SP-F Boys Basketball: What's in Store Next Season

A glimpse into what could be the norm rather than the exception was realized in the final game the Scotch Plains-Fanwood boys basketball team played this season.

Although the Raiders didn't win their only Union County Conference-Watchung Division game until late in the season and failed to qualify for the North 2, Group 3 playoffs despite teams getting in with records under .500 for the first time in awhile, Scotch Plains concluded its 2009-2010 season on a winning note, giving hope for the 2010-2011 campaign.

Junior guard Patrick Dougher netted a career-high 22 points and leading scorer Charles Oliver, another promising junior guard, added 17 as the Raiders topped visiting Bridgewater-Raritan 62-58 in their Feb. 24 season-finale.

Scotch Plains concluded at 7-17 overall and 1-9 in the Watchung Division.

Following a transition year of sorts this season after Scotch Plains won its first state championship two years ago and then got back to a sectional final last year, the Raiders will return all five starters for next season.

In addition to Dougher and Oliver, junior guard Tim Bonacum, junior center Matt Manns and sophomore forward Matt Jegede gained valuable experience this season.

Come next mid-December, that's a starting five unit – with a valuable year of experience under its belt – that should be ready to go.

Oliver, Dougher and Bonacum can all fill the hoop from long range, Jegede has a presence inside and although Manns does not score many points, he has the ability to neutralize the opposition's big man and the skill to go up and bring down important rebounds on offense and defense.

"We went up against a lot of senior-laden teams this year," said Dan Doherty, who came back to be the head coach for his ninth season this year after former assistant Ben Martinez guided the Raiders to last year's North 2, Group 3 championship game. "Consistency and experience we sought on an every game basis."

Scotch Plains won three of its first four and reached the John "Butch" Kowal Tournament championship game in late December, falling to arch rival Westfield.

Then after losing a close game to the Blue Devils in league play at their place, Scotch Plains came back to top Westfield at home for its only conference triumph.

A 57-54 come-from-behind win over the Blue Devils on Feb. 4 was the team's signature victory this season. Dougher paced Scotch Plains with 20 points, senior Doran Nelson had a big game with 18 points after missing the first conference game against Westfield with an injury and Oliver netted 13.

Oliver, when he is on, can shoot with anybody in Union County. Oliver's game and potential – which already has drawn interest from college scouts - ranks with the top area players.

"That was a tremendous win," Doherty said. "That was by far the best game we played all year, simply for the fact that we played as a team. The crowd helped a lot and our kids gave a great effort."

That's the kind of effort Doherty would like to see next year's squad give more times than not.

Other players eligible to return include junior guards Anthony Scalfaro and Yale Gordon and sophomore guard Ian Johnston.

This year's senior class included Nelson, forward and sometimes starter Alfredo Pawid and guards Dave Watson, Denzel Clark and Chris Nix.

Eligible to return for 2010-2011 season:

Juniors

10-Anthony Scalfaro (6-0) guard

11-Charles Oliver (6-2) guard

15-Patrick Dougher (6-0) guard

21-Tim Bonacum (6-0) guard

24-Yale Gordon (5-9) guard

33-Matt Manns (6-4) center

Sophomores

42-Matt Jegede (6-5) forward

44-Ian Johnston (5-8) guard