VIDEO PREVIEW: Experienced Caper Tigers already passing chemistry test

LOWER CAPE MAY REGIONAL HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

Mascot: Caper Tigers

Conference: Cape-Atlantic National

2016-17 Record: 18-10

Head coach: Scott Holden (ninth season, 64-114 career)

Assistant coaches: Rocco “The King” Sansone, Gary Douglass, Pat Holden

Returning players: Seniors – Cade Bonner (6-3 F), Zach Cerasi (5-9 G), Aaron Cottrell (5-11 F), Patrick Holden (5-8 G), Khamar Matthews (6-1 F); Junior – Pat Moore (5-10 G).

Top newcomers: Senior – Justin Candeleria (5-10 G); Junior – David Durham (6-1 F); Freshman (Martin Anguelov 5-8 G).

Strengths: Ball handling, perimeter shooting, team chemistry

Weaknesses: Size, athleticism

Outlook: The diminutive Caper Tigers surprised many around the CAL by winning 18 games a season ago despite having no seniors on their roster. The team is led by Patrick Holden, one of the league’s top guards, who averaged 24.2 ppg as a junior and already has nearly 1,500 career points. With virtually every other varsity player also back, plus the addition of the top freshman in the county in Martin Anguelov, the Tigers should contend for a CAL playoff tournament berth and the regular-season CAL National title. It also would be no surprise to see the team make a deep run in the state tournament. Although it  does possess some strong individual talents, Lower is greater than the sum of its parts due to excellent team chemistry.

Season opener: Saturday vs. Cape May Tech (at Ocean City), 12 noon (live broadcast on 98.7 FM)

— video produced by Matt Ulmer; photos by Brian Cunniff

Lower Cape May senior guard Patrick Holden averaged 24.2 points per game last season.

Lower Cape May coach Scott Holden gives instructions as Martin Anguelov (far left) and Khamar Matthews look on during a recent practice.