A Season to Remember: Two Teams, One Historic Run

On a single night at Jersey Mike’s Arena, two Gill St. Bernard’s teams stepped onto the biggest stage in New Jersey basketball, each carrying a season years in the making.

With both the varsity boys and girls basketball teams competing at Rutgers University, the moment was bigger than any one game. It was a reflection of years of dedication, culture, and belief.

The Varsity Boys Basketball team delivered one of the most dominant seasons in program history, finishing 28–2 and ranked No. 3 in the state. Led by Head Coach Mergin Sina–who was named New Jersey Basketball Coaches Association (NJBCA) Somerset County Coach of the Year and Skyland Conference Coach of the Year–the Knights built their identity on trust and consistency.

"You don't fully know until you see how a team responds to adversity," Sina said. "There was no panic; they trusted each other." That trust became their identity.

The girls’ team carried a powerful energy throughout their season. With a 22–6 record and their first sectional title since 2012, the team reestablished itself among the state's elite.

"I knew we were going to surprise a lot of people," Head Coach Mark Gnapp said. What followed was a season built on resilience, chemistry, and belief. "Gritty," Gnapp said. "Because of the hard work, dedication, and toughness throughout the entire season."

Dorsett Mulcahy ’26 delivered a historic season, earning Skyland Conference Player of the Year honors and First Team All-State recognition. But beyond the accolades, his impact was felt in the moments that mattered most. And when the final seconds ticked away at Rutgers, it wasn't just the scoreboard that made it real.

"When the student section started chanting 'thank you seniors,' that's when it really hit me," Mulcahy said. "To go out with a win at Rutgers, surrounded by all my guys, was just something special."

For Coach Sina, the moment wasn't just about the title. "The wins represent a lot of people," he said. "This has never been about one person; it's about the players, the coaches, and the program over time." And for the players, it was something even deeper.

"For the past five years, everything built toward this," Mulcahy said. "To be the first team in school history to do this still doesn't feel real."

Addy Platt ’26 closed out one of the most decorated careers in program history. With 1,649 career points and recognition across the state, her legacy is undeniable, but her leadership defined the team's run.

"I'm most proud of how we stayed together no matter what," Platt said. "There were definitely tough moments, but no one ever quit."

Against No. 3 Gloucester Catholic, the girls battled relentlessly. Though the final score didn’t reflect the toughness that defined their season, their run set a new standard for the future.

Two teams completed their own journey, for one unforgettable Gill St. Bernard’s basketball season.

"I think what makes this program special is the community," Platt said. "It's something you're a part of even after you leave."

 

Varsity Boys Basketball Team Accolades:

The Boys Basketball team record was 28-2.

Finished No. 3 in the NJ.com Top 20 ranking.

NJSIAA Non-Public B Champions
NJSIAA Non-Public B North Sectional Champions

Somerset County Champions
Skyland Conference Team of the Year
Skyland Conference Coach of the Year

NJBCA Somerset County Coach of the Year

Mergin Sina now has 456 career wins with Gill St. Bernard's.

Player of the Year - Dorsett Mulcahy

Coach of the Year - Mergin Sina

Team of the Year - Gill St. Bernard's

1st Team Delaware Division - Dorsett Mulcahy

1st Team Delaware Division - Prosper Sonkoua

1st Team Delaware Division - Jahmal Dixon

1st Team Delaware Division - Connor Junker

Honorable Mention Delaware Division - Niko West

1st Team All-State - Dorsett Mulcahy
1st Team All Non-Public - Dorsett Mulcahy
3rd Team All Non-Public - Prosper Sonkoua
1st Team NJBCA Somerset County - Dorsett Mulcahy & Prosper Sonkoua
Skyland Conference Player of the Year - Dorsett Mulcahy
1st Team Skyland Conference-Delaware Division - Dorsett Mulcahy, Prosper Sonkoua, Jahmal Dixon, & Connor Junker

 

Varsity Girls Basketball Team Accolades:

The Girls' Basketball team record was 22-6.

They won the NJSIAA Non-Public B North Sectional Finals, their first since 2012.

The team was ranked #9 in the state and faced #3 Gloucester Catholic in the State Finals.

1st Team Delaware Division - Addy Platt

1st Team Delaware Division - Melina Miller

2nd Team Delaware Division - Kaity Platt

Honorable Mention Delaware Division - Sadie Finn

 

Addy concluded her illustrious career with 1,649 career points, 836 rebounds, 405 assists, 274 blocks, and 358 steals.

1st Team All-State

1st Team All Non-Public

McDonald's All-American Nominee

Skyland Conference Player of the Year

1st Team Skyland Conference-Delaware Division

1st Team Courier News

NJBCA North/South Senior All-Star Game Selection

Jersey Sports Zone: All Zone Team Non-Public

NJSIAA Non-Public B North Sectional Champion

NJSIAA Non-Public B Runner-Up