BOYS HOOPS PREVIEW: Guard play will carry Warriors (with video)

WILDWOOD HIGH SCHOOL BOYS BASKETBALL

Mascot: Warriors

Conference: Tri-County Classic

Enrollment group: South Jersey Group I

2017-18 record: 17-10

Head coach: Scott McCracken (10th season 122-87 career)

Assistant coaches: Jon Greene, Bobby Mulholland, Joe Murray

Returning players: Seniors – Will Long (6-2 F), Tyler Tomlin (6-0 G), Andrew Zielinski (5-11 F); Juniors – Karl Brown (5-11 F), Max McGrath (6-2 F); Sophomore – Diante Miles (6-0 G).

Top newcomers: Senior – Divine Jones (5-9 G); Juniors – Jaxon Tomlin (5-6 G), Corlen Vallese (6-0 G); Sophomore – Seamus Fynes (6-0 G/F).

Strengths: Perimeter play, outside shooting

Weaknesses: Depth, interior scoring

Outlook: Senior Tyler Tomlin returns as one of the top shooters in the county, having averaged 19.3 points per game while connecting on 43 percent of his three-point attempts and 89 percent of his free throw tries last season. He’ll have to adjust to being guarded by the opposing team’s top defender each game, after the graduation of the program’s all-time leading scorer in Kyion Flanders. Senior Will Long is also a returning starter and solid outside shooter. Junior Max McGrath is the top post threat, and sophomore Diante Miles is a promising prospect. The Warriors do not have much depth so staying healthy and out of foul trouble will be paramount. Wildwood’s main goal is to compete for the Tri-County Classic Division title. Gloucester Catholic is probably the main competition in that regard. The Warriors will also shoot to host a first-round state playoff game in South Jersey Group I.

Coach’s quote: “I like our group. I like the senior leadership we have,” Wildwood coach Scott McCracken said. “I figure we should be able to compete in the Classic Division and in Group I.”

Season opener: Monday vs. Clayton, 7 pm