This month’s Senior Spotlight features none other than standout basketball player Ryan Goldman! Currently serving as the Captain of the Raiders Varsity Basketball Team, Goldman has been instrumental in bringing success to Ramapo, leading the team to back-to-back State Championships. He and his teammates diligently strive to secure yet another State Championship this year.
Every star has to start somewhere, and Goldman is no exception. From a young age, he spent countless hours playing basketball on the mini-hoops scattered throughout his home, crafting a makeshift hoop in his basement using duct tape and a small spare mini-hoop lying around. He also set records at arcade basketball shootout games. Like any dedicated high school student, he worked hard to earn his spot on the team and to rise to prominence. Since his sophomore year, he has been a vital varsity team member and has served as a key starter during the current and previous seasons. Goldman is renowned for his defensive skills and shooting accuracy on the court.
One of his favorite memories with his team is last year’s group semi-final game against Colonia. In this match, he faced a top-50 player in the country but managed to limit him to just 6 points. In contrast, he scored 12 points, leading his team to victory and securing a spot in the Group 3 Finals. Goldman has also played on a highly competitive AAU (Amateur Athletic Union) team for the past three years and helped his team win a Hoop Group Select Championship.
Despite his impressive track record, Goldman faced some challenges at the beginning of the basketball season, leading him to miss the first nine games. However, he made a remarkable comeback just last week, contributing to the team’s victory over Hackensack and coming close to defeating a top-15 team in the state. He led the team with 16 points, including four three-pointers.
It is easy to see that Goldman is a great basketball player, but he is also a fantastic teammate and friend. Charlie Wingfield, another student and best friend since kindergarten, states, “I’m glad to say I’ve witnessed him grow into the person he is today. He’s been fighting a lot of stuff recently, and I commend him for how strongly he handled everything. He’s an incredible teammate, person, and a friend.”
Goldman’s coach, Coach Vier, describes him as “an incredible basketball player and person and has already cemented his legacy at Ramapo.” Coach Vier emphasizes that Goldman was instrumental in leading them to their first-ever Group 3 State Championship, achieving this remarkable feat as a sophomore and continuing to shine once again as a junior. “I have had the pleasure of Coaching Ryan since his middle school years, and his growth and improvement over that time has been very rewarding to experience as his coach.” Goldman’s coach articulates that, despite his notable talent as an athlete, his humble demeanor and relentless drive for victory ultimately distinguish him from his peers. He emphasizes Ryan’s intellectual understanding and versatility, enabling him to play and defend in various positions within the sport effectively. “This unique combination of skill, size, and basketball IQ make Ryan a very high-level basketball player.” He finishes his statement by saying that although Goldman was absent initially, the team is a better team with him on it.
Ryan Goldman exemplifies both athletic prowess and personal integrity, making him a standout figure in the Ramapo basketball community and a more than worthy candidate for Senior Spotlight. His dedication to the sport, resilience in the face of challenges, and ability to uplift his teammates are qualities that not only contribute to his success on the court, but also leave a lasting impact on it. As he continues to strive for another championship and further his legacy, it is clear that Ryan’s journey is just beginning, and we can’t wait to see what the future holds for this remarkable athlete.
