At its November 15th meeting, the Somerset Hills Board of Education approved Alec Johnson as Head Coach for Boys Basketball for the 2023-2024 school year.
Johnson began coaching for the district in 2021 as the Assistant Junior Varsity Coach, and had two successful seasons. Their record was 16-3-0 in 2021-2022 and 12-4-0 in 2022-2023. “I was looking for continuity in our program,” said Athletic Director Mike Hoppe. “One of the big reasons we are as successful as we are in Somerset Hills is because we have not had big changes in coaching throughout the district.” Hoppe shared that Johnson is a ‘good teacher of the game’ and that he is confident Johnson will maintain the offensive system and add to the flow of the game. Like the fans, Hoppe is eager to see the level of excitement that Johnson will bring to BHS basketball this year. Seeing as Johnson has worked with the players since they were sophomores, he is familiar with their levels of skill and how best to approach the new season with drills, plays, sportsmanship, and camaraderie. The seniors are looking forward to working with him another year, towards a season of victories. Johnson also serves the district as a School Counselor at Bernards High School.
Also approved at the November Board of Education meeting was a new Assistant Coach, Mickey Gilberti. He played college ball at Guilford College and according to Hoppe is one who eats, sleeps, and breathes basketball. In addition to his passion and enthusiasm for the sport, Gilberti has a positive reputation within the Somerset Hills communities; he is co-owner and Head Coach of the NJ Cyclones, has coached travel basketball teams, and has led basketball camps at the Somerset Hills YMCA for over a decade. “I believe we are getting an experienced Assistant Coach who will support Coach Johnson and the program,” said Hoppe.
To round out the trio of Boys Basketball coaching, Dave Carmon will continue in his role as Freshman Coach. Coach Carmon continues to bring the same level of enthusiasm to the Freshman team as he does as the Offensive Coordinator on the Football staff. The SHSD basketball season begins on November 20th and we are looking forward to some great SHSD hoops! “On behalf of the Somerset Hills Board of Education we congratulate Alec and Mickey. We believe that they will positively contribute to our extracurricular program and will provide a world class experience for our student athletes during the winter season,” said Dr. Brotschul, Superintendent of Schools.