By Christian Mordi
Team: Morristown Beard
Ranking: 24
Record Last season: 25-5, 9-1
Key players: Justin Rodriguez, senior
Raphael Castillo, senior
Potential emerging stars: Ryan Russo, senior
Zachary Dees, senior
Team analysis: 2017 was a coming out party for the Crimson. The team shocked a lot of teams
as the season progressed. One major highlight of the season was Mo-Beard's trip to the MCT
final. While the team lost 60-55, Mo-Beard put a lot of teams on notice, showing they are legit
program in the state.
The 2017-2018 season has the potential to be a huge year for the program. The team is returning
four starters from a 25 win team. Justin Rodriguez led Morristown-Beard with 17.7 points per
game. Raphael Castillo (10.1 ppg and 8.1 rpg), Zachary Dees(9 ppg) and Ryan Russo (9.9 ppg)
were all key players as well.
This team is well coached. Mo-Beard plays a deliberate style of basketball which utilizes all
portions and players on the court. The Crimson also handle the ball well. Pressure rarely gets to
them, as they do a good job keeping their heads up against the press. They advance the ball when
they are supposed to and avoid dangerous spots on the floor.
Don’t underestimate The Crimson. This team has all the tools to win the MCT and make a deep
state tournament run.
Stat to know: Morristown Beard fell in the North A Semi-Finals to St. Anthony’s in 2017.
