Newton boys basketball reflects on progress, looks ahead

With the 2025–26 season complete, the Newton High School Braves boys basketball program is reflecting on key moments and steady improvement throughout the winter.

Coach Paul Filan pointed to several games that highlighted the team’s effort and growth during the season.

Newton opened the season with a 69-63 loss to Kittatinny Regional High School Cougars boys basketball on Dec. 16 but responded with a strong rematch performance, defeating Kittatinny 68-41 on Dec. 30.

Another highlight came in a 53-20 home victory against North Warren Regional High School Patriots boys basketball on Jan. 7, when Newton allowed only five points in the first half.

Filan also cited a close, 55-50, loss to the Mount Olive High School Marauders on Feb. 5 as a game that demonstrated the team’s competitiveness.

“We were up early and Mount Olive battled back,” Filan said. “We fought back and had a chance to tie it, but ultimately missed a shot with a few seconds left. Even though it was a loss, I was proud of the way we played and the effort the guys gave.”

Several players showed strong improvement during the season. Junior guard Hunter Wolfe increased his scoring average from four points per game last year to 10 this season, emerging as one of Newton’s top offensive options.

Junior forward Anthony Romeo also stepped into a larger role, becoming a full-time starter while averaging seven points and eight rebounds.

Newton finished the season with eight victories overall, including a 6-4 record in the Colonial Division of the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference. The Braves tied for second place in the division with North Warren.

Looking ahead, Filan said the team is optimistic about the future. Newton returns four starters and nine players who saw significant varsity minutes, with senior Nick Kurilko the only departing starter.

“We return a lot of guys to varsity,” Filan said. “That experience should help us moving forward.”