Battle-tested No. 8 Colonia returns home to host No. 4 Piscataway in GMCT title rematch

Jose Rodriguez has his team where he wants them.

Amid an even start — two wins, two losses — against some stiff competition, No. 8 Colonia boys basketball has seen new players enter the fold, and experienced ones expanding on their experiences and roles from the past.

It’s been a narrow line to balance so far for Rodriguez, now in his eighth season at the helm, working between playing some of the tougher competition in and out of the GMC, but his team is hungry to improve daily, and are taking the responsibilities in stride.

The latest challenge comes in another conference matchup, as No. 4 Piscataway comes to town in a rematch of last season’s GMC Tournament Championship.

You can hear Monday evening’s game between the Patriots (2-2) and the Chiefs (4-0) live on Central Jersey Sports Radio, with tip-off set for 6 pm and pregame at 5:45. Mike Pavlichko and Alec Crouthamel will call all the action; click here to listen.

The history between Rodriguez and Piscataway head coach Bob Turco — two games removed from a milestone 400th victory on Wednesday — has been long-chronicled, but Colonia figures to bring shotmaking and athleticism to the table in the latest iteration between the two.

Of the returning players stepping into elevated roles, sophomore guard Jayce Rodriguez has flourished, putting up points in bunches. He had a terrific summer, according to his head coach — and father — and comes into the week averaging 22 points per game.

Senior point guard Dylan Chiera brings battle-tested leadership and playmaking on both ends of the floor, and has stepped into a bigger on-ball role himself.

There’s some new blood, as well.

Freshman Desmond Rudanovic has started his high school career in (long) stride at 6-foot-7, leading the team in rebounding and providing touch and versatility at his size. He will likely have to be the equalizer against an athletic Piscataway frontcourt, but one he has a size advantage over.

The Patriots also boast plenty of athletes ready to get after it on the defensive side, led by senior Nfa Clyne — who causes havoc with his speed and strength on the ball defensively — with underclassmen Tyronn Holloway and Jayden Johnson waiting in the wings.

All told, Colonia’s two losses to St. Peter’s Prep and No. 5 St. Joseph-Metuchen, as well as wins over St. Thomas Aquinas and Old Bridge, all serve as moments to continue to grow, potentially into a team nobody will want to face as the calendar flips to 2026.

The Chiefs will have to be up to that task on Monday night in Colonia.

Click below to hear Colonia head coach Jose Rodriguez preview Monday’s game against Piscataway and discuss the Patriots’ season so far with Central Jersey Sports Radio’s Alec Crouthamel: