The Randolph Boys Basketball team’s up-and-down season came to a close with a 50-22 loss to Mendham in the first round of the NJSIAA Tournament on Feb. 26. Despite this, the 2024-2025 team saw many successes during its 9-18 season, including key players racking up points throughout the season.
“It was definitely emotional,” said senior captain Philip Zamloot about ending the season. “You spend four years with these guys, going through the ups and downs together, and then all of a sudden, it’s over. I think the hardest part is knowing I won’t be putting on that jersey again or stepping on the court with this group. But at the same time, I’m grateful for every moment. We made a lot of memories, and I wouldn’t trade that for anything.”
At the NJSIAA game, despite a competitive start, the Rams struggled with turnovers and fast-break points as Mendham’s aggressive defense and quick pace ultimately proved too much.
The Rams began the game on a strong note, with junior captain Jack Leonard hitting a three-pointer and a layup to keep the game close early on. However, Mendham’s defense quickly forced turnovers, which led to fast breaks and easy baskets. By halftime, Randolph trailed 14-11, but the second half saw Mendham extend its lead to 33-12.
“Mendham’s always a tough, physical team, and they don’t back down,” Zamloot said. “Their defense was solid, and they made it hard to get into a rhythm offensively. We had to work for every bucket. I think the biggest challenge was just staying composed when things didn’t go our way. We fought till the end, but they capitalized on some key moments.”
The Rams struggled to recover in the second half, with Mendham dominating the paint and capitalizing on turnovers. Leonard led the Rams in scoring with five points, but the team struggled to generate offense against Mendham’s tight defense. Senior Max Ezra hit a three-pointer, and Zamloot added a free throw, but the Rams couldn’t close the gap.
Despite the loss, the 2024-2025 season was a successful one for the Rams. The team had a mix of experienced seniors and promising underclassmen. Warner led the team in scoring with 254 points, while Zamloot had a standout season, with 168 points. Junior Tristan Durkin finished the season with 167 points and 51 assists, proving himself to be a key contributor for the Rams.
“I always let the game come to me, whether it was an open jump shot from my teammates or an open lane that I could drive into,” Durkin said. “My teammates made my life a lot easier by hitting shots and spacing out the floor, so I could score a lot more efficiently.”
Sophomore Andrei Nitulescu had an impressive season, putting up 219 points and 37 steals, while senior Jack Smith added 105 points and 80 rebounds, showing consistency throughout the year.
As the season ends, the team bids farewell to a standout senior class, whose leadership and dedication will leave a lasting impact on the program. This includes Jack Smith, who led the way with 105 points and 80 rebounds, and Zamloot, who topped the scoring chart with 168 points, adding 14 steals and seven blocks.
Zack Allen was another key senior playmaker, finishing with 49 points, 16 rebounds, and 13 assists. Ezra contributed 17 points, nine rebounds, and two steals, while Darren Laqui dominated the boards with 23 rebounds, along with 15 points and five assists. Off the court, senior team manager Huck Schrader played a vital role in keeping the team running smoothly.
Although the team will lose these key seniors to graduation in June, the remaining team members said they were looking to step up and expand their roles for next season. “With the loss of our seniors, we lose a lot of key roles on the offensive and defensive side,” Durkin said. “I would like to be a leader on and off the court and improve my personal game, so I can be a huge contributor to our team’s definite success next year.”
With talented players like Durkin, Warner and Leonard returning next season, the Rams will look to bounce back stronger, bringing their competitive spirit and leadership into the 2025-2026 season.
