Why- to give players the opportunity to still play basketball for the last time with their teammates due to not being no playoffs.

In a disappointing end to their 2021 season, the Hammonton boys basketball team struggled to stay afloat in the first game of the 2021 Cape Atlantic League Tournament held at Ocean City High School on March 15.

Hosted by St. Augustine Prep, the tournamen was not officially sanctioned through the NJSIAA, the governing body that oversees playoff and championship competition.

Because it was not an officially school-sponsored event, HHS alum Peyton Mortellite (‘16) volunteered to coach the team. Mortelite’s older brother, Christian (HHS alum ‘13), assisted head coach Joe Martino during the regular season.

Although Martino didn’t participate because it wasnt’ a school-sponsored event, he presented the opportunity to players who wanted to play. Because the NJSIAA limited the traditional season to 15 games and no playoffs, many were interested because it was another chance to be on the court.

Mr. Mauriello, father of senior Owen Mauriello, organized their participation.

The Blue Devils faced Wildwood Catholic, who only played five games in the regular season before they shut down because of a COVID outbreak. In those five games, the Cursaders had a 3-2 record.

With an 8-7 record and a division title, Hammonton went in confident. However, it didn’t take long before the Wildwood put pressure on and took the lead.

Hammonton only had one 3 the entire game which came from senior Owen Mauriello in the 4th quarter and only put up 34 points the whole game.