marauders will begin this new season this weekend ranked among the top five teams in the entire state.
However, Kelly has his doubts.
“I’m not sure we’re as good as people think we are,” Kelly said. “If we’re going to take the next step, then it’s a giant leap. It’s certainly a harrowing kind of thought to be considered with teams like St. Patrick’s and St. Anthony. The next step would be a logical one, but I’m not sure if we’re ready.”
Physically, the Marauders aren’t ready. Six-foot-eight center Keith Lumpkin is still recovering from a long football season and just returned to basketball practice. Junior Chase Fluellen, a 6-4 forward, has been out of action with a knee injury. Fluellen was slated to make his return to practice this week.
“So we haven’t had the euphoria of having an experienced team back quite yet,” Kelly said.
Leading the returnees is senior forward Ronald Roberts, who earned Hudson Reporter All-Area First Team honors last year. The 6-8 Roberts averaged 17 points and 11 rebounds last season after transferring to Prep from Bayonne. Roberts has also already signed a national letter of intent to attend St. John’s University next fall.
Kelly was asked if it was a blessing having Roberts’ collegiate choice already decided.
“I think it could be a double-edged sword,” Kelly said. “It’s definitely helped him strive to reach bigger heights like the Big East. Now, he might need a different motivation. I thought St. Joe’s [in Philadelphia] and Coach Phil Martelli was a good fit, but he wanted the opportunity to go to the Big East. I think he has a way to go. But he had a good final scrimmage, with four or five dunks in traffic. He also shot the ball well. I think he’s ready to meet the challenge of being recognized as a Big East player. He has to face that challenge every night.”
The other returning All-Area player is 6-2 junior guard Myles Davis, who was averaging 15 points per game last season. According to Kelly, Davis has worked on his strength, his speed, and agility.
“He’s faster and stronger and could always shoot the ball,” Kelly said. “He’s a big-time player and he’s already getting big-time offers.”
Lumpkin, who is coming off an All-Area football season, is a 6-8 junior center who went from being the center of attention and Second Team All-Area player as a freshman two seasons ago to a complimentary player last year.
“I met with Keith two weeks ago and told him that we’re going to switch it back and throw him the ball as much as we get it to Ron inside,” Kelly said. “He still has his football legs right now, but his confidence is coming back and he’s ready to have a big year.”
The point guard is 5-9 junior Kevin Walker, who is the glue who keeps the Marauders together.
“We’re asking Kevin to be more consistent,” Kelly said. “He’s letting them all play their games. Kevin is more happy and content.”
Walker, Fluellen and Lumpkin were all freshman starters on that 2007-08 county champion squad.
“No question, there’s no comparison to their experience and it’s championship game experience,” Kelly said. “That says a lot.”
Another of the key Marauder players is sophomore swingman Dallas Anglin, who may be the best of the bunch by the time he’s through. The 6-3 Anglin started a bunch of games last year as a freshman and averaged close to 10 points per game.
“He’s a monster,” Kelly said. “He’s already had college offers. He walks and carries himself like a stud.”
Junior Stephon Wyatt, a 5-9 guard, has improved tremendously and will serve as Walker’s backup at the point. Jordan Arthur is a 6-8 freshman who is a raw talent, but some scouting services have Arthur rated as the No. 2 freshman in the state.
Senior J.J. Hladik is a 5-11 shooting guard who has deadly range from the outside and can hit 3-pointers as easy as he makes lay-ups.
Senior Matt Porter is a 6-2 swing player who Kelly likes for his toughness.
All in all, the pieces are in place.
“I think the expectations are deserved, but the burden is on us to live up to the expectations,” said Kelly, whose team will participate in the first-ever Hudson County Tournament and has to be considered the preseason favorite with St. Anthony not participating.
“We now have to live up to what other people think we’re going to do,” said Kelly, who will lead the Marauders into the new season against Union City this weekend. “Last year, we were pretty balanced. But this year, since we have everyone back, we’re expected to do as well if not better. We have to step up and we’re looking forward to the challenge.”