Many of the players thought being on the team brought a lot of change in their life, and helped them improve as people. “I feel like it kind of helped me improve because playing for them meant you had to use 100 percent of your effort every day in game or practice, and you had to focus on that team to help everyone win,” stated Colton Jeremiah from Team 8A. 

      Declan Hurley added, “I learned how to play as a team and play more aggressively against other teams.” 

      The players also improved as students because of the time spent on this team. Colton Jeremiah explained, “I feel it was important to me because I wanted to play in high school next year, and I learned a lot by playing in middle school. I felt like I prepared for high school this year.” 

     The basketball team does not hand out individual awards, but Coach TJ Quimby wanted to acknowledge the contributions and development of their achievements this year. Coach Quimby stated, “Jaquez Williams and Vincent LaVecchia were our most improved players from last year and played extremely well for us this year.  Sharvas Bhongir and Bennett Thomas stepped up in a big way as leaders on the court with their unselfish play and voices.  Bryce Hayden and Logan Jankowicz were our leading scorers this year and played very well.  Josh Muthyala and Colton Jeremiah played important roles and provided great shooting and rebounding. Dylan Araujo, Feroz Khan, Zylas Loniewski, and Harshil Wadhel worked very hard this year and showed great attitude and work ethic. A special thanks to Matt Simonitis, Julian Simcak, and Aidan Desatnik for being our stat keepers.” 

            Overall, The HMS basketball team had a great season.  

           Summer Fields, a stat keeper from pod 8A explained, "I think the best part about being on the HMS Team was really learning the girls and learning the sport of basketball because it was a fun time.¨

Although basketball is competitive, the girls chose this particular sport for a reason and managed to have fun while playing it.  

Ms. Pursell, the Varsity coach remarked, ¨I think our most exciting game was the Championship Game, but at the same time, it was the most challenging. I think the girls learned a lot about themselves as basketball players during this game.  They learned that not only is being a good player important, but also that being mentally strong is just as important.¨ 

The Championship game was a nailbiter.  Said Summer Fields, "I was the score keeper and I think the most exciting game was the championship because the team worked hard to get there and i felt the pressure but the excitement going into the game."

 "I think our team's most exciting game was the Championship Game against Franklin Middle School because of the huge crowd and all of the noise in the gym. There was such a competitive atmosphere and it made the game so much more thrilling," stated Mackenzie Reigrod.

          Catlin Radler from Pod 8B even stated, ¨I think the team's most challenging meeting was at halftime during our championship game- because we were all nervous and upset because we were losing.¨

            As the season comes to an end, Many of the girls like to remember all the wonderful memories from basketball. 

          Mackenzie Reigrod from 8C reflected, ¨My favorite memory was beating Summit in the semifinals game after we had lost to them earlier in the season. When we beat them, we got to go to the championship game.¨ 

          Catlin Radler from pod 8B also declared, ¨The the best part of being on the team to me was making so many memories with my close friends and going through the season with a 12-2 record.¨ 

      Basketball is, and will always remain, one of the best sports- not only because of the powerful energy and excitement it brings to the court, but also the way that it brings people together. It develops a sense of unity as friendships continue to bloom among the players, As it allows them to grow, And support one another. From early morning practices to lively games, basketball can create memories and bonds that will last a lifetime. 

As the JV Boys Soccer season concluded with a commendable record of 7-1-6, the players have created countless memories and taken pride in representing HMS. The team has experienced various moments—wins, losses, and draws—that they can reflect on to improve their skills. 

JV Coach Chiappetta takes pride in the team for what has been a short, but successful, season. Throughout the season, the team has built strong bonds, building friendships while enhancing their soccer abilities. 

Coach Daniel Chiappetta liked how the team played.  Of one of the most memorable games, he stated, “Our team came from behind to win against Bedminster where we were losing 3-1, going into the second half and won 4-3.  It was an intense game and the team never gave up the fight.” 

Player Shrevin Sanjeevkumar stated, "During the game against Bedminister, we had a lot of silly and bad mistakes. But as we started to get into our groove, the confidence of the team went up, and after scoring 2 goals we knew we could easily win this game and that was what drove us to winning".

Adding on, Kevin Rutkowski, a player from 8E stated, “We came back, and after the game, we were all jumping.” 

The win to the JV team was a delight in emotions.  Coach Chiappetta said, “The other game that comes to mind is our 2-1 win against Manville.  We were outsized, held little possession but took advantage of a PK and a free kick from outside the box.  It came down to the wire and the defense finished off the thriller to only allow Manville to score 1 goal.” 

Ethan Hart stated, "During the game against Manville, I was playing against my friend. Before the game, I was intimidated by their size, but I persevered and drew a penalty inside the box. This led to the PK- which I scored. After this, we scored a second goal from outside the box, putting the score to 2-0. This gave us hope and we dominated for the rest of the game, only letting in one goal."

Coach Chiappetta loved the team chemistry that had developed throughout the season. He said, “I like to delegate certain aspects of practice to the team members, whether it be leading stretches, warm-ups, or specific drills.” This approach empowers each individual player and allows athletes to learn from and listen to their teammates. The coach also believes it is important to incorporate games during practice so that different players can collaborate and understand each other's playing styles. All in all, it appears that the team has made progress as the players, who at first didn’t know each other at all, bonded and made incredible plays together. 

Another aspect that the coach valued was the motivation the team provided for one another. Even in challenging games, the team consistently gave their all to demonstrate to show what Hillsborough is made of. Adding on, Kevin Rutkowski stated that the best part of being on the team was "the friends that I have from the game.”  Making friends is hard when it comes to sports, as some don’t know where to start. Kevin on the other hand, took his friends as motivation, and used that to fuel his engines when it came to the matches.  

Coach Chiappetta has passion for teaching younger athletes how to play soccer and helping them learn from their mistakes. He stated,“ I like the idea of working with young people in sport and instilling certain values to help them way beyond their playing career.” This illustrates his commitment that he has to ensure that the morals and skills he teaches will have a lasting positive impact. 

Finally, Coach Chiappetta has had some inspiration from his coaches and coaches from other teams that he would like to share with all the players. He said, “I've always been a part of a team and have had some great coaches throughout my playing career.  I've also had some not-so great coaches who taught me what not to do. I like the idea of working with young people in sport and instilling certain values to help them way beyond their playing career.”

He continued,“ I thoroughly enjoy being a soccer coach.  Soccer is referred to as 'The Beautiful Game' around the world, and it's an honor to be able to coach this game and continue to learn.” The team hopes to see the same faces on the team next year, and they are confident about the chances that the team will reunite next season. To end off, Coach Chiappetta wants to congratulate all of his players on a great season! As the JV HMS Soccer season comes to a successful close, the players all look forward to continuing their journey together.

Hillsborough Middle School’s Girls JV Basketball Team has had quite a successful season. They have managed to stay undefeated in league play, with a whopping number of sixteen wins.

This achievement, however, has not come easily. It had taken weeks of vigorous practices, staying after school every day, and dedication to accomplish this. Not only that, but the girls’ positive attitudes and bonds have played a huge role.

Throughout their day, they constantly waved to each other in the halls, and had looked forward to basketball at the end of the school day.

Kaitlyn Sahns from Team 7C said, “My favorite part of basketball is my teammates. We have so much fun together at practice, at games, and in school. I can always be myself around my teammates. I like to think of my team as my family. We all have a bond that cannot be matched. I couldn’t ask for a better team.”

This truly puts into perspective how the girls feel about one another.

Additionally, basketball was an escape for these girls. Samyukta Jain from team 7D stated, “Basketball makes me happy. Whenever I’m stressed, I play basketball and it makes me feel better. Basketball is like my pressure relief.”

However, it also brought a lot onto their plates. Samyukta continued, “Playing basketball definitely affects my life. Most of my time goes into basketball. School definitely seems a lot harder, regarding homework, because I’m usually on a time crunch. I have a little sister and I don’t get much time with her.”

Moreover, these girls still chose to play this particular sport, and have fun while doing so, too. 

Lizzy remarked, “Basketball gets me through the long, forever-feeling school day- to know that afterwards, I have something to look forward to. My family often watches me play, and it feels incredible to impress them.”

The whole team has shown very impressive talent. Some members who stood out, however, were Briella Furka, who scored a total of 126 points throughout the entire season; Lily Micko, earning 113 points; and Norah Hoyt with 99 points.

According to Mr. DeNapoli, the girls’ coach, the most difficult game they played was against Somerville. He stated, “We did beat them twice, but both games were very intense and exciting.”

Many of the boys on the team have different opinions on what they would say was their most arduous meet, but they could all agree that they were all fulfilling.

According to eighth grader, Nathan Joju, “The team's most exciting meet was the final meet, the Meet of Champions. The Meet of Champions was the most exciting since both the boys’ and girls' teams were able to compete with all the best middle school cross country runners from Central Jersey.”

While seventh grader Vivaan Kothari argued, “In my opinion, I think it was the meet against Montgomery Middle school- we got first through fifth place, which is insane.” 

Although they disagree on the meets they would say are challenging, it is undeniable that this season was most definitely rewarding. The HMS Boys Cross Country team ended the season with an outstanding record of 9 wins – 4 losses. 

During this time period, the team had their fair amount of moments they shared together as a team. For example, after the season ended they had a pizza party, as well as homemade baked chocolate cookies from Coach Redling, which numerous boys on the team enjoyed greatly. 

Additionally, this season also consisted of special awards. Jayden D’Sa received the FISH, (First In Spirit and Hustle) which was voted on by the whole team. Additionally, top runners competed in the Annual Meet of Champions Race. Congratulations to those runners: Jayden D’Sa, Aiden Estrada, Shrey Daga, Nathan Joju, Ryan Robles, Dylan Bourbon, and Declan Fantry. The runners that finished in the top twenty overall race were Jayden D’Sa (placed 8th) and Ethan Uccardi (placed 20th)- both received medals, while the HMS Boys Cross Country team placed 5th overall. 

“All the boys improved tremendously throughout the season and we won a lot of meets simply due to the hard work the boys put in all season,” stated Coach Scott Rourke.

There is no doubt that the 2024 Boys Cross Country season was successful, but not just because of the wins. This season brought memories, passion, many great achievements, and life lessons that the boys will forever carry with them throughout their lives. Each runner faced their challenges and showed great sportsmanship toward each other. They are individuals who came together as a team to achieve one goal–not to win–but to improve their skills by learning that losses aren’t always a poor thing- but instead, to teach them the importance of perseverance and hard work, which eventually pays off in the end. 

What a start to an incredible season! As the new season began, one could already tell how astonishing the Girls Cross Country Team at Hillsborough Middle School is. With a solid record of  9-1 in the regular season, they went on to take  second place at the Meet of Champions. 

They were determined to have a successful season this year.  After the team's loss at their first meet at William Annin, the team persevered  and continued on as they  won every subsequent meet.  One might think that winning almost every meet might seem impossible, but not for the girls on this team!  Coach Debbie Redling stated, "This has been one of the most successful seasons that we have ever had."

Cross Country is not an easy sport. Like any other sport, it takes dedication and time, including lots of practice. The practices are usually every day and are around one and a half hours long, which can be exhausting. Just imagine coming home tired after a long day of school, a prolonged practice, and on top of that, still having to do homework! 

According to Grace Su, an 8th grader on the team, "Cross Country is an experience that changes your perspective of life, teaching you perseverance. The coaches also teach you discipline, as well as respect for your teammates. In my opinion, I believe that everyone who has done Cross Country has learned and gained something that will help them in the future." 

Not only does Grace find being a member of the Girls Cross Country Team inspiring, but so did another 8th grader, Bethany Tuan.   She stated, "Cross Country inspired me and helped me grow as a person this season. I loved all the countless memories we've shared as a team, and I also loved seeing my teammates improve. That is what inspired me to keep on going every day."

For the members of the team, the Spirit Award was a daily reminder of the goal to try their best.  The team members chose the name of the award, and this year's award was called RABBIT, standing for Resilient, Aspiration, Bold, & Bring Inspiration To all. This spirit award- the RABBIT- is presented to a different runner each day after practice. At the end of the season,  the team voted on who should get to keep it- and  the team chose the embodiment of the values in the award: Ellie Dao.   

In conclusion, to other people, Cross Country is just like any other sport, but to the girls here at Hillsborough Middle School who are on the team, it is so much more than that. Cross Country is a sport that motivates them to be the best they can be. It is where athletes collaborate to achieve the same goal. The numerous memories that these girls have made are memories that they will never forget and will stay with them forever.

The sky is the limit with this collaboration. Congratulations to the Girls Cross Country Team for another successful season.

          As the new season began, a swarm of seventh graders joined the team in which many were new to the unique sport; therefore, it was extremely difficult for the team to become united. Not to mention, the fact that the new goalie, Hashika Faria, had been playing her first time and year as a goalkeeper since there was no other goalie for the team. 

“The goalkeeper left for high school, and there was no other goalkeeper for the following year. Because it was my first season back from my ACL tear, I volunteered for that position to start slow, and at first, I was terrified. I did not know what I was doing, and at moments, I panicked. But as the season carried on, I worked harder to strengthen my weaknesses, and finally the little voice in my head disappeared,” Hashika Faria from 8B mentions. 

However, with the determination and perseverance of the team, their dreams finally became reality, and the team truly shined on the field. As the starting players were out on the field, the people on the bench were cheering and guiding their players through the game to help them achieve success. 

Coach Matt Gutowski shared his experience teaching his players and the improvement the team has shown: “The progression of the team from the beginning of the season to the semifinals has been phenomenal. The chemistry on and off the field has shown, and seeing you all have a special bond makes the game even more fun to watch. I am proud to see you where you have become, and I wish the best for you in the future.”

            When players needed help on the field, captains Megan Kelly, Nicole Schmitt, and Serafina Erb-Wagner guided players through their obstacles and helped the team come together. Everyone sought the best from one another and wanted to see the team become something extraordinary, which in the end, it did become. 

“At the start of the season, the team had not bonded but that turned quickly and we improved so much,” Arianna Salotti from 8C stated. 

Each individual player had its own unique traits and strengths that helped that team get into the semifinals. These traits and abilities became more evident after each and every game. A hardworking player would triumph over a player with natural talent, and each player on the Hillsborough Middle School team showed that they will do what it takes to become better and achieve excellence. For instance, Coach Gutowski conducted a drill in which the players would have to run from cone to cone, picking up ground balls for a certain period of time. When the drill was happening, all of the girls in between the cones sprinted and acted as if they were in a real game, they did not stop, but instead, persevered through everything. Hardworking players deserve the praise. Moreover, comparing the players from who they were at the beginning of the season, there has been a tremendous difference in their performance. 

Although the outcome of the semifinals was not what the team had hoped to happen, it allows the players to become even more better than they were before, it provided a chance of redemption, that once Hillsborough played Bridgetwaer, surely Hillsborough will seize the win. It allowed the team to see what additional mistakes they can fix and become better at for the next game. Undoubtedly, the Hillsborough Girls Lacrosse Team was something special and the loss does not define the teams efforts.

Congratulations to the Hillsborough Middle School Girls Lacrosse Team!

Quick to fly by, another season of Girls JV Basketball has ended.  The season was strong with a final record of 7-3 in conference play, bringing the team to the final championship! 

The opponent for this tough game was Bridgewater, who the girls played once before at the beginning of the season.  Both times, Bridgwater proved to be a formidable opponent and kept the girls on their toes.  This made each game against Bridgwater a demanding challenge that both times was met by the Girls JV Basketball Team. 

 “I would say the team's most challenging game was our first regular season game against Bridewater because it was our first time playing them as a team and they are always [our] rivals. Bridewater had a very aggressive and skilled team, so it made it harder to compete. But our team did improve a lot as the season went on and when we played them later on in the season it was more fun and a closer game,” commented student Caitlin Radler from Team 7D. 

 Playing a team twice in a season certainly is demanding, the second time around both teams are thirsty to end up on top.  Each team was eager for that win, with the challenge of a highly competitive and skilled team. The Girls JV Basketball Team rose to the challenge and gave Bridgwater a run for their money.  

Not only was Bridgwater the most challenging team to play, it was also the single most exciting game of the season.  When they met again for the second time, it was in the championship where the stakes were raised higher than ever.  This certainly got the tension and excitement buzzing from both the audience and the players themselves.  

“That was by far the most exciting game all year simply because the atmosphere was so energetic with all the fans and spectators there. We previously played against Bridgewater twice in the regular season and they beat us pretty good, but it was nice to see our team battle hard in the championship game as it came down to the final seconds of the game,” expressed Coach DeNapoli of the Girls JV Basketball Team.  

The signs of a good game always include high energy and a good opponent.  The final game against Bridgewater proved to be just that, as all the players worked up to the end.  Although they might not have walked away with a win, the Girls JV Basketball Team undoubtedly had a game well played.  

Any coach for any level of any sport can always agree that if a team is not connected off the field, they are not going to connect on the field and play as a team.  This is one of the things that makes playing sports so good: bonding.  The closeness that is created between players while working towards a common goal is nearly unbreakable. 

 ”The best part of being on the team is having a common goal with the people you are with. I had similar likings and connected because of it,” remarked Seema Panchal from Team 7B. 

Soccer has always been more than just a sport - it is a passion that brings people together, a common language that transcends borders and cultures, as seen all around the world today. For the HMS Varsity Soccer Team, this passion has fueled their journey to the top, as they battle their way through tough competition to make their mark on the field. 

Their story is not just about winning - it is about how a group of individuals can come together as a team and inspire a community with their dedication, hard work, and unwavering spirit. Truly, this was seen throughout the raw, unbridled heat these players brought to the field, showcasing their talents and expertise that they have carefully honed for the majority of their lives.

When questioned regarding the cause of their involvement in this program, many talented accomplished members of the team had similar responses. Bryce Buckhardt from 8B claims simply, “I enjoy playing the game of soccer.” This inclination toward the sport was unanimously agreed upon by the players of the team, and it was that fondness of the game that propelled them to great heights. 

A captain of this year’s squad, Zachary Green from 8C, had a differing opinion, however: “I decided to join the team to play with friends from school as it would create a bond of brotherhood between us.” Indeed, the bond between the players on the field was tangible, with the camaraderie boosting the arsenal of players to achieve success on and off the field. 

Finishing with a spectacular record of 9-2, the 21 players embarked on an amazing journey. Notable games include a first-round playoff win, plus extraordinary regular season wins vs. Montgomery, JP Case, and Franklin- all powerhouses in the league. In fact, the only loss the squad suffered in the regular season was to Bridgewater, which was hotly contested and an extremely close match. Overall, the team displayed its competency and competitiveness throughout the season, often clinching shutouts with scores like 7-0 against Clinton and 8-0 against Branchburg.

Although the team displayed an incredible aptitude for victory on the field, they encountered some obstacles along the way. Aaron Belinsky of Team 8D states, “Our first game was the most challenging because we were down by two goals and made a comeback and won the game.” Obviously, there were setbacks for the players in the first match, being unsure of the playing styles of the other members of the team on the field and other impediments that needed to be corrected. However, even then, the team displayed its remarkable resilience, and was able to beat Hillsborough’s long-time rivals Montgomery in an extremely competitive match! 

Ultimately, although there were some struggles, the team learned the value of hard work and determination and put in their best effort throughout the season. 

When queried regarding the most cherished part of being on a team, many players gave surprising responses. Rather than quoting amazing victories, their track record, or even skillwork improved upon during the season, 8A’s Julio Rzemieniewski mentions that “being a part of something, meeting new people, and making new friends [was truly the best aspect].” Undoubtedly, the interpersonal connections developed is truly an experience that all of the players of the team will cherish for generations to come. 

“The finals [was the most challenging] because it was a hard defensive battle between both teams, and they were a good team,” commented student Casey Timler from Team 8C.  

A high-defensive battle during a high-stakes game is a tough game to push through, both mentally and physically.  A player needs to keep their mind clear but also push their limits.  Although the HMS Field Hockey team left the field with their final record being 10 wins and 1 loss, all the players put up the biggest fight, keeping the score 0-0 and pushing all the way to double overtime.  From the very first practice to the final game, each player worked so hard individually and the team grew so much together.

Being on a team has many positives, and it’s hard to pick just one to love the best.  However, Serafina Erb-Wagner from Team 8D described a huge positive that can benefit the team and people. "Definitely the players and community. We were so close both on and off the field. That is truly what led us to a near-perfect season. Our communication and all together cohesiveness were because of the relationship we all had.”  

A person's love for sport is strong but can only get stronger with the bond of teammates.  Field hockey is a team sport and always pushes players to play as a team.  Without a good bond off the field, there is no togetherness on the field.  After the championship game, the season had sadly ended, which meant no more games or practices.  However, there was one last thing that would fully wrap the season up and bring some closure.  

Following tradition, the team along with JV gathered together with the coaches for the annual end-of-season banquet.  At the end of the banquet, there are 4 awards given out to specifically selected players from the varsity team for each category.  Those four categories are the Most Improved, Unsung Hero, Most Valuable Player, and the Raider Award.  

The Most Improved was awarded to Serafina Erb-Wagner!  By working hard at each practice and playing her best during the games, Serafina grew as a field hockey player during the season. 

The Unsung Hero was awarded to Arianna Salotti!  The Unsung Hero Award is awarded to the player who has made great contributions to the team.  During the season, Arianna helped the team on defense and not let any ball get through to the goal.  

The MVP award went to Sarah Lewis!  Sarah was a threat to any opponent on the field, playing at midfield, but could easily switch to a defensive or offensive play in a matter of seconds.  She did her best each game and always kept the mood light off the field.  

Finally, the Raider Award was awarded to not one but two players this year.  The Raider Award is awarded to a player who demonstrates outstanding sportsmanship, leadership, and support for their teammates.  This was awarded to Casey Timler and Katie Falk.  Both players showed all this and more throughout the season.  Congratulations to Serafina Erb-Wagner, Arianna Salotti, Sarah Lewis, Casey Timler, and Katie Falk for their well-deserved awards!

This season had its ups and downs, but the HMS Varsity Field Hockey team kept at it, overcoming the rough times and achieving great things as a team.  Although the championship was lost,  every single player should be proud of themselves for how far they have come and how far the team has come.  Congratulations to the HMS Varsity Field Hockey Team for their terrific season!  

The players felt that their teammates were the best part of being on the team this season.  7B student Cassidy Roberts stated, “The friends you make during the season and all the wins you get" were her favorite part of being on the team.

“We got to bond and learn together,"  added Lizzy Andreyko of 7E.

Learning new skills and developing teamwork with players that they came to know as friends came with the territory on this team.  Mercy Muthumbi, a player on 7C, stated that she was impressed that on the team "you are able to spend time with your friends and learn something from it”.  

Arianna Brown of Team 7A summed it up:  “The best part of being on the team was that you can be with your friends and have fun.”

Despite the losses, the team found strength in each other. Tashi Sharma from 7E stated, “We would have people to back us up and support us if we were having a hard time.”

With each other to lean on, the team started to show improvement game by game. scoring more goals and gaining more confidence over the season.

Coach Katie Faillace explained further about the team's progress and improvement “To be honest, I do not remember our record. We had only a few wins, but we definitely progressed over the season and improved our skills. Even if our record didn't show it, we improved.”

The team of 15 girls improved greatly throughout the season going from many losses to winning their last game 9-0!  Improving along the way, while being faced against harder teams and unpredictable weather conditions, these outstanding players found a sense of family and community in each other, helping uplift one another through the season!

Through it all, they had each other and made memories along the way, showing true teamwork and dedication.

At half-time, the score was 0-0. With only so little time left, the soccer team needed to convert in the second half. 

The game recommenced, and the players started hustling, hoping for a championship berth.  

During the next few minutes, what occurred was not a soccer game: it was a testament to the team's resilience and indominable spirit. They received a corner kick but failed to execute it as their opponent stole the ball. The win was slowly - very slowly - slipping out of their hands. 

However, a moment of brilliance from one of the star players - stealing the ball back and setting up a teammate for the goal - turned the tide.  The pass was completed, and the beat-down soccer ball shot towards the opposing goal. It soared through the air, and the team scored, marking a triumphant moment that secured a 2-0 victory.

The beauty of soccer was at the heart of many players' motivation to join the program, as well as their favorite memories from the season. For instance, Team 7D's Owyn Lepkowski mentioned how the sport is "a lot of fun," highlighting such key moments from practices as scrimmaging with the HMS Varsity Soccer Team.  Team 7D's Venkat Kottala, who plays and starts at the center-back and defensive midfielder position, talked about how performing different drills under a new head coach enhanced his athletic journey, providing him with knowledge and experience. 

Kottala said that "[our] games were close and intense, which made me feel excited for the next goal." In the process, players strengthened their handling skills, striking abilities, and team spirit through this program.

Ending the season with the marvelous four-to-two record, the team derived its sheer domination from a roster of twenty talented individuals, all of whom contributed to the success of the program. Combining their skills, the team collaborated to form something that they never imagined before.  

Mr. Daniel Chiappetta, the head coach of this talented group of players, stated how the their development shocked and impressed him: "It was evident that soccer was not just an extracurricular activity for them; it was a passion that fueled their commitment and determination." He knew deep inside that they were not playing to win, but rather to show off their genuine passion for the sport. Coach Chiapetta also knew their personal victories throughout the season would "shape their character both on and off the field." Overall, he was delighted with the outcome of their season and was glad to be a part of his players' journeys to success. 

Team 7B's Ryan Liskowitz, another starting striker, discussed his personal experience with the team. He enjoyed interacting with his fellow players on bus rides to practice and games, and he talked about how his teammates made sure he was stable after enduring two concussions during the season. Coach Chiapetta concurred with Liskowitz: he emphasized that this experience would be a building block for all players, and it would teach them about teamwork and sportsmanship -- profitable skills both on and off the pitch. 

Players on the team enjoyed the energy displayed in every pass, goal, and move. These athletes played both to have fun and to fuel their wishes, which led to their impressive final score of four wins and two losses. In two wins against Franklin and Wilberone, the JV team demolished their opponents and held both teams to only one goal. 

Of course, the team also experienced some challenges and setbacks throughout their season. Their losses involved some extremely close matches, such as a 3-2 defeat against Manville. Furthermore, they also lost vital members to the varsity team and season-ending injuries, which temporarily halted their development. As a result, some players felt demotivated as they felt they would fail in the remainder of their games. Also, with the cancellation of numerous games, their rhythm and flow were slightly affected, causing them to lose several games. 

Mackenzie Cartagenam from team 7D felt that being on the team this year helped her form new friendships, and brought new people together. She shared, “I loved the way I met new people and made new friendships. Connecting on the field was amazing, and paid off a lot”. 

Coming out in the end, the best games of the season were the games against the Branchburg Middle School Soccer and Montgomery Middle School. These teams taught the Girls Varsity Soccer Team to work harder and to keep going, pushing themselves regardless if they were winning or losing, to never give up, and always try harder. 

The team had a great season and improved much with their interactions throughout the season. They got to make new friends and the team as a whole worked well together. As the team progressed through the season, they started to connect and get to know one another, connecting in various ways.  In fact, the players agreed that there was a growing awareness that the team must work together for good things to happen. 

Even with the disadvantage of not having an official year-round team,  the HMS Boys Cross Country team pulled through.  Nonetheless, without a stick or ball involved, cross country is, without a doubt, a team sport. Possibly one of the most uplifting ones.  

“The best part about being on the team was the school spirit. Every meet, everybody on the team would try their hardest, making every win feel well-deserved,”  expressed team 8B’s Rishin Das. Beautifully said by Rishin- the true definition of being a team: keeping each other motivated and working hard so every runner feels proud. 

The weather has been harsh and teams have been tough to face, but the HMS Softball team has persevered through it all.  Throughout the season, all the girls have overcome challenges together and built strong-lasting friendships. 

Another season of softball has come and gone.  This season has been action-packed since the very beginning, filled with several compelling games.  These games had players on their feet from start to end, cheering each other on and creating an engaging atmosphere.  For example, the game against Readington Middle School had both teams cheering each other on.  

“The most exciting game of the season was our game on April 20th against Readington Middle School. This game was exciting because our whole dugout was very loud and we cheered each other on. This had everyone's energy high, and we had great fielding and hitting. It was an amazing game!” reminisced Julianna Sabo, a student from Team 8D.  

These are the types of games every player wants to be a part of.  Everyone is hyping each other up and creating a feeling of excitement.  The endless cheering gives a rush of adrenaline and energy to play.  This is one of the many perks of being part of such a great team.

However, it has not been an easy ride throughout the season- these challenging games increase the team's resilience as a whole and the determination of each player.  Softball games are not quick games to play, so to be able to stay in high spirits throughout the entire game and never give up is truly admirable. Especially when the game is 10 innings long.  

“William Ann Middle School [was the most challenging game] because we tied and played 10 innings but lost,” recalls Sydney Vamos, a student from Team 7E.  

10 innings is a very long game, but these girls powered through and kept fighting.  This is a perfect example of what it means to never give up.  

Again and again, this group of girls has played through several exciting and challenging games, ending it all with a wonderful record of 5 wins and 5 losses.  Each game was played to the team’s fullest ability, improving every single day.  

“Although the record does not indicate it, the team played hard and fought each game to be competitive.  "Watching and having a group of girls who came together and worked on the fundamentals of team, commitment, and perseverance" gave Coach Richard Rosenblum much to be proud of during this season.

Being on a sports team is an unforgettable experience.  You are surrounded by peers supporting you in several positive ways.  The feeling of being recognized by the other players as you develop your skills throughout the season is thrilling.

“Playing for this team was an honor and a privilege and I was forever grateful. Being on this team has taught me so much,”  stated Alexis Carlisle, a student from Team 7E.  

Each team has its own special bonuses that go into it, but it is the people who make it special.  As Alexis stated, it is a huge honor and privilege to play for a team and it pays off in the end.  

The Girls Softball Team has gone above and beyond to making their name known to other schools as a team that won’t go down without a fight.  It has been tough in certain games and filled with exploding excitement in others.  Through it all, every one of the girls has made new friends and memories.           

Way to go, Girls Softball Team!

Time is ticking, and the team is down by one point. The ball is swiftly passed from player to player, in hopes of creating more powerful opportunities to the basket. 

3… 2… 1… The ball is expertly released by a gigantic player. 

Swish! The ball is deftly placed into the waiting arms of the basket on the buzzer. 

The team cheers for the game-winning spectacular shot -- but who is this talented group of basketballers? This stupendous arsenal of players is none other than the Hillsborough Varsity Basketball Team! These athletes hustled up and down the field, giving their best effort every time! 

When asked the reason behind their desire to join the HMS Varsity Team, many players were similar in their responses. Jeff Progin of Team 8B stated that his aspiration was “because I enjoy and love basketball”. This inclination toward the sport was unanimously agreed upon by the players of the team, and it was that fondness of the game that propelled them to great heights. 

Finishing with a spectacular record of 9-9, the 12 players embarked on an amazing journey. Notable games include a first round playoff win, plus extraordinary regular season wins vs. Warren, William Annin (Ridge), and Franklin. Mr. Timothy Quimby, who had the pleasure of coaching the team, mentioned that “Our best game of the year was our final loss against one of the best teams in our league, Summitt,” demonstrating the team’s competency on the field, only earning a loss to one of the best teams in the league.

No individual awards were given out, due to the emphasis on team achievement over individual accomplishments. The coach declared, “These big men hustled up and down the floor, worked hard on the boards, and played tough defense inside for us throughout the year.”  Indeed, these hard-working individuals demonstrated their aptitude on and off the field, through their camaraderie and their team-bonding skills. 

The team had some obstacles, despite the amazing aptitude for victory shown on the field. James Esposito of Team 8A stated that the toughest defeat was “losing at the buzzer against [William Annin] Ridge at home. This was very challenging because of how I knew we were way better than them but still came up short.” 

Coach Quimby had a differing opinion, however: “Our best game of the year was our final loss against one of the best teams in our league, Summit.  In this Quarter Final matchup, we traveled the 40 minute bus ride to their gym and played the best game of the season.  We in fact had the lead a couple times during the third quarter.” Of course, there were some struggles, but ultimately the team learned the value of hard work and determination to put in their best effort throughout the season. 

When questioned regarding the best part of being on the team, many players gave surprising feedback. Rather than quoting any wins or any skillwork improved on throughout the season, James Esposito of Team 8A simply stated that “[The best part of the season was] the brotherhood displayed on and off the field.” Indeed, these players made valuable friendships throughout the season that they will continue to cherish for generations to come. 

Coach Quimby was very impressed by the team’s progress throughout the year. Even when facing a stone-cold defeat against Summit, one of the best teams in the league, he only had positive feedback regarding the performance of the players. 

He declared,  “I am very proud of the teamwork, passing, and defensive improvement we showed during this game. Sometimes a defeat can also be the biggest victory of the season, and that's how I saw our final game.” Truly, the skills developed and the bonds forged were more vital to the players’ lives than the games won or lost. 

Throughout the entire season, friendships were built, lifetime memories were made, skills were developed, and even lessons were learned. Congratulations are definitely in order for these amazing athletes who definitely deserve the recognition that they earned!

Bam! Pow! BOOM! The HMS Wrestling Team is back and better than ever for another spectacular season.

“I love wrestling because it's a sport that anyone can do," reflected Coach Josh Villa. "You don't have to be fast, or tall, or strong, it doesn't matter if you're wide or thin, or what race or gender you are. It's all about finding out who you are as an athlete and using your unique gifts to defeat your opponent. Your teammates and coaches help you improve, but only you can go out there and win your match. No other school sport compares to it.” 

The 2023 HMS Wrestling Team performed spectacularly this season. Under the coaching of Mr. Villa and two additional team coaches, the team has conquered many challenges, defeated many opponents, and finally earned their victory! 

“One word I would use to describe this season is unexpected,” Coach Villa explained. “At one point we were only going to have 6 wrestlers on the team, but once the word got out that we needed help, we ended up with 27!” 

The wrestling team showcased what it means to be a Raider -- to respond to calls of help and participate!  Not only was this year’s team the biggest team in over a decade, but it was also full of diversity: beginners, experienced athletes, boys, and girls! 

Coach Villa was awestruck by his roster of wrestlers: “This was the biggest team the program has had in over a decade, and it featured 2 female wrestlers which also hasn't been seen in quite some time. In addition, the majority of the team lacked experience in the sport, but we were still able to find lots of success both individually and as a team!”

Coach Villa clearly takes pride in his team, often boasting about his students that worked so hard and never gave up. 

“Truthfully, every single wrestler on the team should be recognized and here's why: wrestling is a brutal sport both physically and mentally. As a result, quitting is common, and every year there is always at least 1 person who does," he explained. 

"All 27 wrestlers stuck with it for the entire season this year. I credit that to unprecedented leadership from both our captains, but more importantly incredible determination from every individual!” 

The Wrestling Team has not only learned to work together, but they have also all formed connections with each other and the sport. Many newcomers who were tried wrestling for the first time will come away with many rewards: a cool jacket, tons of experience, new friends, and confidence! 

In fact, not only did newcomers learn the sport of wrestling, they excelled in it! The 2023 Wrestling Team destroyed their rivals and attracted the attention of many new students. Crowds were spilling out of the Annex Gym during matches, eager to take a picture or cheer on their friends on the team. 

“One of my favorite moments this season was our win against Montgomery. It was a very tight match that came down to a tie-breaker where we got more pins than they did. It felt good to get our first away win, especially against a rival. The team finished 6-5, with an undefeated 5-0 record at home,” Mr Villa stated. 

This season, the Wrestling Team has once again proven to be unstoppable, and they have brought immense pride to Hillsborough Middle School!

It takes lots of hard work, dedication, and the power of believing in yourself and your teammates to make such a comeback as the Boys Varsity Soccer Team did.  Not only an epic comeback, but to propel forward from that to the Central Jersey Junior Boys Soccer Championship game as these talented boys did and won, is truly a remarkable accomplishment!

Middle school sports teams always have exciting games against tough opponents, and the Boys Varsity Soccer Team is no different.  Every game they played was full of excitement, though the semi-finals seemed to spark the most excitement.  

“The Semi-finals against Franklin were the most important because we were losing by 1 goal, but somehow I was able to score in the last minute, which took us into overtime. During overtime, both teams were very equal and nobody scored. Finally, we were in penalties where we won the game,” remarked Enda Kennedy from Team 8B.  

The rush of excitement that comes from winning a penalty kick is inevitable.  Especially when that specific penalty kick wins the semi-finals, securing a spot in the finals.  They had lost to Franklin just a week earlier, so the Varsity Team was hungry to secure a win. 

Most of the team agreed that the semi-final against Franklin Township was the most exciting. However, some argue that the Championship game was the most exciting.  

“The most exciting game was definitely the Championship game against J.P. Case. There were so many almost goals and intense moments, but when Traxyn scored the game-winning goal -- with under 5 minutes remaining in the game -- everyone on the bench was on their feet,” stated Brandon Bender from Team 8E.   

The Championship game is always exciting in any sport, but even so when it comes down to the last few minutes of the game.  The whole team worked as hard as they could, eyes on the field whether they're playing or not.  It shows how much the Varsity Soccer Team wanted to win when the whole team jumps up in celebration.  

Challenges are a huge part of a sports season because those games show how capable a team is.  The semi-finals against Franklin Township were a very challenging team to beat.  

“The most challenging was also the semi-final game because we had to climb a lot of doubts throughout the game, but we still came out on top,” commented David Ramirez from Team 8C.  

This was a very tough season for the Boys Varsity team and it was very stressful through the ups and downs.  That does not mean that everyone was so serious.  Quite the opposite- the whole team enjoyed themselves throughout the season, making very special memories.  

“Being part of this team was a blessing. We lost every game, then all of a sudden we made the playoffs and we popped off. We ended up winning the Champs. It's truly one of the best things that has happened to me. And I love this team so much, truly,” reminisced Sarang Khullar from Team 8C.  

Further proof that being on a middle school sports team is a very special experience you can not get anywhere else.  However, they didn’t lose every single one.  The Boys Varsity Team's final record was 8 wins, 5 losses, and 1 tie.  

The Boys Varsity Soccer Team completed an amazing season full of challenges and doubts.  However, the players overcame these doubts, doubling their efforts to make it to the Championship.  

Congratulations to the Boys Varsity Soccer Team!

Terrific! The Girls Varsity Basketball team finished off their season with a fabulous record of 16 wins and 1 loss.  What an amazing journey these 13 players went on -- including their two statisticians, Katelyn Greenstreet and Macy Uccardi.

Whoever said being on a school basketball team was boring?  This definitely does not apply to this team, who had a series of exciting games throughout the season.  One of those games was the first game against Franklin. 

“We knew Franklin was a good team - and we knew going in that it was going to be a good game,” remarked Jordan Reigrod from Team 8D.  A positive mindset is key -- and in this case it was true.  Going into the highly-anticipated first game of the season, knowing it would be a good game, the team's optimistic mindset led them to their first victory!

Playing Franklin for the second time led to an even more excited feeling among the players.  After all, losing the first game left Franklin wanting a victory against HMS even more.  However, in spite of that, they never got what they wanted.  

“It was a very close game - it was aggressive and fast-paced,” commented Alex Nurse from Team 8A.  Playing a faster, more aggressive game than usual brought a feeling of excitement, like facing a challenge you know you can overcome if you try.  That is exactly what the Varsity Team did, as they adjusted to the different style of play and won!

Additionally, J.P. Case posed a formidable challenge during the semi-finals.  “Our most challenging game was our semi-final game because we ended up being down for most of the game, so we had to come back and leave everything on the court. We ended up losing this game, but we cut it close and played much better in the end,” expressed Nevya Loniewski from Team 8C.

Although the the team lost at the semi-final game, the players progressed from the beginning of the game to the end.  It shows how greatly skilled these girls were, as they were amazingly able to rebound from far behind and catch up -- only to lose by one.  

Aside from the competitions, part of being on a middle school team means being part of a second family.  Alexa Gaspar of Team 8C stated, “The best part of being on the team was that we were all a family and we really enjoyed playing a sport we loved together as a family.” 

To play as a team, you need to be close enough to trust your teammates.  This is exactly the type of trust the Varsity Team created.  Just being together was enough to have a good time -- especially after an away game on the bus ride home.  

“The best part of being on the team was just hanging out with each-other, we are like a huge family and would do anything for each other.  I also love our bus rides back home with each other  when we had an away game because we would blast music!” recalled Victoria Liedl from Team 8D.  

The Girls Varsity Basketball Team faced many challenges throughout the season, while also making unforgettable memories with each other.  Way to go, Girls Varsity Basketball Team, for your awesome season!

While everyone in Hillsborough Middle School may have heard of the Boys Junior Varsity Soccer team, some may not realize that it is a soccer team for seventh graders, and this seventh-grade team started playing at the beginning of the year with many HMS students attending their games.

The team's record was 5 wins, 2 losses, and 2 ties according to Coach Fernando Vera. 

"The 2 losses were to teams that had mixed-grade teams with 7th and 8th graders,” he explained.

Coach Vera also elaborated further upon the team's losses: ""The Wilberforce School game had players who were stronger and faster because they were 8th graders but the team stayed with them and gave them a good match.  The final score was a 4-2 loss but we made it closer at the end.”

However, losses aside, the players came away from their time on the team with many postive experiences.  While Team 7D's Yassine Khalifa enjoyed "making new friends and communicating with others”, Bryce Burckhardt had fun "meeting new people especially since it was the beginning of the school year...it was amazing to meet new people and make new friends.”

Team 7C's Nathaniel Kunzle agreed: "The best part about being on the team is playing with my friends.”

However, Team 7D's Arjun Nandurkar felt positive about his soccer-playing experience for a different reason: "The best part of being on the team is traveling with one of the people you trust the most, and then playing and trying your best to win.”

Eshan Saadi of Team 7B recalled a particular time when this camaraderie came into play.

"The one game we tied 0-0 with the opposing team," Saadi recalled, "was one of the most exciting games for me because of our team's determination to win. Although no one scored, the passion around the field was like nothing I'd ever seen before. The passion that ran through our hearts was unimaginable. This is one of many traits that true players have.”

Team 7A's Preston Vera agreed that challenges often brought the players closer together: "My favorite games were definitely the games that we struggled or lost because it meant we got to put effort and a challenge up to the other teams.”

As for their most challenging game, Alex Zieziula of Team 7E offered that it was "most likely playing the JP Case team. They tied to us I believe 5-5. It was a very close game, many of us thought that we would not have won. But, in the end, we came out with a tie. And in my books, that's better than a loss to a good team like us.”

On the other hand, Team 7A's David Labas felt that it was "probably against the Wilberforce School because we lost 4-2 and the other team was really big and fast.”

Nevertheless, in the end, everyone all agreed that they liked playing as a team -- whether they won or lost -- and that they had a truly great season.

This year, so many new seventh-graders came to the tryouts for the HMS girls' varsity soccer team, each person exploding with new skills and talent.  Although there were few, the returning eighth-graders were ecstatic for their last season playing on such a rewarding and exciting team.

Last year's varsity team was powerful, and this year's returning eighth graders were excited and a little bit nervous to see who would pick up the end of the rope.  

“It was fun to experience the different types of style of play,” stated Jordan Reigrod from Team 8D.    

Improvement from the first game to the very last was inevitable, from stepping onto the field for the first time as a team to playing together in the championship game.  Although they did lose the championship game, all the players and the coach clearly recognized the vast improvement.  

“Building team chemistry on and off the field takes time,"  noted Matthew Gutowski, coach of the girls varsity soccer team. "This group of young ladies did a wonderful job coming together and it showed as the season went on.”   The girls bonded soon enough into the season, and it showed especially on the field.  

The majority of players agreed that playing JP Case in the semi-finals was one of the most - if not the most - exciting games from the season.  Each team brought their very best to the field, playing to their very limit.  The game was extremely close and resulted in a shootout at the end.  Jordan Reigrod from Team 8D scored the amazing goal in the end.  

However, not all games are challenging due to skill levels of the players involved.  There are times when Mother Nature decides to meddle with the elements!  This was the case during a game against Montgomery.  Annoying strong winds kept moving the soccer ball, on the ground and in the air.  This made shots increasingly difficult and passes just "off" by a little.  Although set back by meddling Mother Nature, the soccer team still played to the best they could in their circumstances.  

Overall, this team came in bursting with skill and ready to play.  Quickly bonding, this team prevailed through their season together all the way to the championship game.  

“It was hard to work that hard to get to the championship game [but then] to come out losing,” admitted Alex Nurse from Team 8A. 

However, everyone would agree that many people made a lot of new friends, lots of them still talk even though the season is over, and each player got a chance to grow their skill and experience playing with all these new people.