Freehold Township’s boy’s basketball team has had quite an exciting season so far. With an overall record of 13-4, they are certainly one of the teams to beat this year.

Led by Coach Golub and Coach Smith, the boys started the season with high expectations. “Our goals were simply to win championships because we’ve known all along that we’re capable of it,” said senior guard Kyle Czajkowski. With a Public A North Championship in their sights, this goal is certainly realistic.

The Patriots have had their share of challenging games. Competing against teams such as Manalapan, Toms River East, Freehold Borough and Rumson Fair-Haven has been no easy task. However, the game against Christian Brother’s Academy seemed to be one of the greatest victories throughout the entire season.

There was a lot of anxiety surrounding the game, but when it was finally time to play, the boys were prepared. “5:30 could not have come sooner. When the game started, we were ready. We played amazing and pulled off the biggest upset of the season,” Danny Saunders, a senior guard and forward stated.

Although defeating the Colts proved to be a herculean task, the Patriots stayed calm under the constant pressure from the opposing team. Nick Facendo, a junior point guard, secured the win by making 3 crucial free throws late in the game. “During the game I was confident in myself and in my teammates that we were going to win. After the game it was one of the happiest moments of my life,” Facendo said.

Saunders and Czajkowski, who were both unable to compete against CBA during season opener due to injuries, worked hard to defeat this everlasting rival. Stellar performances from seniors C.J. Stenftennagel, A.J. Hardy, Mike Staklinski, Terrence Burdge, and Jason Czajkowski helped to solidify the victory. Tyree Wilson, also a senior, scored an impressive total of 22 points during the game.

However, none of these successes could have been realized without the help of their coaches. “Coach Golub has done a lot for me personally and as a player. Besides helping me with fundamentals, he has taught me important things about the game that help me a lot when I play,” Saunders commented.

“He has helped me this season by giving me confidence in myself and believing in me when I didn’t even believe in myself,” Facendo said. “Both (coaches) do a great job of bringing out the best in all of us,” Czajkowski affirmed.

So, what’s next for the Patriots? “My hopes are to get the Public A North Championship and potentially win a Shore Conference Tournament and/or State Tournament. We all feel that the sky is the limit for this team,” Czajkowski said. “I want our school to remember this team for years to come,” Saunders asserted, a wish that will likely come true.

Overall, the boys have a lot to look forward to. “We play as a team and win as a team. We’re family,” Facendo stated simply, a picturesque description of the team who has left a legacy that is sure to be remembered.