Captains ‘great examples’ for boys basketball team

After losing a series of contests against considerably difficult opponents at the start of the regular season, the West Milford High School boys basketball team faced a few options about how to proceed.

The Highlanders could dwell on the losses or they could regroup, learn from their mistakes, and gain confidence with each practice and game.

It’s safe to say that they were determined to choose the latter.

The Highlanders had won six games through Feb. 10, including a three-game winning streak Jan. 23-26.

Leading the way are the two senior captains, Seamus Basket and Brandon Scrimmenti.

“I chose them because of their dedication to the sport and the team,’’ head coach Mac Morando said. “No one works harder than Seamus and wants the team to do well more than him. I chose Brandon because he attended nearly every off-season workout or game, communicated well with myself and his teammates, and understands what we’re trying to accomplish.

“Both of these two individuals are great examples of the standard we’re holding. Seamus is averaging 18.2 points per game right now.’’

Brandon and Seamus have made noticeable personal improvements as basketball players while helping their teammates improve in a variety of ways.

“Seamus has improved defensively and as a passer,’’ Morando said.

“Seamus leads by example and works hard every day. This model rubs off on his teammates, who also want to do as well as he’s doing on the court. He communicates with his teammates and the coaching staff his ideas and what he is seeing during games. This helps everyone be on the same page.

““Brandon’s decision-making has improved, and I have a lot of trust in him to know what he is doing out there. Brandon is a player-coach. He knows all the plays we’re trying to run from multiple positions. He’s able to recognize defenses and help get his teammates into their spots. He knows what the coaches want and helps to communicate that message to the younger players.’’

Both captains are also standout students in the classroom.

“Seamus currently has a 3.9 GPA and Brandon is No. 1 in his class,’’ the coach said.

Many student athletes have proven to be reliable for West Milford.

“Wyatt Space has been a big part of the team and its success,’’ Morando said. “He is a selfless player who hustles and works hard on defense and rebounding. He is someone the team respects a lot.

“We’re starting two sophomores and playing one more sophomore so the impact that the upperclassmen have on these guys will be seen for the next two years after this season. They’ve set a great example that these guys now have to carry and uphold.’’