Ocean City Council Honors High School Boys Basketball Team After State Title Run

OCEAN CITY, NJ — Ocean City officials recognized the Ocean City High School boys varsity basketball team with a proclamation honoring its 2026 state championship season.

During the council presentation, Mayor Jay Gillian said the team won its first state championship in 62 years on March 22, 2026. The proclamation said the Red Raiders closed with a 9-0 run for a 55-46 victory over Columbia High School in the state Group 3 title game. It also said Ocean City outscored its opponents by 80 points in the playoffs and finished the season with a 26-6 record.

“We're so proud of you. The way you guys worked as a team, it just goes without saying,” Gillian said.

The proclamation described the team as one marked by “teamwork, assist, and absolute poise” and said local fans filled sold-out gyms during the playoff run. It also said the team was welcomed home with an Ocean City Fire Department escort and well-wishers lining High Street.

The proclamation recognized coach John Bruno for his first state championship in 37 years of coaching. It said the student-athletes represented themselves, their school and the community “with great distinction and demonstrating outstanding dedication, determination, and team spirit.” It also recognized assistant coaches Ryan Gill and Tom Ballezzi, saying they handled different responsibilities and used their expertise to contribute to the team's success.

After the proclamation, the students thanked Bruno and the team.

“So, this is my first year at Ocean City High School. So, it was really, really special for me to be a part of this. And I just want to thank Coach Bruno and the rest of the team for just welcoming me with open arms,” one boy said.

Council members continued praising the team after the presentation, focusing on their unselfish style of play.

“They just played as a team like I've never seen,” Councilman Tony Polcini said.