2-12-20 Volume-XII Issue-2 2020 Shore Conference Tournament Wrestling Champions by Shore Sports Network Journal

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January 12, 2020 Volume-XII Issue-2

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Kevin WILLIAMS Shore Sports Network Director kevin.williams@townsquaremedia.com

Steve MEYER Shore Sports Networkn Director High School Division steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

732-233-4460 Managing Editor BOBBadders // bob.badders@townsquaremedia.com

Senior Content Providers MATTManley // mmanley21@gmail.com GREGGlerner // glerner3@verizon.net

Shore Sports Network Journal is published by: Townsquare Media 8 Robbins Street Toms River, NJ 08753

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What is CBD and how to use it to manage pain

By Dr. Jim Louro Director of Care Jersey Shore Institute of Health & Wellness

emp CBD is all the Rage at the moment. Is the naturally occurring compound a legitimate healthy alternative to dealing with ailments such as chronic pain and inflammation? And, if so, is it an alternative to opioids?

indicative of any abuse or dependence potential… To date, there is no evidence of recreational use of CBD or any public health related problems associated with the use of pure CBD.” They go on to say that “reported adverse effects may be as a result of drug-drug interactions between CBD and patients’ existing medications,” so, while the potential for harmful reaction is low, if you are currently taking medication be sure to contact your primary care physician regarding any potential harmful interactions before consumption. Most quality products contain these symbols:

Bottom Line

What is it? In 2018, under the Agricultural Improvement Act (aka the Farm Bill), the federal government legalized cannabinol (CBD), which is one of the many naturally occurring cannabinoids derived from the commonly found hemp plant. Cannabinoids are non-psychoactive compounds that act on the Endocannabinoid System (ECS) of the human body. The ECS is involved in a host of physiological functions in the body, including the modulation of pain and inflammation. Furthermore, results of clinical studies in humans consistently demonstrate the efficacy of CBD in reducing diverse neuropathic pain (nervous system pain) states in humans.

Is it Safe? The hemp plant and its extracted compounds have been used medicinally for thousands of years all across the world, from Ancient China to Ancient Greece. According to a 2017 report on CBD by the World Health Organization (WHO), “in humans, CBD exhibits no effects

• Anxiety: including reductions in muscular tension and social anxiety • Chronic Pain • Crohn’s Disease • Diabetic Complications • Epilepsy • Inflammatory Bowel Disease • Inflammatory Diseases • Neuropathic Pain: analgesic effects in pain resistant to other treatments.

What Can I Use It For? While clinical data regarding CBD is still in the early stages of accumulation, there has been abundant pre-clinical and animal modeling documenting the benefits of CBD in treating a wide variety of ailments. An article published in Pharmacology and Therapeutics (2017) and cited in the WHO’s 2017 report on CBD lists the following ailments as receiving therapeutic benefit from CBD in both human and animal models:

In a country in the height of a brutal opioid epidemic with no end in sight, there is a dire need for alternative, non-addictive measures for the treatment of ailments such as chronic pain and inflammatory diseases. CBD products continue to demonstrate as a safe, addictionfree alternative to reducing and managing said ailments. The bottom line, the potential health benefits of CBD warrant further, widespread study, and usage as alternative treatments to certain diseases. When looking for quality CBD products be sure to check for labels, which most quality CBD products use: If you would like more information about Hemp CBD naturally occurring compounds, call Dr. Jim Louro Director of Care Jersey Shore Institute Of Health & Wellnes, Manasquan, NJ 08736 Office:732 722-7500. Cell:732-539-8043. Jerseyshorehealth.com

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hroughout the 2020 season, Jersey Mike’s and Shore Sports Network will be selecting a Team of the Week based on its performance over the past seven days

Matt Manley

- Senior Staff writer

eading into last week, the Monmouth Regional boys basketball players were just hoping for a night in which they could leave the gym with a winning feeling again. A year after a respectable, 11win season, the Falcons graduated four starters and returned mostly juniors and sophomores who opened last week with a loss to Manasquan that marked their 13th straight defeat.

ast year was arguably the worst season in the history of Lakewood basketball, which is noteworthy because of the winning standard its boys program has set during its tradition-rich history.

Week four

Point Boro 4

After losing to the Shore’s best team by 40 points, the Falcons made sure 13 was their unluckiest number. Not only did they end the losing streak; they answered it with a winning streak. Monmouth beat Henry Hudson on Feb. 5 to snap a 13-game skid, then scored their biggest win of the year by upsetting Red Bank Catholic – the No. 8 team in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 at the time – in dramatic fashion two nights later. With wins over the Admirals and Caseys in a three-day span, Monmouth doubled its win total for the season and earned Jersey Mike’s Team of the Week honors for Week 6 of 2020. Juniors Kiran Desai, A.J. Po and Jake Marcincak and sophomore Aidan Denton were the central figures in Monmouth’s return to winning last week. Desai and Po each scored 15 points and Marcincak added 14 in the 68-45 win over Henry Hudson, with Po also grabbing 10 rebounds. That was just the warm-up act for Friday, when Monmouth stunned the Caseys, playing without senior standout Charlie Gordinier because of a hand injury. Denton led the way with 16 points and hit a three-pointer to put his Falcons up by four points with a little more than a minute to go. RBC battled back to tie the game but Desai earned a trip to the free throw line with three seconds left and buried the go-ahead free throws. RBC came up empty and the Falcons celebrated a Friday night upset at home. Desai finished with 14 points and Po put up 15 in the victory, which snapped Red Bank Catholic’s six-game winning streak.

Randy Holmes contributed to that tradition as a player and has been the keeper of that legacy as the head coach since 2007-08 season and guided the Piners to at least a share of a Shore Conference division title in 10 straight seasons from 2008-09 to 2017-18. Last year's seven-win season seemed to come out of nowhere, but Holmes knew all of the inexperience on the roster meant teaching and learning had to come before winning. This year, however, it was back to business for Ocean County's most decorated program. After an 0-2 start to the season, Lakewood has reanimated as the Class B South favorite. Last week, the Piners won four huge games to earn the Week 5 Jersey Mike's Team of the Week Award and took over first place in Class B South at the start of this week. Lakewood opened its season with losses to Barnegat and Point Pleasant Boro in heartbreaking fashion but finished the first turn through the division strong with five straight wins. The Piners put their improvement to the test with back-to-back games division games against Barnegat and Point Boro and won them both, first beating Barnegat in a tight game in Lakewood.

Week three

Manalapan

After Lakewood opened the week with a rout of Brick, the Panthers awaited in Point Pleasant to open up last week and Lakewood arrived ready. The Piners turned in a suffocating defensive performance - particularly during the second and third quarters - and rode a huge game from freshman Respect Tyleek (19 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists) to an impressive, 58-38, road win. That Lakewood victory snapped a 10-game winning streak by Point Boro while handing the Panthers their first loss in Class B South play. Next up, the Piners handled Pinelands at home, 51-31, as senior Ryan Savoy scored 17 points to join the 1,000-point club. With an accompanying Point Boro loss at Lacey, Lakewood jumped into a first-place tie with the Panthers in B South. Lakewood capped its week by renewing its rivalry with Neptune in a non-divisional showdown at the Piner Palace. Lakewood led most of the way until Neptune rallied over the course of the second half to take a one-point lead. Freshman Samir Padilla, however, came through with a go-ahead floater with 50 seconds left that proved to be the difference in a 42-41 Lakewood win.

Week Two

Midd South

Week One

Barnegat

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very week this regular season, Shore Conference Basketball fans will have their chance to vote for the Orthopaedic Institute of Central Jersey/ Shore Sports Network Basketball Player of the Week on our website.

5 Player of the Week winner is

WFreehold Boro Jiasion Carpenter eek

Freehold Boro went 1-2 last week but the one was the kind of win that might just make the season for the Colonials. Freehold Boro beat rival Freehold Township for the first time in nine years and Carpenter starred with 21 points, 14 rebounds, six steals and three blocks. That performance is part of a breakout stretch for the junior wing, who has been a varsity mainstay since his freshman season as Freehold Boro has attempted to rebuild in a grueling Shore Conference Class A North

division. As part of last week's body of work, Carpenter also scored 21 points in a loss to Marlboro and poured in a career-high 30 in a loss to Monroe. In his first game of this week, Carpenter posted 18 points and 18 rebounds against Middletown South - the Shore's No. 2 team and a top-20 squad in the state, according to NJ.com. For winning the overall Player of the Week award, Carpenter will receive a gift card to Surf Taco. He beat out Toms River East senior Ryan Goodall (25 percent) and Ranney sophomore Elijah Perkins (17 percent) with 37 percent of the votes cast.

Week

4 Player of the Week winner is

W Lacey Troy Buxton eek

Freshmen have made a noteworthy impact around the Shore Conference this year and few teams have gotten as much out of their rookies as Lacey has. Last week, it was their freshman sharp-shooter who stole the show, particularly in a come-from-behind win over Toms River South. Buxton hit six of Lacey's 16 three-pointers in the

win, 11 of which came during the second half to help the Lions overcome a double-digit halftime deficit. Buxton finished with a career-high 26 points, then followed up a team-high 14 in a loss to Manchester a day earlier. For winning the overall Player of the Week award, Buxton will receive a gift card to Surf Taco. He beat out Holmdel senior Derek Chan, Marlboro senior Alex Ratner and Neptune senior Azmere Wilson.

Matt

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Point Boro

Week

Will

Surdez

Colts Neck

Week

Jay

1 Silva

Southern

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Toms River North (19-3, 13-0)

or any team hoping the graduation of Bryan Antoine and FConference Scottie Lewis from Ranney would open up the Shore to more potential Shore Conference Tournament

contenders, their hopes have been dashed with every dominant performance turned in by Manasquan this season. The Warriors have steamrolled the Shore throughout December, January and February and left no doubt about who the No. 1 seed and heavy favorite in the SCT will be once the tournament is seeded early Sunday afternoon. The top-five teams in the field appear clear-cut as well, with some wiggle room to move the order of seed Nos. 3 through 5. After that, the field becomes crowded with teams that have either resume flaws, roster questions, or both. What follows is an attempt to sort through the body of work of each of the teams still in the running for a spot in the SCT, which currently stands at 26 teams that have clinched spots and two more that are one win away from qualifying. The criteria for seeding always starts with the overall body of work, with head-to-head results, results against common opponents, quality of a team’s best win and division standing all playing a part when comparing teams. Even with those guidelines, there is bound to be subjectivity in the process so the range of outcomes from seed No. 6 on through the bottom of the field will be wide.

With that in mind, here goes nothing. Note: Opponents preceded by “at” denote a true road game; preceded by “vs.” denote a neutral court game; preceded by nothing denote a home game.

Division Wins: Brick (2), Brick Memorial (2), Southern (2), Toms River East (2), Toms River South (2), at Central, at Jackson Memorial Division Losses: None Non-Division Wins: Point Boro, Donovan Catholic, Marlboro, Mainland, vs. Wall, Donovan Catholic Non-Division Losses: Manasquan, vs. Rutgers Prep, Lincoln Before the Cutoff: Jackson Memorial, at New Brunswick Why They’re Here: Even if Toms River North avoided a slip-up against Lincoln, the Mariners were going to have a hard time beating out Middletown South for the No. 2 seed. It doesn’t matter all that much anyway because the Mariners will still be at home and if they can beat the teams in front of them, they will have their chance at Middletown South, assuming the Eagles can do the same with their draw. Not only that; Toms River North will be playing on its home floor in every round other than the championship game.

Marlboro (16-5, 10-3)

Division Wins: Freehold Boro (2), Long Branch (2), Manalapan (2), at CBA, Freehold Twp., Howell Division Losses: Middletown South (2), CBA Non-Division Wins: Vs. Manchester, vs. Wall, vs. Old Bridge, Neptune, Rumson-Fair Haven, Mater Dei Prep Non-Division Losses: At Toms River North, vs. Middletown South Before the Cutoff: At Howell Why They’re Here: The No. 4 seed is the first of many that could go in more than one directions, but there is not likely to be much of a difference between Nos. 4 and 5. Marlboro has two more losses than Holmdel but has probably played the harder schedule by a small margin. This one could go either way but it should not be a major point of contention given that Marlboro and Holmdel will be the 4 and the 5 in some order and would meet in the quarterfinals if the seeds hold true to form.

Holmdel (16-3, 11-2) Division Wins: Raritan (2), Rumson-Fair Haven (2), St. Rose (2), Shore (2), at Monmouth, RBC Division Losses: Manasquan (2) Non-Division Wins: Vs. Old Bridge, vs. Edison, vs. Franklin, at Freehold Twp., at Matawan Non-Division Losses: Vs. Carteret Before the Cutoff: At. RBC, at Manalapan

Manasquan (21-1, 13-0) Division Wins: Holmdel (2), Monmouth (2), Raritan (2), Rumson-Fair Haven (2), St. Rose (2), Red Bank Catholic, at Shore Division Losses: None Non-Division Wins: Vs. Newark East Side, vs. Brick Memorial, vs. Toms River East, vs. Middletown South, at Toms River North, vs. West Side Newark, vs. St. Peter’s Prep, vs. Hillside

Why They’re Here: If Holmdel wants to make its case to move up an extra spot, the Hornets can point to perfect record in A Central outside of two Manasquan losses. The second of those two losses was by a mere six points in Manasquan’s toughest Shore Conference game of the season. Holmdel will have a chance to make a statement this week with a division finale vs. Red Bank Catholic and an inter-divisional showdown vs. Manalapan, which Marlboro beat by single-digit margins twice.

Wall (17-4, 13-0) Division Wins: Middletown North (2), Neptune (2), Ocean (2), Red Bank (2), SJV (2), Colts Neck, at Matawan

Non-Division Losses: Vs. Roselle Catholic

Division Losses: None

Before the Cutoff: Shore, Wall

Non-Division Wins: Vs. Toms River South, vs. Donovan Catholic, Jackson Memorial, vs. Howell

Why They’re Here: Just when it seemed like smooth sailing to a Shore Conference title for Manasquan, Alex Galvan came down with another injury, which the team is currently treating as a shin bruise. Even if Galvan's availability in the tournament is limited, Manasquan has shown it can beat quality competition without him this year, so their seed will remain unchanged - especially with head-to-head wins over Middletown South, Toms River North and Holmdel.

Non-Division Losses: Vs. Marlboro, vs. Irvington, vs. Red Bank Catholic, vs. Toms River North

Middletown South (20-1, 13-0) Division Wins: CBA (2), Freehold Boro (2), Howell (2), Manalapan (2), Marlboro (2), at Freehold Twp., at Long Branch Division Losses: None

Before the Cutoff: Matawan, at Manasquan Why They’re Here: At the beginning of the week, Wall still looks like a relatively safe choice for the No. 6 seed but the Crimson Knights could have some competition by week’s end. Wall’s strength is its unbeaten mark in a solid B North division from top-to-bottom, while the Crimson Knights are hurt by a spotty record outside the division. Wall does not have to beat Manasquan to lock up the No. 6 spot but a competitive showing would be reassuring.

Christian Brothers Academy (12-9, 8-5)

Division Wins: Howell (2), Long Branch (2), at Freehold Boro, Freehold Twp., at Marlboro Division Losses: Middletown South (2), at Freehold Twp., Manalapan, Marlboro

Non-Division Wins: Vs. Lacey, vs. Red Bank Catholic, vs. Marlboro, Matawan, vs. Ranney, RFH, at Mater Dei

Non-Division Wins: William Floyd (N.Y.), vs. St. Joseph Metuchen, vs. Mater Dei, vs. Piscataway

Non-Division Losses: Vs. Manasquan

Non-Division Losses: Vs. Hudson Catholic, vs. Calvert Hall (Md.), vs. Fairmont Heights (Md.), vs. Wildwood Catholic

Before the Cutoff: Freehold Twp., at Middletown North

Before the Cutoff: At Freehold Boro, at Red Bank Catholic

Why They’re Here: There is not a head-to-head between Middletown South and the next team in line but the Eagles have also done more than enough to lock up the No. 2 seed. They already clinched their first division title in 41 years and are one win away from finishing the Class A North season unbeaten. Middletown South’s lone loss is to No. 1 Manasquan and the Eagles have a collection of noteworthy wins both inside and outside of A North.

Why They’re Here: Since dropping to 4-8, CBA has won eight of nine with the lone loss coming to Middletown South. In that time, the Colts have also gotten healthy, with sophomores Ryan Mabrey and Matt Lautato rejoining the rotation. With a win over Marlboro, a pair of competitive games vs. Middletown South (including on in overtime), a win at Manalapan, and Red Bank Catholic coming up before the deadline, CBA has a chance to move up one spot – an important jump if it wants to avoid Middletown South in the quarterfinal round.

FOR SHORE SPORTS NETWORK ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460

steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

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Manalapan (11-7, 7-6) Division Wins: Freehold Boro (2), Freehold Twp. (2), at CBA, Howell, Long Branch Division Losses: Marlboro (2), Middletown South (2), at Howell Non-Division Wins: Vs. Old Bridge, at Matawan, Colts Neck, Southern Non-Division Losses: Vs. Carteret Before the Cutoff: At Long Branch, Holmdel Why They’re Here: Manalapan has been dealing with a pair of key injuries lately so it might be a little easier to overlook some of the Braves' shortcomings over the last month. Even in losing to CBA on Monday, Manalapan played the red-hot Colts tight and will still have a chance to finish strong at home vs. Holmdel on Saturday. Losing that game should not damage Manalapan too much while a win over the Hornets would significantly shake up the top eight.

Red Bank Catholic (13-7, 7-6) Division Wins: Raritan (2), Shore (2), at Monmouth, at Rumson-Fair Haven, St. Rose Division Losses: At Holmdel, at Manasquan, at Monmouth, Rumson-Fair Haven, at St. Rose Non-Division Wins: Vs. Jackson Memorial, vs. Toms River East, vs. Red Bank, vs. Wall, vs. Toms River East, Henry Hudson Non-Division Losses: Vs. Middletown South Before the Cutoff: Holmdel, CBA Why They’re Here: The Caseys lost to Monmouth Regional on Friday and entered the week unsure if Charlie Gordinier (hand) would be able to play in the SCT. After Tuesday night, they can feel a little better about their prospects. The Caseys hung tough with Manasquan for most of Tuesday's loss and coach Tyler Schmelz is optimistic Gordinier will be able to play at some point next week. Wins over Wall and Rumson could be enough to hold off Lakewood and Ranney for a top-10 spot but the Caseys will have to continue to show they are competitive without Gordinier against two very tough, pre-cutoff opponents in Holmdel and CBA.

Ranney (12-7, 11-0) Division Wins: Henry Hudson (2), Keansburg (2), Keyport (2), Point Beach (2), at Asbury Park, Mater Dei Division Losses: None Non-Division Wins: Vs. Middletown North Non-Division Losses: At Lawrence Woodmere (N.Y.), vs. Burlington Twp., at Red Bank, vs. Middletown South, Wings Academy (N.Y.), vs. Hudson Catholic, vs. Roselle Catholic Before the Cutoff: At Mater Dei Why They’re Here: It has been about a month since Ranney was a top-10 team but the Panthers looked primed for the postseason. They still don’t have a win better than a home victory over Mater Dei Prep but they had a good showing vs. Roselle Catholic on Jan. 29 in a 66-59 loss. Ranney also welcomed 6-foot-9 junior Kyle Rhoden into fold and will now have one of the Shore’s best shot-blockers and rebounders on the floor to go with a skilled group of guards and sophomore bigs Ryan Zan and Charles Anyichie.

11. Mater Dei Prep (13-8, 10-1)

24. Donovan Cath. (10-9, 8-5)

12. Lakewood (16-4, 11-2)

25. Raritan (10-8, 5-8)

13. Rumson-Fair Haven (12-9, 8-5)

26. Manchester (10-8, 7-6)

14. Matawan (11-10, 10-3)

27. Pt Pleasant Beach (10-10, 7-4)

15. Freehold Twp. (10-10, 6-7)

28. Keyport (11-6, 6-5)

16. Neptune (11-10, 7-6) 17. St. John Vianney (14-7, 7-6)

Eliminated Lacey (8-11, 5-8)

18. St. Rose (11-9, 5-8)

Jackson Memorial (9-11, 6-7)

19. Ocean (11-8, 6-7)

Central (8-12, 6-7)

20. Southern (13-7, 10-3) 21. Toms River East (11-8, 9-4) 22. Pt Pleasant Boro (13-6, 10-3) 23. Barnegat (15-5, 8-5) 9

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very week this regular season, Shore Conference Wrestling fans will have their chance to vote for the Thrive Spine & Sports rehab / Shore Sports Network Wrestler of the Week on our website.

WK-1

106-pound Brick So.

Evan Tallmadge

WK-4

120-pound Howell jr.

Kyle Nase

The winner of the first poll encompassing the first three weeks of the season is Brick sophomore Evan Tallmadge, who is off to a blazing start as one of the top-ranked 106-pounders in the country.

The Week 4 Shore Conference Wrestler of the Week is Howell junior Kyle Nase, whose undefeated week included a win over a state qualifier who had defeated him by major decision last season.

Between the start of the season on Dec. 19 and matches wrestled on Jan. 4, Tallmadge has piled up a 12-0 record with none of his bouts going the distance. Wrestling mostly at 106 pounds with a handful of matches at 113 and one at 120, Tallmadge has five pins, six technical falls and one win by forfeit. Just three of his matches have made it to the third period. He also leads the Shore Conference in takedowns with 25, according to statistics compiled on Trackwrestling.com.

During Howell’s 43-20 win over South Plainfield, Nase scored a 7-3 decision over Tigers sophomore Jacob DelVecchio as the Rebels took nine bouts from the defending Group 3 champions. When the two teams met last season, DelVecchio won by 13-5 major decision over Nase at 113 pounds. DelVecchio then went on to reach the state tournament where he reached the second round of wrestlebacks.

Tallmadge had a very successful freshman season in the always deep and talented 106-pound weight class, going 33-5 with a District 24 title before finishing second in Region 6 and reaching the third round of wrestlebacks at the state tournament. It was over the summer when his stock rose considerably, however, as he won the 106-pound cadet freestyle national championship at the USA Wrestling Junior and Cadet Nationals in Fargo, N.D. It was a two-wrestler race for the first Wrestler of the Week award between to wrestlers quite familiar with each other as Tallmadge secured 43.6 percent of the votes to win over Brick Memorial standout freshman Anthony Santaniello, who had 32.6 percent of the votes cast.

Nase also won by 5-3 decision over Middletown South’s David Hussey during Howell’s 59-10 win over the Eagles and received a forfeit during a 47-23 victory over Long Branch. He added a win by fall over Watchung Hills’ Teagan Wittmaack on Tuesday to improve to 18-5 on the season for the No. 1-ranked Rebels. It was a very close vote this week with Nase securing 25.68 percent of the votes to finish just ahead of Point Beach’s Jesse Bowers, who had a clutch win that helped the Garnet Gulls defeat rival Point Boro for the first time in 22 years. Toms River North’s Nick Boggiano, who became the program’s all-time wins leader, finished third.

WK-5

138-pound Colts Neck Jr.

Logan Waller

WK-2

126-pound Howell jr.

Nieko Malone

The Week 2 Shore Conference Wrestler of the Week is Howell junior Nieko Malone, who had an undefeated week that included a monumental pin in the Rebels’ win over High Point in a clash of state powers. Malone’s win by fall with four bouts left served as the uppercut in Howell’s 37-36 win over High Point on criteria (most points scored, 1110) in a matchup of two top-10 teams in New Jersey. He was 4-0 for the week with three pins and one major decision, and so far this week he has added another win by fall to improve to 11-2 on the season. Both losses came when Howell wrestled in the loaded Powerade Tournament in late December. Malone was the runaway winner of the vote with 47.4 percent of the votes. Point Boro’s Gavin O’Connor was second for his last-second win that helped the Panthers defeat Lacey in a crucial Class B South match.

The Week 5 Shore Conference Wrestler of the Week is Colts Neck junior Logan Waller, who became the Cougars’ first Shore Conference Tournament champion and was also voted as the SCT’s Most Outstanding Wrestler. Seeded fourth in the 138-pound bracket for last weekend’s SCT, Waller defeated the No. 1 seed and pinned the state’s No. 2-ranked wrestler in the championship bout. In the semifinals, Waller scored a 7-5 decision over Shore Regional senior Al DeSantis, who was the top seed and is a three-time state tournament qualifier. In the championship bout, Waller faced Long Branch senior Ryan Zimmerman, who entered undefeated and ranked second in the state by NJ.com. Waller opened a 7-1 lead in the second period by taking Zimmerman down for the second time in the bout and then turning him for three nearfall points. In the third period, Waller used a reversal to go up 9-1 before locking up Zimmerman in a cradle and pinning him at the 4:30 mark of the bout. It was a statement win for Waller, who is now 27-1 on the season and ranked No. 4 in New Jersey at 138 pounds. After reaching the state tournament last season but failing to win a bout, Waller has his sights set on getting back to Atlantic City and making a run at a state title. First, he and his teammates will try to win the program’s first state sectional title. Colts Neck is the No. 5 seed in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group 4 section and will travel to fourth-seeded Northern Burlington for a quarterfinal match on Monday. The winner will likely wrestle top-seeded Brick Memorial in the semifinals. Appropriately, it was a two-man battle for the Wrestler of the Week award with Waller beating out Brick Memorial freshman Anthony Santaniello with 35.58 percent of the votes.

WK-6 WK-3

285-pound Donovan Cath. so.

Dominick Brogna

The Week 3 Shore Conference Wrestler of the Week is Donovan Catholic sophomore heavyweight Dominick Brogna, who picked up the biggest win of his young career to announce himself as a Shore Conference championship contender. Brogna went 4-0 with three wins by fall during the week, but it was his 4-2 victory over Ocean junior Joe Teresi that made waves around the Shore. Teresi was the SCT runner-up at heavyweight last season before finishing top 12 at the state tournament. Brogna's win wasn't only important on an individual level, it also helped the Griffins to a 3734 win over a Spartans team that is usually among the best in the Shore and a perennial sectional championship contender. Last season, Brogna went 18-3 and finished third at the District 28 Tournament and his results so far this season who he's capable of making a deep postseason run.

285-pound Howell Sr.

Justin Wright

Every week this season, Shore Conference wrestling fans will have their chance to vote for the Thrive Spine & Sports Rehab Shore Conference Wrestler of the Week on our website. The Week 6 Shore Conference Wrestler of the Week is Howell senior heavyweight Justin Wright, who continued his great season with a win over another of New Jersey’s top big men. Wright won by 3-2 decision over Garfield’s Michael Alfonso in a matchup of two wrestlers ranked in the top eight in the state by NJ.com. Wright was ranked sixth and Alfonso fourth at the time and the two have since swapped places in the most recent rankings. Wright is 28-3 on the season and won the Shore Conference Tournament heavyweight title 10 days ago. He also placed sixth at the prestigious Powerade Tournament earlier this season. He and the Rebels will look to bring home the NJSIAA Group 5 title for the third time in four years and on Friday, Feb. 14 will host the South Jersey Group 5 sectional final against the winner of the Feb. 12 match between Toms River North and Southern. Wright was the runaway winner with nearly 64 percent of the votes to win over Lacey sophomore Scott Stevens.

Brogna was the runaway winner of the poll with nearly half of all votes cast.

Special Thanks to 3 PIECE PRINTING for suppling the Wrestler of the Week Tee-Shirts

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Bob Badders

- Managing Editor

hours later he was accomplishing exactly what he set out to do. Facing the New Jersey’s No. 2-ranked wrestler at 138 pounds, Long Branch’s Ryan Zimmerman, Waller was dominant in building a 9-1 lead in the third period before locking up a cradle and finishing off the fall to become Colts Neck’s first SCT champion. At the conclusion of the tournament, Waller was voted as the SCT’s Outstanding Wrestler.

certain Shore Sports Network reporter was chatting with Colts Neck head coach Brett Jankos on Friday evening just before the 2020 Shore Conference Tournament was set to begin when Cougars junior Logan Waller strolled by. J a n k o s i n t r o d u c e d Wa l l e r a n d the standout 138-pounder was wished well in his pursuit of a conference title in a difficult weight class. “The plan is to win it,” Waller said before doubling back. “Actually, the plan is to get OW (Outstanding Wrestler). Why not, right?” The statement was not rooted in cockiness, it was Waller expressing his intent to set the highest of goals. A little less t h a n 2 4

Colts Neck’s 12

Logan Waller

“It’s awesome. The first one in school history, too; there’s no better feeling,” Waller said. “Just going in the room every day and getting better and knowing that my hard work is paying off, it’s unbelievable.” Waller entered with only one loss on the season, which came to Paulsboro’s Jacob Eli-Perez during December’s Mustang Classic. It was at that same tournament against the same opponent that Zimmerman made his mark when he pinned Eli-Perez, who was a state finalist last season, to climb high in the state rankings. With his rangy, flexible frame Zimmerman is exceptionally dangerous on the mat. In the semifinals, he rode Ocean’s Alex Poniros, who was a state medalist in 2018, for four straight minutes and turned him once during a 3-0 win. Being underneath Zimmerman or in a scramble with him is not the place to be. That knowledge often makes wrestlers hesitant, however. That wasn’t the case for Waller, who came out with a quick takedown to take a 21 lead into the second period. It was Waller’s choice and he selected neutral, and from there he took Zimmerman down again, this time right to his back for a two count. While the official was holding the two nearfall points, Waller worked a tilt to get a five count and secure three nearfall points to go up 7-1. It was Zimmerman’s choice in the third and he took top. Waller now had to beat Zimmerman in his best position. Waller got to his feet off the whistle but Zimmerman got a leg in and looked to run a power half. He was a touch high, however, and Waller was able to get to his feet, shake him off and get the reversal to go up 9-1. From there he put Zimmerman in a cradle and pinned him at the 4:30

Brick Memorial’s

Antho

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mark of the match. “It was about the gameplan and sticking to it and listening to my coaches,” Waller said. “We didn’t want to give him the chance to scramble and get on the mat. When he picked top it was motivation knowing I had to get out. Working from there I got the turn and stuck it.” Waller was the No. 4 seed in the bracket and had to beat Shore’s Al DeSantis, the No. 1 seed, just to reach the final. Waller beat the Blue Devils senior, who is a three-time state qualifier, 7-5 in the semifinals. He won by fall over Middletown South’s Nick Holland in the pre-quarterfinals and pinned Howell’s Isaiah Fenton in the quarterfinals. Last season, Waller reached the SCT final at 120 pounds but fell to Jackson Memorial’s Vincent Scollo. This year he came back and got the job done, and he’s hoping that redemption is mirrored in the state tournament. Waller finished third in Region 6 last season but did not win a bout in Atlantic City. The goal this year is, of course, to not lose at all. “This is huge but it’s not the final goal,” Waller said. “The final goal is to get on the top of that podium in March. I always tell my family and my coaches – and they believe me – that I can get up there. Hard work is paying off in the best part of the season and that’s what I’m excited for.”

there. I try to keep that arm but if I do let go for a split second he’s so good that he understands to reverse me.” Santaniello’s top game was strong in the semifinals, as well, when he rode out Middletown South freshman Jack Zaleski for the entire second period during a 6-2 victory. In the second period against Tallmadge, Santaniello chose defense and was immediately let to his feet. He wasn’t about to make it that easy for Tallmadge in the third. “I was confident. I knew I could ride him but that it would be more difficult than any kid I’d wrestled. “I was going to go for it and do the best I could, and it paid off.”

rick Memorial senior Joe Colon entered the season excited for his senior year and a new beginning after moving to Brick and transferring from St. Augustine. But just two matches into the year he suffered an unexpected setback.

Colon was leading Point Beach’s Jason Sherlock, a fellow state qualifier, 10-5 during the semifinals of the season-opening TCNJ Pride Tournament. Colon took defense to start the third period and Sherlock, as he has done to many opponents, locked in a cradle and pinned Colon. A hopeful matchup with Colts Neck’s Luke Rada was going to have to wait (Rada defeated Sherlock, 9-2, in the TCNJ final). “It was a tough match because I went into the year feeling really excited and the second match I get stuck, so it did leave a sour taste in my mouth,” Colon said. “I’ve been thinking about it for a while so today felt good.”

ormally, being able to wrestle and defeat the No. 3-ranked wrestler in the country to win a conference title would be a dream scenario. That was not the case for Brick Memorial’s Anthony Santaniello.

Colon got revenge for the loss and then defeated Rada in the finals to win the Shore Conference Tournament at 182 pounds. In the semifinals, Colon worked an 11-5 decision over Sherlock to reach the finals against Rada. In the championship bout, Colon scored three takedowns and one reversal against Rada while limiting the Colts Neck senior to only one takedown to win 9-6 and become Brick Memorial’s first SCT champion.

The match everyone wanted to see was the match that Santaniello and Brick sophomore Evan Tallmadge would have preferred not to wrestle. Santaniello and Tallmadge are close friends and training partners who also happen to be two of the best 106-pounders in New Jersey. Their meeting in the Shore Conference Tournament was inevitable. As predicted, it was a tremendous match with Santaniello’s second-period escape providing the only point of the bout in a 1-0 victory for the Mustangs freshman. Santaniello rode Tallmadge out for the entire third period to win the SCT title.

“It was difficult and I got emotional a little bit after the match,” Santaniello said. “Obviously I was happy that I won but it just sucks wrestling a friend. He’s coming over my house right after this and we’re going to get something to eat. We hang out all the time. It’s not fun wrestling your friend. It is fun to have a great battle like that but it’s not fun to need to have a winner.” Santaniello will no doubt make a big climb in the state rankings and should also find his name in the national top 20 at 106 pounds, and for that, he can thank a tremendous rideout in the final two minutes. There were several scrambles but Santaniello was able to maintain control against Tallmadge, who is a big and tall 106-pounder. In the closing seconds, Tallmadge appeared to be on the verge of a reversal but Santaniello was somehow able to keep his hips square and maintain control.

hony Santaniello

Brick Memorial’s

In the NJ.com state rankings, Rada was ranked No. 2 and Sherlock was ranked No. 3 while Colon was ranked No. 6.

Joe Colon

“You have to have matches like that during the season,” said Colon, who is a two-time state qualifier. “I planned on wrestling Rada earlier in the season but it didn’t work out because I got pinned. Having those matches with high-quality kids gets me ready for those big matches in Boardwalk Hall. So I feel like I’m battle-tested for that now.”

“I don’t know (how I did it), to be honest,” Santaniello said. “He normally does reverse me See

champions

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champions

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ive wrestlers repeated as Shore Conference Tournament champion.

At 120 pounds, St. John Vianney junior Dean Peterson won his third title by rallying past Brick Memorial junior Vincent Santaniello, 5-3, in a marquee battle. Peterson was last season’s 113-pound state champion and was the state runner-up at 106 pounds as a freshman. Santaniello was eighth in the state at 106 as a freshman and third in the state at 113 last season. After a scoreless first period, Santaniello escaped and then took Peterson down to take a 3-0 lead. Peterson clawed back with an escape and a takedown of his own to tie the bout 3-3 heading to the third period. It was Peterson’s choice to start the third and he chose defense and escaped to go up 4-3. A second stalling call on Santaniello made it 5-3 and Peterson held on to defeat Santaniello in the SCT final for the third year in a row.

Toms River North senior Nick Boggiano was equally as dominant in taking the 152-pound title. Boggiano won by 10-0 major decision over Shore junior Mike McGhee in the final. Boggiano was eighth in the state at 145 pounds last season and McGhee reached the third round of wrestlebacks. Boggiano scored 42 points in four bouts and did not allow an offensive point.

Howell’s Shane Reitsma had an off day by his standards but still found himself atop the medal stand as the SCT champion at 170 pounds for the second straight year. Reitsma won by 11-3 major decision over Jackson Memorial’s Hunter Smith in the championship bout. In the semifinals he was tested by Rumson-Fair Haven junior Jack Kelly, who took him down twice. Reitsma was up 10-5 before Kelly escaped with 26 seconds left and took Reitsma down with one second left to make it 10-8. Reitsma’s win over Smith in the final gave him 150 for his career, making him just the ninth wrestler in Shore Conference history to reach 150 wins. He is nine wins away from passing Kyle Slendorn as Howell’s all-time wins leader and 16 wins from passing Wall’s Rob Kanniard for the all-time Shore Conference record.

At 195, Jackson Memorial senior Kyle Epperly

Middletown North senior Tyler Klinsky completed another dominant SCT title run with a 10-3 decision over Toms River North senior Ry an Rosenthal. Klinsky scored a whopping 71 points in four bouts and did not allo w an offensive point.

defended his title with an impressive 10-3 decision over Brick Memorial junior David Szuba. Epperly, who finished seventh in the sta te last season, took Szuba do wn four times and allowed just three escapes, all of which came in the third period. The Rutgers recruit had pins of nine and 49 seconds in his first two bouts before defea ting Colts Neck’s Kenn y Koenig by 19-8 major decision in the semifinals.

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Freehold senior Nico Messina added an SCT title

At 220 pounds, Lacey’s Vin Ceglie outlasted Toms River North’s Mike

to his resume by defeating Middletown North’s Thomas O’Keefe, 6-4, in the 126-pound championship bout. Messina had takedowns in each of the first two periods to earn the close victory. He also earned revenge in the semifinals by pinning Christian Brothers Academy freshman Julian George, who had defeated Messina, 3-2, during a dual meet earlier in the season. Messina is a two-time Region 6 champion who finished top 12 in the state last season.

Nakano to win the title with a 6-5 victory. Nakano scored the first takedown to go up 2-1 after the first period, but Ceglie escaped in the second to make it 2-2 and scored two takedowns in the third period to clinch the championship.

Ocean’s Jack Nies scored an impressive win over Toms River East’s Michael Conklin with a takedown in sudden victory to win 6-4 in the 132-pound final. Conklin secured a takedown in the final seconds of the first period to go up 2-0 and then escaped early in the second to take a 3-0 lead, but Nies battled back to but Conklin’s lead to 4-2 entering the third period. Nies was on defense to start the third and Conklin was warned for stalling and then called for stalling again to give Nies a point and make it 4-3. Nies then escaped to tie the bout at four and force overtime.

The top two seeds met in the heavyweight final and it was Howell senior Justin Wright, the No. 1 seed, using a third-period takedown to defeat Toms River North’s John O’Donnell, 3-2. Wright had previously defeated O’Donnell, 6-2, during a dual meet on Jan. 2. Championship victories by Reitsma and Wright helped Howell repeat as the Shore Conference Tournament champion. Junior Paul Jakub was third at 152 pounds, junior Nieko Malone placed fourth at 126 and Colin Bradshaw (113), Kyle Nase (120), Isaiah Fenton (138) and Nick Cerulli (182) each finished 5th/6th.

Rumson-Fair Haven junior Max Brignola had a tournament to remember on his way to the 145-pound title. He won by fall in just 22 seconds in the semifinals to earn his 100th career win. In the championship bout he dismantled Manalapan’s Hunter Konstantoulas with a 19-7 major decision that included six takedowns and seven nearfall points.

Photos by:

Manalapan senior Matt Benedetti took home the 160-pound SCT title with a 5-1 decision over Rumson sophomore Shay Addison. Both wrestlers entered unbeaten but it was Benedetti who scored a pair of takedowns to secure his conference title. Benedetti was the state sixth-place finisher at 160 pounds last season.

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Red Bank (15-4, 10-2) Junior guard Caitlyn Decker one of her four steals into a layup with nine seconds left in regulation to lift the Bucs by Neptune, 57-55. Backcourt members Amelia Medolla (16 points) and Taylor Crystian (15 points) combined for seven 3-pointers on Saturday in a 49-29 triumph over Absegami.

St. John Vianney (18-1, 11-0) The Lady Lancers rebounded from their loss to Long Island Lutheran by rattling off three overwhelming victories, including a 63-31 showing against No.5 Red Bank and a 65-39 road win at Christ the King (NY) on Thursday. Sophomore guard Madison St. Rose #22 was influential in both, collecting 20 points and 10 boards in the former and depositing 25 in the latter.

Marlboro (15-3, 10-0) Wins over No. 10 Long Branch and Middletown South pushed the Mustangs two steps closer to a second straight A North title. Sophomore Dani Schlesinger had 14 points in the 57-49 decision against Long Branch while junior forward Jessica Riepe splashed six threes and totaled 22 points in the 53-40 showing against the Eagles. Marlboro had its 12-game win streak snapped on Saturday by No. 3 Red Bank Catholic.

Rumson-Fair Haven (14-5, 8-4) A spark from junior guard Cortland McBarron, who provided 20 points, eight rebounds, two assists and two steals, coupled with a season-high 10 points from senior guard Sophia Passalaqua ignited the Bulldogs in a 51-40 road win at Holmdel on Friday. The quality victory was an ideal rebound from a 76-50 loss to No. 4 St. Rose

Jackson Memorial (17-2, 12-0) Manchester (18-3, 12-0) A 43-37 victory over host Mainland on Saturday at the War vs. the Shore extended the Hawksâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; win streak to five. Junior forward Destiny Adams recorded her 11th double-double in the triumph, supplying 18 points and 10 boards. Manchester can lock up a secondstraight outright B South crown with a victory at Lakewood on Tuesday.

Red Bank Catholic (17-3, 11-1) The Caseys picked up three victories last week, the last being the most notable. The backcourt trio of junior Sophia Sabino (15 points), sophomore Justine Pissott (21 points) and freshman Casey Prior (11 points) powered a 73-36 decision against No. 6 Marlboro. That win tied coach Joe Montano with former Rumson-Fair Haven girls coach George Sourlis as the all-time leaders for career basketball victories in the Shore Conference with 653. Montano can stand alone with an RBC win on Tuesday against No. 9 Manasquan.

St. Rose (14-6, 10-2) The Purple Roses put together a pair of impressive A Central performances. Senior forward Makayla Andrews backed up 29 points with 11 rebounds on Tuesday when St. Rose stormed past No. 7 Rumson-Fair Haven, 76-50, and senior guard Brynn Farrell pumped in 29 of her own two nights later to spark the Roses to a 68-54 win over No. 9 Manasquan

A 61-29 triumph against Toms River South on Thursday locked up the A South crown for the Jags and was marked by junior guard Rachel Capua netting 22 points, including the 1,000th of her career. On Saturday, senior guard Kristina Donza pumped in 32, Capua flipped in 31 and freshman Zoie Maffei scored a season-high 10 in an 8970 victory at Howell.

Manasquan (12-8, 8-4) The youthful Warriors absorbed a pair of losses, neither to be ashamed of. Manasquan was valiant on Thursday in a 68-54 setback to No. 4 St. Rose, 68-54, and bowed to Middle Twp., 47-44, at the War vs. the Shore on Saturday.

Long Branch (13-4, 6-4) The Green Wave hung tough with No. 6 Marlboro on Tuesday, getting double-doubles from seniors Anyssa Fields (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Madison Grayson (19 points, 10 rebounds) in a 57-49 loss. Long Branch bounced back on Friday, repaying Howell for a 47-43 setback on Jan. 14 with a 48-39 triumph that featured 18 points and six boards from junior guard Jada Rogers as well as Fieldsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; 14th double-double of the season (23 points, 15 rebounds).

On the bubble: Neptune (13-6, 9-3); Trinity Hall (14-5, 12-0); Donovan Catholic (14-6, 10-2); Toms River North (14-4, 9-3).

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That team will almost certainly be whoever emerges from the loaded South Jersey Group 5 section. The top three teams in the Shore all reside there and the winner will be the overwhelming favorite to bring conclusion of the team portion of the home the overall Group 5 title. As long as that happens it will be an easy season is on the horizon. By the end of the choice this time next week.

The state tournament is here and the

by Bob Badders

Managing Editor

week, the No. 1 team in the Shore Conference will The Shore Conference should be well-represented Sunday in Toms River and could realistically have six teams win sectional titles. As have cemented itself as the undisputed top dog. always, it will be an eventful seven days.

1 . Howell (22-1)

The Rebels earned the coveted No. 1 seed in South Jersey Group 5, finishing second in power points but leapfrogging Toms River North because of a headto-head win. Howell won its 15th straight Class A North division title and repeated as Shore Conference Tournament team champion. The Rebels’ lone loss this season is to Delbarton and they own wins over Toms River North, High Point, Jackson Memorial, Long Branch, South Plainfield and Manalapan. Whether the Rebels host Toms River North or Southern in the sectional final it figures to be another epic showdown between Shore powerhouses. They open up the state tournament against Lenape on Monday night.

2. Toms River North (16-4) The Mariners are the No. 2 seed in South Jersey Group 5, which means they’ll get Class A South rival Southern at home in the semifinals. Toms River North beat Southern, 28-26, on Jan. 14 and ended up winning its second straight division title. The Mariners also own wins over Lacey, Paulsboro, South Plainfield, Jackson Memorial, Brick Memorial and West Essex. Their four losses are to Howell, Group 4 favorite Kingsway, Phillipsburg and Non-Public South A favorite St. Augustine Prep. If the Mariners are to win their first group state title they will most definitely have earned it given the teams they’ll have to go through. First up will be Eastern Regional in the quarterfinals on Monday night.

3. Southern (15-1) The reigning Group 5 state champions have the toughest road in South Jersey Group 5 in that they’ll have to beat Toms River North and Howell on the road in a three-day span to win a third straight sectional title, but the Rams are built for the postseason. Their lone loss on the season is to Toms River North, so you know they’re looking forward to a rematch with much more on the line. Southern boats wins over Jackson Memorial, Brick Memorial, Middletown North, Phillipsburg, South Plainfield and High Point. Southern opens its title defense against sixth-seeded Washington Township.

4. Brick Memorial (14-3)

8. Manalapan (22-3)

The Mustangs are the top seed in the Central Jersey Group 4 section and will be looking for their first sectional title since 2015. In all likelihood, Brick Memorial will have to go through three Shore Conference teams to get there, starting with crosstown rival Brick in the quarterfinals. The sectional also includes second-seeded Jackson Memorial, thirdseeded Long Branch, fifth-seeded Colts Neck and seventh-seeded Freehold. The Mustangs are hoping junior Nick Torre, a region qualifier who transferred from Point Boro but was injured upon being eligible to wrestle, will be ready to make his debut. If that happens, Brick Memorial will have one of the state’s best stretches from 106 to 138 pounds.

The Braves haven’t won a sectional title since 1992, but that could very well change come Friday night. Manalapan is the No. 1 seed in Central Jersey Group 5 and is the favorite in a sectional that also includes Hunterdon Central and Monroe. Hunterdon Central isn’t the powerhouse it’s been over the past few years but the Red Devils know how to win in February. Monroe is similar to Manalapan in that the Falcons have been in the mix but haven’t been able to get past the sectional heavyweight. Monroe and Hunterdon Central will likely duke it out in the semifinals and, assuming Manalapan takes care of business, it should be there waiting for the winner in the final. The Braves host New Brunswick in the quarterfinals.

5. Middletown North (17-1) The Lions enter the state tournament feeling strong after a thrilling last-bout victory over Colts Neck to claim the Class B North division title. The Lions have only one loss on the season, which came to Southern, and own wins over Ocean, Wall, Point Boro, Middletown South and Raritan. Middletown North is in a very tough section and is the No. 3 seed in North 2, Group 4 behind top-seeded North Hunterdon and No. 2 Phillipsburg. They open up with Scotch Plains-Fanwood.

6. Jackson Memorial (10-8) It’s been an up and down season for the Jaguars but a sectional title is still within reach. Jackson is the No. 2 seed in Central Jersey Group 4 and will begin the state tournament against Freehold. The Jags’ grueling schedule that included matches with Monroe, Southern, Toms River North, Brick Memorial, Howell, Colts Neck, Kingsway, Bergen Catholic and Pope John has them battle-tested and ready for the big stage.

7. Rumson-Fair Haven (13-3) The Bulldogs clinched the Class A Central division title last week, their first since 2003. They hope it’s just the first championship they win this season as they turn their attention to the Central Jersey Group 2 tournament. Rumson is the No. 3 seed as it searches for the program’s first sectional championship. To do so they’ll have to get through Delran and then probably Point Boro to get a crack at South Plainfield in the final. The Bulldogs have some holes in their lineup but they are also excellent in several spots, especially from 145 to 220. Will it be enough to send Rumson to Toms River?

9. Long Branch (17-3) The Green Wave are the No. 3 seed in Central Jersey Group 4 and will open the tournament against Hightstown. To win a sectional title Long Branch will have to deal with familiar opponents as Jackson Memorial is the No. 2 seed and Brick Memorial is the No. 1 seed. The Central Jersey Group 4 section has been loaded with Shore teams for many years and a conference team has won the section every year since 2004. Long Branch is an underdog and doesn’t match up particularly well with Brick Memorial should it get that far, but the Wave would gladly take any opportunity to wrestle for a sectional title.

1 0. Point Boro (13-3) The Panthers jump back into the Top 10 thanks to the best overall resume of the other teams in contention. Point Boro has losses to Middletown North, West Deptford and Point Beach (on criteria), but after the Beach-Boro match Point Beach went on a tailspin. The Panthers, meanwhile, own wins over Ocean, Toms River East, Hightstown and Lacey. Point Boro secured the No. 2 seed in Central Jersey Group 2 and will open up against Cinnaminson.

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New Football Coaches announced For RBC & SJV Bob Badders

- Managing Editor

rank Edgerly resigns, Mike Lange named new head coach at Red Bank Catholic Frank Edgerly has resigned as Red Bank Catholic football coach and Mike Lange has been hired as the Caseys new head coach, RBC athletic director Joe Montano told Shore Sports Network on Wednesday afternoon. “I hired Frank at 25 and he took our program to a totally different level,” Montano said. “He brought in great assistants, including Jimmy Portela, and then came back and we won another state championship. I appreciate the job and the building of the program Frank did. With all honesty, Frank has aspirations of coaching at a higher level and we both decided at this point it would be best to make the change now.” "Frank was very honest with me in that he wasn't going to be our longterm solution. I hope he goes out and finds success with his aspirations and I appreciate him putting the program first." Lange was Red Bank Catholic’s defensive coordinator for the last two years as the Caseys had one of the Shore Conference’s top defenses. He was the RBC defensive line coach in 2017. "You saw how good our defense was in that division last year," Montano said. "This wasn't just tapping somebody, we had a lot of conversations and put a lot of thought into it. Mike gives us an opportunity to have someone who knows the kids and can keep the ball rolling." "We've had great continuity; five head coaches in 50 years. We have a brand we believe in and guys who stick with it. It's hard to find a good head coach and it's even harder to find a good staff, and I think we have a great staff who have been with both Jimmy and Frank. The goal was to promote from within so I can keep that staff together." Lange played tight end and linebacker at Bishop Ahr High School in Edison, which is now known as St. Thomas Aquinas High School, before playing collegiately at Marshall University. He was an assistant at Bishop Ahr from 2000-2010 where he served as defensive coordinator and later offensive coordinator. He then coached at since-closed Cardinal McCarrick High School in South Amboy, including as the head coach during the final season in 2015.

championship. He set the foundation on which RBC would become a Shore Conference powerhouse when he coached the Caseys from 1999-2008. Starting with a 6-4 season in 2004, the Casey have not had a losing season in 16 years. RBC went 8-2 and won the Liberty Division title in 2005, which was the program’s first division championship since 1989. The Caseys won back-to-back division titles in 2007 and 2008, including a 9-1 season in 2008, and went 31-9 with three division crowns from 2005 through 2008. Edgerly left RBC after the 2008 season to take the job as the Director of Recruiting Operations at Rutgers University during head coach Greg Schiano’s first tenure. He then took a job as a scout with the New England Patriots where he stayed from 2009 to 2013. He was an assistant coach for the Cleveland Browns from 2013 to 2016 and was also a consultant for Vanderbilt University. Jim Portela took over as RBC head coach in 2009 to lead the Caseys through an unprecedented run. RBC went 61-13 from 2009 through 2015 with five division titles and the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 state championship in 2014. Portela resigned in 2016 and a week later it was Edgerly who returned home to once again lead the Caseys. After a 5-5 season in 2016, the Caseys got back to their usual winning ways with an 82 season that included the Class B North division title. The leadup to the 2018 season was filled with hype and potential as the Caseys brought back most of their top players, including FBS recruits Steve Lubischer, Charlie Gordinier and Kevin Bauman. The Caseys did not disappoint, going 10-0 and winning the NJSIAA Non-Public Group 3 state title with a 14-10 win over Mater Dei Prep at MetLife Stadium. The Caseys finished 5-4 this past season playing in the newly-formed American Division with fellow Shore Conference powers Toms River North, Rumson-Fair Haven, Manalapan, Middletown South and Long Branch. Edgerly is a 1990 graduate of Red Bank Catholic where as a senior in 1989 he quarterbacked the Caseys to their first division title. He went on to play at Rutgers and graduated in 1994. Edgerly did not immediately respond to a text message seeking comment. Since Lange was the defensive coordinator last season the scheme will not change. he said. Offensively, Edgerly was the play-caller of a pro-style system and with his departure, the Caseys will move to a spread, no-huddle attack.

ike Alberque hired as St. John Vianney head coach

St. Joh Vianney has hired Mike Alberque as its head football coach, the school announced Thursday morning.

"I'm honored and grateful and thankful for the opportunity," Lange said. "I owe a lot to Frank who brought me in here and I appreciate everything Joe and the administration have done. I'm looking forward to working with the kids and keeping the ball rolling."

Alberque, who was an offensive assistant (passing game coordinator and quarterbacks coach) for the last two seasons under former head coach Joe Martucci, is also St. John Vianney’s athletic director. He has significant experience as a head coach having previously coached at Fair Lawn High School from 1985 through 2001 with 14 years as head coach. He was then the head coach at Ridgefield Park from 2001 through 2012. From 2012 to 2018, Alberque was an assistant coach at Castleton University.

Edgerly led the Caseys’ football program for a total of 14 seasons across two different tenures, amassing an 85-54 career mark that included five division titles and one state

"Mike brings a depth of educational experience, coaching experience, and leadership skills to our program at this time,” said St. John Vianney President/Principal Steven DiMezza. “He is familiar with our current players, college coaches, and is a proven relationship builder. We are excited to have him take our program into the future.” Alberque succeeds Martucci, who resigned in December after two seasons. The Lancers went 4-5 in 2019 to finish fourth in the Colonial Division behind Wall, Mater Dei Prep and Jackson Memorial. For the 2020 season, SJV will play in the Freedom Division with Brick Memorial, Freehold Township, Howell, Marlboro and Middletown North. "Mike has been a great addition to our school and believes in our Catholic mission,” DiMezza said. “His role as a football coach is just another opportunity for him to impact our students in a very positive way. He has the coaching resume, leadership skills, and educational experience any player would benefit from.”

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SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the photographers who allow us to use their great photos seen throughout this Issue as well as our website: shoresportsnetwork.com 22

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2020 Shore Conference Wrestling Statistics

by Bob Badders

Managing Editor

Statistics compiled from results reported to TrackWrestling through Jan. 14. 2020 Wrestling Statistics POUNDS-FOR-POUND WINS LEADERS Wrestler Weight Matt Benedetti, Manalapan 160 Anthony Santaniello, Brick Memorial 106 Nick Boggiano, Toms River North 152 Max Brignola, Rumson 145 Eddie Hummel, Southern 132 Dean Peterson, St. John Vianney 120 Tyler Klinsky, Middletown North 113 Shane Reitsma, Howell 170 Jack Maida, Shore 120 Al DeSantis, Shore 138 Tyler Pepe, Central 132 Mike McGhee, Shore 152 Ryan Zimmerman, Long Branch 138 Logan Waller, Colts Neck 138 Justin Wright, Howell 285 Michael Conklin, Toms River East 132 Jack Nies, Ocean 132 Luke Rada, Colts Neck 182 Vin Ceglie, Lacey 220 Evan Tallmadge, Brick 106 Jack Zaleski, Middletown South 106 Julian George, CBA 126 Jackson Brandt, Lacey 170 Brad Galassi, Jackson Memorial 220 Griffin Jackstadt, Barnegat 285 Harrison Gordon, Marboro 106 Ty Bailey, Point Boro 160 Jason Sherlock, Point Beach 182 Joe Teresi, Ocean 285 Ryan Rosenthal, Toms River North 113 Vincent Santaniello, Brick Memorial 120 Nathaniel Levie, Neptune 132 Brett Blaess, Jackson Memorial 106 Fred Luchs, Middletown North 120 Thomas O’Keefe, Middletown North 126 Zach Vasile, Marlboro 138 Nico Vargas, Wall 152 Paul Jakub, Howell 152 Michael Richardson, Brick Memorial 126 Hunter Konstantoulas, Manalapan 145 David Rubin, Matawan 113 Ryan Carey, Long Branch 152 Conor Collins, Southern 106 Nico Messina, Freehold 126 Kyle Epperly, Jackson Memorial 195 Shay Addison, Rumson 160 Robert Woodcock, Southern 160 Colin Bradshaw, Howell 113 Kevin Cartagena-Walsh, Monmouth 145

Record 29-0 29-0 27-0 26-0 23-0 21-0 29-1 29-1 28-2 28-2 28-2 28-2 28-1 28-1 27-3 27-2 27-2 27-2 27-2 27-1 26-4 26-4 26-4 26-4 26-4 26-3 26-3 26-3 26-3 26-1 26-1 25-6 25-5 25-5 25-5 25-5 25-5 25-5 25-4 25-4 25-3 25-3 25-2 25-2 25-2 25-1 25-1 24-6 24-6

Edward Jang, Marlboro Victor Wladika, Holmdel Nico Cerbo, Middletown North Phil Stolfa, Red Bank Kamrin O’Neil, Matawan Jesse Bowers, Point Beach Joe Colon, Brick Memorial Mike Nakano, Toms River North JT Cornelius, Southern Ken Koenig, Colts Neck Gabe Scalise, Shore Collin Rolak, Lacey Jack Bailey, Point Boro Michael Pavlinetz, Holmdel Tyler Barrett, CBA Hunter Smith, Jackson Memorial Jack Kelly, Rumson Gavin Claro, Manalapan Cole Velardi, Southern David Szuba, Brick Memoriasl Tracey Taylor, Long Branch Kyle Nase, Howell Nick Ammirati, Holmdel Gavin Stewart, Pinelands Blake Clayton, SJV Dylan Waller, Manalapan Nick Aquilano, Raritan Alex Poniros, Ocean Jared Tracey, Ocean Sabino Portella, Red Bank Catholic Dom Brogna, Donovan Catholic Joe McCullough, Toms River East Ethan Diamond, CBA Zander Silva, CBA Aidan Shaughnessy, Rumson WINS BY FALL Wrestler TNathaniel Levie, Neptune Ty Bailey, Point Boro Ryan Zimmerman, Long Branch Jack Maida, Shore Matt Benedetti, Manalapan Jason Sherlock, Point Beach Nico Messina, Freehold Shane Zimmerman, Keyport Vin Ceglie, Lacey Conor Collins, Southern Jack Zaleski, Middletown South Victor Wladika, Holmdel Brad Galassi, Jackson Memorial Luke Rada, Colts Neck

160 170 220 126 132 145 182 220 220 195 126 132 152 220 145 170 170 182 152 195 220 120 113 160 182 170 182 138 160 160 285 126 170 132 113

24-6 24-5 24-5 24-4 24-2 24-2 24-2 24-2 24-1 23-7 23-6 23-6 23-6 23-6 23-5 23-5 23-3 23-3 23-2 23-1 23-1 22-8 22-7 22-5 22-5 22-4 22-4 22-3 22-3 22-3 22-2 21-8 21-8 21-7 21-4

Pins 25 23 22 22 21 20 20 19 19 18 18 18 18 18

Jackson Brandt, Lacey Tristan Izzo, Rumson Kyle Epperly, Jackson Memorial Joe Teresi, Ocean Zach Vasile, Marlboro Phil Stolfa, Red Bank Jack Nies, Ocean Sabino Portella, Red Bank Catholic Gabe Scalise, Shore

17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17 17

TECHNICAL FALLS Tyler Klinsky, Middletown North Evan Tallmadge, Brick Mike McGhee, Shore Shane Reitsma, Howell Logan Waller, Colts Neck Ryan Rosenthal, Toms River North Tyler Pepe, Central Chris McCarthy, Middletown North Nico Vargas, Wall Jack Zaleski, Middletown South Robert Woodcock, Southern Jack Nies, Ocean Thomas O’Keefe, Middletown North Lucas Torre, Point Boro Anthony Santaniello, Brick Memorial Al DeSantis, Shore Fred Luchs, Middletown North David Hussey, Middletown South Isaiah Fenton, Howell Eddie Hummel, Southern Julian George, CBA

TF 14 12 8 8 8 7 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

MAJOR DECISIONS Al DeSantis, Shore Robert Woodcock, Southern Alex Poniros, Ocean Thomas O’Keefe, Middletown North Thomas Cleary, Holmdel David Hussey, Middletown South Gavin Stewart, Pinelands Blake Tarnowski, Ocean Chris Balzano, Manalapan Thomas Ammirati, Holmdel Alex Danelson, Toms River North Thomas Clearly, Holmdel Gio Poniros, Ocean Kyle Epperly, Jackson Memorial Adam Coleman, Matawan David Rubin, Matawan Owen Fitzgerald, Middletown South

MD 7 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

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