Even as the temperatures drop, the Bridgewater-Raritan High School boys’ basketball team is hotter than ever before.

For the first time in over 20 years, the team opened the season by remaining undefeated for seven games and is nonetheless maintaining an impeccable record.

In an interview, Head Coach McAteer shared more details on the team’s performance. 

“The  Panther basketball team improved to 9-1 on the season with a 69-54 win over Hillside High School on Saturday, January 10. The upcoming schedule will be challenging with two teams in the top 10 in the State. The boys play at Rutgers Prep on January 13, and host Gill St. Bernards on January 15th.” 

Sophomore Joseph Chien has made waves throughout the program. He has totaled an impressive 95 points, 32 rebounds, and 18 assists in this season alone. This 6′ 6”, towering underclassman has made it known that his age does not correlate with his ability; he is advancing at a promising rate and is carrying his weight exceptionally as part of the program. 

Richie Gardner, another exceptionally talented player, is averaging 17.5 points per game, totaling 192 points so far this season. Gardner is not only a shooter, but he has also contributed a combined 40 rebounds and 34 assists for the 2025-26 season, undoubtedly proving himself as a team player.

The boy’s current record is 9-3, with only losses to Immaculata, Rutgers Prep, and Gill St. Bernard’s. 

“The rest of the season is looking promising,” senior Alex Kolodziej concluded. He imposes the verdict that as long as they work together, work hard, and stay focused, their record will only improve.