Category: SOMA BASKETBALL

  • Expanding Basketball, School by School

    Expanding Basketball, School by School

    Donation to South Mountain Elementary School

    The SOMA Basketball Boosters recently donated 30 basketballs and an air pump to South Mountain Elementary School. The new equipment will be used during PE classes and recess. This marks the fourth out of six SOMSD elementary schools to receive resources from us as we work to expand the game across the district.

    The donation was officially approved by the Board of Education. Athletic Director Sjocquelyn Winstead and Nicole Monfasani (Head of Health and PE) helped us by making the initial introductions. PE teachers Jeffrey Kaesshaefer and Rich Tait then coordinated the delivery day to make it special for the kids and parents.

    Principal Dara Gronau, community youth basketball leaders, family donors, and sponsors all joined us for the event. We want to give a big thanks to the school leadership for creating a great environment and encouraging youth basketball.

    We look forward to continuing our support for district schools in the year ahead!

  • Growing the Game Across SOMSD 

    Growing the Game Across SOMSD 

    SOMA Basketball Boosters recently donated basketballs and equipment to the PE programs at Columbia High School, Tuscan Elementary, South Orange Middle School and Maplewood Middle School helping provide more opportunities for students to learn, play, and enjoy the game.

    The donations brought together parents, donors, coaches, and school representatives to celebrate a shared commitment to supporting local students through sports.

    Donations will continue this year across SOMSD schools.

    See photos from each school donation below.

  • CHS Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts Hometown Basketball Heroes

    CHS Athletic Hall of Fame Inducts Hometown Basketball Heroes

    On Thursday, May 7, SOMA Basketball attended the 19th Induction Ceremony for the Columbia High School Athletic Hall of Fame at the Orange Lawn Tennis Club.

    The evening brought together familiar faces from across the SOMA and Columbia High School athletic community, including past and present athletes, families, coaches, and supporters, all connected by a shared love of sports and hometown pride.

    Jeffrey Kelly (Graduate Class of 1985’) of the CHS Boys Basketball program was honored for his role in helping lead the 1983-84 team to the best record in program history.

    In the “Team” division, The 2001 Columbia High School Girls Basketball Team was inducted in recognition of their Group 4 State Championship and ending the season ranked third in the state.


    In a nod to our current day athletes, current CHS senior basketball players Annabel MacGuire, Chioma Okafor, and Sara Marley were recognized for their contributions to basketball, academics and athletics.

    In attendance, representing SOMA Basketball were members of the SOMA Basketball Boosters, Erica Dagley Galea, Delia O’Donnell, George Ellis, and Taylor Valentine.

    They were joined by leaders from the broader basketball community, including: CHS Boys Basketball coaches TJ Whitaker and Tunde Adedoyin, CHS Girls Basketball coaches Aaron Breitman and Willy Sumner, MAPSO Basketball Director Mike Holloway Jr., and SOMA basketball parent Regina Eckert.

    Photo Credit: alexgoodmanphotography.com

  • Oranges Magazine Cover Story

    Oranges Magazine Cover Story

    We’re honored to be featured in the latest issue of The Oranges Magazine in an article highlighting how SOMA Hoops and the SOMA Basketball Boosters are helping redefine youth sports in our community.

    The piece recognizes the incredible growth of our program, our commitment to making basketball accessible and welcoming for every child, and the impact of keeping girls engaged in sports.

    From removing financial barriers to building confidence, leadership and community, the article captures what SOMA Hoops is truly about: creating a place where every kid feels they belong on the court.

    We’re grateful to all of our players, families, coaches, volunteers and supporters who continue to make this possible.

    Read the full article
  • T.J. Whitaker named SEC Liberty Division Coach of the Year

    T.J. Whitaker named SEC Liberty Division Coach of the Year

    In his first season as head coach, Columbia High School’s T.J. Whitaker was named the Super Essex Conference Liberty Division Coach of the Year, recognizing a year that redefined the trajectory of the Columbia boys basketball program.

    Whitaker stepped into the head coaching role ahead of the 2025–2026 season following a 7–18 campaign the year prior. Under his leadership, the Cougars made an epic turnaround to a 19–11 record and captured the Essex County Invitational Tournament championship.

    Columbia also saw individual success among its players, including senior guard Jayvon Rogers, who earned First Team All–SEC Liberty Division honors. The team’s performance reflected both growth and teamwork, hallmarks of Whitaker’s leadership. Congrats, Cougars!

  • Sold-Out SOMA Swish Raises Funds for All SOMSD Elementary Schools

    Sold-Out SOMA Swish Raises Funds for All SOMSD Elementary Schools

    The second Annual SOMA Swish fundraiser took place on Sunday, April 19 in the Columbia High School Gym, raising funds for elementary school PTAs across the South Orange-Maplewood School District.

    SOMA Swish is a district-wide elementary school basketball tournament jointly organized by the PTAs from all six elementary schools in the SOMSD with the shared goal of raising funds that directly benefit programming and initiatives at each school.

    Started in 2024 as a community-building event between Seth Boyden and Clinton Elementary, SOMA Swish expanded to include all six elementary schools in 2025. This year’s event was a sold-out triple header with over 2,500 people in attendance, bringing parents, caregivers, students, staff, and alumni together during three matches to strengthen our community and raise funds for student experiences.

    The success of this year’s event is a true testament to the strength of the unity in the SOMSD community and what we can accomplish when we all work together to support our schools.