MANVILLE, N.J. — Manville High School senior standout Josh D’Ambrosio etched his name into the record books this week, surpassing the 1,000-career-point milestone in a performance Head Coach William Rooney described as "storybook."
The achievement came during a high-stakes matchup that saw the Mustangs clinch an undefeated division record. The timing added to the emotional weight of the night, as it fell on the birthday of George Watkins, a significant figure in the community.
"It was unbelievable," said Rooney, who is in his 13th year of coaching. "Josh scores his 1,000th point, we conclude an undefeated division record, and it’s on George Watkins' birthday. It does not get any better than that."
Surrounded by his teammates and coaches, Josh D’Ambrosio marks his entry into the 1,000-point club.D’Ambrosio’s journey to 1,000 points reflects a rigorous four-year evolution. Originally regarded primarily as a perimeter shooter during his freshman and sophomore seasons, the senior has developed into a multifaceted offensive threat. Rooney noted that D’Ambrosio’s ball handling and playmaking have improved "night and day," transforming him into a player who can attack the basket and create opportunities for his teammates at will.
Beyond the stat sheet, Rooney identified D’Ambrosio as the premier leader of his coaching tenure. A "first in, last out" athlete, his work ethic has become the blueprint for the program's culture.
"One of our core values as a program is Mudita—enjoying your teammates' success more than your own," Rooney said. "The entire team and staff were ecstatic to share this memory with Josh. His dedication is starting to rub off; you see others staying late and watching film just like he does."
The milestone marks the third time in three years a Manville boys basketball player has reached the 1,000-point mark, signaling a period of sustained excellence for the boys' basketball program. However, Rooney suggests D’Ambrosio’s impact transcends the hardwood.
A four-year varsity letterwinner in three different sports and an honor student, D’Ambrosio is viewed as the gold standard for Manville student-athletes.
"Josh will be the greatest three-sport athlete to ever come out of Manville High School," Rooney said. "He is your typical All-American student. Great grades, three sports, and an all-around great kid. Kudos to his parents for raising him right."
With the 1,000-point milestone secured and a division title in hand, D’Ambrosio and the Mustangs have shifted their focus to the postseason. According to Rooney, the senior’s final goal is to lead his team on a deep run in the state tournament.
"Big-time players make big-time plays in big-time games," Rooney said. "He’s been to sectional finals and semifinals; he’s seen it all. He is locked in from start to finish."
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