Category Archives: Sports Limited

Hudson County Community College Welcomes Winning Basketball Coaches to Develop New Athletics Programs

 Hudson County Community College has hired Carlos Cueto as Women’s Basketball Head Coach (left), and Ethan Nardone as Men’s Basketball Head Coach.

February 4, 2026, Jersey City, NJ – Hudson County Community College (HCCC) has hired two head basketball coaches with winning records who are committed to player development. The coaches were hired as the College prepares to inaugurate an athletics program at the HCCC Center for Student Success, which is currently under construction. 

“We are excited to have Carlos Cueto and Ethan Nardone work with HCCC Director of Athletics Jonathan Sisk in organizing, launching, and leading our basketball programs,” said HCCC President Dr. Christopher Reber. “With their experience and passionate commitment to developing students who excel in academics and athletics, Carlos and Ethan will motivate our student athletes to give their best on and off the court.”

Carlos Cueto, the Head Coach for HCCC Women’s Basketball, is revered as a player and coach. The former University of Richmond point guard finished his playing career as the “#3 All-Time” in assists. He was named All-County at St. Anthony’s High School in Jersey City, where he played on two state championship teams. Mr. Cueto coached Union City Girls’ Basketball to state sectional and league championships. He mentored many student athletes who earned athletic and academic scholarships. 

The two-time “Hudson County Coach of the Year” led Secaucus High School Boys’ Basketball to their first league championship in over 20 years. His basketball academy in Union City helps youth ages nine and up improve their game. Mr. Cueto taught History and Financial Literacy at Union Hill High School. He holds a Master’s degree in Supervision and Administration in Education from Saint Peter’s University and a Bachelor’s degree in Political Science from the University of Richmond. 

Ethan Nardone, the Head Coach for HCCC Men’s Basketball, is a National Basketball Association operations specialist who coached National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) Divisions I and III, and high school teams. Mr. Nardone led the Abraham Joshua Heschel School Boys’ Varsity Basketball to their first postseason appearance since 2019 and coached two Yeshiva League Pass All-Star game selections. As Men’s Basketball Video Coordinator for Iona College, he tracked game defensive efficiency and strategic adjustments and maintained a recruiting database, scouting reports, and player practice breakdowns. Mr. Nardone was the Assistant Men’s Basketball Coach for State University of New York at Canton and Potsdam teams, and Franklin and Marshall College. In these roles, he rebuilt rosters, helped improve player scoring range, and led teams to winning seasons. He earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in History from Stony Brook University and attended St. John’s University School of Law. 

Hoboken Rockets Defy Odds to Win American Dream Hockey League Championship

River View Observer Sports Contributor

The Hoboken Rockets demonstrated that heart, experience, and teamwork remain essential in hockey.

Entering the Winter 2025 American Dream Hockey League playoffs as underdogs, the Red Hoboken Rockets rallied from a 4–8 regular-season record to capture the league championship, shutting out Momma’s Boys 3–0 in the title game at The Arena at American Dream.

The championship run was anything but predictable. After barely qualifying for postseason play, the Rockets caught fire at the right time, winning three straight playoff games with disciplined play, balanced scoring, and strong goaltending.

MAYOR’S CORNER -Bayonne’s Field of Dreams is Now a Reality

Bayonne Mayor James Davis

    Photo Credit Al Sullivan

  Photo Courtesy of Pete Amadeo-

https://NewJersey. New12.COM

      Saturday, May 3, was a great day in Bayonne. More than a thousand people came out for the dedication ceremony for the new Buddy Baseball field at 11th Street and Avenue E. Buddy Baseball, a great program for children with special needs, has become a cherished part of the community during its ten-year history. In Buddy Baseball, volunteers assist special needs players during the games.

The ceremony marked the happy completion of a $2.4 million construction project that began in September 2024. The City of Bayonne received money for the construction from the federal, state, county governments, and local developers.  Known to many as the Field of Dreams, the renovated ballpark includes a new playing area, artificial turf, bleachers, fencing, handicap access, and an adjoining playground.   We would like to thank all of the public and private sector funders who made this wonderful project possible.   The skilled workers of Picerno-Giordano Construction of Kenilworth built the facility and got it done on time for the start of baseball season.  Public Works Director Tommy Cotter and City Engineer Rob Russo worked hard on this project from start to finish.    

In a special part of the ceremony, the new scoreboard was unveiled to reveal that the City of Bayonne has named the facility Pete Amadeo Field.  Pete, our Superintendent of Recreation, established Buddy Baseball in Bayonne and has made it one of the best recreational programs in our community’s history.  Each day, he leads our Recreation Division with energy and enthusiasm. Naming the field in Pete’s honor was one of Bayonne’s best-kept secrets.  He had no idea that this was happening until the unveiling took place.

I am extremely happy that Pete Amadeo Field is completed and open for the 2025 Buddy Baseball season.  It will provide fun and excitement for children and families for years to come.    

MARIST HIGH BASKETBALL – BUILDING STRENGTH AND GROWING

Marist is “One to Watch”

Marist has a new mindset and a singular goal: to be champions

 [Bayonne, NJ, December 10, 2018] Basketball is back in a big way at Marist High School with several key developments that demonstrate a growing investment and a new, winning attitude.  Boys Head Coach Ben Gamble most recently led the program at Mater Dei and is a former St. Anthony’s assistant under the legendary Bob Hurley. Coach Gamble and the Royal Knights are poised to dominate their division.  A recent NJ.com/Star-Ledger pre-season ranking placed Marist at #14 in the state based on the returning talent, strength of schedule, and competitive coaching staff.

 The Girls team under the watchful eye of Head Coach Reggie Quinn boasts one of the top players on the East Coast and an impressive squad of mentally tough teammates.

 The basketball season begins with two powerhouse match-ups on Friday, December 14, 2018, when the Marist Boys will host Snyder High School and the Marist Lady Knights travel to Snyder.  Continue reading MARIST HIGH BASKETBALL – BUILDING STRENGTH AND GROWING

ROCKY STAR Former Heavyweight Champ Chuck Wepner’s Life Now a Major Motion Picture

POSTER FOR “CHUCK”
Poster for Chuck

CHUCK WEPNER IN 2011
CHUCK WEPNER IN 2011

  Film Premieres in Bayonne at Frank Theatres, Friday, May 12

 â€œSometimes life is like a movie; sometimes its better,” – Chuck Wepner as portrayed by Liev Schreiber in the new film, CHUCK

By Sally Deering

Like the Rocky character Sylvester Stallone created based on Chuck Wepner’s 1976 loss in the ring to Muhammad Ali, Chuck Wepner’s match with Ali has been a huge part of his life. Five years ago, the documentary The Real Rocky aired on PBS and coming up on Fri, May 12, CHUCK starring Liev Schreiber premieres at the Frank Theatres at South Cove Commons in Bayonne. Directed by Philippe Falardeau, the film follows Wepner’s life before and after his March 24, 1975 fight with Muhammad Ali. MAD MEN star Elizabeth Moss, Naomi Watts, and Ron Perlman co-star; and according to IMDB, CHUCK’s writing credits go to Jeff Feuerzeig, Jerry Stahl, Michael Cristofer and Liev Schreiber.

Leiv Schriber as Chuck Wepner

Live Schreiber as Chuck Wepner in the new

film CHUCK Continue reading ROCKY STAR Former Heavyweight Champ Chuck Wepner’s Life Now a Major Motion Picture

NJ Team Wright is Victorious at the 2016 O.I.K.K.A World Karate Championship

UWA Warriors In this years O.I.K.K.A World Karate Championship once again, York Watson-Byrd dominated the Kumite Division and Won the Black Belt World Isshin Ryu Fighting Division. He placed 2nd in Forms and 2nd in Weapons. In the Advanced 2, 4th and 5th Division, Kenneth Jackson II clinched 3rd in Kumite coming back to win against several formidable opponents.

Newcomer Nicholas Brea, 16 year old White Belt took 1st in the Adult 18-40 Division, beating an Orange Belt to win the Adult Novice Division While fellow newcomer Michael Townes, yellow belt, placed 3rd in the same division and 2nd in forms.

In the female 18-34 year old Division, Brown Belt Adama Wiggan, Age 32 placed 2nd in Kumite and 2nd in Kata with an outstanding performance. Ciara Castillo won 2nd in Kumite, and Samir O’Neill also took home 2nd in Kumite.

“A Tribute” to A Champion Hanshi Grandmaster Ralph Passero


Hanshi (Grandmaster) Ralph Passero An Isshin-Ryu Karate “Living Legend”

One of Bayonne’s 1st Generations of Original Karate and Kick-Boxing Legends was Hanshi (Grand Master) Ralph Passero.

Ralph
Picture: From Left to right:  Ciara Castillo, UWA Brown Belt, Hanshi Grandmaster Ralph Passero, Hanshi Austin Wright Sr. and Hanshi Larry Cureton.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr. Passero is a “Living Legend” and a Professional Kick-Boxing Champion with the New York Puppets (Professional Full Contact Kick-Boxing Team) as well as numerous Karate Kumite Grand Championships.

In fact, most of the Original Martial Artist from the 70’s forward remember the hard work and dedication he has put into Isshin-Ryu Karate. His determination and resilience is what makes Hanshi Ralph Passero the man he is.  He has put his Life’s Mission into A.O.K.A Inc. Continue reading “A Tribute” to A Champion Hanshi Grandmaster Ralph Passero

Super Bowl 50 Recap

The Denver Broncos defeated the Carolina Panthers 24-10 in Super Bowl 50 on Sunday. Broncos linebacker Von Miller was named the game MVP after a staunch defensive performance, with 2.5 sacks, two forced fumbles and six tackles. Miller and the Broncos defense proved too much for Cam Newton and the Panthers offense, forcing four turnovers. The Panthers were also flagged for 11 penalties and missed a field goal. Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning, who many believe will retire before next season, went 13 for 23 for 141 yards and an interception.

Data curated by PointAfter

PointAfter’s Top 10 Athletes of 2015

Posted on December 29, 2015 by Ben Leibowitz

Emilio Morenatti/Associated Press

With the latest calendar year behind us, the team at PointAfter looked back and pegged the top 10 athletes of 2015.

In order to narrow 2015 down to a viable top 10, we focused solely on performances and accolades each athlete compiled throughout the campaign in their respective sport. We also aimed to represent a variety of sports while avoiding overlap.

Our team concluded that the following sports figures were the most dominant of 2015, primarily by measuring their accomplishments relative to their peers.

They needed to win prestigious awards, attain championships, Grand Slams or Super Bowl victories, as well as finish a cut above their opponents by the numbers. This crew is worthy of every sports fan’s respect, or, at the very least, acknowledgment.

Continue reading PointAfter’s Top 10 Athletes of 2015