VIDEO PREVIEW: Hawks hope to have the Wright stuff

CAPE MAY TECH BOYS BASKETBALL

Mascot: Hawks

Conference: Cape-Atlantic United

2016-17 Record: 12-14

Head coach: Josh Mercado (fourth season, 24-53 career)

Assistant coaches: Joe Bimbo, Andy Ridgway, Mark Ehrhardt, Will Robinson

Returning players: Seniors – Ray Abbott (5-11 G), Ryan Cleffi (6-2 F), Dom Jones (6-2 F), Jack O’Donnell (5-11 G), Xavy Toney (6-0 G/F); Juniors – Eddie Saddler (6-1 F), Josh Wright (5-11 G); Sophomore – James Longstreet (6-0 F).

Top newcomers: Seniors – Kris Carrion (6-2 F), Nate Lopez (5-10 G); Sophomore – Devon Roach (6-3 F); Freshman – Aiden Hofmann (5-11 G).

Strengths: Guard play, experience

Weaknesses: Size

Outlook: This could be one of Cape May Tech’s best seasons. The Hawks feature one of South Jersey’s most prolific scorers in Josh Wright, who became the first Cape May County high school boys basketball player to reach 1,000 career points during his sophomore season. In addition, six other players who were in the regular varsity rotation a year ago return. The Hawks look to move over .500 and with a few breaks could be a challenger for a CAL playoff berth out of the United Conference.

Season opener: Saturday vs. Lower Cape May (at Ocean City), 12 noon

— video produced by Matt Ulmer; photos by Brian Cunniff

Josh Mercado enters his fourth season as the boys basketball coach at Cape May Tech. On paper, this is his best team.

Cape May Tech junior Josh Wright is on pace to become one of the most prolific scorers in South Jersey boys basketball history.