2025 Winter Season Recap: South Plainfield Boys Varsity Basketball
The 2025 basketball season for the South Plainfield Boys Varsity team was a blend of high hopes, hard-fought battles, and meaningful growth. Guided by Coach John Greco, the team navigated a year that tested their resilience, revealed their potential, and laid the groundwork for a bright future.
Although their final record stood at 16-11, the story of South Plainfield’s season is not best told by wins and losses. It's a story of comebacks, close games, and character—on and off the court. For Coach Greco, this year was about much more than basketball. “It was a great experience,” he shared. “We had lofty goals. We could have done much more, but sports sometimes humble you.”
Leading the Way: Core Contributors
At the heart of the Tigers' success was Jordan Jones, the team’s standout player and well-deserved MVP. Even while dealing with a preseason injury, Jones remained a central figure on the court, setting the tone with his skill and competitiveness.
Alongside him, David Wallace made waves in his first varsity season, emerging as a strong and reliable contributor. His performance gave South Plainfield a glimpse of the future and added needed depth to the roster.
Captains Jayden Darling and Stephanus Ahia-Armah led with purpose and integrity, modeling leadership both in games and in the classroom. Coach Greco praised their example-setting presence, a crucial element of the team’s culture.
Then there was AJ Perales, who Coach Greco described as “our heart and soul.” Perales embodied the emotional energy and toughness that defined the Tigers’ fight all season long.
The contributions didn’t stop with the seniors or upperclassmen. A core group of underclassmen—Trayvon Smith, Aiden Noblecilla, Boresa Jawula, Andrew Bena, Justin Vaca, and Micah Anderson—stepped into meaningful roles and are expected to be the bedrock of next year’s team.
A Season of Highs, Lows, and Learning
South Plainfield’s record might suggest a mid-tier performance, but a closer look reveals a season filled with near-misses and unforgettable moments. Of their 11 losses, 9 were close games, including painful defeats in both county and state playoff matchups. While those heartbreakers stung, they also taught the Tigers what it takes to win at a high level.
“We lacked the experience to finish games,” Greco admitted. “But our guys are great kids, and we had a great time every step of the way.”
Despite the missed opportunities, the season had its defining triumphs. One of the standout games came in their first division matchup against Perth Amboy, where South Plainfield stormed back from a 21-point deficit to pull off a thrilling win. That comeback sparked a 9-1 start to the season and showed the Tigers’ ability to dig deep.
Another landmark victory came at home against Timothy Christian, where the team found themselves in a 15-0 hole right out of the gate. But once again, South Plainfield refused to fold. They battled back and secured the win, displaying the kind of tenacity that became a hallmark of their season.
Rising Stars and Stepping Up
As the season wore on, the team began to see major development from its younger players. Coach Greco pointed to Trayvon Smith, Aiden Noblecilla, Boresa Jawula, Andrew Bena, Justin Vaca, and Micah Anderson as underclassmen who rose to the occasion. Each was tasked with stepping into bigger roles—and delivered.
Their contributions weren’t just about filling minutes. They played meaningful roles in critical games, gaining valuable experience that will serve them—and the team—well in the future. As Coach Greco put it, “We developed younger guys, and they put in time. We are looking forward to turning those close losses into big wins next year.”
Responding to Adversity
Like any competitive season, this one wasn’t without its share of setbacks. Injuries and illness played a role throughout the year, with the most notable being Jordan Jones battling a preseason injury. Other players also missed games due to sickness, and the team’s depth was tested.
Still, the Tigers fought hard in every contest, regardless of the obstacles. Every game became “an event,” as Coach Greco described it—a chance to compete, to grow, and to represent South Plainfield with pride. The squad didn’t shy away from tough competition, and they built their identity around grit and effort.
A Special Senior Class
While the future looks bright, the seniors who graduated in 2025 left a legacy that will be felt for years to come. “Great group of kids,” said Coach Greco. “They will have a season to remember and will influence how we perform in the next couple of years.”
Their leadership, performance, and presence created a culture that the younger players have already started to adopt. Even as the seniors move on, their impact will remain woven into the team’s foundation.
Looking Ahead: The Next Chapter
With so many returning players and a hunger to improve, there’s a buzz around what’s next for South Plainfield basketball. The team plans to take their lessons from this season and channel them into offseason work, starting with two key areas: individual defense and ball movement.
Improving those aspects of the game could be the difference between this year’s close losses and next year’s big wins. And with a tougher schedule on the horizon, Coach Greco knows his team will need to be sharp, disciplined, and united.
The energy surrounding the future is unmistakable. “Everything,” Greco said when asked what excites him most. That one word says it all—he believes in this group, and he believes that what they’ve built this year is just the beginning.
Where to Find More
For those interested in tracking stats, game results, and individual player performances, South Plainfield’s basketball information is available on NJ.com, the go-to site for high school sports in New Jersey.
Final Thoughts
The 2025 South Plainfield Boys Varsity Basketball team didn’t just compete—they grew, they bonded, and they built something special. They learned what it means to face adversity and come out stronger. They showed heart in comeback wins, resolve in heartbreaking losses, and commitment to their teammates every step of the way.
This was a season filled with lessons, and now, those lessons become the fuel for what comes next. The Tigers may have fallen just short of their goals this year, but with Coach Greco at the helm and a core group of returning players ready to rise, South Plainfield basketball is poised to turn potential into power.
The best may still be ahead.
Share With