Built Through Battles: Essex Men’s Basketball Season Recap
2025–26 Essex Men's Basketball Season Recap
The Essex Men's Basketball team battled through a demanding schedule to finish the season 12–16 overall and 5–7 in conference play, showing flashes of dominance, resilience in close games, and standout individual performances throughout the winter.
November: Early Tests and Statement Wins
The season opened with a heartbreaker on the road against Westchester Community College, falling 98–96 despite Ethan Laquindanum's 23-point effort and Jason Martinez's 8 assists. Essex continued to compete in tight contests, dropping another close matchup to Chesapeake College.
The team broke through in a big way against Ulster County Community College, exploding for a 110–70 win behind 19 points from Ryan English, 10 rebounds from Rodney Willis Jr., and 7 assists from Laquindanum.
A gritty two-point win over Delaware Technical Community College (87–85) highlighted Willis Jr.'s dominance on the glass with 21 rebounds. Essex also picked up a forfeit victory over Camp Community College.
However, the month also featured narrow defeats, including a high-scoring 105–94 loss to Prince George's Community College—where Willis Jr. posted a monster 27-point, 18-rebound performance—and a thrilling double-overtime battle against Salem Community College, falling 109–106 despite Laquindanum's 30 points.
December: Conference Grind and Momentum Swings
Essex earned a signature conference win over Middlesex College, 72–70, with Laquindanum recording 17 points and 10 rebounds.
The Lions split tight contests throughout the month, edging Rockland Community College 98–90 and dominating Raritan Valley Community College 101–81.
On the road, Essex showed toughness with an 81–76 victory over Lackawanna College, led by 17 points from Jaden Reid and 11 rebounds from Willis Jr.
Despite strong offensive outings—including 29 points from Ryan English against Mercer County Community College—Essex dropped several close games late in the month.
January: Resilience and Big Performances
January showcased some of Essex's best basketball.
The Lions opened with a solid 72–63 win over Camden County College, followed by statement victories over Delaware Tech (80–74) and Westchester (87–79).
Against Westchester, Carl Matala erupted for 27 points while Rodney Willis Jr. controlled the boards with 16 rebounds.
Essex also secured dramatic wins over County College of Morris (75–73) and Bucks County Community College (108–87), highlighted by Gabe Morales' 25-point performances and a balanced team attack.
Throughout the month, Willis Jr. consistently delivered double-doubles, while Laquindanum and Martinez orchestrated the offense with key assists in crunch time.
February: Tough Stretch to Close
February proved challenging, as Essex faced several strong opponents and finished the season on a five-game skid.
A competitive effort against Middlesex (93 points scored) showed offensive firepower, but defensive struggles proved costly. In a tight 93–87 loss to Lackawanna, Chris Hampton scored 24 points while Laquindanum dished out 11 assists.
The season finale against Raritan Valley saw Jaden Reid pour in 29 points, though Essex fell 113–94.