Vernon basketball team sees hard work pay off

VERNON — This season for the Vernon High School boy’s basketball program was proof positive that through a strong work ethic, dedication to the task at hand and a belief in oneself as well as those around you pays dividends.
The Vikings were competitive and determined out on the court at all times and the results were impressive. They tallied an overall record of 17-10, with a 4-3 mark in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference Freedom Division.
Matt Ferguson, Vernon’s head coach fondly remembers some of his squad’s most important victories from the recently concluded season.
“The most impressive victories were against South Hunterdon (68-63 on January 28), Warren Hills (64-54 on February 4), and Sparta (63-53 on February 11) advancing us to the semifinals of the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament," Ferguson said. “We also defeated Belleville (56-50 on December 27) to advance to the finals of the Livingston Holiday Tournament. We were the No. 10 seed in (NJSIAA) North 1 Group 2 State Playoffs."
Vernon lost to Delaware Valley in the semifinal round of the Hunterdon/Warren/Sussex Tournament. In the opening round of the North 1 Group 2 Tournament, the Vikings were defeated by Kinnelon.
Leadership was solid throughout the year for the Vikings.
“Sean Sabol scored 14.6 points and had 3.5 assists per game, Chris Ajamian scored 10.4 points and collected 3.8 rebounds per game," Ferguson said. “Jake Rodriguez averaged 9.6 points and dished out 3.5 assists per game. Brian Moran scored 9.3 points and had 7.1 rebounds per game. Jeff Sedlock scored 7.6 points and gathered 6.4 rebounds per game. Levi Burrell scored 4.0 points and had 2.0 rebounds per game. Erik Culhane-Gomez scored 2.0 points and dealt out 1.1 assists per game.
“These seniors were great role models for the younger players by demonstrating tremendous balance, team play and strong work ethic. Their significant efforts both on and off the court were well appreciated by all. Juniors Alex Heule, Nick Meyer, Paul McVeigh, Will McCotter, Thomas Stone, Mike Schnabel and sophomores Jadon Mutz and Alexander Day also provided solid contributions."
The 2017-18 season should prove to be another positive one for the Vikings.
“With a solid group of young players returning and a really busy summer schedule ahead the Vikings look to continue our winning ways," Ferguson said. “We would like to thank our seniors, and coaching staff which includes Joe Byrne and Don Ploch and our statisticians Stevie Vallellanes, Judy Johnson and Mike Suppa."