VIDEO PREVIEW: Warriors hope for a repeat of last season’s success

WILDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

Mascot: Warriors

Conference: Tri-County Classic

2016-17 Record: 22-7 (Tri-County Classic Division co-champions)

Head coach: Scott McCracken (ninth season, 105-77 career)

Assistant coaches: Jon Greene, Bobby Mulholland, Joe Murray

Returning players: Seniors – Kyion Flanders (6-1 G), Keniel Rivera (6-2 F); Juniors – Will Long (5-11 G/F), Tyler Tomlin (5-11 G)

Top newcomers: Seniors – Michael Juarez (6-1 F), Tieon Marrow (5-5 G), Marquel Matthews (6-0 G), Donny Rexhepi (6-2 F); Junior – Andrew Zielinski (5-10 G); Sophomore – Jaxon Tomlin (5-3 G)

Strengths: Guard play, scoring

Weaknesses: Size, rebounding

Outlook: With Kyion Flanders, the state’s leading scorer at nearly 29 ppg, back for his senior season, Wildwood looks to remain one of the top Group I teams in South Jersey. Point guard Tyler Tomlin and Lower Cape May transfer Donny Rexhepi should also provide some scoring punch. The additions of Michael Juarez and Wildwood Catholic transfer Marquel Matthews, along with the return of Will Long, give the Warriors a bit more depth than last season. Wildwood should compete for a second straight Tri-Co Classic title and could be a contender for a sectional championship in Group I.

Season opener: Friday vs. Highland, 6 pm

— video produced by Matt Ulmer; photos by Brian Cunniff

Wildwood’s Kyion Flanders with former athletic director Travis LaFerriere (left) and coach Scott McCracken after scoring his 1,000th career point last season as a junior.