The Varsity Basketball team went 18-9 this season and Coach Connor Daugherty became OP’s all-time winningest basketball coach, surpassing the legendary Tom Cicalese. The Rams started the season hot defeating Hillsborough in the OP Christmas Tournament. The Rams defeated Pingry on 1/10 after being down 11 points in the fourth quarter. The Rams then beat Summit and Johnson, interdivision rivals. In the last couple of weeks of the season, the team defeated state playoff teams in Pequannock, Columbia, Mount Olive, and Madison. Their season ended with a loss to Paramus Catholic in the Non-Public A state tournament. Seniors Connor Lee (Wilkes commit) and Ryan Fay lead the team with over 400 points apiece on the season. Sophomore Archie Mueller leads the team in assists and was third in scoring.
The Varsity Ice Hockey team finished the season 11-7-1 and won the regular season championship for their cup division. A dramatic win over Johnson on 1/14 showcased the Rams’ ability to score and play timely defense. The team was led by many great performances, including hat tricks from Senior Henry Zahn, Senior Jeff Child, and Freshman George Morgan. Senior goalie Thomas LaFrance was dominant in net, making over 500 saves. He had nearly 2000 in his career at OP. LaFrance was aided by great defense, including Will Mazzei and Sol Wright (who netted a game-winner in OT against West Orange).
Winter Track performed well at multiple invitationals, championship, and relay events. Senior Brody Sheehan set the indoor school records in the long jump, 55 meter sprint, 200 meter sprint, and 400 meter sprint. Senior Flynn Brezee set the record in the 55-meter high hurdles. Senior Connor Bassolino set the school records in both the 1600 and 3200. Senior Joey DeMarco (Lafayette commit) broke the indoor shot put record that had been held for many years. Senior Captains Connor Bassolino and Joey DeMarco both won Union County championships in their events (the shot put and 3200 m). Bassolino qualified for the Meet of Champions with his performance in the Non-Public A Championship. Six members of the team competed at Nike Indoor Nationals in NYC.
The Bowling team finished the winter season with a 12-5 record and won a division championship. They were led by Senior Chris Rotolo, who had a career best 255 game this season, and Junior Thomas Solfaro, who led the team in total pins.
The Fencing Rams won three matches this season. They were led in match wins by Seniors Nick Notopradono and Henry Farabee.
The Swim team faced stiff competition this season and fared well. With wins against Union, Cranford, GL, and New Providence, the swimming Rams showcased major talent in Jonathan Peterson, Ian Kehoe, Shalen Sternberg, Cathal Hislop, and more. They tied Don Bosco in the state playoffs but lost in a tiebreaker.
This article appeared in the March/April 2026 issue of Fidelitas: The Alumni Newsletter of Oratory Prep. To read the latest issue, visit www.oratoryprep.org/fidelitas.