Rasaan Parker dribbles between two Lawrence players during Ewing’s 64-60 win in the Central Jersey Group III quarterfinal on March 5, 2014. (Staff photo by Samantha Sciarrotta.)
Trey Lowe drives to the basket during a 64-60 win over Lawrence on March 5, 2014. (Staff photo by Samantha Sciarrotta.)
By Lisa Zola-DeLibero
The Ewing High School boys’ basketball team had an incredible season on the court with a final record of 27-5, winning the Central Jersey Group III Championship sectional, and making it to the state final game.
The Blue Devils won the school’’s 11th sectional championship at Emil Wandishin Gym by defeating Red Bank, 73-62.
The team went on to defeat Delsea, 83-49, on March 15 in the Group III state semifinals at Brick Memorial High, but then lost to a strong Newark East Side team in the final, 83-56, on March 16 at the Rutgers Athletic Center.
Trey Lowe, the state’s leading scorer, ended the season with 891 points.
All of this is something that the head coach of 10 years, Shelley Dearden, is proud of. But it is the team’s character on and off of the court that brings a smile to her face and warmth in her heart.
“Their parents did a great job raising these boys,” said Dearden about her team. “What was so great about our team this season is the way that the boys communicate with each other on and off of the court.
“They support each other all of the time during games and practice, and when I see them in the halls, they are always together, happy, laughing and enjoying each others company.”
The team, which didn’t have much varsity experience, worked extremely hard in preparation for the season.
“Even though we didn’t have a lot of experienced players, everyone worked together to help out each other’s game,” Dearden said.
“Lowe, a junior, and the top player of the team, always wanted his teammates to be successful. He is extremely humble, and the guys think the world of him,” she said. “He always trusted his teammates, and he and the guys were grateful for each other all season long.”
Working together as a team, along with outstanding character, helped the team to have the success that they had this past season, especially in the close games.
“We were down by 17 points in the 4th quarter against Hamilton,” Dearden said, “and because of the bond that these guys have, and their ability to stay true to one another and not give up, we ended up winning by 6 points in overtime.
“The defensive play of Rasaan Parker, Kani Tye, and Deon Hale, along with the offensive threats of Lowe, and Brian Wilkins in that game, we ended up getting the win in the end, which was the most exciting game of the season. The team just has this never-die attitude.”
Dearden, who has also coached girls basketball, soccer, and softball at Ewing, as well as softball and soccer at Mercer County Community College, said that the difference between coaching girls as boys is that girls pay attention to detail, and boys do not.
“The boys game is definitely quicker, and it’s played above the rim. The ultimate goal is the play defense. The concepts in both the boys and girls games are the same, it is just a little different in the way to get there.”
A graduate of Trenton State College with a degree in special education, Dearden, the mother of three sons, Kevin, Keith and Kasey, has been teaching at Ewing High School for 27 years in the self-contained classroom.
The job to coach the boys’ team came about when the head coach, Walt Bitner retired.
“Some of the kids and parents said ‘Why don’t you apply for the boys’ job,’” said Dearden. “So I did, and I ended up getting the job.”
Along with the starters, Deardon feels that the entire team is important in every game.
“Players like Eric Rowe who is a forward and a guard, would come in and shoot 3 pointers, block shots, and do everything he could to help out the team,” Dearden said. “The rest of the teammates, Justin Porter, Justin Hammond, Howard Gammage, Brandon Bartlett, and Colin Haynes were excellent for us this whole season too.
“You talk to coaches who coach other teams, and there always seems to be a problem about something. But with this team, there was never an issue at all. Not ever.”
Dearden has a great support system in her coaching staff.
Ishmeal McKithen has been the JV and assistant Varsity coach with Dearden, and is extremely dedicated, helping out with every aspect of the game and at every practice.
“Our new assistant coach, Dan Montfferet, brings a lot of knowledge to the program,” Dearden said. “He is the young blood of our organization, and his energy level is off the charts!”
With a stellar season behind her, Dearden is looking forward to some down time to reminisce about this amazing team.
“I am very, very proud of the way that the team executed their play, playing as a total team in every single game” she said. “I am exceptionally proud of the boys because of who they are, and the memories that they made together, not only for them as a team, but for the entire Ewing community.”
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