MAD GOOD: Princeton High boys’ basketball player Zion Madden unloads the ball in a game last season. Senior guard Madden figures to be an offensive catalyst this winter for PHS. The Tigers were slated to tip off their 2025-26 season playing at Nottingham on December 16 before hosting Hopewell Valley on December 18 and the playing at Brick Memorial on December 20 and at Point Pleasant Borough on December 23. (Photo by Frank Wojciechowski)
By Bill Alden
Pat Noone believes that his Princeton High boys’ basketball team is coming together nicely even though it hasn’t played a game yet in the 2025-26 campaign.
“The preseason has been good, there are a lot of hungry guys who just love being out there,” said PHS head coach Noone, who guided the Tigers to a 5-18 record last winter. “There are very good team vibes, setting a good tone and the importance of team. It has been all about team, it has been really cool.”
Noone is expecting some very good play at guard from seniors Zion Madden (160 points and 35 rebounds in 2024-25) and Sam Raymond (41 points, 25 rebounds) as the Tigers look to make up for the void left by the transfer of star Michael Bess Jr. (447 points).
“Zion is super athletic, he is very, very comfortable playing this year,” said Noone, whose team was slated to open the season by playing at Nottingham on December 16 and then will host Hopewell Valley on December 18 before playing at Brick Memorial on December 20 and at Point Pleasant Borough on December 23. “Last year he got caught a little bit off guard a little bit. He was a little less confident in himself but right now, you can see the work he has put in, he is going to really shine this year. We have him at the two guard (shooting guard). Sam has been running a lot of point; with that year of experience you can really see the difference.”
PHS features depth in the backcourt with sophomore Ray McLaughlin, sophomore Jasper Clayton, Jaden Colvin, and senior Noah Wadler (16 points).
“Ray is another point guard, he is very tough, he is very good with the ball,” said Noone. “He is very good at getting into the paint.
“He has a good strong frame “on him, he makes good decisions. He is another guy getting some looks at the one (point guard). Jasper looks really good. Jaden played a lot this summer, he has looked very, very good. He has got a good jump shot which is always a positive. Noah was with us last year.”
In the frontcourt, the one-two punch of senior Matthew Ghaim (90 points, 28 rebounds) and junior Mike Frenia (56 points, 35 rebounds) should give the team some inside punch.
“Matt has seen a lot of time over the years, we are hoping that the fruits of the labor come this year,” said Noone, noting that junior Liam Cooley (11 points) will also see time at forward. “Matt is a good kid, he works his tail off. He looks very good in the preseason. Mike is a great two-sport athlete, he also plays lacrosse. He is an old school guy. He loves going out there and competing, he is an awesome to have around. He has a constant motor, he will do every little thing there. He is picking up the team, he is very vocal.”
In Noone’s view, the squad has pieces in place to excel at the defensive end. “The defense is looking pretty good, our size is definitely an advantage for us,” said Noone. “It is probably the biggest team I have had here. It will be a little different, that will be fun.”
With the positive tone around the squad, the Tigers should have fun playing together this winter.
“We have to really get off to a positive start, we have to stay a little more confident,” said Noone. “I think last year we had so many newcomers and there is a huge difference going from JV to playing varsity. I am hoping that the experience is going to really pay off this year for us. They are a very good group, they are very connected. Hopefully that camaraderie is going to pay off.”