By Ross Wilson

After losing seniors Kurtis Scott, Tim Moore and Royce Castro from last season's 21-5 Colonial Conference co-championship squad, the Garnets of Haddon Heights have reloaded to remain competitive in their quest for a South Jersey Group 2 crown.

Omar Hayes and senior Aaron Berry are two of the main reasons why Heights has an outside chance to capture Group 2. Don't be surprised to see the Garnets "shock the world" and hit their stride along the playoff path.

"Aaron always brings his "A" game," said Sterling's Ernest Turner after a hard-fought Sterling victory over Haddon Heights. "He's got a nice shot from the perimeter, and it can be deadly when he's hot. He's gotten better and better and can be tough to stop. He's a player."

Omar Hayes is the Garnets' crafty point guard who can break his man down off the dribble and take the rock to the hoop, or stroke the outside "J" in transition. His quickness allows him to get the ball to Heights' post players in a flash, and play sticky defense.

"Hayes is getting better too for a younger player," said Turner. "He's is going to be a player for Heights when all is said and done. I think he'll perform big for them in the post-season this year. He doesn't quit."

The #10 seeded Garnets will face Westampton Tech on February 26th to get their Group 2 championship quest underway. A win versus Westampton would set up a tough match-up between the Garnets and bitter rival Haddonfield Bulldogs. This has become one of the more heated rivalries in South Jersey. Both teams have split home victories, and what a post-season treat that would be.