Varsity Boys Basketball: Predictions for the 2025 Season

As the varsity boys basketball team prepares for the 2025 season, anticipation is high among players and fans alike. With key seniors returning and a strong sense of chemistry, the team is aiming to make a deep playoff run. Based on interviews with players Nick Gallo, Will Llanza, and Noah Reilly, here's what we can expect from the Raiders this upcoming season.

When it comes to the team's biggest strengths, all three players highlighted team chemistry as a crucial factor. Nick Gallo emphasized the importance of having a close-knit group, particularly with eight seniors on the roster. "I think our biggest strength will be how close we’ll all be together," Gallo said. "Since this year we have eight seniors, we will have good chemistry. I think all our games will connect better together." Will Llanza pointed out the team's depth in scoring as a major asset. "Our biggest strength, I'm gonna have to say, is our amount of good scorers like Jordan Small, Tim Gordon, Sean Fealy, and Ryan Ibrahim," Llanza said. Noah Reilly agreed that chemistry will play a pivotal role in the team's success, adding that having strong bonds on and off the court will improve their overall performance.

All three plays give unanimous praise for Jordan Small, a returning varsity starter. Gallo believes Small will naturally step into a leadership role, following the footsteps of 2024 graduate Erik Thompson. "I think Jordan Small is the obvious one who will take up the leadership role as he took on the leadership role last year," Gallo noted. He also mentioned Will Llanza and Ryan Ibrahim as seasoned players capable of leading the team. Llanza echoed this sentiment. "Last year our leader was Erik, and now I think it's gonna be [Jordan]," he said. Reilly added, "I think Jordan Small will take leadership roles because he has been starting varsity since sophomore year and is extremely experienced."

No season is without its challenges, and the players shared their thoughts on what hurdles the team might face in 2025. Gallo pointed to the pressure of playing home games. "I think a challenge we could face is playing in more home games than away ones because playing in front of people you know could cause a lot of pressure and expectations to do better," he said. Llanza identified aggressive opponents as a potential obstacle. "I think our biggest challenge is aggressive teams," he said.

On the other hand, Reilly highlighted the importance of mental toughness, especially when trailing at halftime. "I think our biggest challenge will be coming back when we're down going into the second half," Reilly explained. The players remain optimistic about their chances this season. Gallo expressed confidence in the team's ability to make the playoffs, emphasizing the importance of teamwork over individual performances. "I think we are capable of making the playoffs, and I think our key to success is everyone doing their part and not playing hero ball," Gallo said. Llanza remains modest when making predictions. "I don't want to say too much because I want us to be humble," he said. Reilly believes that hard work will be the determining factor in the team's success. "I think if we keep working hard, we can make it far," he stated.

Every season brings intense matchups, and Nutley High School's biggest rivalries for 2025 are clear. Gallo sees Bloomfield and Belleville as the toughest opponents. "I think two of our rival matchups are Bloomfield and Belleville, and I think that they'll be our hardest matchups this season," Gallo said. Llanza singled out Belleville as the team's main rival, while Reilly believes Bloomfield will be the toughest challenge. Both matchups are expected to bring high energy and competitive play, with players eager to prove themselves on the court.

The team is heading into the 2025 season with high hopes and a determined mindset. With strong team chemistry, experienced leaders, and a deep roster of scorers, the Raiders have the potential to make a significant impact this season. While challenges like tough opponents and pressure-filled home games may arise, the players are confident that hard work and unity will see them through. Fans should get ready for an exciting season filled with intense matchups and memorable moments on the court.