Clear out the helmets and cleats, and bring out the sneakers and basketballs: winter sports have officially started and games are in full-swing.
Both girls and boys basketball teams have gone through tryouts, practices and scrimmages.
The biggest, most anticipated, highly watched game for the boys team was the season opener against Camden last year. Camden is one of the highest ranked teams in NJ, home to some nationally ranked players. Last year RV lost to them 91-50. Last night, the Red Devils held them to only a 10-point lead but ultimately lost, 60-51 at Camden, with Camden players Billy Richmond and Teron Murray leading for the Panthers.
More recently, the basketball team has competed in multiple scrimmages against schools such as Washington Township, Burlington Township and BCIT Westampton.
“Scrimmages are of vast importance,” said Varsity Boys Coach James Flanagan. “They set the framework for how the season will look and give the players an opportunity to earn their warranted playing time.”
Once again the boys have a packed season with 25+ games all across the state. Their first home game will take place against Hightstown on December 16 at 12:00pm. RV has not played against this team in the past few years, so there is much to anticipate.
The team ended last season with a record of 14-11. They scored 4th in the American Division in the Olympic Conference behind Lenape, Eastern and Cherry Hill East.
“Our goals are to improve on last season’s 14-11 record and advance further in the state tournament,” said Coach Flanagan. “This will not be an easy task as we play a highly competitive schedule.”
Switching over to the girls side, their season is full of many big events such as the Haddonfield Holiday Showcase, the South Jersey Invitational Basketball Tournament, the South vs. Shore Showcase, the SJIBT Tournament, and of course the highly anticipated NJSIAA Tournament at the very end of their season.
Their first game of the season is away at Moorestown on December 19, at 5:15pm. Last season, this was a very close game, but ultimately resulted in a 37-49 loss very early in the season.
The girls’ first home game is against Medford Tech on December 28 at 12:00pm. This game was their very first game last season and resulted in a very close 34-31 victory.
Last season their record stood at 10-17, making them 3rd overall in the American Division of the Olympic Conference.
A huge contributor to their last season success, and a highly anticipated returner, is senior Olivia Ruminski, who had 153 overall points.
“As a senior and captain, my goal for this season differs from last year’s of simply winning,” said Ruminski. “ I want to leave the program with the legacy of a positive and encouraging atmosphere, I want everyone’s voice to be heard and everyone to experience the same 4 years I had.”
Whether it’s the anticipation, the hype crowds, or the feeling of RV pride, basketball at RV will likely continue to be a popular event that brings the community together.
Rumiski says, “This season I want to enjoy every part of the season from the early morning practices to the late night wins against competitive teams. I look forward to spending my last year with such an encouraging and talented team.”
