Albert J. Carino

The Basketball Club of South Jersey, a long-time dream of founder Al Carino, was established in the fall of 1962 with the support of Courier-Post sportswriters Charlie Schuck and Walt Burrows. From its earliest years, the Al Carino Basketball Club partnered with local Lions Clubs to honor 8th grade and senior basketball players during the annual All-Star Games.

Thanks to the dedication of countless standout coaches, players, and officials, the Club has flourished for more than 60 years. Coaches such as Bill Hiltner (Sterling), Bill Lange (Overbrook, Bishop Eustace, and Lenape), Harold Little (Lindenwold), Bob Byatt (Washington Township), Dave Troiano (Wildwood), and Russ Winsett (Glassboro) played pivotal roles in shaping the Carino Club. Others, including John Valore (Cherry Hill East, Cumberland, and Holy Cross), Paul Rodio (St. Augustine), Joe Kessler (Shawnee), and Jim Crawford (Camden Catholic), have been tireless supporters of the Club’s mission. Meanwhile, dedicated officials—among them Bill Thomas, Jack Mongulla, Robert DeLambily, Jason Lewer, Tony Caracci, Robert DePersia, Brian Turner, and Ernie Troiano—have ensured the organization remains among the elite in South Jersey basketball.

In its inaugural year, leaders such as Al Mattern, Sam Strauss, Bob Kenney, Dick Carpenter, Ben Mark, John Kling, and the Rev. William Hart added their support. That first postseason banquet honored an All-South Jersey team and Coach of the Year, while the Suburban Newspapers introduced the Suburban Cup. State Champion coaches were also celebrated.

In 1964, the Courier-Post launched the Top Ten Award, and two years later the Club introduced the South Jersey Collegiate Player of the Year and hosted its first South Jersey Invitational Tournament. That same year, the International Association of Approved Basketball Officials (IAABO), Camden District Board 34, presented the first Sportsmanship Award in memory of Kenneth E. Smullen.

By 1970, the Al DiBart Memorial Foundation had created the “Bob Elder Award” to honor South Jersey’s top scorer, and the Club launched its Unsung Heroes Night to recognize seniors who made invaluable contributions to their teams. In 1971, the foul-shooting award—now named in honor of Tom Bowe and presented by IAABO Board 34—was added, followed in 1973 by recognition of the Club’s first female state championship coach.

In the fall of 1974, the Club began honoring girls at regular meetings. At the 1975 banquet, the girls’ scoring champion and Coach of the Year were recognized for the first time, while the Courier-Post introduced the girls’ Top Ten Award. That same year, Charles Nash established the Sara J. Taylor Memorial Award to honor the South Jersey girls’ scoring champion.

The following year, the Club introduced the Female College Player of the Year Award, with the assistance of the women officials of West Chapter 5, honoring Ginny Whitaker, the longtime Athletic Director at Cherry Hill East. In 1977, the Small College Player of the Year Award was introduced to recognize standout Division II and III players, and in 1978 the first All-Star Games were held for senior boys and girls across South Jersey.

In 1980, the Major College Player of the Year Award was established in memory of Samuel Strauss. Two years later, in August 1982, tragedy struck when President Albert J. Carino died in an automobile accident. William G. (Bill) Thomas was then elected to lead the organization as its new president.

Over the years, the Club has continued to expand its recognition. In 2000, Hall-of-Famer Tony Caracci began sponsoring an annual award for South Jersey’s Outstanding Guard. In 2012, the “Most Courageous Award” was renamed in memory of Albert “Butch” McLean, the beloved coach from Haddon Heights and Triton.

Leadership also evolved as the Club grew. In 2019, Jack Mongulla was named President after William G. (Bill) Thomas was honored with the title of President Emeritus.