Fast starts, Big Expectations

We're about one-third of the way into the 2013 high school basketball season, and one team is continuing its torrid run through the Cape-Atlantic League.

The Atlantic City Vikings are still undefeated two weeks into the new calendar year. Gene Allen's team is making school history with each victory, eying back-to-back state titles. Philadelphia Inquirer high school sports reporter joined us on the South Jersey Sports Report to break down A.C.'s tremendous start, and if they're actually better than last year's championship team.

One local high school standout has little offseason time in between his three different sports seasons (want proof: his hard work just earned him South Jersey Athlete of the Week honors). The ceiling couldn't be higher for Southern Regional's Mike Gesicki, who's always active during the school year. While his focus is on the hardwood this winter, he also gears up for football in the fall and volleyball in the spring. We asked the triple-threat about his improvement as a multi-sport athlete, what Ocean County basketball fans can expect from his Rams this year, and what it's like balancing his junior season with the college recruitment process.

Another local high school athlete has already made his college choice known: Middle Township's Zack Vogelei will proudly sport the black and gold at Towson University next year in Maryland. Only months after leading the Panthers to their first football playoff appearance since 2004, Vogelei will hope to create the same success on the baseball diamond this spring. Listen in to find out why the future looks bright for the senior, and what went into his college decision.

And in less than two months, some of football's biggest names will grace the stage at a prestigious event in Atlantic City. When March arrives, the legendary Maxwell Football Club will present awards to the game's best at every level. Executive Director of the Maxwell Football Club Mark Wolpert previews this year's event in our area, including what makes both the club and this year's honorees so special.

Listen to this week's show:

Mike Gesicki, Southern Regional multi-sport athlete

Mark Wolpert, Executive Director of Maxwell Football Club

Zack Vogelei, Middle Township senior athlete

Phil Anastasia, Philadelphia Inquirer high school sports reporter

We’d also like to congratulate the South Jersey Athlete of the Week:

Mike Gesicki

Basketball, Southern Regional

The junior standout attracted attention from college programs for his achievements on the football field this fall, but he is also gaining quite a reputation in basketball. Gesicki surpassed 1,000 career points Monday when he scored 24 in a victory over Brick Memorial.

It’s all right here, on The South Jersey Sports Report. Listen every Saturday, 9-11 a.m. on 97.3 ESPN-FM or 973espn.com

Follow Tyler Donohue on Twitter @TDsTake