Boys Basketball – 2021 Season Preview: Henry Hudson

Coming off a 2-23 record in 2019-20, it takes a long, hard look to find the silver linings for the Henry Hudson program, but they are there. On the down side, the Admirals graduated their top three scorers from last year as well, which means there is an element of mystery surrounding where Henry Hudson will get its offense. They are also playing in a small-school pod that, while not overwhelming, features Keyport and Keansburg teams poised to improve and Mater Dei Prep and Point Pleasant Beach programs that have been at least a level above the rest of the field.

On top of those challenges, the Admirals will have to start late due to COVID-19 protocol, although the two games they will lose off the schedule are against a Mater Dei Prep team that figures to present a mismatch. Henry Hudson is now scheduled to open at Asbury Park on Feb. 1.

Fortunately for the Admirals program, a promising group of experienced varsity players remains and new coach Brian Kelly will be tasked with helping them make progress over the next several years. For the returning senior starters – guard Trevor Hendrickson and forward James Crowley – this year means a lot too and the two seasoned veterans will try to lead their young teammates to more success within the Shore this year.

Juniors Mike Kalaka and Dimitrius Harvey both made an impact as sophomores last year and will be full-time starters in 2021, while sophomore Jax Ross saw time as a freshman and could be one of the breakout guards to watch within the Shore’s small-school pod. Junior Quinn Casey is set to help off the bench and Brandon Hendrickson will contribute as a freshman. The schedule should give Henry Hudson both a chance to pick up some wins while also stepping up its level of play as the Admirals aim to navigate closer to the front of the Class B Central fleet.

Head Coach: Brian Kelly, first season
2019-20 Record: 2-23 (0-12, seventh in Class B Central)
2020 Postseason Performance: Did not reach postseason

Disclaimer: Projected lineups listed in the 2021 Shore Sports Network Preview are not necessarily directly from coaches. Some are, while others are projections from Shore Sports Network staff. In either case, the projected lineup is fluid and could change leading up to the start of the season and beyond. Check back for periodic updates to every team's projected starting lineup on shoresportsnetwork.com.

Projected Lineup

Jax Ross, So., 5-10, Guard (R)

Trevor Hendrickson, Sr., 6-1, Guard (RS)

James Crowley, Sr., 6-5, Forward/Center (RS)

Mike Kalaka, Jr., 6-4, Forward/Center (R)

Dimitrius Harvey, Jr., 6-4, Forward (R)

Key Losses

Grady Hendrickson, 6-0, Guard

Mike Mohr, 6-1, Forward

Sean Haupt, Guard

Aiden Casey, 6-0, Guard

Off the Bench

Quinn Casey, Jr., 6-0, Guard

Brandon Hendrickson, Fr., 6-1, Guard

RS – Returning Starter

R – Returning Varsity Player

Player to Watch: Trevor Hendrickson

Trevor was the younger Henderson brother last season, playing a supporting backcourt role alongside older brother Grady. Trevor Hendrickson is the top returning scorer on the Admirals and will lead the effort on the perimeter on both ends of the floor. He is also one of two seniors in the starting lineup so he will try to run a steady ship upon which the younger players can thrive.

Big Shoes to Fill: James Crowley

Henry Hudson lost its top scorers from a year ago, including physical forward Mike Mohr, but Crowley is a key cog within the group of experienced returnees. He is also the senior member of a front court that features enough size that can give the Admirals an advantage in a number of their 2021 games. Crowley is a likely candidate to lead the team in scoring and rebounding but more than that, the senior leadership on a team that is still young and working under a new head coach is just as valuable.

Impact Newcomer: Brandon Hendrickson

Yet another Hendrickson joins Henry Hudson this year, with Brandon joining the Admirals bench as a freshman to provide his team with some depth and shooting in his first year. Henry Hudson played a good number of players last year but Kelly might like less balance in the minutes distribution if it means the Admirals keep more games closer for longer. In either case, Brandon Hendrickson should see meaningful minutes and establish himself in year one.

X-Factor: The front court

Henry Hudson has three projected starters 6-4 or taller and in a de facto Class B Central field, that gives the Admirals an advantage to exploit – at least among the public-school teams. Crowley is the most established of the trio, but Mike Kalaka and Demitrius Harvey both came on strong during their sophomore seasons and each have the capacity to be Henry Hudson’s top inside option.

Schedule

Jan. 26 vs. Mater Dei Prep – Canceled

Jan. 28 at Mater Dei Prep – Canceled

Feb. 1 at Asbury Park, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 3 vs. Asbury Park, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 9 at Keyport, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 11 vs. Keyport, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 13 vs. Manville, 11:30 a.m.

Feb. 17 vs. Keansburg, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 19 at Keansburg, 3:45 p.m.

Feb. 23 vs. Point Beach, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 25 at Point Beach, 5:30 p.m.

Feb. 26 vs. Monmouth, 5:30 p.m.