Essex County Player of the Year: Anthony Gonzalez, sophomore, Seton Hall Prep- The transfer from Union City burst on the scene at SHP with a superb season while leading Pirates to their 20th Essex County Tournament title while averaging 13.7 points, 3.3 rebounds, 5.4 assists and 1.9 steals per game while rising to the occasion in big games including scoring 19 points, grabbing 6 rebounds and recording 6 assists in his team’s 65-61 win vs. Payne Tech in the ECT final. The standout guard was strong at both ends of the court for the much-improved Pirates. “You don’t come across talents like Anthony very often and to have the talent, youth, humility and work ethic that he brings each day is why he is such a special talent,” said SHP coach Sterling Gibbs. “I believe that he is the Player of the Year in the state and as good as he’s been this season, I see him continuing to become an even better all-around player. He has as bright a future in this game as anyone out there. You don’t come across talents like Anthony very often and to have the talent, youth, humility and work ethic that he brings each day is why he is such a special talent,” said the first-year SHP head coach. “I believe that he is the Player of the Year, and I’ll continue to say that and push for that and I believe he deserves to be recognized as that. And, as good as he’s been this season, I see him continuing to become an even better all-around player and he has as bright a future in this game as anyone out there.”
Runner-Up Play of the Year: Gerald Edwell, junior, Payne Tech- A ‘double-double’ machine, the impressive 6-foot-5 Lions forward was the best frontcourt performer in the county this season averaging 18.1 ppg and 13.3 rpg while helping to propel the Super Essex Conference-American Division co-champions and ECT runner-up team. Examples of his scoring efficienty and superb work off the boards was evidenced in games such as the ECT quarters in a 86-68 win vs. East Orange Campus when he had 29 points and 21 rebounds, or in the ECT semis in a 55-43 triumph vs. Arts when he scored 13 points and had 20 rebounds. “Gerald does it all for us, is an abolute force on the boards, and is certainly one of the best forwards in the state,” said Payne Tech coach Brad Howard. “We’re excited to have him return next season for his senior year and then I see great things ahead for him at the next level as wel where a college is going to be very fortunate to acquire his services as a student and outstanidng player.”
Essex County Coach of the Year: Sterling Gibbs, Seton Hall Prep- He has gone from being standout player and second-leading scorer in school history at SHP to become an accomplished collegian at schools including Seton Hall University and UConn to now being a top-notch high school head coach in just his first season at the helm. He worked alongside a terrific coaching staff to take a team that had a rare sub-.500 record the season before and guide the Pirates to a solid 23-7 campaign that included the ECT title and a spot in the final nj .com statewide Top 20. His players also appreciated his presence. “I felt it would be a good move for me to go to the Prep and I couldn’t be happier with the decision,” said Gonzalez. “My teammates are great and playing for coach (Sterling) Gibbs has been a tremendous experience,” said star sophomore guard Gonzalez. “I trust him a lot, I try to do what he teaches me, and I know that he has been through so much in this sport which is also so important in my life.”
Runner-Up Coach of the Year: Joe Gill, Livingston- The Lancers have had their moments in the sport, including dating back to the days of the late, great Bob ‘Whitey’ Dukiet; however, the talent pool certainly isn’t what it is on an annual basis like it is at some of the more traditional hoops powers throughout the basketball-rich SEC, which helps make this season’s 20-8 record one to be proud of. Livingston was also 9-1 in the SEC-Independence, sharing the division title with Orange and won the championship of the first-ever Essex County Invitational Tournament. Guiding the team to its fine season was second-year head man Joe Gill, who, before assuming the head coaching role, had served as an assistant coach for Dave Cohen who stepped aside two seasons ago as he concentrated fully on his role as athletic director. Gill’s Lancers had good senior leadership from players such as Zach Smith, Sam Winitch and Ben Langer and recovered from a bit of a mid-season slump by winning 10 of its final 12 games, including four straight victories in the EIT, capped by a 50-48 triumph at Newark East Side in the final. Gill also guided the Lancers to a pair of state tournament victories before being ousted by second-seeded East Orange Campus in the N1G4 sectional semifinals.
