Already a key contributor for the Riverside Brookfield High School boys basketball team, senior Colin Cimino dedicated himself to significant improvement this season.

“Last year, I was pretty much an outside specialist. I think I shot two times more threes [than two-pointers],” Cimino said. “I added a driving component. Overall, I became more aggressive. I was in the weight room pretty much every day in the offseason and I think that contributed to my aggressiveness on the rebounding end. And I think I became more of a vocal leader.”

Another strong group of seniors, fueled by three-year starting guard Cameron Mercer, provided the foundation of the Bulldogs’ continued success that once again ended all too soon in a challenging sectional. The Bulldogs, the No. 6 seed in the Class 4A Mt. Carmel Sectional, lost their regional opener to No. 11 Simeon 66-45, Feb. 25.

Mercer and sophomore Noah VanTholen each had 18 points and 4 three-pointers for the Bulldogs (23-8). Other contributions included Cimino (7 points), senior Ben Biskupic and VanTholen (5 rebounds each) and VanTholen (5 assists).

For RBHS, this was only the third loss in its final 18 games — a stretch that included beating Glenbard East 69-64, Feb. 2, en route to earning a second consecutive share of the Upstate Eight Conference East Division title with the Rams. Simeon (18-9), meanwhile, is 10-1 since the start of 2026 and also edged No. 2 Whitney Young 55-54 in Friday’s regional final.

“Simeon’s obviously better than a No. 11 seed,” RBHS coach Mike Reingruber said. “Our sectional’s tough. No doubt about it. We had a great season overall and the boys have a lot to be proud of.”

Hoping for their first regional title since 2022, the Bulldogs reached 20 wins for the seventh consecutive complete season and swept their rivals – Lyons Township (55-40, Jan. 17). Morton (67-55, Jan. 27), Nazareth (61-56, Jan. 10) and Fenwick (64-57, Nov. 28). 

“Just looking at the experience we had, there was a general idea we were going to be a tough team to beat and I think we showed that throughout the year,” Cimino said. “This was a really close-knit group. We had so many fun memories. The Glenbard East game was definitely a top memory. Every year beating LT was fun. And being able to play in the [York] Tournament is always a great memory.” 

Mercer was named the UEC East Player of the Year. Cimino also was All-UEC and Biskupic and VanTholen received honorable mention.

Mercer led the Bulldogs in scoring (20.8 points per game), threes (87), steals (75), charges taken (11) and free-throw percentage (.832) by making 149 of 179.

Mercer graduates as the Bulldogs’ leader in career three-pointers (213) and fourth in varsity career points (1,415) over three seasons.

Cimino (9.8 ppg) came six points from averaging double figures, followed by VanTholen (8.4), senior Liam Enright (8.0) and Biskupic (6.9). Cimino (181), Biskupic (173) and Mercer (167) led in rebounds and Enright (116) and VanTholen (106) led in assists. 

The Bulldogs’ eight seniors also included Walker Burns, usually the first player off the bench, Aaron Guzman, Peter Laube and Charlie Sloan.

“Cameron put together one of the best careers and single seasons individually in RB history,” Reingruber said. “Really all of our seniors contributed a tremendous amount to this season and the program as a whole. All of the great leaders, hard workers gave their blood, sweat and tears. They’re a pleasure to coach.” 

In the regional, Simeon took control behind shooting 50 percent (24 for 48), including 7 for 14 from three-point range and 26 points in the paint.

Back-to-back threes from Mercer cut the second-quarter deficit to 23-16, but Simeon was back ahead 36-21 by halftime and 58-28 after three quarters. 

RBHS shot 33 percent (17 for 52) and was 9 for 30 on threes (30 percent) by making its last three attempts.

“We didn’t shoot it well and we needed to shoot it well,” Reingruber said. “Simeon played well. There’s no doubt about it. For a long stretch, we didn’t play bad. We just didn’t make shots. We didn’t make timely shots. Once we got behind, Simeon executed against everything we tried to get back into it.”