Zach Martini Discusses Transition from Princeton to Rutgers Basketball
Following a challenging season that culminated in a tough loss during the Central Group 4 championship, Brian Hinz took a proactive approach by ensuring the large dry-erase whiteboard used for team strategies made the journey back to Monroe High School. This thoughtful decision, made by the first-year coach of the girls’ basketball team, was inspired by a suggestion from Monroe football coach Nicholas Isola.
Hinz expressed, “I wanted to ensure we were equipped for our pregame discussions, as I was uncertain if the facilities would provide a board—especially one adequate for our needs. We aimed to stick to our postseason routine by outlining our pregame strategy and listing our objectives for the match, such as controlling three-point shots, securing rebounds, and managing turnovers. These points were meant to be revisited at halftime for evaluation.”
At the bottom of the whiteboard was a crucial question: “Do we have practice tomorrow?” This aimed to foster a mindset of continuous improvement and eagerness to return to practice as a cohesive unit, preparing for the next challenge. Hinz believed that having the board was essential to maintaining their established routine.
Despite the Falcons’ 72-44 defeat to Hillsborough, the loss did not overshadow what was ultimately a remarkable season. Many more practice sessions are anticipated for Monroe and Hinz, who demonstrated great leadership throughout the year. Under Hinz’s guidance and with senior guard Evangelina Francisco breaking the program’s career points record, the team notched up 20 victories, including six elimination games, and secured second place in the Greater Middlesex Conference Red Division while also making it to the finals of both the sectional and GMC tournaments.
Hinz has been recognized as the Home News Tribune Girls Basketball Coach of the Year. “Brian’s competitive spirit, both during games and practices, significantly influenced the girls,” remarked Jeff Warner, the boys’ basketball coach at Monroe High School who had worked alongside Hinz for seven years. “His achievements as a first-time coach are remarkable, and the way he inspired the girls to compete was truly impressive.”
Hinz, a Raritan High School and Seton Hall University alumnus, has spent a decade at Monroe as a media specialist in the school library. His coaching experience spans various sports, including a role with the volleyball team, and he currently leads the Falcons’ flag football team in its fourth season. After transitioning to the girls’ basketball program for the 2023-24 season, he successfully led the junior varsity team to an undefeated 20-0 record before taking over from former coach Leigh Vogtman.
Warner noted, “The girls connected with his coaching style immediately, which speaks volumes about Brian’s ability to inspire. He got them to fully embrace his vision, both offensively and defensively.”
Francisco praised the Coach of the Year, stating, “He excels in every aspect. He’s a fantastic motivator and brings humor to the team. He clarified his expectations, and we all wanted to meet them. He prioritized us as individuals before viewing us as athletes, which significantly shaped our team dynamic.”
With Francisco leading the charge, alongside standout performances from sophomore Kiera Longo and strong contributions from Mia Mirabuto, Sophia Rivas, and Zoe Wilcher, the Falcons overcame a rocky 3-5 start that could have discouraged many first-year coaches. The pivotal moment arrived on January 9, when Rivas, assisted by Francisco, made a buzzer-beating three-pointer to clinch a 62-60 victory over East Brunswick. This dramatic win ignited a seven-game winning streak, with the Falcons claiming 14 victories in their next 16 games.
Rivas’ last-second shot also triggered a wave of positive emotions during the brief celebration on their home court. Warner commented, “Brian is very expressive with his feelings. He’s passionate and intense.” Hinz himself acknowledged, “I can be tough on the girls, but they know I’m fair and dedicated to helping them succeed.”
