Medium and High Risk Sports Can Resume Under 25% Capacity Limit
October 12, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 187, allowing the resumption of contact practices and competitions in indoor settings for organized sports defined as “medium risk” and “high risk” by the New Jersey Department of Health’s “Guidance for Sports Activities.” The order encompasses sports including hockey, basketball, cheerleading, group dance, rugby, boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling. Governor Murphy previously signed Executive Orders No. 149 and 168, which permitted the resumption of outdoor sports activities, “low risk” practices and competitions in indoor settings, and non-contact indoor practices for “medium risk” and “high risk” sports.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has been challenging for our student-athletes, support staff, and school communities,” said Governor Murphy. “After consulting stakeholders and medical experts, we have concluded that, with proper public health and safety protocols in place, indoor sports may now resume in a way that protects players, coaches, and staff.”
All indoor practices and competitions are limited to 25% of the capacity of the room, but not more than 25 or less than 10 persons. However, if the number of individuals who are necessary for practice or competition, such as players, coaches, and referees, exceeds 25, the practice or competition may proceed if no unnecessary individuals such as spectators are present. Even if this exception applies, the number of individuals at the practice or competition cannot exceed 25% of the capacity of the room, and such limit cannot exceed 150 persons.
Facilities and participants must abide by a number of health and safety protocols outlined in the Department of Health’s “Guidance for Sports Activities,” such as screenings for athletes, coaches, and staff; limitations on equipment sharing; and requirements for disinfecting and sanitizing surfaces and equipment.
Additionally, sports under the oversight of either the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association or the NCAA must continue to abide by those associations’ rules. All sporting activities must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders.
The order will take effect immediately.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 187, please click here.
Press pool photos by: Rich Hundley, III.
October 10, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The visiting Allentown Redbirds were stung by the Hamilton West Hornets this morning. The final Score was Hamilton West 38, Allentown 7.
Photo gallery:
October 9, 2020
HIGHTSTOWN, NJ (MERCER)–It was Hightstown High School’s football, band and cheerleading senior night tonight. Senior nights this season have been moved from the usual last game of the season to the 1st home game of the season due to COVID-19. The visiting Robbinsville Ravens defeated the Hightstown Rams 35-32.
Senior Night Photo Gallery:
Football gallery:
October 3, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Nottingham football team won their game at home against Allentown this afternoon with a final score of 49-14.
Photo gallery:
October 3, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Hightstown defeated Steinert this afternoon with a final score of 24-20. According to the Hightstown RAMS this is the first time since 2009 that Hightstown has beat Steinert in a game.
With 2:37 on the clock & you put the ball in your QB’s hands to win the game… these are the experiences that can’t be replaced, remembered forever & why we have HS sports! Be safe & do the right thing to continue playing Rams💙!!
— HHS Rams Athletics (@HHSRamsAthletic) October 3, 2020
October 2, 2020
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–Robbinsville won their football game during the home opener tonight with a final score of 42-6 against Princeton. It was Robbinsville’s Senior Night. Senior nights have been pushed forward in the season due to COVID. Also there was no handshake tradition at the end of the game, both teams lined up across from each other and wished each other good luck with the rest of the season.
Photo gallery:
October 2, 2020
LAWRENCE TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Notre Dame Football team won their game against Hamilton West 23-20 tonight at home.
Photo gallery by: Brian McCarthy, OnScene News
These ropes are used in professional use, including work-at-height use, difficult access, technical rescue and industrial applications; and for recreational use, including climbing, caving and mountaineering.
October 2, 2020
Name of product: Low-Stretch Kernmantle Ropes
Hazard:
The rope can have a deep cut or tape securing two ends of rope together, which can cause the rope to fail, posing fall and injury hazards to the user.Remedy:ReplaceRecall date:September 30, 2020Units:
About 14,850 (In addition, about 2,500 were sold in Canada) Consumer Contact:
Description:
The recalled low-stretch kernmantle ropes are designed for professional use, including work-at-height use, difficult access, technical rescue and industrial applications; and for recreational use, including climbing, caving and mountaineering. The ropes have a nylon core and polyester sheath material. Only ropes with serial numbers ranging between 18 C 0000000 000 and 20 H 0000000 000 are included in the recall. The recalled rope models include:
- Axis 11mm rope (white, yellow, black, blue, red and orange) available in 150, 200, 600 and 1200 feet. Model Numbers R074AA00 – R074AA27.
- Parallel 10.5mm (white, yellow, black, blue, red and orange), available in 50, 100, 200 and 500 meters. Model Numbers R077AA03 – R077AA28.
- Vector 12.5mm rope (white, yellow, black, blue, red and orange) available in 150, 200, 600 and 1200 feet. Model Numbers R078AA00—R078AA27.
- Segment 8 mm (white) available in 50, 100 or 200 meters. Model Numbers R076AA00 – R076AA06.
- Ray 12 mm (yellow/black) available in 25, 50, 75, 100 and 200 feet. Model Numbers R091AA00 – R091AA04.
- ASAP’AXIS 11 mm (white) available 10, 20, 30, 40, 50 and 60 meters. Model numbers R074DA00 — R074DA05
- Push 200 9 mm (white, orange) available in 200 meters. Model Numbers R40AW200 and R40AO200.
- Club 200 10 mm (white, orange) available in 200 meters. Model Numbers R39AW200 and R39AO200.
- Top 9.8 mm (Not sold in North America)
- Lead 9.8mm (Not sold in North America)
- JAG Rescue Kit model numbers K090AA00-K090AA02
The recalled safety ropes have the model name and serial number on the label affixed to each end of the rope. Remedy:
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ropes and inspect the rope for a deep cut or tape connecting two ends of rope together, and if either is found, contact Petzl America for instructions on receiving a free replacement rope.Incidents/Injuries:
None reported.Sold At:
GME Supply, Karst Sports and industrial and recreational stores nationwide, and online at http://www.gmesupply.com and http://www.Karstsports.com from March 2018 through July 2020 for between $200 and $1,200.Importer(s):
Petzl America Inc., of Salt Lake City, Utah Manufactured In:FranceRecall number: 20-194
Consumer Contact:
Petzl America toll-free at 877-807-3805 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, email at [email protected], or online at www.petzl.com and select Professional or Sport then click on Customer Service/Security Alerts located at the top of the page for more information.
https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2020/Petzl-Recalls-Safety-Ropes-Due-to-Fall-and-Injury-Hazard#
October 1, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The 2020 cross country season kicked off today in Hamilton as Allentown, Hamilton West and Trenton met at Veterans Park. Trenton High School was the host of the cross country meet.
Due to COVID-19 restrictions meets are limited to the amount of people who can race, the start line is spread out and masks are required before and after running. It was good to see everyone back out on the course racing again as high school fall sports kick off for the season.
Check back for scoring information.
Check photo galleries below:
Boys Race:
Girls race:
Congratulations to the boys & girls teams on the win against Trenton! Great seeing everyone back racing again! #AHSPROUD
— A-Town XC/TF (@AHSRedBirdsXCTF) October 1, 2020
August 14, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Rep. Chris Smith (NJ-04) tossed out the traditional first pitch at the Babe Ruth State Championship doubleheader featuring Hamilton/Northern Burlington squaring off against Atlantic Shore in the 2020 Southern NJ 15-year-old State Tournament Aug. 12.
“It was good to get on the field with the Hamilton/Northern Burlington team and toss that first pitch,” said Smith, who for a number of years played in the annual Congressional Baseball Game. “Last night’s game one was a come-from-behind thriller, but unfortunately we couldn’t take game two. Still, it was a great night of baseball and the kids should be proud.”
Smith took to the mound after the National Anthem as the 15-year-old all-stars from Atlantic Shore and Hamilton/N. Burlington watched his wind-up and delivery with interest. The congressman’s over-the-plate pitch was greeted by a round of applause. The WBCBSports.com announcer Keith Noonan, described the pitch as “Congressman Chris Smith came out and threw the first pitch and it was absolutely perfect. Right down the middle with some speed.” Co-announcer Joe O’Gorman said, “If you see a guy with a little grey hair take the mound for Hamilton-Northern Burlington, be a little suspicious today.”
Atlantic Shore, the all-stars from Atlantic County, won the State Championship with a 8-3 victory in game two of the double header. Hamilton/Northern Burlington forced the second game with a come-from-behind 7-6 win in the first game.
Rep. Smith threw out the ceremonial first pitch at the Hamilton/Northern Burlington championship game in the State Tournament held in August at Switlik Park in Hamilton. Observers said Smith threw a strike down the middle. Photo provided
July 21, 2020
TRENTON NJ (MERCER)–Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West baseball defeated Lawrence Road Irish-Notre Dame 6-2 at Arm & Hammer Park, during “Round of 32” of the Last Dance NJ High School World Series Tournament tonight.
Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West heads to Lakewood tomorrow at 11:30 am the Round of 16 in the tournament taking on Brooklawn /Gloucester Catholic.
Photo gallery:
July 21, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 168, allowing the resumption of contact practices and competitions in outdoor settings for organized sports defined as “high risk” by the New Jersey Department of Health’s “Guidance for Sports Activities.” Governor Murphy signed Executive Order No. 149 on May 29, 2020, allowing organized sports to resume on a phased-in schedule as defined by the Department of Health as “low,” “medium,” and “high risk” activities.
“Since the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, my Administration has been committed to using all of the available science, data, and facts guide New Jersey’s strategic reopening and resumption of activities,” said Governor Murphy. “Today, our data gives us confidence, that in outdoor settings and with the proper public health and safety protocols in place, contact sports can resume while protecting players, coaches, and staff.”
The order stipulates that practices and competitions must be held in outdoor settings only, and encompasses sports including football, cheerleading, group dance, rugby, boxing, judo, karate, taekwondo, and wrestling. All sports will have to abide by a number of health and safety protocols, including screenings for athletes, coaches, and staff; limited equipment sharing; and strong requirements for disinfecting and sanitizing equipment. Additionally, sports under the oversight of either the New Jersey Interscholastic Athletic Association or the NCAA must abide by those associations’ rules. All sporting activities are subject to the “Guidance for Sports Activities,” and such activities must comply with all applicable laws, regulations, and Executive Orders.
The order will take effect immediately.
For a copy of Executive Order No. 168, please click here.
Governor Phil Murphy today signed Executive Order No. 168, allowing the resumption of contact practices and competitions in outdoor settings for organized sports defined as “high risk” File photos from 2019-2020 season.
July 16, 2020
TRENTON NJ (MERCER)–The Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West defeated the NJ Tigers-Trenton Catholic Academy 7-1 tonight at Arm & Hammer Park, Thunder Stadium during Day 3 of the Last Dance NJ High School World Series Tournament.
Final Score:
Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West: 7
NJ Tigers-Trenton Catholic Academy: 1
Photo Gallery:
July 15, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–Tonight the Hamilton Spartans (Steinert) met the Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking (Hamilton West) at Arm & Hammer Stadium Waterfront Park during the NJ High School World Series “Last Dance” Baseball Tournament.
The final score of the game was: Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West 5 and Hamilton Spartans-Steinert 4
Tomorrow night the Dirty Boyz Liedtka Trucking-Hamilton West face Trenton Catholic at Arm & Hammer Statium Waterfront Park at 6 pm.
Photo gallery:
July 14, 2020
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Allentown beat the MC Hammers-Monroe 9-2 tonight at First Energy Park Stadium in the “Last Dance” NJ High School World Series.
Photo Gallery:
July 14, 2020
LAKEWOOD, NJ (OCEAN)–Robbinsville Ravens fell to Monmouth County Monarchs-Manalapan 3-2 at First Energy Park Stadium during the “Last Dance” High School World Series this afternoon.
Photo gallery:
July 14, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Lawrence Township Cardinals fell to the East Windsor Rams 19-0 in the “Last Dance” High School World Series this afternoon.
Photo gallery:
July 14, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Lawrence Road Irish and the PC Tigers squared off at 10 am at the Trenton Babe Ruth field in the “Last Dance” High School World Series Baseball Tournament in the first round of play.
The “Last Dance” World Series Baseball Tournament was devised after the regular high school season and American Legion seasons were both canceled due to COVID-19. Each team is guaranteed at least three games in the tournament.
The final score was: Lawrence Road Irish 10, PC Tigers 0
- Lawrence Road Irish # 24 Ryan Mignogna
- Lawrence Road Irish # 24 Ryan Mignogna
- Lawrence Road Irish # 14 Thomas Mills scores
- Lawrence Road Irish # 14 Thomas Mills scores
- Lawrence Road Irish # 10 Nate Innocenti safe at second after a slide Princeton # 16 waits for the ball.
June 30, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)—Youth sports have been slowly returning to the fields of New Jersey since the COVID-19 crisis the past few months. The German American Kickers of Mercer County has started practice and plans to resume playing games in the next few weeks and hosting a camp at the end of August.
The German American Kickers has entered a partnership with Schaechter Sports, a youth soccer development organization based in Germany. The organization brings in a high level of youth development, coach education, cultural and player opportunities in Germany as well as bringing a European style youth summer camp to the central NJ region.
The main goal of the partnership is for the GAK to continue to provide high level soccer experience and leverage additional opportunities for players in central New Jersey. Under the partnership, GAK will receive consultation services, coach training, age appropriate curriculum, and opportunities to travel to Germany to participate in competitive tournaments and training sessions with first division professional Bundesliga clubs. The exclusive partnership allows both organizations to work closely with each other while maintaining their own identity. The initial term of the partnership will be for three years with the option and intention to grow the partnership and continuously renew thereafter.
The relationship between German American Kickers and Schaechter Sports started last year and led to a highly successful summer camp. The camp was coached by two highly qualified UEFA licensed coaches, Marcus Becker and David Mueller, who traveled to New Jersey from Germany for two weeks to coach the camp and manage the staff. Marcus Becker is a former professional player, a UEFA “A” licensed coach and former Real Madrid youth academy coach. David Mueller is the location manager for Schaechter’s US presence. He is also a UEFA “B” licensed coach and talent identification recruiter and was responsible for identifying Weston McKennie of the US National Team. The camp will be offered again this year at German American Kickers in late August.
The German American Kickers Sports Chairman, Paul Bette, explains that, “We are excited about working closer with Schaechter Sports because the partnership is consistent with German American Kickers’s mission to provide a positive and very competitive soccer experience at an affordable price. This unique program differentiates us from other clubs throughout the entire state and will be a draw for our club.”
For more information about the German American Kickers click here
For more information about Schaechter Sports of Germany click here
May 4, 2020
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)—Statement from the New Jersey State Interscholastic Athletic Association- NJSIAA about the spring sports season:
“Following today’s announcement by Governor Murphy, the NJSIAA has officially canceled New Jersey’s 2020 high school spring sports season. This decision was not made lightly and we are disappointed for the thousands of New Jersey student-athletes who will be unable to compete this spring. While we remained hopeful to the end, and left open every possibility, competition simply is not feasible given the circumstances.
“The last few weeks have been heartbreaking on many levels, from the tragic loss of life, to thousands battling the virus, to millions who have suffered emotional and economic loss. It’s been a harrowing time for everyone, and we know our student-athletes are extremely disappointed. That said, these unfortunate circumstances may have put an intriguing challenge in the path of our young people. As New Jersey’s own Vince Lombardi once said, “It’s not whether you get knocked down, it’s whether you get up.” We’re confident all our kids will get back up and stand tall.
“The NJSIAA will continue developing plans for the potential restarting of scholastic sports during the fall season. Additional information related both to the summer recess and fall will be shared at a later date.”
Governor Murphy: “We’re leaning on the guidance from the NJSIAA against the resumption of spring sports for the remainder of the 2019-2020 school year. The NJSIAA Medical Board concluded that due to a lack of testing, viable treatments, and a vaccine, that spring sports were not a viable option.”
Selected sports photos from previous years. File photos by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
April 2, 2020
Read statement here
ROBBINSVILLE, NJ (MERCER)–While a return-to-school date and related public health guidelines will determine the viability of a spring sports season, NJSIAA is committed to doing whatever is possible to provide New Jersey’s student-athletes with some type of spring season. We have not given up on spring sports, and will continue holding teleconferences and virtual meetings with leaders of our various leagues and conferences to assess options. To be clear, any effort to arrange for scholastic competition outside the traditional academic calendar would require support and approval beyond our office.
March 18, 2020
Member institutions:
Montclair State UniversityNew Jersey City UniversityRamapo CollegeRutgers University -Newark.William Patterson UniversityThe College of New JerseyKean UniversityRowan UniversityRutgers University – Camden
Stockton University
PITMAN—The New Jersey Athletic Conference (NJAC) Board of Athletic Administrators, in coordination with the administration at each of its 10 full-member institutions, made the difficult but necessary decision on March 18 to cancel all conference contests, non-conference contests, and league championships for the remainder of the 2019-20 academic year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“This is a decision that we all hoped would not have to be made, but in the long run, it’s the decision that is clearly in the best interests of all parties involved,” said NJAC Commissioner Terry Small. “Our administrators have always, and will always, prioritize the health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches, officials, support staffs, fans, and all those associated with NJAC athletics. This decision, while disappointing in many ways, was clearly made for the right reasons.”
The canceling of the spring seasons impacts the NJAC in the conference sports of men’s volleyball, baseball, softball, women’s lacrosse, women’s outdoor track & field, men’s outdoor track & field, and men’s tennis. In addition, some of the conference’s winter and spring sport student-athletes, who had previously earned NCAA championship qualifications in the sports of women’s indoor track & field, men’s indoor track & field, women’s swimming & diving, men’s swimming & diving, and women’s tennis were denied the opportunity to compete in those national events after the NCAA cancelled all remaining winter and spring championships on March 13.
“I would like to thank our student-athletes who always represent our conference and their respective institutions admirably in all that they do,” Small said. “They truly compete for the love of their sport and their institution, and they devote countless hours to achieve success both academically and athletically. To our senior student-athletes whose careers may have come to an abrupt end, everyone associated with the NJAC would especially like to thank you for your dedication and passion, and for the legacy that you have left at each of your institutions.”
February 26, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In Mercer County Tournament’s final four Trenton Catholic Academy boys defeated Hightstown High School with a final score of 85-63. Trenton Catholic Academy will take on Nottingham High School in the final Friday at 7 pm at the Cure Insurance Arena.
Photo gallery:
February 26, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–The Mercer County Tournament’s final four girls Trenton Catholic Academy defeated Trenton High School with a final score of 93-42. Trenton Catholic Academy plays Stuart Country Day School at 5 pm at the Cure Insurance Arena.
Photo gallery:
February 26, 2020
TRENTON, NJ (MERCER)–In Mercer County Tournament’s final four held a the Cure Insurance Arena tonight, Nottingham defeated Robbinsville boys basketball with a final score of 61-47. Nottingham will advance to the final game against Trenton Catholic Academy on Friday Night 7 pm at the Cure Insurance Arena.
Photo gallery:
February 22, 2020
Complete details at: https://www.trackwrestling.com/ search for NJSIAA Tournament
NJSIAA District 21 held at Wall High School
138 Hamilton North Nottingham David Aboasu with a 5-3 decision over Northern Burlington David Aboasu
152 Hamilton North Nottingham Joachim Larose with a 6-1 decision over Lawrence Sean Mills
160 Hamilton North Nottingham Kwanir Edwards with a 9-5 decision over Northern Burlington Jamie Lovenduski
NJSIAA District 22 held at Middletown North High School
113 Trenton Cory Stallworth 3rd place with a fall over Westampton Ibrahim Kermen at 2:18
120 Allentown Joey Lamparelli 1st place with a 9-3 decision over Middletown North Fred Luchs
145 Allentown’s Matt Paglia 2nd place after a 5-3 decision over CBA Tyler Barrett
160 Allentown’ Nick Golden 1st place after a 3-1 decision over Red Bank Catholic Sabino Portella
170 Trenton Central High School Te’amo Nazario 1st place, Allentown Paskal Miga 2nd place
195 Notre Dame Jaylen Bynes 3rd place with a fall against Trenton Jayson Williams at 1:47
220 Allentown Daniel Schweitzer 3rd with a fall against Willingboro Naeem Walker at 3:01
160 Allentown’ Nick Golden 1st place after a 3-1 decision over Red Bank Catholic Sabino Portella- 145 Allentown’s Matt Paglia 2nd place after a 5-3 decision over CBA Tyler Barrett
220 Allentown Daniel Schweitzer 3rd with a fall against Willingboro Naeem Walker at 3:01
Allentown’s Matt Paglia with 100 career wins today at Middletown North High School During Districts- 120 Allentown Joey Lamparelli 1st place with a 9-3 decision over Middletown North Fred Luchs
- 170 Trenton Central High School Te’amo Nazario 1st place, Allentown Paskal Miga 2nd place
- 4 Time District Champions left Allentown’s Joey Lamparelli and right Tyler Klinsky from Middletown North
- District 22 Champions
NJSIAA District 22 held at Middletown North High School 
Allentown’s Matt Paglia with 100 career wins today at Middletown North High School During Districts
NJSIAS District 23 held at Point Pleasant Beach High School
106 Robbinsville Shailen Savur 1st place with 8-1 decision over Pt. Pleasant Boro Lucas Toree
106 Hightstown Robert Fattore 3rd place TF 1.5 5:16 over Steinert-Hamilton East Nicholas Ricigliano
113 Hamilton East Steinert 1st with a 11-3 decision over Long Branch Dylan Kelleher
120 Robbinsville Dylan Cifrodelli 2nd after a 7-3 decision against Point Pleasant Boro James Latendorf 1st
120 Hightstown Joseph Obst 3rd place over Long Branch Ignacio Guzman
126 Robbinsville Drake Torrington 1st in 11-4 decision over Long Branch Joseph Conlon
126 Giovanni Morina 3rd place with a 9-4 decision over Anthony Verdi Hamilton East Steinert
132 Hightstown Kether Thornton 1st place with a 9-2 decision over Point Pleasant Beach Siley Simon
145 Hightstown Elijah Rodriguez 2nd after a decision against Point Pleasant Beach Jesse Bowers
160 Highstown Alex Stavrou 2nd after a 6-5 decision against Point Pleasant Boro Ty Bailey
195 Hightstown Chris Stavrou 2nd against Long Branch Patrick O’Dwyer 1st
195 Hamilton East Steinert 3rd against Point Pleasant Beach George Kaiafas
220 Hightstown Bryan Bonilla 3rd with at 4-0 decision over Point Pleasant Boro Patrick Frawley
285 Hightstown Brenden Hansen 1st over Neptune Isaias Thomas
Congrats to Hightstown Coach Russo who was named the District 23 Coach of the Year
NJSIAA DISTRICT 24 held at Delran High School
170 Hamilton West Ryan Bennett 1st with a 8-7 decision over Ocean Twp. Tah-Jay Phillips
February 22, 2020
Story by: Ed James
ROBBINSVILLE/HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–Molly Aromando, a senior at Trenton Catholic Academy (Hamilton, NJ) and lifelong Robbinsville resident, recently accepted a basketball scholarship offer from The College of Saint Rose (Albany, NY) and signed a National Letter of Intent. The Golden Knights, an NCAA Division II program, are members of the Northeast 10 Conference.
“I’m so excited to be continuing my academic and basketball careers at Saint Rose,” said Aromando. “Coaches (Karen) Haag and (John) Ardizone are great people and teachers of the game. The Northeast 10 is one of the best conferences in Division II. I got along really well with my future teammates on my visits. I plan to be a teacher and coach, and their School of Education is excellent. And I love the campus in Albany, which is a beautiful city.”
Aromando, a smooth, versatile 5’11” guard with excellent range, playmaking ability and tenacity on defense, first attracted attention from colleges as the MVP of her AAU team, the Central Jersey Hawks-Lightning, coached by John Mayo. Her play in AAU and at TCA has enabled her to be only the second Robbinsville native to earn a basketball scholarship. Peddie grad Lisa Lebak, a star guard at Division I Quinnipiac from 2009-2013, was the first.
Aromando is also the first Robbinsville resident to play Girls Varsity Basketball for the legendary Lady Mikes. She has been building a laudable legacy at TCA since her arrival in Fall 2018. She enrolled there after two standout years at Robbinsville High School, where she earned a 4.1 GPA, letters in two Varsity sports (soccer and basketball), all-conference honors and recognition as one of the Top 100 Sophomores in NJ Girls High School Basketball.
During Aromando’s time at TCA, the Lady Mikes, under head coach Bob Fusik, have been among the best teams in the state and nation.
In 2018-19, TCA finished 25-4 and ranked #6 in the state. The Lady Mikes won Burlington County Scholastic League (BCSL) Liberty Division, Mercer County Tournament and NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public B titles. Aromando became a key contributor after sitting the first 30 days of the season per state transfer rules. In her best outing, she registered 13 points, 5 rebounds and 5 assists vs. Pennsauken.
This season, TCA has played a schedule filled with state and national powers. The Lady Mikes have more than risen to the challenge, posting a 22-1 record as of February 21. They are currently ranked #2 in NJ and in the Top 25 in several national polls, including MaxPreps (#14) and espnW (#24). The roster includes four senior D1 commits (three basketball; one track), as well as one junior and two freshmen with many D1 offers.
“I love my teammates,” said Aromando. “They are talented players and great people. We spend a lot of time together. We have so much fun. And we have each other’s back. You can see that in games. We play unselfish, team basketball.”
Indeed. TCA scores a whopping 72 points per game, but no player averages over 13 per game. Six average between 10 and 13 per game. As many as 11 players may see the floor. So individual contributions aren’t always visible in box scores.
Still, Aromando has made her mark on the Lady Mikes super season. In her last 10 games since returning to the lineup after an injury, she has contributed 7.4 points and 3.3 rebounds per game. In a recent start against Westampton Tech, defending Central Jersey Group 3 champions, she delivered 8 points, 2 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 blocked shots. In another start in the MCT opener vs. Nottingham, Aromando exploded for a career-high 23 points on 8-13 shooting, including three 3’s, and recorded 6 steals, 6 rebounds, 3 blocked shots and 2 assists. And in the MCT quarterfinals against Hightstown, she registered 9 points, 6 steals, 4 assists and 3 rebounds.
“I’ve never cared about stats,” said Aromando. “My teammates feel the same way. We just want to win and play the right way. We have big team goals this season. We know we have to continue to work very hard, get better every day and bring our best each game to achieve them.”
Aromando also excels off the hardwood at TCA. She was named TCA’s Female Scholar-Athlete in 2018-19. She has made the Honor Roll of Distinction (no grades less than an A) in every semester of her TCA career, has earned an A in every class she has taken in high school (except for one B) and maintains a 4.0 GPA taking Honors and AP courses. She also serves as Student Council President, leads the TCA Chapter of Catholic Athletes for Christ, is a Peer Tutor and spent part of the past two summers as a volunteer for Project Appalachia, in which members of the St. Gregory The Great Catholic Church youth group perform home repairs for those in need in rural West Virginia.
“TCA welcomed me from Day 1 like I was family,” said Aromando. “It’s been that way ever since. The school community is so caring. The experiences, opportunities and support I’ve had here have been incredible. I’ll always cherish my time at TCA.”
See: TCA against Hightstown 2/21/2020
Trenton Catholic Academy’s Molly Aromando during a Mercer County Tournament game against Hightstown on 2/21/2020 Photo by: Dennis Symons, Jr.
February 21, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Catholic Academy, Iron Mikes boys basketball team defeated the Allentown, Redbirds with a final score of 78-66. The Trenton Catholic Academy will advance in the Mercer County Tournament and take on Hightstown in the final 4 to be held at the Cure Insurance Arena.
February 21, 2020
HAMILTON TOWNSHIP, NJ (MERCER)–The Trenton Catholic Academy “Iron Mikes” girls basketball team won their game against the Hightstown Rams tonight at the Iron Palace with a final score of 76-16. Trenton Catholic Academy will advance to the final 4 against Trenton High School.
February 21, 2020
ALLENTOWN, NJ (MONMOUTH)–The visiting Trenton Tornadoes girls basketball team defeated the Allentown Redbirds during the Mercer County Tournament with a final score of 47-41. Trenton High School Girls will advance to the final 4, their next game is against Trenton Catholic Academy.