Princeton Packet Basketball Player of the Year Kovacevich developed into one of Cougars’ finest

Kris Grundy got his first look at Justin Kovacevich on the court as a young camper at his Grundy Hoop Academy basketball camp.

It was at those same camps that Kovacevich started to feel like someday he would be a big part of the high school program at Montgomery.

”He was a kid that never missed one of my basketball camps,” Grundy said. “So as a coaching staff we really got to see him develop. We were excited about him. We knew that in sixth or seventh grade he would be a special player. We didn’t know he would grow and become the physical specimen he became. He ended up having a special career.”

Kovacevich wound up as a three-year starter and four-year varsity performer for the Cougars. This past season he averaged 17.1 point and nine rebounds a game and helped Montgomery to a 27-2 record.

The 27 wins were a school record as the Cougars won their division of the Skyland Conference, reached the championship game of the Central Jersey Group IV tournament, and also reached the Somerset County Tournament semifinals. The Cougars opened the season with 22 straight wins.

”For me it was a little surreal because I was not sure what to expect this year,” Kovacevich said. “We won a few in a few games we could have lost and got on a nice roll with people hitting big shots. You need a little bit luck to win that many games in a row. That was one of the most fun parts for me was that everyone had their moment. We just wanted to win and it didn’t matter who was making the big shots.”

The Cougars had a variety of players making big contributions to their wins. But no one was more consistent than Kovacevich, who finished his career with more than 1,000 points.

Justin Kovacevich is the Princeton Packet Boys Basketball Player of the Year.

”He was everything we needed him to be and more,” Grundy said. “In addition to his points and rebounds he averaged three or four assists a game, three steals and two blocks. He did a little bit of everything.

”It was what we needed from him. I didn’t say going into the year that we’ll need 20 points a game or anything like that. He did a real good job of understanding the game and what we needed. Against Rutgers Prep we weren’t hitting our outside shots and they had no answer for him inside. In other games, like against Ridge on the road, they were physical with him and he didn’t force the issue. Had only had eight points, but he hit two clutch free throws to win it.”

Kovacevich never worried about his point total. He, like the other Cougars, has his focus on winning games.

”Looking back it was definitely a great year,” Kovacevich said. “I will always remember this year. Throughout the season we all had a lot of fun. It was the most fun I have had playing basketball.

”The group of guys we had was such a close group, probably closer than any of the other years I have been on the team. We always talk about the family aspect and this year really embodied it the most.”

That family feeling starts early for the Cougar players, most of whom attend Grudy’s camps from an early age.

”I have been going to those camps since probably second grade,” Kovacevich said. “Through the years I would go to every single one of those camps. They get you started. It really feels like you are a part of the program at a young age. Coach Grundy talks to the younger kids and is easily accessible.

”I think one of the reasons we were so successful was because we’re all so close and have been together so long. We just want each other to do well. We put a lot of time and effort into the program and it paid off. I know I would always hear the previous seniors say it goes by quick. You don’t realize it until it is finally over just how quick it does go by.”

Somewhere down the line there may another young camper that will catch the eye of Grundy and coaching staff and they’ll think they might just have another Justin Kovacevich on the horizon. But for now, he’ll leave Montgomery as a one-of-a-kind player.

”I probably started in third grade and the different guys dads would coach us,” Kovacevich said. “I didn’t play that much freshman year but I knew sophomore year I would be expected to be a starter and probably a leading scorer. I was not sure whether I could do or it or not because I hadn’t played that much. I was a bit surprised to play that well and from then on I felt like I got better throughout the season.

”Having the team we had this year made it so much easier. I felt like junior year I tried to force things too much. This year I felt confident and if I would get doubled I could kick it to one of my teammates.”

The combination of players made this a special season at Montgomery.

”We definitely had a season that is going to be remembered for a long, long time,” Grundy said. “I told them at end that nothing I can say that will take the hurt away from the final loss. But they have to remember they finished with 27 wins which is a school record in any sport.

”The cool part of it is I have gotten three or four emails from random community members who said I have no idea what the team and season have done for the community. We’ve also gotten a ton of comments on the Grundy Hoops Academy Facebook page from people about the season. It was something special.”

One of those comments may just have come from the next Justin Kovacevich, which would mean there would be a real special player on the horizon for the Cougars.