JSN Baseball_Softball Preview Vol 19 Issue 7

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Volume 19 • Issue 7 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

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2013 PREVIEW

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4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

JACKSON MEMORIAL BASEBALL READY FOR STATE TITLE RUN

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By Mike Ready JACKSON – The disappointment of losing in last year’s Central Jersey Group IV quarterfinal to eventual champion Manalapan overshadowed an incredible year had by the Jaguars in 2012.

Jackson (25-3, 8-2) was ranked first in the Shore and sixth in the State’s final poll.

They won the Ocean County Tournament, Shore Conference Tournament and tied for the Class A South title. It was their first O.C.T. championship in 40 years, and second S.C.T. title in four years.

Gone from last year’s team is the Shore Conference Pitcher of the Year and second team All-State selection Brandon Holup.

Third team All-Shore pitcher Alex Daniele, third team outfielder Nick Petrizzo and first team shortstop Joe Ogren also graduated.

The Jaguars have some holes to fill in the 2013 season, but head coach Frank Malta likes what he sees in this year’s team.

“We have four solid position players back and we’re going to be really strong up the middle. We had some kids in role positions

last year and they’ll have the opportunity to step in full time for us this year. Our pitching is deep and we should be able to maintain the front end of our rotation.”

The strength up the middle begins with first team AllShore catcher Matt Thaiss. Thaiss has already accepted a scholarship to the University of Virginia after an outstanding 2012 campaign.

He averaged .333 with seven HR, 31 RBI, six 2B, and a .485 OBP; he will bat second for the Jaguars.

“We lost some guys in our rotation and some position players.” Thaiss said. “But we have a lot of really good young talent in our program and a good core of returning

starters and pitchers; we really look strong this year.”

Senior centerfielder Ed Guippone led the Jaguars with a .424 BA and .519 OBP. He scored 26 runs with four doubles and 10 RBI’s.

Guippone will be the catalyst of the Jaguar offense from his leadoff spot in the batting order.

Versatile senior Spencer Young will be at shortstop this year for the Jaguars.

Young hit .347, knocked in 17 runs, scored 16, and clubbed 10 doubles.

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Returning junior Nick Dabrio (.241 BA, 14 R, 3 2B, 2 3B, 8 RBI) will be back in right field and bat fifth as soon as he’s healthy.

Sophomore Matt Crispe and senior Brian Delesky will platoon right in Dabrio’s absence.

Sophomore Joe Demaio and junior Mike Petrizzo will platoon in left field to start the season this year for the Jaguars.

Sophomore Brandon Janofsky gets the nod at second base and will most likely bat sixth in the order.

Intriguing freshman third baseman Kyle Johnson will bat at the bottom of the order to start the season. “Because he’s a fresh-

Batting cleanup is junior first baseman Matt Guarino. As a sophomore, he experienced an up-and-down season, but gained valu-

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able experience. He’s a gap-to-gap hitter who can drive in some runs. “We think he can have a big year for us.” Malta said.

Guarino is slated to be the number four starter and spot reliever as well.

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EDITOR

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Brian Daneman Sean Simmons Jim Hintelmann

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Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

Baseball Pitchers to Watch Matt Grossi – Middletown South, Sr. P/3B Went 4-0 on the mound and batted .400 at the plate in 2012. He’ll like be the Eagles top starting pitcher.

Karl Blum – Toms River North, Sr. P/1B The Duke-bound athlete batted .395 as a junior and will be one of the Mariners aces on the mound.

Anthony Rocco – Jackson Memorial, Sr. P This crafty left-hander was 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA for the Jags last season.

Ron Marinaccio – Toms River North, Sr. P/OF He went 5-0 on the hill and batted .450 last season.

Marinaccio will attend Delaware next fall.

By Ted Kaiser

Brian Wikoff – Red Bank Regional, Sr. P Wikoff is a three-year returning varsity pitcher for the Bucs. He went 3-1 with a 1.81 ERA last year.

Jerome Cevetello – Ocean Township, Sr. 1B/P He was an All-Division selection as a junior and returns at two positions for the Spartans.

Mike Bolton – Freehold Boro, Sr. 1B/P Bolton was 2nd team All-Shore as a junior with a 0.82 ERA and could be poised for a 1st team selection this spring.

Jake Yanez – Freehold Boro, Sr. P He was also a 2nd team All-Shore selection with seven wins and a 3.09 ERA last year.

Matt Pidich – CBA, Sr. P He’s a four-year varsity team member and Pittsburghbound ace who had a 2.14 ERA in 2012.

John McCarren – CBA, Sr. P McCarren helps form a dominant staff for the Colts.

He went 5-1 last year and will bring his talent to Wake Forest next fall.

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The Freehold Boro baseball team turned a mediocre regular season into a special season finishing with an 18 win and 13 loss season record and finishing fourth within the B North Division. Freehold went on a fantastic playoff run winning the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III playoffs and reaching the Group III State finals. Head coach Jon Block returns for his 23rd season with a career record of 258 wins and 235 losses.

The Central Jersey Group III Champions from last season return some strong pitching with senior, Jason Lundy, returning along with senior, Jake Yanez (7 wins and 4 losses last season with an ERA of 3.09), and senior, Mike Bolton (6 wins and 2 losses last season with and ERA of an amazing 0.82). Lundy was also good hitting the bat as he posted a .314 batting average. Kevin Smith returns

as the catcher and he collected 34 hits last season with 2 home runs. Juniors, Jon Bostic (first base), Zach Mulhern (outfield), Nick Piscoppo (shortstop), and Luke Tiefenthaler (outfieds) all return to the line up for Freehold Boro.

Some new players that will compete for playing time are seniors, Eric Bennenotti (catcher), Matt Chiusano (outfield) and juniors, Alex Mulhern (second base), Paul Tashain (outfield), Dean Marino (pitcher), Connor Peppard (third base), and Jeremy Belfor (second bade), and Jomar Dejesus (outfield).

If Freehold Boro can replace the losses around the infield they may be able to make another run in the playoffs and be competitive within the B North Division and compete with Ocean and Wall for the division title.

4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

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Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH LOOKING TO REPEAT AS CLASS A NORTH CHAMPS

By Mike Ready MIDDLETOWN – In 2012 the Eagles had to replace pitching ace Will Ziegfried and went on to post their first 20win season (21-6), first Class A North title since 1999, and a No. 4 ranking in the final Shore Conference poll. This year they’re faced with the same scenario in having to replace 2012 first team All-Shore and current Rutgers pitcher Howie Brey.

“Replacing Howie Brey will be tough for us.” Head coach Ryan Spillane said. “But I think this year’s staff is definitely deeper than last year’s staff.

Perry Kulaga will be our number one starter and Perry has the talent to beat anyone in the Shore. Then we have four other senior pitchers that will log a

SJV Softball Focusing On Strong Season

lot of innings for us. So we’re in good shape in the pitching department.”

tial to be a force at both the plate and on the mound this season.

and change-up) in his repertoire. Grilli is also the starting first baseman.

Kulaga posted a Shore Conference best 0.21 earned run average (ERA) last season, while striking out 32 batters in 33 2/3 innings of work. Kulaga not only has the potential to be the ace of the staff but one of the elite pitchers in the Shore Conference who can dominate other teams.

“We expect to be better this season.”

Grossi said. “Even though we lost our whole outfield we’ve got some really solid guy’s to replace them. We have a lot senior experience returning, including five pitchers; we have a really good team.”

Another senior, Pierro Vescio will be the short relief man, after posting a 4-1 record last year as a spot starter and reliever. Vescio has the stuff to be dominate in the closer role.

Senior Mike Grossi will be the number two starter behind Kulaga. Grossi went 4-0 last season with an inpressive 1.84 ERA, and should build on those numbers this season. Grossi will also be back at third base and hit clean up in the lineup. He flirted with a .400 average all last season but finished at .397 with 27 hits, including eight doubles. Grossi has the talent and potenthis season and should once again be the team to beat in the Shore Conference and make another deep run in the State Tournament.

By Sean Simmons HOLMDEL—The St. John Vianney softball team finished last season with an impressive 27-4 record and defeated Camden Catholic in the NJSIAA Non-Public South A championship game and Middletown South in the Monmouth County Red Division Tournament final. The Lancers also advanced to the Shore Conference Tournament final and lost 8-7 to Wall and made it to the NJSIAA Non-Public A Tournament final and lost 3-0 to Immaculate Heart Academy.

Even though the Lancers graduated catcher, Kristen Solari, outfielder, Zoe Otterman, and infielders, Cailin Winokur and Taylor August, they have a solid nucleus of players coming back

“We have a young team and I think we will be competitive,” SJV head coach Kim Lombardi said. “Our pitching is strong and we should hit the ball well.”

The key returning players for the Lancers this season are senior center fielder, Amanda Durham, junior shortstop, Jackie Gallagher, junior catcher/outfielder, Kate Baron, junior pitcher/ first baseman, Kate Beriont, who finished 21-3 last season with 175 strikeouts and a microscopic 0.80 ERA, sophomore second baseman, Erica Krumbine, sophomore pitcher/first baseman, Ashley Ventura, and sophomore outfielder, Brianna Keelan.

Other players who should see some playing

Grossi’s long time battery mate, Nick Mcgann is again behind the plate and provides steady defense as well as calling a good game. McGann has been Grossi’s catcher since early in Little League.

Seniors Rob Grilli and Mike Diorio will be the third and fourth staters. Diorio, a 6’4” lefty, has a ton of potential and features three pitches (fastball, curve

Kyle Brey returns to shortstop and should supply solid defense once again for the Eagles. Brey also has some pop in his bat, banging out 27 hits last year.

Kulaga will be back at second when he’s not on the mound and expect him to deliver added offense this season.

Senior Frank Servido takes over second when Kulaga is pitching as well as third base when Grassi is on the mound. Servido has experience and is a reliable player no matter where he’s positioned.

Senior’s Eric Maynes (right field) and Hunter Dreuer (left field) are first year starters in the outfield. Dreuer has a

continued on page 8

time this season are senior outfielder, Chelsea Vena, junior infielder/outfielder, Marlena Bevilacqua, sophomore catchers, Jess Carlucci and Michelle King, sophomore infielder/outfielder, Claire Steffenelli, freshman designated hitter/outfielder, Helena Coppola, and freshman infielder, Anne Manganiello. According to Lombardi, King is a transfer from Ocean Township High School and has to sit out for 30 days.

The Lancers were scheduled to open up their season at Rumson-Fair Haven on April 1st.

SJV also has key games against Manasquan on April 9th at home and at Raritan on April 17th.

“We feel really good about this season because we have talent and our hitting looks strong this year,” Durham said. “Coach Lombardi is preparing us well and we’re really coming together as a team.”

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Baseball Infielders to Watch Matt Grossi – Middletown South, Sr. P/3B Went 4-0 on the mound and batted .400 at the plate in 2012. He’ll like be the Eagles top starting pitcher.

Nick McGann – Middletown South, Sr. C/RF He will see time in RF as the Eagles graduated all their OF starters. He batted .265 last season.

Spencer Young – Jackson Memorial, Sr. SS Hit .350 with 10 doubles and 17 RBIs as a junior. Also superb defensively with no errors.

By Ted Kaiser

Softball Outfielders to Watch

Patricia Gantner – Toms River South, Matt Thaiss – Jackson Memorial, Sr. C Jr. CF A two-time member on this list, Thaiss She is a returning three-year starter for jacked seven HRs and had 35 RBIs a team that almost reached 20 wins last year. last season.

Karl Blum – Toms River North, Sr. P/1B The Duke-bound athlete batted .395 as a junior and will be one of the Mariners aces on the mound.

Anthony Critelli – CBA, Sr. SS He’s a two-year starter who moves from 3B to SS. Critelli hit .338 with 14 RBIs in 2012 and will play at Holy Cross next fall.

continued on page 17

Amy Hickman – Jackson Liberty, Sr. CF Hickman struck out only twice in 71 at bats. She’s a three-year captain and returning starter.

Sarah Bencivenga – Toms River East, Sr. SS/CF She is a 2nd team All-State selection signed to Delaware for next fall.

Danielle Knox – Matawan, Sr. CF/P Knox was a 2012 3rd team All-Shore selection and will anchor the Huskies

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By Ted Kaiser

lineup this spring.

Amanda Durham – St. John Vianney, Sr. CF Durham is the senior leader and a cog in the batting order, who can get on base and use her speed as an asset.

Katie Barnes – Manasquan, Jr. LF Barnes is one of a few returning All-Division players for Coach Amy Certo’s Warriors.

Cate Marotta – Manasquan, Jr. CF She returns after missing a season due to injury and will bolster the Manasquan outfield offensively and defensively.

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Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

TOMS RIVER SOUTH SOFTBALL HOPES TO BUILD ON SUCCESFUL 2012 CAMPAIGN

By Mike Ready Toms River – The Toms River South Indians made great strides in their softball program last year by reaching all three tournaments (Shore Conference, Ocean County and South Jersey Group IV) while posting a 19-9,7-3 record, placing second in the highly completive Class A South and finishing eighth in the final Shore Conference rankings.

leck said. “But we have three seniors back, two who will be starting for the fourth year (Gabriel and Amanda Murray) and one (Kiaya Jacobs) who will be starting for her third year. We have some talented younger players ready to step in, but they lack experience, so we will be relying on the seniors

Hoping to build on last season’s success, the Indians will be counting heavily on first team All-Shore pitcher Danielle Gabriel. Gabriel was a workhorse for the Indians last season pitching in every game, while going 19-8 with a 1.22 earned run average (ERA). She struck out 316 batters in 195 innings of work, while only walking 50.

In an important rivalry game against No.1 ranked Toms River East she tossed a four-hit shutout, stuck out 10, walked one and drove in the winning run in a 1-0 decision.

“Danielle gives us a shot to win every game.” Head coach Tom Malleck said. “Every game seems like a one or two run game. Her composure and competitiveness is just so impressive. She is so team oriented and when things go wrong behind her, she never changes her expression; always positive. The kids see this and want to play their hearts out for her.”

The Indians lost two All-Class A South players in Emily Cottrell and Casey O’Connor to graduation and they will be tough to replace.

“We have some talent to replace,” Mal-

Malleck, the 2012 Coach of the Year, will lead off with sophomore shortstop Nancy Condoluci. Condolucci, a defensive ace, saw extensive action as a freshman and possess great speed. Batting second is Gabriel, who hopes to have a big year at the plate. In the third spot is junior centerfielder Patricia Gantner, an All-Class A south performer last season.

Batting cleanup will be junior first baseman Jessica Irwin. Irwin will be counted on to supply some power and drive in some runs for an offense that might have some trouble scoring. Freshmen second baseman Sam Vogle and catcher Harley Gowdy will bat fifth and sixth, while right fielder Amanda Murray will bat seventh.

Another freshman, third baseman Taylor Lueck bats eighth.

Rounding out the batting order will be senior left fielder Kiaya Jacobs.

Freshman Gabby Loffredo has shown flashes of home run power hitting ability and may eventually break into the starting lineup, along with freshman second baseman/pitcher Jenna Bucca.

to be the leaders.”

Gabriel likes the make-up of this team.

“We’re definitely looking to build on last season. We lost some key players, but we have some experienced players coming back and have some freshmen that have shown some real potential in pre-season.”

“All these kids accept their roles and play together.” Malleck said. “Whether it’s a starting role, a rotating role or a defensive role, it doesn’t matter.” They all play for each other and root for one another, it should be a fun year; I’m looking forward to it.”

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MIDDLETOWN SOUTH LOOKING TO REPEAT AS CLASS A NORTH CHAMPS continued from page 6 rocket arm from left field and teams will avoid running on him. Andrew Wisialko, a receiver and defensive back in football, starts in centerfield, and will cover a lot ground in the outfield.

Another speedster, sophomore Joe Timmons will see some playing time in the outfield as well.

Junior Matt Barsalona will be the designated hitter. Barsalona had a good year hitting at the JV level last year and should supply some additional offense for the Eagles.

Spillane is optimistic about his team this year. “We definitely have the potential to be as good as or better than last year’s team. It’s just a matter of putting it all together and showing up to play every day. I like the pitching, defense and experience on this team.

We’re in a very tough division (Class A North) but if we play the way we’re capable off, we should be OK.” Spillane’s impressed with his younger players. “Our young guy’s won the JV tournament last year so they know how to play. Between the guy’s on that JV team and our guy’s returning from last year’s team, it should be a good mix. One thing I know about our senior leadership on this team is that they know how to win.”

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4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

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Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

Eagles Ready To Defend A North Title

By Sean Simmons MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP—The Middletown South softball team finished last season with a 21-6 record and even though they graduated infielders, Erica Falvey, Alex Jacinto and Jill Troiano, outfielder Taylor Landis and pitcher Allison Nolan, the Eagles should be ready to defend their Class A North title.

The key returning players for the Eagles this season are senior pitcher, Alli Podmajersky, who finished 13-1 last season with 78 strikeouts and a 1.47 ERA, senior third baseman, Abbey Schulz, junior center fielder, Grace Heller, junior catcher, Veronica Zega and sophomore shortstop, Alex Corrigan.

The top newcomers for the Eagles are senior infielder, Karinne Kelly, senior first baseman, Megan Mittenzwei, junior outfielder, Elizabeth Gulino, sophomore outfielders, Julia Beck and Taylor Dreuer, sophomore second baseman, Erin Cotterell, sophomore infielder, Nicki Curran, sophomore pitcher, Tiffani Lambert, sopho-

more catcher/first baseman, Hannah Milano and sophomore infielder/outfielder, Phoenix Starick.

Last season, the Eagles advanced to the Central Jersey Group 4 tournament final against East Brunswick and lost 1-0 and made it to the Monmouth County Red Division final and lost a 4-3 nail bitter against the St. John Vianney Lancers.

The Eagles were scheduled to open up their season at cross town rival Middletown North on April 1st and also have a home game against Manalapan on April 3rd. Middletown South also has a huge game at Freehold Township on May 3rd. The Patriots should be the Eagles toughest competition in Class A North this season.

“I feel like we could be very good and we just have to work on the mental part of the game,” Podmajersky said. “Defensively, we need to try to cut down on mistakes.”

JACKSON MEMORIAL BASEBALL READY FOR STATE TITLE RUN continued from page 3 man we’ll bat him ninth to take some pressure off him.” Malta said. “The third base position was wide open this spring and he grabbed it. He can hit and he can play defense.”

The pitching staff will be anchored by senior lefthander Anthony Rocco. Rocco (19.1 IP, 3-0, 1.09 ERA, 16 K, 5 BB) displays great command and throws strikes. “He did some good things for us last year.” Malta said. “He won some big games for us at the end of the season and being a lefty also helps us.”

Malta expects number two starter, righty senior Jake Harlinski (22 IP, 3-0, 1.91 ERA, 18 K, 3 BB) to have a big year. “He’s a power pitcher with a good fastball and

slider. We just need him to be a little more consistent towards middle and end of the season this year.”

Senior Chris Gehrsitz and Guarino are the third and fourth starters with Delesky in a relief role.

“I’m looking forward to this season,” Malta said. “People underestimate where we’re at with our pitching staff. I think this group of guy’s will be deeper, but not as dominant as last year’s staff. We’re built on pitching and defense, but I expect our offense to take some games over early and often; give us a cushion. I really like this team’s chances.”

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RED BANK CATHOLIC SOFTBALL IN UNFAMILIAR UNDERDOG ROLE

By Mike Ready RED BANK – The Red Bank Catholic Caseys are in the unfamiliar position of being left off the 2013 Shore Conference preseason top ten rankings.

“I can’t remember the last time that happened,” head coach Tony Flego said. “You expect that when you come to play for Red Bank Catholic (RBC). Maybe this will motivate us; we have to prove to ourselves, then to the others, that we deserve the ranking.”

The Caseys will feature four returning starters and two veteran pitchers, including All-Class B North selection, senior Emily Simon. Simon won five games, posting a 2.25 earned run average, while striking out 69 batters for the Caseys last season. She’s expected to carry the bulk of the

load on the mound and should put-up some impressive numbers this season.

Simon’s battery mate, senior catcher and Columbia University bound Dakota Canta is the unquestionable leader on the team. The second team All-Shore and All-Class B North performer batted a team high .484 and drove in 19 runs.

“We look good,” Canta said. “We’re a young team but have some but we have some talented players returning. We’ve been working hard in practice; I think we should be a pretty good team. As a senior, I’m expected to lead, and I want to live up to my coaches and teams expectations. I want to be the best I can be for my team.”

continued on page 16

4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

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Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

Softball Pitchers to Watch

TOMS RIVER EAST SOFTBALL HUNGRY FOR STATE TITLE

By Ted Kaiser

Danielle Gabriel – Toms River South, Sr. P She is a four-year starter who had 316 Ks and earned All-Shore and All-Division honors in 2012

By Mike Ready TOMS RIVER – The 2012 Toms River East Raiders won 27 games, captured their sixth straight Class A South title, took home the Ocean County Tournament Championship trophy and were ranked No.1 in the Shore and No.13 in the State.

Jordan Weed – Toms River East, Sr. P Weed is the premier ace of the Shore Conference entering her 4th season as a varsity starter. She was an All-American Northeast Region 1st team selection last year and will attend Boston College next year.

Courtney Tylutki – Monsignor Donovan, Jr. P As a rising sophomore, she was a 3rd team All-Shore and All-Division pick who is expected to have a big season as a junior.

Emily Schaffer – Raritan, Jr. P/1B She’s been a player to watch since her freshman year, but now Schaffer assumes more leadership as the Rockets look to keep rolling.

Danielle Knox – Matawan, Sr. CF/P Knox was a 2012 3rd team All-Shore selection and will anchor the Huskies lineup this spring.

Ashley Ventura – St. John Vianney, So. P/1B She’ll start at 1B and also back up ace Katie Beriont when the Lancers give her arm a rest.

Katie Beriont – St. John Vianney, Jr. P/1B The SJV ace was 21-3 with a miniscule 0.80 ERA last season as a sophomore.

Alli Podmarjersky – Middletown South, Sr. P She will be the sole ace on the mound for the Eagles this year after going 13-1 with a 1.47 ERA as a junior.

However, losses in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals and the South Jersey Group IV final left some unfinished business for this year’s team to take care of.

“Last year we fell a little short,” star pitcher Jordan Weed said. “We want to finish stronger; we have high expectations for the states. We’re looking to get that big win at the end of the season for coach; we want that ring.”

Weed, a second team All-State and first team All-Shore selection won 26 games for the Raiders last year, while hitting .438 with six home runs and 34 runs batted in (RBI).

She has already committed to Boston College for next fall and is the unquestionable leader of the team.

Weed likes what she sees in this year’s squad. “We have a good group of girls; we lost some core players like current University of Maryland player Cory Schwartz.”

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Schwartz was last year’s Shore Conference Player of the Year and first team All-State shortstop. Also graduating was Corey Brianna Dziedzic and Sarah Giddings. “But we have some talented players returning, plus some good younger players ready to step up.”

One of those returning players the Raiders will be counting on heavily this year is senior shortstop/ centerfielder Sarah Bencivenga. Bencivenga was the Defensive Player of the Year and set a school record with 26 outfield assists. She also hit .404 with 30 RBI’s and 31 runs scored.

The University of Delaware bound Bencivenga is confident. “We have the capabilities to do as good as or better than last year’s team. Losing the way we did was really rough; I expect more out of this year’s team.”

Weed’s battery mate, junior catcher, Valerie Hirchfeld, is back behind the plate for the Raiders this year after hitting .256 with 22 hits, 12 RBI’s and five doubles last season.

Head coach Debbie Schwartz, entering her 25th year at the helm, likes the experience they bring to the game. “Jordan and Val had a very successful season working together last year, and I anticipate the same out of them this year.”

Schwartz sees good things ahead for this year’s team. “We did lose three big seniors, but our core of returning players should be able to pick up and take off from where we left off last year. I expect our seniors Jordan Weed, Sarah Bencivenga, Jodi Bruno and Casondra Anderson to have big, big years for us, and players such as Hirchfeld, sophomore outfielder Taylor Dziedzic, junior shortstop/centerfielder Gianna DePalma and junior second baseman Cassie Varvaro to step up and fill some big shoes.”

Bruno will start at third base and hit seventh in the batting order after hitting .279 with 11 runs scored in 43 at bats last year. Anderson (.241 BA) will start in the outfield and is slated to bat eighth, while sophomore outfielder Alyssa Cinci will bat ninth.

Dziedzic (8 RBI’s 10R, 2 2B) will lead off for the Raiders with Varvaro (.275, 11R) batting second. Bencivenga bats third and Weed hits in the clean-up spot. Hirchfeld bats fifth in front of DePalma (6 RBI, 9R).

Freshman first baseman/catcher Kyleigh Norris will see some action, and according to Schwartz, “she can really hit.” Sophomore pitcher/first baseman Lauren Coppinger will see spot duty on the mound and at first.

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“We lost a heartbreaker last year by one run in the South Jersey Group IV final.” Schwartz said. “You learn from experience, we have a group of girls who have been in the fire, and hopefully they come into the season with the hunger of wanting to take that state title.”

Follow me on twitter @getmready

4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

Page 13

Someone Is Watching You Just the other day, I received a call from a local baseball scout, to whom I promised to keep his identity confidential. He and several other baseball scouts from area triple and double A teams, wait for our baseball preview issue to come out. What a lot of athletes don’t know is that they’re being watched. That’s right, every time you take that field, some guy who is not an uncle or a parent is scouting you and you don’t even know it. Professional scouts have been picking up our paper for over 15 years, allowing them to find those diamonds in the rough. Our preview issues are also the most sought-out publications for college recruiters. College recruiters are looking for the all-around student-athlete who can make the grade.

College scholarships have risen by 75% in our area since we started Jersey Sporting News in 1994. The positive coverage and showcase previews have been the driving force behind getting the information out to the respective colleges.

fect example was in 2005, when we chose to showcase a player on our cover who was overlooked by other media outlets. We took a chance and this player was signed to the Boston Red Sox farm team that season. This, among several other stories, confirms our commitment of excellence.

Most of the top talent in Shore Conference baseball and softball gathered at Frozen Ropes on Sunday, March 24th for the Jersey Sporting News spring preview photo shoot. This annual tradition is now in its 12th year since JSN began publishing in 1994. The event takes place to gather photos and information for the edition, which comes out during the first week of every baseball and softball season. Players are selected at every position based on previous year’s performance, coaches’ recommendations, suggestions from scouts, and projections about who might break out and become the next star.

The mission statement of JSN is always to report the positive and creative sporting events in Monmouth County. Prior to JSN, there was no such local paper that covered local sports programs. It has become an honor for the top baseball and softball players in the Shore Conference to be a part of the JSN preview. Over the years, players from the event have gone on to play on many different levels including college baseball and softball, minor league baseball, and even major league baseball. For many student athletes, the issue has served as a spotlight to help them earn scholarships and draw the attention of college coaches and scouts. A per-

Given all the time and hard work that these students put into their sports, they deserve the recognition. It is also rewarding for the parents who invest many hours and money for their children to practice and play every week throughout the years. This issue is produced to help our local studentathletes get the media attention they deserve to continue on a higher level.

JSN is proud to feature these athletes in its spring preview and to continue the coverage of their accomplishments during the course of the season.

Diplomas don’t grow on trees either With college tuition and fee hikes regularly outpacing inflation, it’s never too early to start saving for higher education costs. Together we can explore a variety of savings vehicles, including 529 plans, Coverdell Education Savings Accounts and UGMA/UTMA accounts.

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Page 14

Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

Softball Infielders to Watch

By Ted Kaiser

signed to Delaware for next fall.

Jessica Angersbach – Brick Memorial, Sr. C This senior catcher is a four-year varsity starter and 2nd team All-Shore selection who will attend Villanova for college.

Quinn Thornton – Middletown North, So. C Thornton started as a freshman and is one of the reasons that the Lions could be a surprise team in 2013.

Catchers Danielle Budden – Jackson Liberty, Sr. SS One of several returning starters hoping to lead the Lions to the state playoffs this spring April Szymczyk – Jackson Liberty, Sr. 1B She is one of only three seniors on the team, but leads a host of returning players on a talented roster.

Dani Petrone – Wall, Jr. C She was the Shore Conference Offensive Player of the Year and tied the TheGuide12_196 12/14/12 8:59 AM Page 103 Shore Conference single season home

run record with 14.

Sydney Canessa – Wall, Sr. SS Canessa is an on-base machine and a three-year 1st team All-Shore selection as well as 1st team All-State as a junior.

Chickie Clayton – Wall, Sr. 1B Clayton is yet another returning starter on the infield for the Shore Conference Champion Knights.

Sarah Bencivenga – Toms River East, Sr. SS/CF She is a 2nd team All-State selection

Julie Gross – Middletown North, Sr. SS She is a returning starter at shortstop and will attend Mercy College next fall.

Emily Schaffer – Raritan, Jr. P/1B She’s been a player to watch since her freshman year, but now Schaffer assumes more leadership as the Rockets look to keep rolling.

Jaclyn Gallagher – St. John Vianney, Jr. SS Gallagher is also a star in field hockey and will be solid up the middle for the Lancers.

Erica Krumbine – St. John Vianney, So. 2B

Infielders Keep an eye on this up-and-comer at second base for SJV after she played as a freshman.

Ashley Ventura – St. John Vianney, So. P/1B She’ll start at 1B and also back up ace Katie Beriont when the Lancers give her arm a rest.

Dakota Canta – Red Bank Catholic, Sr. C Canta was a 2nd team All-Shore selection as a junior and is the leader on this RBC team.

Rebecca Drake – Monsignor Donovan, So. 3B She is a big reason Donovan is expected to do well after a freshman campaign where she had three home runs and was a 3rd team All-Shore selection.

Kelcy McGeehan – Monsignor Donovan, So. SS Another one of Mon Don’s youngsters, McGeehan is poised for a strong season.

Ally Latourette – Manasquan, Sr. 2B She returns as a starter and was an AllDivision selection in 2012.

Baseball Pitchers continued from page 4 Brandon Bloodgood – Toms River East, Sr. P He is one half of a potent tandem atop the Raiders pitching rotation and is a threeyear starter.

Paul Schifilliti – Toms River East, Sr. P This right-hander is a returning starter and a St. Peter’s commit.

Brad Currao – St. Rose, Sr. P Currao is strong armed left-handed pitcher who will anchor the Roses pitching staff after a 2.09 ERA last year.

Luke Malone – Wall, Sr. P/OF Malone was 5-2 with a 2.79 ERA and 32 Ks in 42 innings pitched as a junior. He will also play OF. Brian Cottrell – Brick Memorial, Sr. P He was 6-2 with a 1.58 ERA and earned 2nd team All-Shore as a junior.

Michael Rescigno – Red Bank Catholic, Sr. 3B/P He was 4-0 and was 1st team All-Shore last year. He’ll attend Maryland next fall.

Steve Ginter – Freehold Township, Sr. P/3B Ginter is a three-year varsity starter and captain for the Patriots

Page 8 Jersey Sports News • November 22 - December 6

Baseball Outfielders to Watch

4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

Page 15

Long Branch vs.Raritan Red Bank Looks toRegional Keep Up Winning Ways

By Ted Kaiser

Nick McGann – Middletown South, starters and an All-Division returnee Sr. C/RF for the CJ Group III champs.

He will see time in RF as the Eagles graduated all their OF starters. He Chris Cordova – CBA, Sr. OF batted .265 last season.

He’s a three-year starter who batBy Michael Rogers season, they have been in some tedgames. .431 In with 16last RBIs in his junior LONG BRANCH — The Long really close their Eddie Guippone – Jackson MemoBranch high school football game, the season.

Green Wave dominatrial, Sr. CF team started this season by los- ed Hightstown by the score of Guippone the outfield ing their will firstanchor five games.

41- 14 and before that Long Luke defeated Malone Raritan – Wall, Sr. P/OF and the than lineupgiving with his Rather up,.426 the batting Branch easily average as akept junior.

Malone 5-2 with a 2.79 ERA Green Wave playing hard by the score of 38 -was 7. Running and has now won four straight back Dwight rushed andClark 32 Kshas in 42 innings pitched as a Ron Marinaccio – Toms River North, games.

Red Bank Regional for over 1500 yards junior.

Hethis willseason also play OF. Sr. P/OFhad high expectations and has scored 13 touchdowns.

(RBR) He wentseason 5-0 on the hill for this as well andand havebatted Joscil Jackson has also been Joe – Red Bank Catholic, worked way Marinaccio to a 5- 4 will productive thisIacobellis season scoring .450 lasttheir season. atSr. CFand rushing for recordDelaware against next an extremely six touchdowns tend fall. tough schedule. The two teams 432 yards.He Heisran for 110 yardsreturning starter a three-year will renew Thanksgiving in OF the win over Raritan .

Jason Lundytheir – Freehold Boro, Sr. who will go to Alvernia for baseball Day rivalry at Long Branch Quarterback Avery Griffin has Lundy is one of a few key returning next High School. run theyear. offense

The Green Wave Keeps Rolling

Long Branch is really playing well coming into this game and even though they are 5-4 on the

By Kevin Davis HAZLET— After reaching unprecedented peaks for the program during the 2012 season, the Raritan Rockets softball team will look to soar even higher in the 2013 campaign, which begins with the Rockets hosting Holmdel on April 1.

its list of accomplishments. The clinching game came on May 7 with a 2-1 victory at the expense of the same Holmdel Hornets.

“Over the past four years, we’ve posted the four winningest seasons The Rockets have enjoyed in Raritan Rockets a string of successful softball history,” seasons in recent years, said Coach Aado reaching the finals of Kommendant. three of the last four “These girls have NJSIAA Group II Central gotten accustomed to efficiently, rushing for 269 tournaments, doing so last winning, and I expect that PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDE PHOTO: FRANCINE ATTARDI to continue (in 2013).”

Continued on next page Red Bank Regional year as a seven seed. Raritan Long Branch opened the tournament with a win at home over Kommendant feels that his tenth-seeded Holmdel, most experienced players followed it with a dramatic will be key to maintaining come-from-behind victory the Rockets’ winning ways. at second-seeded Governor “I’ve really been impressed Livingston in the quarterfinals, with our senior class,” he traveled to and narrowly said; praising a group that defeated third-seeded includes Lindsey Carver, Casey Voorhees in the semifinals, Bossert, Laura Gesario, and and was finally stopped in the Emily Murasso. “So far through finals by Robbinsville. the scrimmage campaign, I’ve been impressed with the way In addition to another they play as a team, the way appearance in the sectional they hit the ball – I couldn’t be final, last year’s Raritan team more impressed with the senior was able to add its first Public class.”

A-Central championship to

Page 16

Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

RED BANK CATHOLIC SOFTBALL IN UNFAMILIAR UNDERDOG ROLE continued from page 10 Sophomore first baseman and All-Class B North selection, Gabrielle Bram, posted big numbers for the Caseys as a freshman last season. Bram led the team in RBI’s, driving in 23 runs, smacking two home runs and batting .424.

Another sophomore, third baseman Brynne Bauman, hit .333 and added eight RBI’s last year as a freshman. She will bat sixth in order in this year’s lineup.

The fourth returning position player is senior right fielder Sarah Dnistrian. Flego anticipates a big year out of Dnistrian (.278, 1HR, 6RBI) after she posted big numbers and looked very impressive in off-season league play. She recently committed to play ball for Villanova next season and she’ll be counted on heavily to supply some power for the Caseys this season.

The Casey’s will start two freshmen this season but feel they’re ready to contribute. Speedster Annie Flego will roam centerfield and lead off, while Lindsay Benitez will display her defensive skills at shortstop.

“The freshmen will face some pressure,” Flego said. “But we feel they can handle it and help this team win some games.”

Senior Brianna DelGiudice and junior Jacqueline Strully will compete for playing time at second base with both being versatile enough players to fill in at the shortstop and outfield positions. Strully will also see some time on the mound as a reliever.

Senior Laura Wickhman gets the starting nod in left field for the Caseys this season and will bat seventh. “Laura Wickhman is a great fielder and defensive player.” Flego said. “I fully expect her bat to come around as the season progresses.”

Junior Jennifer Mancino is slated as the number two starter and has shown she’s ready to contribute in a big way.

“I think we have the talent to compete for a division title.”

Flego said. “This is a tight knit group that pulls for one another; there are on the same page, and have the same goals as a team. The senior leadership has been outstanding, and the underclassmen are ready step up and perform.”

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Midd. North Ready to Step Forward

By Jim Hintelmann MIDDLETOWN TOWNSHIP - New coach, Mallory Kirchner, has inherited a veteran team at Middletown North and is optimistic about improving on last year’s 9-13 record. The return of 11 players with varsity experience is a good reason for the high hopes.

“We have a lot of returnees and should do well in the A North,” said Kirchner, who was an assistant coach at Red Bank Catholic the previous three years. This is her first varsity job as head coach. “We have good hitters and team speed, and our defense is excellent. We should definitely improve on last year’s record. Middletown South and Freehold Township should be the teams to beat in our division,” said Kirchner. “It’s a very strong division, but we expect to be competitive.”

Micelli, and third baseman, Jillin Wallrabe.

Kanski and Thomas will likely divide the pitching duties.

Top newcomers are first basemen Armano Amodeo and Christine Gebhardt, outfielder Taylor Apel and utility player Samantha Politano.

The Lions opened their season Monday against rival Middletown South.

The top hitters returning are shortstop, Julie Gross, pitcher-outfielder, Audrie Thomas (316), second baseman, Nikki Alfano (.313) and catcher, Quinn Thorton (.379) Other players with varsity experience are pitcher-first baseman, Amanda Kanski, outfielders, Jamie Trewhella, Katie Quinn and Kelli Rasmussan, first baseman, Kristi

Young Wall Team Looks To Compete

By Michael Rogers

©2012. Paid for by the United States Army. All rights reserved.

The Wall High school boys’ baseball team is coming off of a season where they finished with a record of 19 wins and 5 losses and they finished undefeated at 10 and 0 within the A Central division, which won them the outright division crown. They are coached by Todd Schmitt, who returns for his 16th season with a career record of 261 wins and 215 losses. Schmitt likes how his team is preparing for the season and said, "We have 8 starters back and 14 pitching wins from a team that won 19 games last season but these young players have produced on the sub varsity level, now it is time to see if they can make the transition to the next level, and I think they can."

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The team did lose 8 starters to graduation, but do return some key players who got some experience playing last season. Senior Luke Malone returns as the top pitcher. He posted a 5 win and 2 loss record last year in 42 innings with 32 strike outs. He also posted a 2.79 earned run average and he can also play in the outfield. A player who gained some experience last season and should compete for a starting position this year is junior Jack Gifford, who will play first base this season. He hit .381 last season with 5 runs batted in while also hitting 4 doubles. Other players who should be competing for starting positions this season include Chris Barcas and Brendan Biegert, who will play in the infield, while Tim Willey will play in the outfield.

Bostering the pitching staff will be Tyler Swaggart and Steve Colton.

Wall will also have some new talent that will have an impact this season. Junior Matt Tancredi will see time in the outfield where sophomores Ryan Orender (third base/pitcher), Don Wondrack (catcher), Pat Meghar (pitcher) will all see key playing time throughout the season.

Within the B North Division this season Wall will compete with Freehold and Ocean for the division crown. Coach Schmitt said, "Our pitching and defense will have to be the backbone of our team until the hitters gain some experience".

Jersey Sporting News • September 4 -Sporting September Page 17 27 4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey News25 Page

Mariners Set to Lean on Pitching

By Mike Rogers

Baseball Infielders to Watch

By Ted Kaiser

continued from page 7

The Toms River North baseball team returns a solid core of players from last years’ team that reached the finals of the Shore Conference Tournament before losing to Class A South Division rival, Jackson Memorial.They finished last season with a 17 win and 9 loss record and finished in fourth place (4 wins and 6 losses) within the Class A South Division. Head coach, Ted Schelmay, returns for his 20th season and he has a career record of 326 wins and 174 losses).

of Delaware. Also returning are Julius Feliz, who will play first and third bases and he hit .389 last season, Cory Cordaso, who returns in the outfield along with Mike Miraglia and Quintan Garvin. Sal Smith returns as the catcher and Steve Slapmolen returns to add more strength to the already strong pitching staff.

Some new players who will play some key rolls this season are pitchers Jordan Silvestri and Brett Hayes along with infielders, Bobby Seflick, Anthony Ferlise, and Carmen Scalfini. Mike Tiplady will also see some innings behind the plate as the catcher.

Ross Gisonti – Red Bank Regional, Sr. SS/CF Batted .320 as a junior and is a fouryear starter for the Bucs.

He was 4-0 and was 1st team AllShore last year. He’ll attend Maryland next fall.

Alfred Molina – Red Bank Catholic, Jr. SS Molina was a 2nd team All-Shore selection in 2012 and is already committed to Coastal Carolina.

Jerome Cevetello – Ocean Township, Sr. 1B/P He was an All-Division selection as a junior and returns at two positions for the Spartans.

Mike Bolton – Freehold Boro, Sr. 1B/P Bolton was 2nd team All-Shore as a junior and could be poised for a 1st team selection this spring.

Toms River North returns a strong pitching staff with the return of seniors, Karl Blum (4 wins and 3 losses last Joe Dudek – CBA, Sr. 1B season) and Ron Marcinaccio (5 wins As a junior, he was a 1st team Alland 0 losses last season). Blum also Toms River North has an early season Shore selection with a .400 batting batted .389 last season and he will showdown with Class A South division average, 3 HRs, and 20 RBIs. continue playing baseball next year opponent and division contender in as he has already earned a baseball Jackson Memorial. These two teams Christian Danyo – Toms River East, Sr. Garrett Sickels Garrett Kroeger won or shared in 5 of the 3B scholarship to play at Duke University. h a v e Red Bank Regional TR North last 6 division titles. Danyo is a three-year returning starter He said, “I’m really confident about Sr. 6’4- 245 lbs.

265 lbs.

The winner will One have our team. We have a lot ofSr. 6’0pitching. theplayers hot corner for the Raiders. of theattop in the Shore Kroeger starts at DE and G for Conference, Sickels, a defensive an early advantage If our defense comes LB, is a firm commit to Penn within the division around we will the be Mariners. He went to junior Brick Township, Sr. State. He Tyler talliedIannarone 11 sacks, 76– tackday at Stonehill College and and Blum said,les“We really good this (9 for 1B loss) and three blocked could end up with some college kicks (oneHe returning for a TD). starter and returnlost to Jackson season.” is a three-year offers.

Memorial three ing All-Division selection who batted times last year .380 with 15 RBI last season.

Marinaccio also including hit .444 last Patrick Toal – Brick Memorial, the Shore Mike season and Connor Canonico Martone Raritan Conference will continue Colts Neck Sr. 3B playing Jr. 6’3- 265was lbs.an All-Division Martone Sr. 6’1- 210 lbs.

Keep an eye on this rising junior County baseball Canonico is a returning starter at selection for the Ocean who is a two-year starter at offenTournament Tournament runner-ups. next season tight end and defensive end who is sive and defensive tackle.

Toal final so we on a full garnering interest from some already has schools such as Ohio Division-III colleges. want to getState back baseball Michael Rescigno – Red Bank interested. at them bad.” scholarship at Catholic, Sr. 3B/P the University

Ron Robinson – Red Bank Catholic, Sr. 1B He batted .393 and was fourth in the Shore Conference with 28 RBIs last season.

Dillon Stambaugh – Red Bank Regional, Sr. C He is a three-sport standout (also football and wrestling) who batted .404 with 15 RBIs last season.

Kevin Waters Steve Ginter – Freehold Wall Township, Sr. P/3B Sr. 6’2- 220 lbs.

Ginter is aisthree-year Waters a two-wayvarsity starter:starter DE TE. The andand captain fornew the coaching Patriots staff is adding some new packages offensively that he says they are adjusting to. Waters has had looks from Delaware and Penn State.

Dan Watson Brick Twp. Sr. 6’2- 205 lbs.

Watson had an outstanding 2011 with 11 sacks at DE. He’ll also start at TE for the Green Dragons.

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nse by Fuguan . “We or get d Colts hought

Keith Kirkwood stole the ball and scored

Neptune’s Ikie Calderon (5) drives to the basket.

Head Coach Ken O’Donnell. “It wasn’t wasn’t called. p o i n t s . with 1:48 left to make itbut35-31.Colts Coach for boys’ basketball. two championship rings, Calderon is now was 4thefor 25.

Overall Neptune shot prettiest game, we were ableWith to was 425for Head 25. Overall Neptune shot 25 Head Coach for boys’ basketball.

Neck’s Tim Vengalis dropped two foul This was a looking forward to the State Championships. force them out of theirinzone.

We played percent from the Both floor while shots to it percent. a two-point game again, hitmake 22.7 teams had Colts onepercent longNeckfrom the floor while Colts Neck very physical game, but both teams left great defense.” but Neptune’s Ikie Calderon missed the inColts Page 18 Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 4/21/13 Neptune’s defense was at its best the Colts Neck worked the ball down to 10 that he got PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN scoring streak in the first half.

Neck everything on the floor.” first of a final one-andone to give Colts Neckwhenseconds two minutes of the game itby Sean and the ball was passed to Hunter fouled but it Neptune’s Jaheem Woods (4) flies to the basket for two scored nine straight points, five McDonald was fouled with five seconds another chance, but once turned Colts made three key again stops they to prevent Wysocki in the paint, but good defense by wasn’t called. p o i n t s .

O’Reilly to open up a 9-2 lead in the first left and made both to clinch the win. “I’m Neck from tying the score. The first came the ball over.

Kirkwood resulted in a miss with Fuguan This was a period. after ColtsofNeck had scored five straight Woods Neptune was fouled a good foul shooter,” said McDonald. “IJaheem McDonald grabbing the rebound. “We very physical game, but both teams left hit 22.7 percent. Both teams had one long points on the a three-pointer by Brandon missed first of aout one-andscoring streak in the first half. Colts Neck Colts Neck moved to an 11-5 wereadvangoing to go for either a three or get everything on the floor.” was confident that I would make them.butI he, too, Federici and a to drive from Lucas Lalima to one with 30 seconds go, giving Colts the ball toonHunter in the box,” said Colts McDonald was fouled with five seconds scored nine straight points, five by Sean tage early in the second quarter just wanted to help my teammates. I felt the deficit to 33-31.

Neck onenarrow more opportunity.

Head Coach Lou Piccola. “I thought left and made both to clinch the win. “I’m O’Reilly to open up a 9-2 lead in the first Wysocki’s butremaining, Neptune Neck answered like I was in the gym by myself.”

With twolayup, minutes the a good foul shooter,” said McDonald. “I period.

Cougars ballcapped again, butbyNeptune’s 10 ingotathe row three-pointers PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN For Calderon, the championship was with Colts Neck moved out to an 11-5 advanconfident that I would make them. I Keith Kirkwood stole the ball and scored Neptune’s Ikie Calderon (5) driveswas to the basket.

Kirkwood and Calderon. That made his second of the year. He was a key play- from just wanted to help my teammates. I felt tage early in the second quarter on with 1:48 left to make it 35-31.Colts With two championship rings, Calderon is now Wysocki’s layup, but Neptune answered 15-11.Tim Neptune the leadfoul for looking good forward to the State Championships. like I was in the gym by myself.” er for Neptune’s NJSIAA Central Jersey it Neck’s Vengalis took dropped in two For Calderon, the championship was with 10 in a row capped by three-pointers makequarter, it a two-point gameon again, in shots the to third 23-20, a trey by Group III champion football team last 788 Shrewsbury Avenue 788 Shrewsbury Avenue second the year.

He was a key play- from Kirkwood and Calderon. That made but Neptune’s Ikiestarted Calderona missed the by Colts heofgot which 7-1 run the Neck worked the ball down to 10his that PHOTO: ERIC BRAUN fall. “I want to make it three rings now,” Calderon it 15-11. Neptune took the lead for good first of a one-and- one to give Colts Neck seconds and the ball was passed to Hunterer for Neptune’s NJSIAA Central Jersey fouled but it Neptune’s Jaheem Woods (4) flies to the basket for two Building 2, Suite 201 Building 2, Suite 201 said Calderon, in looking ahead to the Fliers. another chance, but once again they turned Wysocki in the paint, but good defense byGroup IIIcalled. champion team last in the third quarter, 23-20, on a trey by wasn’t p o i n tfootball s.

Theballtitle the over.was a 22nd Shore Conference state tournament. fall.This “I want toamake NJ it three07724 rings now,” Calderon which started a 7-1 run by the Kirkwood resulted in a miss with Fuguan was Tinton Falls, Tinton Falls, NJ 07724 Jaheem of Neptune fouled hit 22.7 percent. Both teams had one long winWoods for the Scarletwas Fliers whoMcDonald last grabbing the rebound. “Wesaidvery physical in game, but both teams left Fliers.

Calderon, looking ahead to the The first half saw both teams finding a record but he, too, missed the first of a one-and- were going to go for either a three or getstate scoring streak in the first half.

Neck The title was a 22nd ShoreColts Conference everything on the floor.” tournament. the team title in 2008. It was also the lid on the basket with Neptune making on won one with 30 seconds to go, giving Colts the ball to Hunter in the box,” said Colts TheMcDonald scored nine straight points, five Seanlast five seconds win for the Scarlet Fliersbywho first halfwas sawfouled both with teams finding a record fourth for O’Donnell in his 23 years as 6 of 31 from the floor while Colts Neck Neck one more opportunity.

O’Reilly to open upin a 9-2 lead thealso firstthe Neck Head Coach Lou Piccola. “I thoughtlid left andbasket made both clinch the win. “I’m the team title 2008.

It in was on the withtoNeptune making on won period. for O’Donnell in his 23 years as was 4 for 25. Overall Neptune shot 25 Head Coach for boys’ basketball. a good foul shooter,” said McDonald.

“I fourth 6 of 31 from the floor while Colts Neck Colts Neck moved out to an 11-5 advanconfident that I would makeshot them. percent from the floor while Colts Neck waswas 4 for 25. Overall Neptune 25I Head Coach for boys’ basketball.

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just wanted to help my teammates. I felt like I was in the gym by myself.”

For Calderon, the championship was his second of the year. He was a key player for Neptune’s NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III champion football team last fall. “I want to make it three rings now,” said Calderon, in looking ahead to the state tournament.

The first half saw both teams finding a lid on the basket with Neptune making on 6 of 31 from the floor while Colts Neck was 4 for 25. Overall Neptune shot 25 percent from the floor while Colts Neck

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tage early in the second quarter on Wysocki’s layup, but Neptune answered with 10 in a row capped by three-pointers from Kirkwood and Calderon. That made it 15-11. Neptune took the lead for good in the third quarter, 23-20, on a trey by Calderon which started a 7-1 run by the Fliers.

The title was a 22nd Shore Conference record win for the Scarlet Fliers who last won the team title in 2008. It was also the fourth for O’Donnell in his 23 years as Head Coach for boys’ basketball.

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4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

Bucs Move to Class B North

Lady Warriors Looking For Sectional Title

By Jim Hintelmann LITTLE SILVER - After several years of competing in the A Central division, Red Bank Regional baseball coach Del Dal Pra is returning to the B North division, where he was head coach at Ocean Township for many years.

Dal Pra, who is also Red Bank's athletic director, will have a veteran team this year with 11 lettermen back, including seven starters. They look to improve on last year's 12-15 record and be a contender in the B North. The Bucs spent the past week at Myrtle Beach, S.C and returned Saturday.

"We didn't hit well down there," Dal Pra admitted, "but our pitching looks good. I'm looking forward to playing in the B North. The A Central was very strong with teams like Red Bank Catholic, but I'm looking to see how we match up in the B North. It will be a challenge for us."

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will be a strength of the team with Brian Wikoff (3-1. 1.81 era), Joe Jacques By Michael Rogers (4-1) and A.J. Forgione (3-1) coming The Manasquan girls’ softball team is back. coming off of a season in which they Other probable starters will be catch- finished with a record of 15 wins and er, Dylan Stambaugh (.404), who 10 losses and a record of 7 wins and is coming off an outstanding wres- 3 losses within the C central division. tling season, shortstop, Ross Gisondi Head coach, Amy Certo, returns with a (.320), and outfielder-pitcher, Jacob career record of 19 wins and 83 losses Nappi (.330). and this, her 8th season as the head coach of the Lady Warriors.

Two other key players are second baseman Cory Martin, third baseman T h e Tyler Cook (.329), designated hitter Wa r r i o r s Cooper Gettis and outfielder Austin look to have Morringiello. some young talent "We have decent team speed," said coming into the Dal Pra, "but we don't have as much varsity level and power as we had at Ocean Township. that, mixed with We'll do the small things. We're a se- the upper class players they already nior-laden team."

Red Bank opens its season Tues- have on their roster, day when it travels to Free- could have some h o l d Boro. success this season under Coach Certo.

The infield looks strong with seniors, Kaitlyn Anderson at first base and Allison Latourette at second base.

Sophomores, Megan Gilly (third base) and Aubrey J o n e s (shortstop), got some playing time last season and return to the lineup. In the outfield Kate Marrotta returns and Latourette plays the outfield as well.

Page 19

Quinn Saito returns as the catcher and also returning is Olivia Galinis who returns as a pitcher.

Some new players competing for playing time are juniors, Mary Beth Bellicci, Ceci Barrada, and Tara Dugan, who all play the outfield and Shakyra Moore, who plays third base. Emma Centile will compete for some time at catcher.

Manasquan opens the season with a game against Raritan, St. John Vianney, and Rumson which will give the Warriors a chance to see just what kind of team they can have this season. Barnes is very excited for the upcoming season and said, “We are r e a l l y looking forward to getting back to the state playoffs. We came very close to winning a sectional title last season and this year we want to win it all.”

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Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

Baseball Predictions CLASS A NORTH PREDICTED FINISH:

CLASS A CENTRAL PREDICTED FINISH:

CBA MANALAPAN MIDDLETOWN SOUTH COLTS NECK FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP MARLBORO MIDDLETOWN NORTH HOWELL

RED BANK CATHOLIC ST. JOHN VIANNEY RARITAN MONMOUTH REGIONAL MANASQUAN RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN HOLMDEL SHORE REGIONAL

The Colts are loaded with talent and appear primed for a division title.

Defending champion Middletown South lost a lot to graduation, but will remain in the mix with several key seniors and junior pitcher Kyle Brey returning.

Manalapan is the defending Group IV champion and will be very strong.

RBC should roll to the division title, but don’t be too quick to discount SJV. The Lancers return a lot of talent and they can hit. They finished just two games behind the Caseys last year.

CLASS A SOUTH PREDICTED FINISH: JACKSON MEMORIAL TOMS RIVER NORTH TOMS RIVER SOUTH BRICK MEMORIAL TOMS RIVER EAST BRICK TOWNSHIP SOUTHERN LACEY TR North will be looking for revenge against Jackson Memorial and the two foes figure to settle the divi-

By Ted Kaiser

sion against each other. TR South and Brick Memorial could surprise them though.

Mater Dei should be playoff caliber teams. Ranney joins the Shore Conference and makes their debut.

CLASS B NORTH PREDICTED FINISH: FREEHOLD BORO WALL RED BANK REGIONAL OCEAN MATAWAN NEPTUNE LONG BRANCH Wall went undefeated in the division last year, but now Freehold has the confidence of a state championship to make a run at them. The Colonials also have more returning talent.

CLASS B CENTRAL PREDICTED FINISH:

CLASS B SOUTH PREDICTED FINISH: JACKSON LIBERTY MONSIGNOR DONOVAN CENTRAL POINT BORO MANCHESTER BARNEGAT PINELANDS LAKEWOOD Manchester and Barnegat lost many key players to graduation and that should make the division open up for Jackson Liberty. Mon Don and Central return experienced lineups to try and make a run.

ST. ROSE POINT BEACH MATER DEI KEYPORT KEANSBURG HENRY HUDSON RANNEY ASBURY PARK St. Rose should keep their hold on the division.

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4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

Softball Predictions CLASS A NORTH PREDICTED FINISH: MIDDLETOWN SOUTH HOWELL MIDDLETOWN NORTH FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP COLTS NECK MANALAPAN MARLBORO The Eagles may have to lean more on their pitching with a lot of the offensive graduating from 2012, but the division might not be as strong as last year. Middletown North might be poised to move up the standings and contend for a playoff berth.

CLASS A CENTRAL PREDICTED FINISH:

This is the most competitive division in the Shore Conference. SJV is the favorite, while Raritan and RBC will likely be in a dogfight for second. Manasquan and Monmouth Regional look like they could have very good seasons.

CLASS A SOUTH PREDICTED FINISH: TOMS RIVER EAST TOMS RIVER SOUTH BRICK MEMORIAL BRICK TOWNSHIP TOMS RIVER NORTH JACKSON MEMORIAL LACEY SOUTHERN It looks like an all-Toms River battle at the top between TR East and TR South. The Raiders still have a slight edge in firepower returning. Brick Memorial seems like the clear third best team in the division.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY RARITAN RED BANK CATHOLIC MANASQUAN MONMOUTH REGIONAL HOLMDEL SHORE REGIONAL RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

By Ted Kaiser

CLASS B NORTH PREDICTED FINISH: WALL OCEAN RED BANK REGIONAL MATAWAN NEPTUNE FREEHOLD BORO LONG BRANCH Wall might go undefeated in division play for the second year in a row.

Ocean is their top challenger, while RBR, Matawan, and Neptune could be playoff contenders.

CLASS B CENTRAL PREDICTED FINISH: MATER DEI ST. ROSE POINT BEACH KEYPORT HENRY HUDSON RANNEY KEANSBURG Pitcher Jackie Nash and company figure to lead Mater Dei to another title under head coach Jeanne Dickinson.

St. Rose and Point Beach are next in line to challenge the Seraphs.

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CLASS B SOUTH PREDICTED FINISH: CENTRAL MONSIGNOR DONOVAN BARNEGAT JACKSON LIBERTY PINELANDS MANCHESTER POINT BORO LAKEWOOD Central returns most players after an 18-win season. Mon Don, Barnegat, and Jackson Liberty all are capable of finishing better than .500.

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Page 22

Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

BRICK MEMORIAL BASEBALL LOOKING FOR A TITLE IN 2013

By Mike Ready

BRICK – The Brick Memorial Mustangs made huge strides in its baseball program in 2012 and expects to continue to build on that success this season.

After posting a 8-14 record in 2011, the Mustangs turned things around in 2012 going 15-10, 6-4 in the division while making all three tournaments (Ocean, Shore and Central Jersey Group IV), tying for third in the very competitive Class A South division and being ranked eighth in the final Shore Conference poll. They also lost a 1-0 heartbreaker to No.1 Jackson in the Ocean County Tournament final; one-of-four close losses to the Jaguars last season.

Second team All-Shore Conference pitcher, Brian Cottrell, returns as a senior and team leader, and feels his team is primed for a breakout season. “I think we’re looking really good for this season. We have five starting position players returning with a lot of experience and two starting pitchers; I think we can go far.”

Cottrell has some goals in mind. “We want to win the South (Class A), then the tournaments. I really want to win the Ocean County Tournament.”

Last year, Cottrell finished 6-2 with two saves and a 1.58 earned run average (ERA) in 51 1/3 innings. Cottrell also struck out 34 batters in 54 innings of work for the Mustangs.

Senior Cory Zytko returns, and is the number two starter after coming into his own in the 2012 season. Zytko went 2-3 in 35 innings with a 2.80 ERA and 21 strikeouts.

Senior Kyle Skoog is the third starter and should provide some quality innings for the Mustangs when he’s not in right field. The lefthander pitched 10 innings of relief last year, striking out nine and walking none with one save. He also stole 11 bases and scored 10 runs.

Another senior, Brian Pintinics, steps into the fourth starter role as well as battling senior Matt Hall for the starting second base position.

scored six runs as a part-time player last year. Head coach Even Rissitello expects big things out of Hobbs this year. “Hobbs gained a lot of experience last year and his play this preseason has been tremendous.”

Junior Kyle Cala bats third and plays centerfield. Cala’s another speedster that covers a lot of ground in center field and is a threat to steal bases. He averaged .325 last season with 12 R, 8 RBI, and 9 steals.

Batting cleanup is senior third baseman Michael Martone, a three-year starter.

After hitting .259 last season Martone, a solid if not exceptional defensive player, expects to add more offense to his game this year.

In the fifth spot of the order for the Mustangs is senior catcher Ryan Melia. Melia knows his pitching staff and calls a great game. He batted .308 last year with nine runs batted in.

One-through-five in the batting order is set with Skoog leading off followed by junior shortstop, Tyler Hobbs. Hobbs batted .286 and

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Senior Evan Kachelhoffer and junior Joe Piper are in a battle for starting leftfielder, while junior Anthony Assante and freshman Brian Markoski are in a close race for the first base job. Both positions may end up in a platoon situation if there is no clear-cut favorite.

Rizzitello likes the experience his team possesses, “A lot of these guys have three year’s varsity experience. They’ve been starting since sophomore year and have been playing together since before high school. We have a very cohesive club because of this. Last year we lost a lot of very close games during the season and in the tournaments; I’m hoping this experience puts us over the top.”

Follow me on twitter @getmready

Braves Look to Three-peat as State Champions in 2013 By: Pat Ralph Coming off a second straight season with a NJSIAA Group IV State Championship, the Manalapan Braves enter the 2013 season with one goal in mind: three-peat. Though the chances of them repeating may be very difficult, the Braves are no strangers to being underdogs. After a dominating 2011 season in which the Braves left no doubt they were the best team in their state group, Manalapan’s run to their second straight state title came as much more of a surprise, as the Braves only returned two starters and were an average team for most of the 2012 season.

The Braves went 18-11 (7-5 in Class A North) in 2012 and finished tied for third in the always-competitive Class A North division.

The Braves enter the 2013 season ranked #6 in the Shore Conference and are led by manager, Bryan Boyce, who begins his eighth season at the helm and is committed to keeping his team focused upon contending for and winning Class A North, the Monmouth County Tournament title, and the Shore Conference Tournament title before thinking about winning a third straight Group IV championship. Even though they lost several of their best players from the 2012 squad to graduation, Manalapan returns the majority of their core for the 2013 campaign.

The strength of Manalapan’s squad is the pitching with senior righthanders, Matt Simonetti and Dennis Girolamo, leading the way. Simonetti went 4-3 in 31 innings of work in 2012 with a 2.31 earned run average (ERA), 2 saves, and 25 strikeouts, while Girolamo went 3-0 in 35 innings of work with a 3.17 ERA and 35 strikeouts.

Despite losing several key members of their starting lineup, the Braves return five players with vast experience from their 2012 squad. The best hitter in the lineup is the leadoff man, senior catcher, Michael Knauf, who hit .329 with 16 runs batted in (RBI) as a junior.

The lineup also features the likes of senior third baseman, Billy Moed, senior outfielders, Greg Yip and Chris Tiplado, and junior second baseman, Matt Parke. Moed hit .376 with 2 homeruns and 11 RBI’s, Yip hit .290 with 6 RBI’s, Tiplado hit .317 with 6 RBI’s, and Parke hit .262 with 19 RBI’s in 2012.

The Braves may not be the favorites to win their own division, the county title, or the conference title, but they will definitely make noise throughout the entire season. And if they claim they are not thinking about a three-peat as state champions, the thought of it at least has to be in the back of their minds as they move forward throughout the season.

A strong regular season in the Shore Conference will be a key if Manalapan wants to make it a three-peat as Group IV state champions. After returning from a national preseason tournament in Florida this past week, the Manalapan Braves begin their 2013 campaign on Monday, April 1st against division rival and defending MCT champion Freehold Township.

4/2/13 - 4/21/13 • Jersey Sporting News

Colts Look to Restore Glory in Lincroft

Page 23

By Pat Ralph

Coming off a 17-9 (7-5 Class A North) 2012 season without a division title or any tournament championships, the Christian Brothers Academy Colts baseball team is determined to turn around their recent history of misfortunes and restore glory in Lincroft to one of the best baseball programs in New Jersey. The 2013 season could be a very historic one for the Colts, as manager Marty Kenney begins his 40th season on the job and stands only eight wins away from 700 career victories as a high school baseball coach.

The Colts enter the 2013 campaign as the favorite to win the Class A North division title, the Monmouth County Tournament title, and the Shore Conference Tournament title, as CBA was picked #1 in the Shore Conference to begin the season. The Colts also earned the honor of being selected #13 in New Jersey to begin the season. For most schools, these high expectations would bring about pressure they have never felt before.

For CBA, the pressure to perform and win at a high level is there every year, so this is nothing new to the players who put on the blue and white.

However, when a school like CBA has four Division I-bound seniors on their roster this season and has not lived up to their traditional winning ways for the last few years (no championships for the last three seasons), there is definitely some extra pressure to win.

After losing shortstop Sean Arnott, who is now snagging groundballs for Temple University, outfielder Zach Zupa, and many other key players from last year’s team to graduation, the Colts are reloaded and ready to prove why they are the best team in the Shore Conference. The foundation of this team, similar to last year’s squad, is the pitching staff.

Historically, CBA has been a baseball program built upon great hitting, putting up a lot runs, and the ability to outslug any of their opponents rather than on good pitching.

However, if this team wants to live up to the expectations, it will depend on if their pitching staff decides to perform up to their capabilities.

The pitching staff is led by the dynamic onetwo punch of righthanders John McCarren, who will be playing for Wake Forest University

next year, and Matt Pidich, who will be playing for the University of Pittsburgh next year. Last season, the future Demon Deacon McCarren went 5-1 with a 2.34 earned run average (ERA) and struck out 34 batters, while the future Panther Pidich went 4-3 with a 2.24 ERA and had 50 K’s.

Offensively, the Colts will be led by the senior trio of first baseman Joe Dudek, who will be playing for the University of North Carolina next year, third baseman-turned-shortstop Anthony Critelli, who will be playing for the College of the Holy Cross in the Patriot League, and outfielder Chris Cordova, who has been a four-year varsity starter for CBA. Last season, the future Tar Heel Dudek hit .400 with 3 homeruns and 20 runs batted in (RBI), Critelli hit .338 with 14 RBI’s, and Cordova hit .432 with 16 RBI’s.

With four players continuing their career at the Division I level, three of them to the ACC, and a solid core of good-fundamental and well-coached players, the sky is the limit for the Colts. If the pitching and offense live up to the high expectations, this team will be very hard to beat as the season moves along. The Colts begin their 2013 campaign on the road on Monday, April 1st against Colts Neck and at Middletown North on Wednesday, April 3rd, followed by their muchanticipated home opener against crosstown rival Middletown South on Friday, April 5th.

Page 24

Jersey Sporting News • 4/2/13 - 4/21/13

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