These past few years, Oratory basketball has been in rebuilding mode. With youth came inexperience, and the Rams struggled a bit in the last couple of seasons. However, what was once a team full of freshman and sophomores is now junior laden and back on an upswing. As of this past week, the team stands at 9-5 and are fighting atop their division of the Union County Conference. Make no mistake about it, this team has the potential to contend for a conference championship.

It all started on opening night with a huge win over arch rival New Providence. Since then, the team has rattled off wins against the likes of Roselle Park, Cedar Grove, Johnson, and Dayton (thanks to a game winner by Roland Whitley III). In fact, one of their five losses came on a three quarter-court buzzer beater, another by 4 points to a tough Newark Academy team. This team could easily be 11-3.

The success of the team can be attributed to a potent offensive attack. Guards Austin Lee and Roland Whitley III make up one of the top backcourts in the area, slashing to the basket and finding open teammates. Senior guard Matt Zychowski leads the team with 16 three pointers on the year, and Junior Brendan Lawlor has knocked down 13 threes as well. Andrew Lee touts an inside-out game, powering his way to the basket and sniping the occasional three. Seniors Chris Manning and Jack Skinner have been dominating the paint along with Junior Matt Davis, racking up rebounds left and right. Newcomers Matt Muoio, Dan Skea, Anthony Smith, and Doug Degolyer have made significant impacts as well.

Overall, it is safe to say that Oratory Prep Basketball is back. A force to reckoned with in the conference, the state is sure to take notice of the Rams success.