Minutemen Boys’ Basketball Gearing up for the 24-25 Season

The Newark Academy boys’ basketball team is ready to hit the court for the 2024-25 season, building on the momentum of an unforgettable year. The Minutemen aim to defend their Prep B title and make waves in the Super Essex Conference Freedom Division.  

2023 Season Recap 
The 2023-24 season was one for the history books. Under the guidance of then first-year head coach Dan Petrillo, the Minutemen posted a 14-10 record and clinched their first Prep B Championship in a decade with a 48-35 upset victory over Montclair Kimberley Academy. The team’s success was driven by strong leadership from captains Dylan Wapner ’24, Justin Baker ’24, and Mehmet Acikel ’24, with Wapner and Acikel earning All-Prep B and All-Super Essex Conference (SEC) honors.  

To cap off a successful season, Coach Petrillo was named the SEC Freedom Division Coach of the Year. 

New Leadership and Key Returners
The Minutemen welcome a new era of leadership with captains Jaden Simon ’25 and Saul Brauns ’25. Simon, an All-SEC Freedom Division and All-Prep B First Team honoree, will be joined by Zach Shirodkar ’26, who earned All-SEC Freedom Division and All-Prep B Second Team recognition last season.  

Season Outlook  
The 2024-25 season kicks off on Tuesday, December 17, with a home opener against Shabazz at 4 p.m. The Minutemen will navigate a challenging schedule in the Super Essex Conference Freedom Division, which includes West Caldwell Tech, Verona, Glen Ridge, West Orange, Barringer, Montclair Kimberley Academy and Shabazz.