Ramapo HS Boys Basketball Wins First State Title In Program History

WYCKOFF, NJ — A first-ever state title in program history, along with a sparkling 30-3 record on the year, landed the Ramapo Raiders a spot on NJ.com's Basketball Top 20 teams for 2022-23, and a proclamation from Wyckoff town officials.

On March 4, the Ramapo High School boys basketball team captured the New Jersey Group 3 state title, by virtue of a 55-42 victory over Nottingham High School, and eclipsed a previous school record of 26 wins on the season.

Finishing the season ranked No. 7 in the NJ.com Top 20, the Raiders also led all of the league's state tournament games on the road to the championship.

"This special group of athletes achieved this extraordinary feat due to unselfish team play, a tireless work ethic, outstanding basketball skills, and an overall commitment to the sport," a proclamation read aloud by Wyckoff Mayor Tom Madigan said.

At the April 4 town council meeting, Madigan, per the proclamation and on behalf of the Wyckoff community, congratulated the "exceptional team," and coach Nick Vier and his staff, for their significant success this year.

The mayor then thanked the athletes for serving as "positive role models," and for illustrating the rewards that can be achieved through "commitment, diligence and pursuit of excellence."

He added that team benefitted greatly from the dedication and leadership of coach Vier, and thanked him and his staff for their "never-ending support."

"This is a great honor," Vier said of receiving the proclamation. "All credit goes to the boys, who worked their tails off all year and deserved what they received in the end. We are very proud of them."

As a coach, Vier said that bringing home the state title was very rewarding for him as well.

"I've been a part of the Ramapo program for five years (first as an assistant coach, then head coach), striving to reach this goal," he said. "It's a great joy to finally make it here."