High school sports aren't always about the highlight reels you see on Instagram. Sometimes, it's just about showing up when the shots aren't falling. Right now, if you look at the Fort Lee boys basketball standings, the numbers might not jump off the page at you. But honestly? If you’ve actually spent any time in the bleachers at Fort Lee High School lately, you know the record doesn't tell half the story.
It’s been a tough winter for the Bridgemen. As of mid-January 2026, the team is sitting at 3-9. That’s a heavy stat to carry. Just a few days ago, they had a rough outing against Fair Lawn, dropping that one 29-65. Before that, it was a lopsided loss to Dwight Morrow. You’ve probably seen the scores scrolling on NJ.com or MaxPreps and thought, "Man, they're struggling." And yeah, they kind of are. But then you see a game like the one against Cliffside Park on January 15th.
They won that game 53-51. It was a nail-biter. It was the kind of game where every defensive rotation mattered and nobody backed down. That win showed that even when things look bleak on paper, the Fort Lee boys basketball squad has this weird, stubborn refusal to just lay down.
The Grind in the Big North American Division
Playing in the Big North American Division is basically like walking into a buzzsaw every Tuesday and Thursday. You’re dealing with programs like Dumont and Ridgefield Park—teams that don't give you an inch of breathing room. For Head Coach Josh Ford, this season has been a massive test of culture.
It's one thing to coach a team that's 15-2 and cruising. It's a whole different animal to keep a group of teenagers motivated when they’re sitting at 2-8 or 3-9. Coach Ford has stayed focused on the process. Basically, the philosophy at Fort Lee right now isn't about looking at the state rankings. It’s about whether or not they’re better today than they were during that 36-41 heartbreaker against North Bergen back in December.
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The roster is a mix of guys trying to find their rhythm. You’ve got Jacob Greenberg, a junior who’s been put in some high-pressure spots. Then there’s Mark Elia, a 6'3" sophomore forward who’s clearly the future of this program. Watching Elia play is interesting because you can see him figuring out his size in real-time. He's got the length to disrupt shots, but he’s still learning how to dominate the glass consistently.
Recent Results and the "Almost" Factor
- December 17: A 51-47 win over Paramus (The season high point for a while).
- December 22: They beat Bergenfield 59-50, looking like they finally found their offensive flow.
- January 3: A 53-56 loss to Passaic Valley (A game they probably should have won).
- January 15: That massive 53-51 bounce-back win over Cliffside Park.
The Passaic Valley game was a killer. Honestly, if a couple of bounces go their way in the fourth quarter, we're talking about a team with a much different vibe. That’s the thing about Fort Lee boys basketball—they’ve been in so many games that were within two or three possessions. They aren't getting blown out every night; they’re just on the wrong side of the "learning how to win" curve.
Looking Back to Move Forward
Fort Lee isn't some newcomer to the NJ basketball scene. People forget this, but the school actually has a pair of Group I State Championships. We’re talking way back in 1947 and 1949. Back then, they were beating teams like Dunellen and Wildwood in front of thousands of people at the Elizabeth Armory.
The program has produced legitimate talent over the years, too. Remember Ted Manakas? He went from Fort Lee to Princeton and eventually played for the Kansas City-Omaha Kings in the NBA. Or Jack Langer, who was an All-American at Brandeis. The DNA of winning is in the building, even if the current trophy case is a little dusty.
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The goal for the 2025-26 Bridgemen isn't necessarily to hang a state banner this year. It's about restoring that pride. When you’re playing at 3000 Lemoine Ave, you’re playing for a town that cares about its identity.
What the Bridgemen Need to Fix
To turn the corner in the second half of the season, the offense has to become more consistent. Scoring 29 points against Fair Lawn isn't going to cut it. It puts way too much pressure on the defense to be perfect.
Specifically, they need:
- Better shot selection in the transition game.
- Someone to emerge as a "bucket-getter" when the shot clock is winding down.
- More vocal leadership on the floor when the opposing team starts a 10-0 run.
It’s sort of a cliché, but it really is about the little things. They have the height with guys like Elia. They have the guard play with John Ayvazoglu and Tyler Tang. The pieces are there; they’re just not quite interlocking yet.
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Supporting the Program
If you’re a local, don't give up on these kids. High school basketball is fleeting. These seniors only get so many chances to wear that jersey. The energy in the gym actually makes a difference.
If you want to keep tabs on the progress of Fort Lee boys basketball, the best thing you can do is show up for the home games. Check the schedule on MaxPreps or the school's athletic site. They have a big stretch coming up against division rivals where they can really play spoiler.
Next Steps for Fans and Players:
- For Fans: Get to the home games early. The atmosphere for the Cliffside Park game was the best it’s been all year, and the players fed off it.
- For Players: Focus on the defensive rotations. The offense will come, but the games are won or lost on the help-side defense.
- For the Community: Keep an eye on the JV and Freshman levels. There’s some serious talent coming up the ranks that will be the core of the varsity squad by 2027.
The record is 3-9, but the season isn't over. Not even close.