December 19, 2011 I Issue-22
ASM Divisional Picks ASM Top 10 Boys Basketball Feature Story Girls Basketball Feature Story Wrestling Feature Story Boys Basketball Divisional Previews Girls Basketball Divisional Previews Wrestling Division Previews Hockey Update ASM Football All-Conference Teams School Directions
Cover Illustration by: Philip Sloan
Decemberr 19, 2011 I Issue-22
A multimedia company that provides exciting and innovative coverage to high school athletics in the Shore Conference in order to highlight the achievements of local athletes in one of the premier conferences in New Jersey. Whether it’s the star of the team or the last player off the bench, everyone has a story and it is our mission to recognize as many athletes as possible and add to the memories for all of the families, coaches, friends and fans who support Shore Conference sports. Whether in print or on the Web, All Shore Media is your main source for all things exciting in the Shore Conference. All Shore Media Web Site Features
Log on to www.allshoremedia.com regularly to get video highlights of all the important games that Shore Conference fans will be talking about. Catch up on the action you might have missed and watch video clips of everything from the action early in the event to the big finish as well as video interviews with various athletes. If you can’t make it to the game, we’ll bring the game to you, and if you were at the game and want to relive the excitement, www.allshoremedia.com is all you need to get inside the action.
All Shore Media Expanding into North Jersey
All Shore Media is proud to announce that it has partnered with a North Jersey group to expand its type of coverage into Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference, this fall.
S te ve n M e y e r Director/CEO/ Marketing smeyer@allshoremedia.com 732-233-4460
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A l l S h o r e M e d i a is published by: All Shore Media LL C. 26 O x f or d D r i ve Wa ys i d e NJ, 0 7 7 12 Co py rig ht 20 1 1 All S h or e M edi a LL C . Al l ri gh ts r ese rv ed R epr odu c t io n in w h ol e o r i n par t w i t hou t t h e per mi ss ion o f Al l S h ore Me dia i s p roh i bit e d
The All Sports Media Northern Review, a newspaper in the mold of the All Shore Media bi-weekly paper, will make its debut in September. The free, advertisersupported paper will cover scholastic sports at all of the schools in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference, which consists of schools from Morris County and a handful of teams in Sussex and Warren counties. “We're hoping it will be as big a success as the
All Shore Media Shore Conference program, and the early returns are promising,’’ said Paul Mencher, who will be the lead writer and editor of the new paper. “People seem excited about it, and advertisers are excited about it. It’s something different than what exists up here.
“There’s a lot of interest in high school sports in the Northwest Jersey Athletic Conference, and I think that people will be interested in having a new resource.’’
The partnership also broadens the scope of All Shore Media’s coverage to include a presence in North Jersey.
“We're excited about expanding our niche in the market and the way we cover sports,’’ said All Shore Media Director/CEO Steve Meyer. “We're excited to start here with the objective that we want to expand to other parts of the state as well. This is the first step in our expansion.’’
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2012 Winter Preview
Volume-III
Issue-22
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ASM / 3
Table of Contents ASM Divisional Predictions ...............................................Page 4 Boys Basketball Divisional Previews..........Pages 6 thru 18 Wrestling Divisional Previews.......................................Pages 19 thru 22 Boys & Girls Basketball Feature................Pages 24 - 25 Wrestling Divisional Previews (con’t)...........................Pages 26 thru 31 Wrestling Feature...........................Pages 29 Girls Basketball Divisional Previews..........Pages 32 thru 42 All Shore Media All-Conference Football Teams.......................................................Pages 43-44 Ice Hockey Update.........................Pages 45 Ocean County School Directions............................Pages 46 Monmouth County School Directions............................Pages 47
Boys Basketball 1. Neptune 2. Asbury Park 3. Middletown North 4. CBA 5. Colts Neck 6. Jackson Memorial 7. Raritan 8. Lakewood 9. Point Boro 10. Manalapan
Teams to watch: Freehold Township, St. Rose, Manasquan, Lacey, Rumson, TRN, Holmdel Wrestling 1. Jackson Memorial 2. Brick Memorial 3. Southern 4. Howell 5. Toms River South Team to watch:
Jackson Liberty
Girls Basketball 1. Manasquan 2. St. Rose 3. Point Boro 4. St. John Vianney 5. Red Bank Catholic 6. Jackson Memorial 7. Neptune 8. Rumson-Fair Haven 9. Middletown South 10. Central
Teams to watch: Holmdel, Freehold, Colts Neck, Freehold Township
6. Ocean 7. Raritan 8. CBA 9. Long Branch 10. Brick Township
4 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
BOYS BASKETBALL
(In predicted order of finish)
Volume-III / Issue-22
GIRLS BASKETBALL
(In predicted order of finish)
Class A North
Class B Central
Class A North
Class B Central
Middletown North CBA Manalapan Freehold Township Middletown South Howell Marlboro
Asbury Park St. Rose Point Beach Keyport Keansburg Mater Dei Prep Henry Hudson
Middletown South Freehold Township Manalapan Howell Marlboro Middletown North
St. Rose Mater Dei Prep Keyport Point Beach Asbury Park Henry Hudson
Class A Central
Class B South
Class A Central
Class B South
Raritan Rumson-FH Holmdel Matawan Shore Regional Red Bank St. John Vianney
Manchester Barnegat Lacey Central Brick Pinelands
St. John Vianney Rumson-FH Holmdel Red Bank Raritan Matawan Shore Regional
Central Pinelands Lacey Manchester Brick Barnegat
Class A South
Class C Central
Class A South
Lakewood Point Boro Manasquan Msgr. Donovan Wall Jackson Liberty
Jackson Memorial Toms River East Toms River North Southern Brick Memorial Toms River South
Manasquan Point Boro Msgr. Donovan Wall Jackson Liberty Lakewood
Jackson Memorial Toms River North Southern Brick Memorial Toms River South Toms River East
Red Bank Catholic Neptune Colts Neck Freehold Monmouth Ocean Long Branch
Neptune Colts Neck Freehold Ocean Long Branch Monmouth Red Bank Catholic
WRESTLING
Class C Central
Class B North
Class B North
(In predicted order of finish)
Class A North
Class A South
Class B Central
Class C Central
Howell CBA Middletown South Marlboro Freehold Township Manalapan Middletown North
Jackson Memorial Brick Memorial Southern Toms River South Toms River East Toms River North
Point Beach Keansburg St. Rose Keyport Asbury Park
Jackson Liberty Point Boro Wall Msgr. Donovan Manasquan Lakewood
Class A Central
Class B North
Class B South
Ocean Long Branch Monmouth Neptune Colts Neck Freehold Red Bank Catholic
Brick Central Manchester Barnegat Lacey Pinelands
Raritan St. John Vianney Matawan Red Bank Shore Holmdel Rumson-FH
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brandon McDonnell, Sr., F/C, Jackson Mem.
A three-year starter, McDonnell is a 6-7 matchup nightmare because he can step out and hit up to 22 feet. He has offers from Navy, New Hampshire and Division II Stonehill and also has interest from Davidson, Lafayette, Dartmouth, Siena, Colgate and UMass-Lowell.
Brian Kenny, Sr., G, Jackson Memorial
A four-year varsity player, Kenny starred for Colts Neck at point guard before transferring to Jackson. At 6-4, he has good size for a point guard and can dunk with either hand, so he has solid athleticism. He has an offer from Caldwell College and other Division II interest as well as Ivy League interest.
Volume-III / Issue-22
By Scott Stump - Managing Editor
The Favorites:
Jackson Memorial is the defending champion and is a heavy favorite to repeat after going unbeaten in the division last season. With the addition of standout point guard Brian Kenny to an already talented group led by senior swingman Brandon McDonnell, the Jaguars have the talent to make a run at
Mike Gesicki, So., G/F, Southern
A tremendous all-around athlete, at 6-6 he also is a football and volleyball star. He started generating Division I looks in basketball as a freshman, and is a tough wing player with good shooting range who is a difficult matchup for any team.
Alex Levchenko, Sr., G, Toms River North
One of the more improved players in the division, Levchenko is a solid shooter and scorer who will be leader on a Toms River North squad looking for a breakthrough season.
Vince Lombardi, Sr., G, Brick Memorial
One of the top point guards in the Shore last season as far as dishing out assists, Lombardi will quarterback a guard-heavy Brick Memorial offense.
Zach Ligouri, Sr., F, Toms River South
Ligouri has the brute strength to overpower most forwards and also has enough finesse to step out and hit mid-range shots.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Solly Stansbury, Jr., F, TRN
Brandon Holup, Sr., F, Jackson Mem.
T.J. Bellissimo, Sr., G, Southern
Elijah Dupree, Sr., G, TRS
Joe Funicelli, Sr., G, TRE
Ryan Cieplinski, Jr., G, Brick Mem.
KEY FACT
For the first time in history last winter, Jackson Memorial won A South titles in boys basketball, girls basketball and wrestling in the same season.
The Jaguars went unbeaten in the division last season and is the heavy favorite to do it again with almost everyone back and the addition of Colts Neck transfer Brian Kenny at point guard. Senior Brandon McDonnell is a 67 Division I recruit and a three-year starter, 6-5 senior Brandon Holup is a returning starter, and senior point guard Elliot Bell is a four-year varsity player. This is also one of the biggest teams in the Shore, as Kenny, Holup, McDonnell, senior Anthony Skwiat and sophomore center Eric Carter (6-8) are all at least 63. This team has size, experience, scoring and defense in addition to a good coaching staff, so this is the highest the preseason expectations have been in years at Jackson.
TOMS RIVER NORTH
Head Coach: Rory Caswell, 1st season Last Year's Record: 8-15 (4-6)
Jackson Mem. Sr. Brandon Holup & Sr. Brandon McDonnell
their first Central Jersey Group IV title after reaching the final last season. They also could be the first Class A South team to make noise in the Shore Conference Tournament in the last six or seven years.
Southern has sophomore stud Mike Gesicki leading the way, while Toms River North looks to be dangerous with a new coach, some good returning guards and big man Bill Wrightson, and some key additions. Brick Memorial is always solid but may be a little undersized in a division with some tough matchups in the paint and on the wing. Toms River South and Toms River East look to make strides in the division after finishing at the bottom of the standings last season. (In predicted order of finish)
JACKSON MEMORIAL
Head Coach: Joe Fagan, 4th season
Last Year's Record: 21-9 (10-0)
The Mariners have generated some preseason buzz with new head coach Rory Caswell and a stable of talent that includes senior guard Alex Levchenko, 6-9 senior Bill Wrightson, veterans in Sean Martin and Karl Blum, speed in the backcourt in Damian Singleton and Kyle Carrington, and an intriguing newcomer in 6-6 junior Solly Stansbury, a transfer from Delaware who is the son of former Temple star and Indiana Pacers guard Terence Stansbury. If this team can get acclimated to the new coach and his system and get on the same page quickly, the Mariners could be a thorn in Jackson Memorial’s side this season.
The Contenders: Head Coach: Eric Fierro, 2nd season Last Year's Record: 9-16 (5-5)
Sophomore Mike Gesicki is poised to make the leap from a very talented freshman to one of the top five or six players in the Shore Conference to lead Southern. The 6-6 wing player has explosive leaping ability and 3-point range and has already drawn Division I interest. Senior point guard T.J. Bellissimo is a steady returner at point guard who starred for the football team at running back, and senior Zach Policastro is another returning
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starter. Other teams may be a little deeper than the Rams, but Gesicki is capable of having a huge season in this division.
BRICK MEMORIAL
Head Coach: Ed Sarluca, 6th season Last Year's Record: 12-11 (5-5)
This team is always competitive under coach Ed Sarluca and looks to once again be in the mix in A South thanks to a veteran backcourt led by seniors Vince Lombardi and Justin Oakley. Junior guard Ryan Cieplinski, who starred as the quarterback on the football team, also should be a key contributor. The main issue is finding solid frontcourt play to compete with teams like Jackson Memorial and Toms River North that will have a size advantage.
TOMS RIVER SOUTH
Head Coach: John MacIntosh, 7th season Last Year's Record: 10-12 (3-7)
Senior Zach Ligouri starred as a fullback/linebacker on the Toms River South football team and is a physical presence at forward with the ability to step away and knock down mid-range jumpers. Elijah Dupree has good quickness and should be one of the better guards in the division. The main issue is experience, as the Indians will be breaking several new players into the lineup who will have to get up to speed quickly to keep up in this division.
TOMS RIVER EAST
SOUTHERN
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12/19/11
Head Coach: Mike Konopka, 3rd season Last Year's Record: 5-17 (3-7)
The Raiders can only improve on last season after a tough campaign. They have some good athletes, most of whom are known for their work in other sports like seniors Joe Funicelli and Mario Steriti, two top football players, along with senior Matt Wedding, a baseball standout. They have good experience in the backcourt, so it will be a question of developing a balanced offensive attack with some frontcourt scoring.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jason Huelbig, Sr., G, Middletown North:
Committed to Division II Assumption College, Huelbig is an athletic wing player with 3-point range who should be one of the better scorers in the Shore Conference.
Eric Youncofski, Sr., PG, Middletown North
He led the Shore Conference with 7.5 assists per game as a junior. Very quick off the dribble and a good decision-maker, he is the key to making everything go for the Lions.
Tom Aldridge, Jr., PG, CBA
Played in some huge games as a sophomore and did not shy away from the pressure, leading many to believe he is the next star at CBA. Last season he was mainly a distributor, but the Colts will need him to help in the scoring department with the departure of Matt McMullen and J.P. Koury.
Eric Shaw, Sr., F, CBA
One of the top 3-point shooters in the Shore, Shaw is out to show that he can also put it on the floor and get to the rim this season. He will have to increase his scoring output after being a complementary player in order for CBA to continue its winning ways.
Volume-III / Issue-22
By Scott Stump - Managing Editor
The Favorites:
Middletown North and Christian Brothers Academy shared the overall title in this division last season, and those two look to be right in the mix again this winter. Middletown North has now had a whole offseason of playing without former standout Shilique Calhoun, and the drama associated with his tenure is now gone. The Lions return with a talented and experienced starting lineup that will look to get them deeper into the postseason.
CBA is out to prove that it is not going anywhere despite being somewhat of an unknown after losing stars Matt McMullen and J.P. Koury to graduation. The main sleepers are Manalapan, led by standout junior guard Anthony Firkser, and Freehold Township, which returns the bulk of its lineup and always is a factor under coach Brian Golub. Middletown South and Marlboro should be improved
Anthony Firkser, Jr., G, Manalapan:
Tim Frawley, Sr., G, Middletown North
Raquan Haynes, Sr., G, Howell
John Horrigan, Jr., C, Freehold Township
Jim Dzugan, Sr., F, Middletown South
Kieran Hughes, Sr., F, CBA
KEY FACT
Middletown North has never won back-to-back overall division titles in school history.
(In predicted order of finish)
Middletown North senior Eric Youncofski Head Coach: Mike Iasparro, 5th season Last Year's Record: 22-5 (11-1)
Casey Skievaski, Sr., G, Freehold Twp.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
The hierarchy in this division looks to be Middletown North and CBA, then Freehold Township and Manalapan, and then the rest in the final group.
MIDDLETOWN NORTH
One of the top three or four returning players in the Shore Conference, Firkser is an athletic wingman with size (6-4, 215) who can overpower fellow guards in the paint and hit from behind the arc. He has received interest from Army, Lafayette, Columbia and Yale for basketball and also has Division I interest as an AllShore wide receiver in football.
A good shooter with a quick first step who is capable of getting in the lane and scoring, setting up teammates and knocking down threes. He is able to score in bunches in Freehold Township’s frenetic system.
12/19/11
Middletown North senior Jason Huelbig
after taking some lumps last season, while Howell was hit very hard by graduation and will try to rebuild after a 15-win season.
The Lions had one of their best seasons in school history last year, but it was still a case of what-might-have-been because of star Shilique Calhoun being dismissed from the team at the end of the regular season. This senior group is out to get a sectional title and make a deep run in the Shore Conference Tournament in addition to repeating as division champs. They won at CBA for the first time in school history last season and most likely will have to do it again in order to repeat as champions. Their main question mark is inside, as they are very strong on the perimeter but do not have an established post presence. CBA may be inexperienced inside, but it has some size, so we’ll see if that causes the Lions major problems.
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CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY Head Coach: Geoff Billet, 5th season Last Year's Record: 19-5 (11-1)
CBA is somewhat of an unknown after graduating its top two scorers and not necessarily returning the usual big-name star, but that doesn’t mean the Colts still cannot be one of the Shore Conference’s top teams. Shaw is one of the top 3-point shooters in the Shore, while Hughes is a tough defender and solid rebounder. The main player with star potential is Aldridge, who made some big plays in pressure spots as a sophomore point guard. Saker and Gross add depth in the backcourt, while Gordinier is 6-4 and 235 pounds and looks to split time with Bloodgood at center and add size to the frontcourt. Will this be a year where the system is proven effective without one or two big-time scorers to emerge like last season, or will it be a rare down season for one of the state’s top programs? The smart bet is usually the former.
The Contenders: MANALAPAN
Head Coach: Rick Garretson, 18th season Last Year's Record: 15-9 (6-6)
Clearly the main buzz with this team centers around junior guard Anthony Firkser, who is 6-4, 215 pounds and one of the top scorers in the Shore Conference. However, with the loss of another high-scoring Division I athlete, Kyle Rubbinaccio, to graduation, the question is whether there is enough around Firkser to truly make a run at the division title and be a factor in the postseason. Players like Presby and Pyzik will get opportunities from behind the arc with teams trying to smother Firkser, and there also will be chances on the offensive glass. We’ll see if there is enough depth to have another solid season after a good showing last season.
(continued on page 9
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www.allshoremedia.com FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP
Head Coach: Brian Golub, 17th season
Last Year's Record: 14-13 (5-7)
With six returning seniors, the Patriots have a good chance to be the sleeper in this division and sneak up on everyone. Golub perennially has his teams playing as hard as anyone in the Shore, so you know they will defend. The main question is outside shooting, which was the Patriots’ Achilles’ heel last season. Skievaski is one of the better guards in the division, while Horrigan gives them size and a good offensive rebounder in the middle. If they can consistently knock down open looks off kickouts from penetration and forcing turnovers with their press, they will be right in the mix for the division and as a Top 10 team in the Shore.
MIDDLETOWN SOUTH
ASM / 9 seasons ago. Brodsky is a solid guard, while Castellano and McDonough give the Eagles an experienced backcourt. The main question marks are in the frontcourt, where several newcomers will see time. We’ll see if the return of some experience can help them finish ahead of a Howell team that graduated almost everyone but does have some quality athletes from the football team that will make the Rebels dangerous.
as well as the size of Quinlan (6-5) and the athleticism of Robinson, who was a standout receiver on the football team. A talented trio of freshmen could see some time as well as this is essentially an entirely new team.
HOWELL
It looks like more growing pains for the young Mustangs under head coach Mark Truhan as they try to rebuild the program after a banner season in 2009-10. It’s never easy trying to compete in the always-tough A North with an inexperienced group, but that is what Marlboro will be facing this season.
Head Coach: Brian Quick, 6th season
Last Year's Record: 15-12 (6-6)
The Rebels graduated eight seniors, including all-time leading scorer Ryan Keegan, from a team that upset Neptune in last year’s Shore Conference Tournament Round-of-16. They will try to rebuild behind last season’s sixth man, Raquan Haynes,
MARLBORO
Head Coach: Mark Truhan, 2nd season
Last Year's Record: 4-20 (1-11)
Head Coach: Kevin Cullen, 6th season
Last Year's Record: 4-16 (2-10)
The Eagles are still trying to dig their way out of the whole left by the graduation of the Kyle Cancillieri-led class from two
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Injury Preventio n Training
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mike Aaman, Sr., F/C, Raritan
The 6-9 Wagner recruit is the reigning All Shore Media Player of the Year and could potentially lead the Shore Conference in scoring, rebounding and blocked shots as a senior. He has added range out to 17-18 feet on his jumper and more moves to his arsenal in the post, so there is no team out there who has a player who can match up with him one-on-one. His biggest challenge may be keeping his head as teams try to cheap shot him off the ball to try to get him out of his game.
Jack Donnelly, Sr., G, RFH
One of the top shooters in the Shore Conference, Donnelly averaged 16 points per game last season and has committed to Hamilton College. He will have to shoulder a good portion of the Bulldogs' offense with the graduation of standout point guard Kevin Alter.
Larry Smith, Sr., G, Matawan
Smith showed flashes of good scoring ability last season and is very quick off the dribble to make up for being a little undersized. He will have to do even more scoring now that standout Larry Alston III has decided not to play this season.
Christian Vikse, Sr., G/F, Holmdel
An excellent 3-point shooter at 6-3, Vikse is a veteran player who looks to lead Holmdel to a darkhorse run for a title in this division.
Seph Williams, Sr., G, Red Bank Regional
Another veteran guard who is quick off the dribble, Williams should have some post help this season to give him more room to operate and give him some finishers under the basket if teams collapse on him.
Volume-III / Issue-22
By Scott Stump - Managing Editor
The Favorites:
Raritan is the reigning champion and returns 2011 All Shore Media Player of the Year Mike Aaman, but the Rockets still have to replace four quality starters from a team that played mainly five guys last season. That means this division is no lock by any means and looks to be a wide-open affair for the most part
Rumson-Fair Haven should again be in the mix behind senior guard Jack Donnelly, and a team generating a lot of enthusiasm in the preseason has been Holmdel. The Hornets return four starters and should be a factor. Matawan took a big hit with the loss of Larry Alston III as well as 6-4 forward Anthony Castaneda, while Red Bank and Shore look to be darkhorses with potential. St. John Vianney graduated almost everyone with any varsity experience, so it will be a challenge for first-year coach Matt Conklin. Almost any team in this division has a chance to win it, so this should be a wild race. (In predicted order of finish)
RARITAN
Head Coach: Denis Caruano, 7th season
Last Year's Record: 24-3 (11-1)
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
R.J. Bohnert, Sr., G, Shore Regional JJ Conklin, Jr., C, Rumson-FH
Cody Regueiro, Sr., G, Raritan
Albert Martin, Jr., F, Red Bank
Dan Baumlin, Sr., C, Holmdel
Arick Sodini, Sr., C, St. John Vianney
Kashaun Barnes, So., G, Matawan
KEY FACT
Raritan is the only team besides Christian Brothers Academy and Neptune to win more than one Shore Conference Tournament title since 1993.
12/19/11
Raritan senior center Mike Aaman
Even though Raritan lost four of five starters to graduation from a team that finished No. 1 in the Shore last season, the Rockets still are the favorites to repeat because of the presence of senior forward center Mike Aaman, the reigning All Shore Media Player of the Year. The main question mark is the guard play, as players like Tyler Gurczeski, Chris Lehan and Cody Regueiro will be asked to step up in a big way after playing scant minutes last season. The Rockets will have a wall around the basket on defense with Aaman, a 6-9 shot-blocking force, and senior Connor Flynn, who is 6-6. Much of their success will come down to how they handle opposing full-court pressure, as teams will try to turn their guards over to prevent the ball from getting to Aaman in a good spot to score.
RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN
Head Coach: Chris Champeau, 3 season
Last Year's Record: 18-8 (9-3)
rd
This season's group of Bulldogs has a tough act to follow after they reached their first SCT final in school history last season as well as the Central Jersey Group II semifinals. They lost ASM firstteam guard Kevin Rumson senior guard Alter, who Jack Donnelly was a huge part of their offense, as well as big men Jack Keating and Jack Wise. Senior guard Donnelly will lead the way, as he is one of the best catchand-shoot players in the Shore Conference. The main question involves how much he will have to handle the ball, which is hopefully where guard Drew Corsi, a Christian Brothers Academy transfer, can help. Junior JJ Conklin is nearly 6-foot-6, so he will be the main inside presence.
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The Contenders: HOLMDEL
Head Coach: Sean Devaney, 7th season
Last Year's Record: 6-17 (3-9)
The Hornets could be poised for a breakthrough season with four returning starters in Kyle Nodes, Dan Baumlin, Christian Vikse and Mike Cantelli. Vikse is one of the top 3-point snipers in the Shore, Cantelli is an athletic, hard-nosed point guard, Baumlin has good size at 6-6, and Nodes is a solid veteran. Matt Nasra and Brett Lambert, a pair of football players, add strength and size to the frontcourt. This looks like the sleeper team to rise up and possibly win the division.
MATAWAN
Head Coach: Tom Stead, 17th season Last Year's Record: 17-10 (7-5)
The Huskies looked like a serious threat to take the division but was dealt a heavy blow when senior forward Larry Alston, who averaged 13 points and 10 boards as a junior, decided not to play basketball in order to focus on his football career. Another football player, 6-4 senior Anthony Castaneda, also decided not to play in order to get knee surgery, and another football lineman, 6-6 Seamus Weldon, also decided not to play, essentially removing all of Matawan’s size up front. It will be more of a guardoriented team led by the tandem of senior Larry Smith and sophomore Kashaun Barnes, who are both very quick off the dribble and can get into the lane.
SHORE
Head Coach: Doug Shaw, 4th season
Last Year's Record: 11-16 (3-9)
Senior RJ Bohnert and hard-nosed senior Nick Mahoney return as the most experienced players on a Shore Regional team whose success will be determined by how the veterans mesh with a strong
(continued on page 11)
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www.allshoremedia.com sophomore class. Sophomore Dan Pillari has great open court speed and should see significant minutes, while sophomore Matt Muh is a Holmdel transfer who could also see time. Juniors Ben Hess and Brian Dubois and senior guard Adrian D’Averso also have plenty of experience and look to help this team surprise some people in this division.
ASM / 11 Balkovic, to graduation. Senior center Arick Sodini is 6-5 and could be a bright spot after being stuck behind Balkovic and Ryan Gille last season. Junior Steve Callari will be playing a little out of position at point guard, and his adjustment should be a key to the Lancers being able to surprise some people.
RED BANK REGIONAL
Head Coach: Scott Martin, 11th season
Last Year's Record: 8-18 (3-9)
The Bucs finally have some size to go with its good guard play to make a darkhorse run at a division title by avoiding getting killed on the boards like in recent seasons. Albert Martin, a 63, 230-pound junior, is out with a wrist injury but should be good to go early on. He will complement a backcourt with good speed led by senior Seph Williams and be part of a frontcourt that also includes Stephen Skop, who is 6-5, 210.
ST. JOHN VIANNEY
Head Coach: Matt Conklin, 1st season
Last Year's Record: 11-11 (6-6)
The Lancers have a new head coach in former Lancers player Matt Conklin, who has his work cut out for him with a team that essentially has no significant varsity experience. They also lost one of the Shore Conference’s top players, Mike
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Anthony McGugan, Sr., Guard, Barnegat
McGugan has been a top scorer in B South in each of the past two seasons, and now the team is ready to make the leap that the senior guard has already made. There is still room to grow for McGugan, but with a better team, more people will see what most people in Class B South already knew.
Volume-III / Issue-22
By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Writer
The Favorites:
Shore Conference realignment opened up the door for Manchester to resurface as a division winner last season and impending
By the end of the season, Jones was the Hawks' best scorer as a sophomore and even with an influx of transfers, Jones will be the man for Manchester. He is on pace to be a 1,000-point scorer and could approach the number this year with a major scoring season.
Ryan Morris, Sr., Center, Barnegat
Morris has been a little overlooked because of the fact that Barnegat has a talented set of twins in the McGugans. There are not many athletes in the Shore Conference superior to Morris and he has more than enough basketball skills to turn that athleticism into a double-double every night.
Moore flew under the radar within the division on Central last year, but with his transfer to Manchester, he will be running the point for a team with a legitimate shot to win the division.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tasheen Carrow, Sr., Guard, Lacey
Isaiah Torney, Jr., Forward, Manchester
Pat Zanzalari, Jr., Forward, Barnegat
Austin DeRose, Jr., Guard, Central
Jimmy Truitt, Jr., Forward, Brick
KEY FACT
Manchester reached its first state sectional final in school history last season.
MANCHESTER
Head Coach: Ryan Ramsay, 7th season
Last Year's Record: 17-8 (8-2)
BARNEGAT
Head Coach: Erik Mazur, 6th season Last Year's Record: 11-10 (5-5)
Jeremy Wozniak, Sr., G/F., Central
Damiun Moore, Sr., Guard, Manchester
(In predicted order of finish)
Mason Jones is back from last year and will be the top scoring option for Manchester. Senior captain A.J. Thomas and junior Isaiah Torney also return and will have help in the form of transfers Sir Ismail, Lance Wakefield and Damiun Moore. Ismail and Wakefield are transfers from San Antonio, Texas. Moore started for Central last season and was slated to be their top player this year. Instead he heads over to Manchester, where he may help the Hawks keep their spot at the top of the division while trying to hold off a hungry Barnegat team.
Mason Jones, Jr., Guard, Manchester
Wozniak emerged as a 15-point a game commodity last season and by the end of the season, he was the best true scorer Central had. He will have to shoulder more of the load this season with the graduation of JoJo Hardy and the transfer of Damiun Moore to Manchester.
an entertaining race for the top spot.
Manchester junior Mason Jones
realignment for next year makes this season one with a great deal of urgency for both the Hawks and an upstart Barnegat team. The Hawks were a good team in the grand scheme of things last year, but in the old realignment, they would have had to contend with a loaded Lakewood team and getting away from that level of competition opened the door to win a share of a different division.
With one more year in the current Class B South, Manchester will now go after an outright title before going back into the old Class B South with the likes of Lakewood and Monsignor Donovan. Barnegat is not only up against the realignment clock, but is also facing its best opportunity to win a division title in the six years of the program thanks to a strong senior class. There is an element of desperation that comes with playing in Class B South this year and that dynamic combined with a handful of talented teams should make for
This is the year Barnegat has been building toward since Anthony McGugan, Aaron McGugan and Ryan Morris all entered the program four years ago. The Bengals have taken their lumps over these last three years, but they started to see the light at the end of the tunnel last year, when they qualified for the Shore Conference Tournament for the first time in the short history of the program. Anthony McGugan and Morris are one of the best insideoutside duos in Ocean County and Dan DeCapua emerged as a quality point guard as well. If experience and team chemistry decide the division this year, then Barnegat will take home its first division title.
LACEY
Head Coach: Ryan O'Rourke, 4th season Last Year's Record: 17-7 (8-2)
In terms of quantity, Lacey ranks right there with Barnegat. The Lions have four players back with starting experience, but will have to replace top scorer and rebounder Deon Smith, which may put them behind the eight ball relative to Manchester and Barnegat. Logan
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McDonald and Tyrell Smith give the Lions plenty of size in the front court and should be able to account for the loss of rebounding, and both have the potential to add some scoring. Tasheen Carrow and Dylan Ramos have developed nicely in the backcourt.
CENTRAL
Head Coach: Mike Clemente, 30th season Last Year's Record: 12-11 (7-3)
The Golden Eagles had an up-and-down season last year, with the high point coming in the form of two wins over Manchester. While now-graduated JoJo Hardy and junior Damien Moore - now playing for Manchester - were the team's top two players from start to finish, Jeremy Wozniak began to emerge as a reliable scoring option. Outside of Wozniak and senior center Devante Bernier, the roster is geared toward making a run in a couple of seasons when sophomore Andrew DiPiazza and freshman Evan Lang develop further.
BRICK
Head Coaches: Chris Hughes and Tim Puglisi, 2nd season Last Year's Record: 5-19 (1-9)
Last season was the first for the Brick coaching tandem of Chris Hughes and Tim Puglisi and even with a lot of new players, Brick showed it could be more competitive. There is not enough talent to compete with the top teams in the division night in and night out, but on a given night, Brick is closer to having the firepower to give a good team a scare with the likes of guards James Parlow and Chris Parlow.
PINELANDS
Head Coach: John Tierney, 7th season Last Year's Record: 4-21 (1-9)
The Contenders:
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The Wildcats look a lot like Brick because of a loss of good seniors with the return of a lot of role players. This is the first year in a while Pinelands will not have a Hartman in the lineup after the departure of Jake Hartman last year.. Pinelands has some good front-court ability in juniors Zac Schepp, Dom Hernandez and Jimmy Truitt, but the key will be finding the backcourt play to go with the junior trio.
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ASM / 13
14 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Ikie Calderon, Sr., Guard, Neptune
Few players in the Shore can rival the first step of Calderon and his pass-first mentality is perfectly suited to play on a team with a nice balance of inside and outside talent. If his shot shows improvement, Neptune will be hard to beat, but even without an exceptional perimeter game, Calderon can be a great weapon for the Shore's deepest team.
Jaheem Woods, Sr., Guard, Neptune
Woods emerged as Neptune's most well-rounded player last year after entering the season with less fan-fare than other Neptune plyaers. Woods is a top perimeter defender, and he also made strides shooting the ball.
Sean O'Reilly, Sr., Guard, Colts Neck
The Cougars have a point guard to replace transfer Brian Kenny in Lucas LaLima, however O'Reilly's role figures to increase. He will have the ball in his hands more this season and with a good cast of players around him, he'll have a chance to put up good numbers for a good team.
Keith Kirkwood, Jr., G/F, Neptune
If there was such a thing as a Shore Conference fantasy basketball league, Kirkwood would be a good first pick with his ability to score, rebound, pass, force turnovers, block shots and shoot the 3-pointer. He has received Division I interest and looks to be a top player for the Class of 2013.
Hunter Wysocki, Sr., Forward, Colts Neck Perhaps the most complete player in the conference, Wysocki can score inside or outside. One of the refreshing aspects of Wysocki's game is that he has learned from inside out, entering high school with an advanced post game and expanding his scoring range with each season.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brandon Federici, Jr., G., Colts Neck
Fuquan McDonald, Sr., F., Neptune
Hassan Foster, So., F., Long Branch
Shakeem Richardson, So., G., Neptune
Dan McGuckin, Sr., G., Ocean
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Writer
The Favorites:
Over the last half-decade, Class B North might be the most talent-rich division in the Shore Conference and has certainly been among the two deepest divisions in the conference - even by a wide margin in some years. Last year, however, the division took a step back relative to the conference, with top teams Neptune, Colts Neck and Red Bank Catholic all failing to reach the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals. A major reason for that could have been age, as neither Colts Neck nor Neptune sported a single senior in the regular starting lineup while each played only one senior in the regular rotation. While that might have been a hindrance to both of those teams last season, it also means the Scarlet Fliers and Cougars return a wealth of talent from last season and after last season's shortcomings, it will be hungry talent at that.
An extra year to develop the roster should make both Neptune and Colts Neck contenders for the Shore Conference Tournament Neptune’s championship, Josh Jenkins but unlike in years past, the rest of the division appears to be a few levels below the top two teams. RBC must replace virtually its entire roster, while past contenders Freehold, Monmouth and Long Branch are much younger and less proven than they've been in recent years. Ocean has been a scrappy team
capable of giving good teams trouble and will try to jump into the top half of the standings after a rough 2010-11 season.
Last year, three teams turned were headand-shoulders above the rest of the field by the end of the season. This year, that number may shrink to two as Colts Neck and Neptune duel for the division title. (In predicted order of finish)
NEPTUNE
Head Coach: Ken O'Donnell, 21st season Last Year's Record: 17-7 (11-1)
The Scarlet Fliers return a vast majority of its roster from a 17-7 team that never really had the benefit of playing with its full roster. Strangely enough, on the few occasions which Neptune did have all of its players suited up, the team struggled with different players in different roles. With seniors Fuquan McDonald and Rasul Holland available from the onset of the season and promising junior Keith Kirkwood healthy, Neptune will be able to run out a strong five
with a deep bench behind them. The chemistry was never quite there for the Fliers last season, but this group has been playing together for a while and senior guards Ikie Calderon and Jaheem Woods should help bring it all together.
COLTS NECK
Head Coach: Lou Piccola, 14th season
Last Year's Record: 17-7 (9-3)
Neptune may not run into much of a challenge within its own division, but if there is a challenger to the Scarlet Fliers in Class B North, Colts Neck is that team. While last year's Colts Neck squad played only one senior, this year's group is still different, with point guard Brian Kenny transferring to Jackson Memorial for his senior year. With Kenny at the point and classmate Sean O'Reilly on the wing, Colts Neck could run with Neptune last year, especially considering how well forward Hunter Wysocki can run the floor in addition to his post game. This season, Colts Neck's strength lies more in its size than its perimeter play, although junior point guard Lucas LaLima is capable enough to keep the Cougars moving.
The Contenders: FREEHOLD
Head Coach: Ben DiBiase, 6th season Last Year's Record: 13-15 (3-9)
Neptune senior guard Jaheem Woods
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This current group at Freehold got a bit of a head start on this year thanks to injuries and the departure of a number of players on last year's team. Given some time, Freehold could round into a tough team to handle within the division, led by seniors Matt Devorin and Pat Mullin. Mullin emerged as a solid scorer for Freehold last season and is just about recovered from a broken arm that he suffered playing in Orlando during an AAU tournament over the summer. Scoring is going to be a question for most of the teams in the division and for Freehold, the answer to their particular scoring question is probably Mullin.
(continued on page 15
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KEY FACT
Neptune’s Ikie Calderon and the Colts Neck tandem of Sean O’Reilly and Hunter Wysocki are all rare four-year varsity players.
ACL
Injury Preventio n Training
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Head Coach: John Terlecsky, 4th season
Last Year's Record: 6-18 (1-11)
Ocean has the most experience of any team in this division outside of the top two, led by seniors Dan McGuckin and Nick Gallombardo. Last year, Gallombardo emerged as a go-to scorer for Ocean as the team struggled to a 1-11 divisional record. With most of its roster back, the Spartans best fit the profile a team ready to make the jump to the head of an inexperienced cluster of teams.
LONG BRANCH
Head Coach: Donald Covin, 1st season (seventh overall)
Last Year's Record: 7-14 (3-9)
ASM / 15 Long Branch is typically a wild card in Class B North and with only two seniors in the program, the Green Wave's wild-card status is as pronounced as ever. Terrell Cox quietly had a great showing for a freshman last season and classmate Hassan Foster also saw significant time as a high school rookie. Junior guard Dwight Clark is the on-floor leader, and beyond those thee, there is a lot of youth on the floor for first-year coach Don Covin, who returns to the program after taking it to the Tournament of Champions in the late 1990s.
Monmouth
Head Coach: Quinton Schwartz, 2nd season Last Year's Record: 11-15 (6-6)
With a lot of question marks heading into his first season as the Monmouth Regional head coach, Quinton Schwartz got a good deal out of his team by leading a group of new starters to a
respectable 6-6 division record. This year's team is charged with a similar task and will rally around returnees Ra'Quan Gardner and Kenwyn Peters as the Falcons try to climb back to the top of the division. Six-foot-3 freshman Kyle Bradshaw will get a chance to play right away and is a prospect to watch at Monmouth.
RED BANK CATHOLIC
Head Coach: Devitt Gillroy, 3rd season Last Year's Record: 18-7 (9-3)
Red Bank Catholic had one of its best seasons in a decade last year, but will have to replace its entire starting lineup. There may be some growing pains this season with seniors Ryan Grover and Ryan Byrne being the only returners with any experience, but third-year head coach Devitt Gillroy has the program heading in the right direction, even if it is going to be hard to move in the right direction with regards to the standings.
16 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mark Kukoda, Sr., G., St. Rose
Kukoda led a balanced St. Rose attack last year that is sure to be a lot less balanced with no returning starters around the senior point guard. Kukoda can score and distribute alike, but without a proven scorer around this year, he figures to look for his own shot more often as the Purple Roses go for their second straight division title after winning a share of Class B Central last year.
Thomond Hammary, Sr., G., Asbury Park
Hammary started the season as the Blue Bishops' steadiest scorer until Amir and Armond Conover joined the team, when Hammary scaled back his shooting. With Maurice Dickerson moving on, Hammary will re-emerge as a primary option on the wing alongside the Conovers.
Amir Conover, Sr., F., Asbury Park
Of the Conover twins, Amir was the more consistent offensive contributor of the two. Once he and Armond became consistent fixtures in the lineup, Amir Conover became the second scoring option to Maurice Dickerson. Conover is a slasher and is excellent on the offensive glass, an ideal player in Asbury Park's full-court attack.
Armond Conover, Sr., F., Asbury Park
While Amir was a steady scorer, Armond was a workhorse on the boards and on the defensive end, but his contribution to the Asbury cause was not limited to the little things. Armond Conover hit the go-ahead jumper with nine seconds left in the Group I semifinal against Pitman to break a 56-56 tie and send the Blue Bishops to their second Group I championship game in three years.
Volume-III / Issue-22
By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Writer
The Favorites:
Considering it has been comprised of two small non-public schools and five Group I teams, Class B Central has been a rather impressive division over the past two seasons with several strong Asbury Park teams, solid St. Rose squads, and the Jarelle Reischel-led Point Beach. Reischel is out of the mix for the first time in four years, but the division still sports a bona fide Shore Conference Tournament title contender, a borderline top 10 team, and an interesting team that could make some noise before a big run next year. There may not be a Jarelle Reischel or Maurice Dickerson as there were last year, but Asbury Park has an exciting amount of talent, St. Rose has one of the top point guards in the conference and Point Beach has the makings of a good young team, even without the marquee player in the division. The division is still a competitive one and in this Asbury Park squad, B Central has another legitimate contender for the SCT title after Point Beach came up a little short last year. (In predicted order of finish)
ASBURY PARK
Head Coach: Dave Johnson, 4th season (27th overall) Last Year's Record: 25-6 (11-1)
Riley Calzonetti, Jr., F., Point Beach
As a sophomore, Calzonetti was the Garnet Gulls’ best post player. He posted a doubledouble in a Primetime Shootout game against Montgomery, his best all-around game, and with star Jarelle Reischel gone, he becomes Point Beach's top scoring option in the paint.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
P.J. Kineavy, Jr., G., Point Beach
Anthony McNeil, Sr., F., Asbury Park
Jim Rockstedt, Jr., G., St. Rose
Alex Thomson, So., G., Keyport
Matt Farrell, So., G., Point Beach
KEY FACT
Asbury Park became the first Group I team in Shore Conference history to reach the NJSIAA Tournament of Champions last season.
Asbury Park senior Thomond Hammary
Fresh off its first NJSIAA Tournament of Champions appearance in program history, Asbury Park is back with a senior-laden group in 2011-12 and will once again attempt to chase down a
Group I championship. The one domain still left to conquer for the Bishops is the Shore Conference Tournament, in which Asbury Park has not advanced to the semifinals during the last five years despite some talented squads. Although Asbury Park must replace All-Shore swingman Maurice Dickerson, seniors Thomond Hammary and Amir Conover return as scoring threats from last season and Armond Conover and Danron Morrisey return to the rotation and figure to have bigger impacts this year. The Bishops will add some size with Anthony McNeil earning more minutes and 310pound Winslow Township transfer Ra'Zahn Howard to the frontcourt.
ST. ROSE
Head Coach: Dennis Devaney, 26th season
Last Year's Record: 21-7 (11-1)
Asbury Park is clearly the class of Class B Central, but St. Rose could very have the division's best player in senior point guard Mark Kukoda. The return of Kukoda will make the transition to St. Rose senior a new wave Mark Kukoda of starters a little easier because he has already led a group of older players. If St. Rose can strike a balance between riding its point guard and developing new talent, the Purple Roses might be a threat to Asbury Park when the teams meet for the second of two meetings, which will be at St. Rose on Jan. 19.
12/19/11
who will have a chance to play this season.
KEYPORT
Head Coach: Phil Recco, 7th season Last Year's Record: 8-17 (5-7)
If Point Beach or St. Rose has trouble reloading, Keyport could be the team that takes advantage with a run at a top-three finish. Returning players Connor Thomson, Alex Thomson, Rich Smith and Connor Hubler got a chance to play top competition while battling to an 8-17 record last season. Keyport is a little like Point Beach in that the Red Raiders may need one more year of seasoning before they take off, but a return to the Shore Conference Tournament is not unrealistic.
KEANSBURG
Head Coach: Jim McCarthy, 3rd season Last Year's Record: 6-12 (3-9)
There may be a drop-off from the No. 4 spot to the No. 5 if returning talent is any indication, but Keansburg does return a handful of players from a team that was competitive in a tough B Central last season. Brian Woods took a step forward last year and Tyler Walters had a strong showing as a sophomore, so while Keansburg might not make the top half of the division this year, the Titans figure to close the gap.
MATER DEI PREP
Head Coach: Bob Klatt, 16th season Last Year's Record: 4-19 (3-9)
The Contenders:
Mater Dei Prep is still trying to build back to the level it reached two years ago when they had a good senior class that challenged for a Class B Central title. That rebuilding job got a little harder with the transfer of John Dini to Middletown North, leaving the Seraphs with a void in the frontcourt. Ryan Yetman, Connor Stimpson, Bobby Klatt and Alex Deahl are among the players that will try to fill that void to help the Seraphs get back to competing with the rest of the division.
POINT BEACH
Head Coach: Nick Catania, 8th season
HENRY HUDSON
Last Year's Record: 17-8 (8-4)
With the departure of Jarelle Reischel to Rice University, the natural reaction of the distant observer is to dismiss Point Beach as a potential threat in the Shore Conference Tournament. There is reason for optimism at Point Beach because the Garnet Gulls return two talented juniors in Riley Calzonetti and P.J. Kineavy that will keep them competitive this season and could set them up for a run at the division title next year. Sophomores Matt Farrell and Noah Yates factor into that long-term picture, as well as freshman Chris Schifano,
Last Year's Record: 3-16 (1-11)
Last year was a tough one for Henry Hudson, but on the bright side, the Admirals were able to snag a win against Keansburg and that could be something upon which to build. Andrew Grogan flew under the radar for Henry Hudson last year and is a good athlete on the perimeter, the kind of player that can be the centerpiece of a turnaround.
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Head Coach: Vinnie Whitehead, 6th season
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ASM / 17
18 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tyrice Beverette, Jr., G, Lakewood:
A Division I-A football prospect, Beverette is a tremendous all-around athlete with good speed and leadership abilities. He will be a problem on defense for opponents and also has a good burst to get to the rim.
Jameer Jones, Sr., G, Lakewood
Another solid scorer, Jones stepped up in some big spots as a junior when the Piners' stars were struggling. Now a senior, he will shoulder more of the scoring burden.
Jimmy Walsh, Jr., F, Manasquan
A versatile 6-6 forward with a nice shooting touch and improved strength, Walsh is on the verge of a breakout starter in his third year as a varsity player. He should be a difficult matchup for any team because of his ability to put it on the floor at his size.
Shaun Cooke, Sr., G, Point Boro
A four-year varsity player, Cooke is one of the top returning point guards in the Shore. He morphed into more of a scorer last season out of necessity and looks to increase his production even further after some graduation losses for the Panthers.
Jordan Petitta, Sr., G, Wall
He finished in the top 10 in the Shore in 3pointers made last season and looks to continue to launch even more this season now that the Crimson Knights have to replace the scoring of Kyle Janeczek.
Volume-III / Issue-22
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
The Favorites:
Lakewood buzz-sawed through this division last season unscathed, and the Piners look like the favorite again. However, considering they lost a pair of 1,000-point scorers and a point guard to graduation, it may not be as easy. Still, there is plenty of talent in Piner-land, led by guards Tyrice Beverette and Jameer Jones.
Point Boro is always a physical, hardnosed defensive team that battles everyone, and that should be no different with this season's team led by senior point guard Shaun Cooke. The sleeper in the division is Manasquan, which has two standout players in juniors Jimmy Walsh and J.R. Hobbie and will look to make a serious run at Lakewood.
James Sofield, So., G, Jackson Liberty
Jarrod Craddox, Jr., F, Lakewood
KEY FACT
Lakewood’s last Shore Conference Tournament title came in 1991.
Head Coach: Kevin Hynes, 17th season
Last Year's Record: 18-8 (7-3)
LAKEWOOD
Head Coach: Randy Holmes, 6th season
Last Year's Record: 21-4 (10-0)
The Piners rolled through this division unbeaten last season, and while it may not be as easy this season, the firepower is there to make it two in a row. Their
MONSIGNOR DONOVAN
Head Coach: Mike Kearney, 13th season Last Year's Record: 16-9 (7-3)
It's the dawn of a new era at Monsignor Donovan as four-year varsity star Sean Grennan has moved on to Seton Hall and standout forward/center Anthony Duszczak has also graduated. Senior Tim Mindnich is one of the more athletic defenders in the Shore, while senior Mitchell Hall is a lacrosse standout and good all-around athlete. Seniors Andrew Gomez and Adam King are three-year letter-winners who will look to boost their production.
Head Coach: Michael Puorro, 4th season Last Year's Record: 11-15 (1-9)
Point Boro senior Shaun Cooke
The Panthers return one of the Shore Conference's top point guards in senior Shaun Cooke but lost some experienced interior players, including bruising center/forward Ryan Malleck. Senior center Alex Lorenz will try to fill that void along with senior Chuckie Krohn and junior Kyle McGarry. Ja’shon Woodard, Ryan Thrunk and Andre Taylor give depth to the backcourt, and head coach Kevin Hynes always seems to find players who will play hard-nosed defense.
The Contenders: Lakewood senior Jameer Jones
Junior J.R. Hobbie is another key weapon with some of the deepest 3-point range in the Shore. Senior Alex Waga is a solid guard who has battled injuries in his career, while senior Bryan Abadrabo is a good athlete who was a football standout. Sophomore Matt Forst gives them a big body up front to complement Walsh. This team has the makings of a darkhorse division title contender if the newcomers can do enough to augment Walsh and Hobbie.
WALL
(In predicted order of finish)
J.R. Hobbie, Jr., G, Manasquan
Conor Mulholland, Sr., G, Wall
POINT BORO
Monsignor Donovan, Wall and Jackson Liberty comprise the next tier of teams. Monsignor Donovan lost two stars in Sean Grennan and Anthony Duszczak, while Wall and Jackson Liberty will look to make strides after winning a combined two divisional games last season.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tim Mindnich, Sr., F, Msgr. Donovan
backcourt featuring junior Tyrice Beverette and senior Jameer Jones is one of the best in the Shore Conference, but they still have to replace a pair of 1,000point scorers in Jarrod Davis and Anthony Walker as well as a top point guard in Willie Hawkins. If the newcomers can mesh quickly, this team has the chance to surpass last season's star-studded group and make a run to the Shore Conference Tournament final after reaching the semifinals.
12/19/11
MANASQUAN
Andrew Bilodeau, 4th season
Last Year's Record: 9-10 (4-6)
Manasquan has a young player, junior forward Jimmy Walsh, ready to make the leap to the elite in the Shore Conference and take his team upward in the standings.
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The Crimson Knights made some strides overall but struggled inside the division last season, and it graduated 1,000-point scorer Kyle Janeczek. This team will bomb it from 3-point land behind seniors Conor Mulholland and Jordan Petitta. Senior Derek Gardner is a 3-year starter in the paint who has good size after starring at tight end for the football team. The goal is to try to break into the top three in the division and maybe pull an upset or two in the postseason to continue the enthusiasm that coach Michael Puorro has generated in his tenure.
JACKSON LIBERTY
Head Coach: Mark Lax, 5th season Last Year's Record: 8-18 (3-9)
The Lions rebounded from a winless 2009-10 season to make strides in the win column, but 10 of their 11 came outside the division. The Lions will try to be more competitive in C Central this season with a backcourt led by seniors Bobby Brown and Ahmed Shalabi, but this team is very undersized. Sophomore James Sofield is a promising guard with good size at 6-foot-3, while some other young players should see time in the frontcourt.
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WRESTLERS TO WATCH Nick Herring, Jr., Middletown South Vin Favia, Sr., CBA
Zach Bohm, Sr., Howell
152
152/160
Cole Cameron, Sr., Howell
Johnny Appice, Jr., Manalapan
160 138
Hwt
BREAKOUT WRESTLERS TO WATCH Matt Lindemann, So., Howell
126
Garrett Rumsby, So., Middletown South
120
Jeff Goldrosen, So., Marlboro
138
Erik Beshada, So., CBA
Rocco Hernandez, Sr., Freehold Twp.
KEY FACT
113
145
Howell has won the last six Class A North division titles
ASM / 19
By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
pounder was sixth in New Jersey last season at 152 pounds and finished up with a 40-5 record. Returns one of the deepest and well-balanced Sophomore Erik Beshada (27-6) was a District 22 units in the Shore Conference and is the champion, as was sophomore Christian Casselli defending division champ. The Rebels finished (21-16). They will wrestle at 113 and 126, 22-4 last season, good for No. 4 in the Shore respectively, and anchor the lowerweights with Conference and No. 16 in the state. Despite the freshmen Conor loss of 100-match Cunningham (106) winner and twoand Nick Koutzen time Region VI (120), and medalist Mike sophomore Tyler Shaughnessy, Mabry (132) Howell is loaded stepping in as with three starters. Senior returning 30Mike Matlaga will match winners be at 138 and 145 and a total of 10 pounds after a 29-9 wrestlers with at season and fourth least 14 victories. place region finish. Senior District 21 Senior Mike champ Zach Hoeglar (160/170) Bohm returns at posted double-digit 160 pounds after Howell senior Zach Bohm wins last season going 34-6 last and was second in season and senior districts and senior Hayden Hrymack leads the Cody Kirk helps bolster the middle/upperweights upperweights coming off a 31-6 season in which coming off a 25-9 season. The lower portion of he captured a district title. Also in the fold is the lineup has some great youngsters with Brick transfer Nick Melon. The junior has to sit sophomore Jimmy Slendorn (106), 23-13 and a the first 30 days, but when he returns will give the district runner-up, junior Ben Esposito (120), 27a solid lowerweight. He was third in District 23 13 and a region medalist, sophomore Matt last season at 103 pounds and finished with a 22-5 Lindemann (126), 24-12, senior Cole Cameron record. (138), 31-11 and a region medalist and junior Ashanti Maurice (145), who went 30-10 and Middletown South finished fourth in Region VI. Add in sophomore Senior Nick Herring is Middletown South’s Joey Schultz at 152 (22-13), senior Matt hammer, coming off a 33-3 season that saw him Sulkowski (3rd in District 21) and sophomore St. capture a Region VI title and his second District 22 John Vianney transfer Nate Litowsky (19-15) at championship. Herring has a chance at history as 182 and you have the makings of a championship he enters with 92 career wins, 22 shy of breaking squad. The question in whether the Rebels can get the school mark by the legendary Glenn Pritzlaf past Jackson Memorial and Brick Memorial in (1991-1994). Sophomore Garrett Rumsby (120), Central Jersey Group IV, where they are seeking 21-11 and third in districts, senior Tim Cody (138), their first sectional title in program history. a district bronze medalist, and junior Drew Blasco (145), 17-9 and a district third-place finisher are the other key returners the Eagles. In order for Christian Brothers Academy Middletown South to keep pace with Howell and Russ Witt, a state champion for Lacey in 1997, CBA and do some damage in the postseason it will takes over at the helm for Christian Brothers need will need contributions from its perimeter Academy, which will field one of its best squads wrestlers. Look for sophomore Dom Franciosi in the last 10 years. Six wrestlers who won 20 (106), senior Tom Koehler (132), junior Mo Jrad matches or more return for the Colts, led by (183) and senior Sam Fowler (220) to approach the senior state medalist Vin Favia. The 152/160 20-win plateau this season.
Howell
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Marlboro
The Broncos lost 119 wins from last season to graduation in the form of Mitch Seigel, Vinnie Leone, Anthony Anzalone and James Stewart. The leading returner for Marlboro is senior Zach Goldrosen, a district runner-up who will wrestle at both 160 and 170 after his 22-12 junior campaign. Senior Tyler Kugler (132) was 19-13 a year ago and will look to build on that. Sophomore Jeff Goldrosen was 16-13 last season and will be at 138. Junior Dan Hwang (160/170) and senior Rob Cuccinelli will look to approach 20 wins, which would be a big boost. Incoming freshman Danny Saraiva at 113 and Pete Powell at 120 both have solid potential.
Freehold Township
With eight seniors and nine wrestlers coming of double-digit win totals last season, Freehold Township is a sleeper in Class A North. Senior 145-pounder Rocco Hernandez led the team with a 25-8 record last season and will be joined in the middle weights by junior Nick Conti (15-13) at 152, senior Carmine Romano (11-12 in 2010) at 160 and senior JT Baumann (16-10) at 170. The Patriots will be able to close with a solid upperweight run of senior Tom Boylan (16-10) at 195, senior Gary Figueroa (16-7) at 220 and senior Eric Kakauridze (20-9) at heavyweight. Down low, sophomore Nick DePierro (20-10) and senior Nick Buttita (18-5) lead the way at 113 and 120, respectively. Last season the Patriots went 13-7 to end a string of three straight losing seasons and look like a team ready to take a step forward.
Manalapan
Juniors Mike Aronson (25-6) and Ed Chandler (19-10) anchor the lower portion of the Manalapan lineup that features several experienced underclassmen. Junior John Smith (106), sophomore Grant Paplin (120) and senior Connor Wilson (126) each return as starters in front of Aronson and Chandler while senior Chris Obermeyer leads the middleweights from his 145pound position. The Braves strength will be in the upperweights with four of five spots being manned by a wrestler with double-digit victories last season. Junior heavyweight Johnny Appice was 26-4 last season with 20 pins and placed third in districts. Sophomore Anthony Benedetti is at 170, senior Geoff Kelman is at 182 and junior Luke Becker is the 195-pounder. Appice is the Braves best shot at their first district champ since 2008.
Middletown North
The Lions have just one senior after the graduation of 115-match winner Zach Torchia and solid upperweights Matt Morrell and Rob Mercantante. There are four wrestlers returning off 10-plus win seasons, led by junior 220-pounder Amani Rodriguez (14-10). The top half of the lineup is where the Lions have their most experienced wrestlers with junior Tyler Wilton and sophomore Tristan Sweeney switching between 160 and 170 pounds. Sophomore Matt Winz will anchor the lightweights at 113 pounds after winning 14 matches as a freshman.
20 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
WRESTLERS TO WATCH Nick Ligouri, Sr., Raritan
132
Anthony Ferraro, Jr., 160 St. John Vianney
Glenn Cross, Jr., 170/182 Matawan
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
Raritan
There aren't many teams as balanced and talented in the Shore and even all of Group II as Raritan. Rob Nucci's Rockets return nine starters from last season's 20-4 squad that
132
BREAKOUT WRESTLERS TO WATCH Sam Koenig, So., Shore Jason Bohal, Jr., Raritan
138 138
Chris Hartigan, Jr., 152/160 Matawan Pete DeRosa, So., St. John Vianney
Taylor Avino, Sr., Rumson-Fair Haven
KEY FACT
Raritan will send out five consecutive district medalists from 113 to 138 pounds.
126
220
12/19/11
By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer
Dillon Stambaugh, Jr., 171/182 Red Bank Derek Arnette, Sr., Shore
Volume-III / Issue-22
Raritan junior Anthony Scarcella
finished third it he Shore Conference, won the Class A Central title and captured the District 22 team title. Senior Nick Ligouri is back at Raritan after transferring to Toms River South in the fall and then back to Raritan shortly after. Ligouri had a brilliant run to a state fourth-place medal at 125 pounds last season and finished at 27-8. The District 22 champ anchors a great group of lowerweights that includes senior Matt Lindo (24-7, D22 champ) at 113, junior Vin Masi (20-15, D22 runnerup) at 120, junior Anthony Scarcella (21-13, D22 third.) at 126 and junior Jason Bohal (327, D22 runner-up) at 138. Senior Devin Holmes will hold down the middle of the lineup after going 15-11 last season. The Rockets lost a trio of 20-match winners among the upperweights with the graduation of Joe Masi, Ryan Lynch and Adam Daniels. They combined for 89 wins last season with Lynch capturing the Region VI title at 171 pounds. Senior Steve Corona (18-11, 3rd D22 in 2010) will be at 170, senior Vic Ianello (16-10) is at 195 and senior Nick Rice (13-11) will be a 220 to give Raritan experience up top. The ingredients are there for the Rockets to chase their second sectional title in Central Jersey Group II.
St. John Vianney
The Lancers have progressed every season under head coach Pat Smith and staff, and returns four wrestlers who won at least 20 matches last season for the 24-5 squad. Two of those won 30 matches, as junior Anthony Ferraro (160) is coming off a 31-7 season and a District 21 title. Sophomore Terrance Davis (138) had an outstanding freshman year with a 33-3 record and should be even better this season. The Lancers are solid throughout with sophomore Pete DeRosa (16-15) at 126, junior Tim Duffy (20-11) at 132, senior Nick Cioffi (28-12) at 145 leading the lower/middleweights. Matt Caracappa, a junior transfer from Freehold Township, should make an immediate impact at 113 while sophomore Nick Barrett could be in for a breakout season among the lowerweights. Expect the Lancers to push Raritan in the division and challenge for a spot in the NonPublic South A sectional final.improve and show last year was no fluke.
Matawan
The Huskes return nine starters from last season's 14-12 team, led by senior Francis Polumbo and junior Glenn Cross. Palumbo was second in District 21 and led Matawan with 29 wins. Cross captured the District 21 title and finished with a 24-10 record. With Palumbo at 220 and heavyweight and Cross at 170 and 182, the top of the lineup is solid for the Huskies. Add in senior Matt Morenz (220/Hwt), a double-digit match winner last season and sophomore Chris Hartigan (152/160), 18-15 and second in districts, a the top half of the lineup looks even more balanced. From 106 to 145, the Huskies return five wrestlers with at least 10 wins last season. Junior Mike Sansone (17-7) is at 106, senior Timmy Birch (12 wins) is at 113 and senior Hakan Yuksel (14-6) is the 120pounder. At 138 and 145, senior Steve Varsanyi (18-16) and junior Tim Leo (11 wins) close out a solid stretch of lower/middleweights.
Red Bank Regional
Region qualifier Dillon Stambaugh leads
Red Bank after an impressive sophomore campaign that saw him tie for the team lead in wins with 26. Aside from the standout junior, the Bucs return eight wrestlers that won at least 10 matches last season. The lowerweights include junior Alphonse Muolo (25-9, 3rd in District 22 at 112), senior William Terrarosa (15 wins) and junior Ben Swanson (26-8). In the middle, Red Bank can trot out senior Cesar Sosa (15-14), junior Evan Brown (19-11) and junior Youvanni Ruiz (20-12). Red Bank graduated three of its upperweights, so Stambaugh will have to hold down the fort there.
Shore Regional
The Blue Devils will have the fill the void left by Luke Bush, who went 42-4 last season and holds program records for career wins (132) and single-season victories (42). Also gone is 171-pounder Kevin Chapman (30-8, 80 career wins) and 16-match winner Connor Arnette. Senior 132-pounder Derek Arnette is the top returner coming off a 33-7 season and a District 23 title. Junior Connor Feroce won 12 bouts last season and will be at 126 pounds and sophomore Sam Koenig could approach 30 wins after going 23-12 as a freshman. Koenig will be at 138 pounds. Senior Brian Clayton at 145, junior Nick Salles at 152 and junior Dan Baillie all won at least 10 matches last season, and improving on those totals will be a major key for Shore. The development of sophomores Dave Musselman (220) and Chris Okupski (Hwt) could turn the tide for the Blue Devils.
Holmdel
New head coach Danny Franke takes over a Holmdel squad that will have to deal with losing four double-digit winners to graduation. The top of the lineup is where Holmdel looks the strongest with senior Jimmy Ilvento (170) returning after going 247 last season. At 195 will be senior Tom Fazio (18-13) and at heavyweight will be junior Anthony Fernicola (11 wins). Senior Dylan Hyland won 10 matches a season ago and will be at 132 pounds.
Rumson
Senior Taylor Avino, Rumson-Fair Haven’s wins leader from last season, leads the way at 220 pounds. He went 24-6 last season and placed third in the District 22 tournament. Senior Dillon Kean was a 10-match winner last year and will be at 170, and 15-match winner Connor Briggs, a junior, will be at 138. In all, Rumson has seven letterman returning.
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22 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
WRESTLERS TO WATCH Dallas Winston, Sr., Jackson Memorial B.J. Clagon, Sr., Toms River South
182
132/138
Joey Ghione, So., Brick Memorial Rich Lewis, Jr., Toms River East
Zach Wilhelm, So., Southern
113 132 120/126
BREAKOUT WRESTLERS TO WATCH Nick Costa, So., Brick Memorial
152/160
Chris Serpico, Jr., Southern
145/152
Ken Bradley, So., Jackson Memorial
195
Garrett Applegate, Jr., 132/138 Toms River South Mike Veneziano, Jr., Toms River East
KEY FACT
126
Class A South has four teams ranked in the preseason New Jersey Top 20.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
out of the gate thanks to some stiff competition, but went 16-3 to close out the season and return The Jaguars, the back-to-back defending a group that is very strong, experienced and still NJSIAA Group IV champions, is loaded once young. Sophomore Joe Ghione led the Mustangs again with a pair of returning state medalists and in wins last season with a 41-6 mark and loads of talent up and down the lineup. Aaron finished sixth in the state at 103 pounds. He'll be Gottesman takes at 113 over as the Jags pounds with head coach after senior Sean Doug Stephenson Withstandley (25-6, stepped down District 23 and is now an champ) at assistant. Senior 120. Junior Dallas Winston Connor leads the Maliff won returning cast 15 matches after going 40as a 3, winning sophomore District 21 and and will be Region VI titles at 126. From and placing 132 to 145 second in the Jackson Mem. winning Group IV last year the state at 189 Mustangs pounds. Junior Brian Hamann battled through will inject some highly-regarded freshman into injuries last season and did not wrestle in the the lineup as middle school standouts Alec postseason, but placed fourth in the state at 103 Donovan (133/138) and twins Cliff (138) and as a freshman. Down low the Jags have junior Rob Ruggiero 145 take center stage. Senior Alec Huxford (28-10, region runner-up) at 106 Evan Berti follows after going 35-5 and leading into the mat of Jackson's order at 126. qualifying for the state tournament. From 160 to Hamann at 126 gives way to senior Brad Royle 195 the Mustangs have sophomore Nick Costa (20-10) at 132, junior Spencer Young (25-13) at (18-12, district runner-up), junior Tyler 138, junior Dylan McLaughlin at 145 and senior Richardson (17-16, district runner-up), senior Randy Royle (21-11) at 152. Most matches will Jarred Eccles (13-8), junior Matt Moore (29-8, be won during that stretch for Jackson. Senior 4th in regions) and junior Anthony Miller (25Dylan Harrington is an 11-match winner at 170 14, district runner-up). That is some serious and Winston will be at 182. Look out for firepower for the seven-time Group champs, sophomore Ken Bradley at 195. Bradley missed who will try to unseat Jackson Memorial in both last season due to injury but was a standout the division and section races. middle school wrestler and was a top linebacker on the Jaguars football team. The schedule will be brutal once again, but Jackson has run the Southern Regional gauntlet before is still the team to beat. The Rams lost a ton to graduation, 145 wins from last year alone and almost 400 altogether. However, John Stout always has his team ready Brick Memorial to wrestle, and they take on the best so they'll be If you gave up on Brick Memorial after the battle tested in February. Sophomore Zach first half of the season last winter you sorely Wilhelm is the squad's top returner at 120/126 missed out. A young Mustangs group stumbled pounds after placing eighth in the state at 112
Jackson Memorial
pounds. The lower half of the lineup also features junior Kyle Davis (20-12) a District 24 runner-up. In the middle, junior Jake Campana, a district champion, and junior Chris Serpico, a district medalist, return along with veteran's Steve Johns and Corey Case (3rd in districts). Up top, Connor Case, Steve Hodgson, Zeb Collins and junior district runner-up Cody Smead complete a balanced lineup.
Toms River South
Talk about a tough division. Toms River South would win most divisions of the Shore Conference, but the Indians have to battle with Jackson Memorial, Brick Memorial and Southern just to win A South. South is stacked from 113-170, led by junior state runner-up B.J. Clagon, who went 36-1 last year at 130 pounds. Entering the fold this season are twins Matt and Ken Theobold, who transferred from Manchester. Ken was 38-5 last season and finished seventh in the state while his brother Matt was 23-4 and second in the region tournament. Junior Kevin Corrigan went 33-4 last year and captured a region title and will be at 113/120 pounds. Junior Zack Maikisch (11-8) is at 126 with Matt Theobold, junior Garrett Applegate (16-15), Clagon, Ken Theobold and junior Matt Maroukis through 145 pounds. Promising freshman Joe Salvato is at 152, senior Nick Osborn (22-10, two-time district medalist) is the 160-pounder and senior Anthony Ravallo (15-13, third in districts) is at 170. The top of the lineup has its question marks, but this is a team to be reckoned with.
Toms River East
Toms River East returns four wrestlers that won over 15 bouts last season as they try to snap a string of three straight losing seasons in head coach Warren Reid's 32nd season. Junior Rich Lewis is the squad's top returner coming off a 28-5 season in which he won a region title and finished seventh in New Jersey. Lewis will wrestle at 132 this season after competing at 119 last year. Senior Jacob Maher (20-13, third in districts) is the 106-pounder, junior Mike Veneziano (20-7, district runner-up) is at 126 and senior Fernando Perez (16-15, district runner-up) is at heavyweight.
Toms River North
Senior Dan SaSilva (13-10) at 145 and senior Kyle Lake (12-6) at 152 will anchor the middle of the lineup for Toms River North, who will try to rebound from a 3-16 season in head coach Bill Wilbert's second season. Returning starters include juniors Ryan Angelos, Nick Tardibuono and Anthony DeRosa.
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24 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
vicinity.
uring a monster junior season, Raritan forward/center Mike Aaman knew he just had to focus on his responsibilities – pound the boards, be relentless inside and try to swat any shot in his
It added up to a season in which he averaged 17.1 points, 13.1 rebounds and 3.7 blocks per game on his way to helping the Rockets finish No. 1 in the Shore Conference and win the Shore Conference Tournament to earn him All Shore Media Player of the Year honors. In the SCT semifinals, he had a 34point, 23-rebound eruption against Lakewood and followed that with a 22-point, 24-rebound showing in a win over Rumson-Fair Haven in the SCT final.
During that run, the 6-foot-9, Wagner-bound star was surrounded by four senior starters who had been playing together since they were old enough to dribble, and that group handled all of the leadership responsibilities. One season later, Aaman, a four-year varsity starter, is the only returner on Raritan with any significant varsity experience. The Rockets used only five players in a majority of their games last season. That means that not only does Aaman have to keep the production coming on the court, he has to grow into much more of a leader as well.
“It’s definitely different,’’ Aaman said. “Last year those guys had played together since fifth grade. They knew how to play, and they showed me how to play the right way. Now I’m just showing these new guys how I want them to play. They will come around, and everyone will have their day.’’
A season-opening loss to Freehold Township showed that the Rockets are a work in progress with an entirely new backcourt that includes junior point guard Jordan Joaquin and junior guards Cody Regueiro, Tyler Gurczeski and Chris Lehan
as well as senior guard Jon Kaminski. Six-foot-five senior Connor Flynn is next to Aaman on the block to form a wall in the paint, with senior forwards Marc Pizanie and Jamie Pasquin also down low.
“I did get frustrated, but I realized after the game that it was their first varsity game for most of them,’’ Aaman said. “I understand completely. Everyone has butterflies in that first game. We did a lot of good things. There was just about 7-8 minutes that we played bad basketball.’’
Aaman worked hard on his ballhandling in the offseason and has taken a much bigger role in that department, admitting that he was exhausted by the fourth quarter of the loss Freehold Township from having to get the ball across halfcourt frequently against the Patriots’ press. He also has worked on extending his shooting range to 18 feet, making him much harder to defend because teams just can’t collapse on him on the block.
“A lo t of peop le ar e g oin g to tr y to keep me ou t o f th e p os t, bu t wh en I 'm able to p u t it on th e f lo or a n d s h oot o ff th e d r ibb le as well a s g o in th e p os t, tea ms won 't r ea lly k n ow h o w to cover me, ’’ Aaman s aid .
Certainly one tactic teams will try is to frustrate Aaman by cheap-shotting him or being physical with him off the ball or when officials have their heads turned. Aaman is a fiery player, but that emotion can boil over sometimes. Last season, he had the crew of senior guards to calm him down or bear hug him and pull him away from an opponent before the situation escalated. This season, he is the senior leader.
In the loss to Freehold Township, Aaman was hit with a technical foul inside the final two minutes after the game was no longer in doubt and realized he cannot let that happen again.
“(That tactic) did work for them when we played (Freehold) Township, which I realized, and it’s going to change,’’ he said. “The kid was cheapshotting me, but that turned out to be smart basketball because he got in my head. I realized I hurt my team, and it looked like a selfish play by me because we were on our way to losing. I’m not a selfish player.’’ He realizes he needs to be a leader on a team that has talent that just needs time to develop. Joaquin has good speed at point guard, Flynn has good size inside, and Regueiro looks like he can be the complementary scorer the Rockets need to take some of the heat off Aaman. The new players also have to get acclimated to playing heavy minutes because Aaman said their jayvee team only lost one game last season and had numerous blowouts, so those players weren’t used to logging 30 minutes in a game like the varsity starters.
The feeling is that once all the newcomers get acclimated to the varsity atmosphere, this could be a different squad by the time the tournaments roll around.
“By the time mid-January comes, we should be a completely different team,’’ Aaman said. “Hopefully we’ll start playing well from now on and a month from now we can become a contender for another Shore Conference championship.’’ Despite losing four starters, Aaman feels that the pressure is still there for Raritan to perform simply because it is the defending SCT champion.
“Everybody wants to play Raritan because we’re still the Shore Conference champs,’’ he said. “Even if we graduated everybody, everyone would still want a piece of us. We just have to answer that challenge.’’
Illustrations by: Philip Sloan
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ASM / 25
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor t was only three years ago when Manasquan senior Michaela Mabrey first flashed her vast potential as a freshman sixth man on St. John Vianney’s NJSIAA Tournament of Champions winning team, but with three years, a transfer and more than 1,500 points in her rearview mirror, 2009 feels like a different world to the senior standout.
In her mind, Mabrey now has the best of both worlds: she has the hunger of a player who has never won a championship, but the big-game experience on which to fall back. The Notre Dame recruit also has something else for the first time as a high school player – a younger sister on her team.
The Warriors opened their 2011-12 with a slew of returning talent from a 20-5 team and to that slew, they add a freshman phenom in Marina Mabrey and a legitimate inside presence in sophomore Amanda Hagaman, a transfer from Monsignor Donovan. Combined with Michaela Mabrey and sophomore point guard Katelynn Flaherty, the expectations are higher than they have ever been for Manasquan.
“We’ve been building up for the last two years and I think this year is going to be a really good year for us,” Mabrey said. “Last year, we added Katelynn and that put us on another level, and this year, adding Marina is going to make us even better. We’re just so talented, and we think we’re ready to win a state championship.” Ever since the elder Mabrey transferred from St. John
played together for nearly a decade.
Vianney to Manasquan for her sophomore year, the Warriors have steadily developed talent around her – a 20-plus points-pergame scorer in Flaherty last year and another version of herself in her younger sister this year. Chemistry is often a question for a team that adds new pieces every year, but that will be less of a problem for a team led by three players in the Mabrey sisters and Flaherty who have
“I’m so happy I get a chance to play with Marina,” Mabrey said. “Her game is a lot like mine and we play really well together. And Katelynn, she’s like my little sister, too. We have been playing together for almost 10 years and we’re really good friends, so when we’re on the court, we’re pretty much always on the same page. Whether it’s pick-and-rolls, give-and-go’s, we’re always thinking the same thing.” During the early part of the season, the Warriors have been without both Flaherty and Marina Mabrey, with Flaherty dealing with an allergic reaction and Mabrey a sprained medial collateral ligament in her knee. Even without the two players, the Warriors have not struggled, outscoring two opponents by a combined margin of 11936. In the two games, Mabrey has done her part. She entered the season 455 points shy of 2,000 career points and in the team’s first two games of the season, she already knocked 48 points off of her objective with 26 points in a 54-18 win over Brick and 22 points in a 65-22 triumph over Barnegat in the WOBM Christmas Classic first round. “Michaela has really matured as a player,” said Warriors third-year head coach Felix Romero, whose first year coincided with Mabrey’s first year at Manasquan.
“I think that first year, she felt like she had to do a lot for us to win games and now, she’s trusting her teammates and letting the game come to her. She’s going to score regardless of who’s on her team, but she’s at her best when she’s making everyone around her better.”
With Marina Mabrey and Flaherty out two games and Hagaman out against Brick, seniors Melissa Pavia and Gretchen Fay and sophomores Eva Hart and Sam Sullivan have stepped up for Manasquan. The schedule will, of course, get much harder as the season goes on, with dates against New York City power Christ the King, Non-Public A contender St. Rose and defending Shore Conference Class C Central division co-champion and South Jersey Group II champion Point Boro. “I’m proud of the way we played last year against some very good teams,” Romero said. “When you look at our season, we got knocked out of the two tournaments earlier than we wanted to, but we lost to a very good Point Boro team in double overtime and to St. John Vianney in the Shore Conference Tournament. We didn’t lose any game by more than 10 points, and we’re hoping those games go our way this year.” Point Boro and Manasquan could be headed for as many as four head-to-head matchups this season after meeting three times last season. Point Boro and Manasquan split the regularseason series to tie for the division championship, but the Panthers won the rubber game with a 65-61 double-overtime victory over their rivals in the South Jersey Group II quarterfinals.
Both teams have a healthy number of players back and are plenty familiar with one another, but could become even more acquainted if the WOBM brackets stay true to the seeds. Manasquan is the top seed in the tournament, while Point Boro is No. 2. If both teams make it to the final on Dec. 30, they will play each other twice in five days, with the first of two division contests scheduled for Jan. 3. Manasquan moved up to Group III this season, meaning the two teams will not meet in the state tournament unless they both reach the Tournament of Champions, but WOBM and Shore Conference Tournament showdowns are strong possibilities.
“They have been playing together for a long time and they know each other like we know each other,” Mabrey said. “It’s always competitive when we play them, and I think this year will be different when we play.”
Beating Point Boro is just step one on an agenda that is as expansive as that of any team in the state. In Michaela Mabrey, Manasquan has a player who has won that ultimate prize. If the experience taught her anything, it is that it takes a lot of talent to win a state championship. Mabrey has always had that talent and for the first time since her freshman year, her whole team has it, too. Photos by
David Thorne www.dav ethorn e.sm ugmu g.c om Photos by
Cliff Lavelle
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26 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
WRESTLERS TO WATCH Colton Bigelow, Sr., Ocean
220
Pete Ottaviano, Jr., Colts Neck
112
Andrew LaMura, Sr., RBC
Jake George, Jr., Long Branch
Karl Waldron, Jr., Neptune
182
152 126
BREAKOUT WRESTLERS TO WATCH Zach Hertling, Fr., Ocean
Joscil Jackson, Jr., Long Branch, Ryan Carl, So., Colts Neck
Joey Panchak, Sr., Monmouth
126
170
120/126
KEY FACT
106
Ocean and Long Branch have won a combined nine sectional titles since 2003.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
Ocean
The Spartans enter the 2011 season with a new head coach but the same title aspirations. Cippy Apicelli has taken over for Ken Hoff and inherits a talented lineup that should once again compete for division, conference and state sectional titles. Down low, sophomore Max Rallo (15-15) and junior Jordan Eugenis (18-14) bring experience to the 106 and 113-pound divisions and both should approach or surpass the 20-win plateau this season. At 120 the Ocean senior Withler Marcelin Spartans have freshman sensation Zach Hertling, season strong by winning the Neptune Classic who opened the season by winning the for the first time ever. Outstanding Wrestler award at the Neptune Classic. He will be a region title contender this season. Jason DaCruz is the only senior Long Branch returning starter in the bottom half of the The Green Wave made a big statement last lineup. A returning champ in District 22 after season by capturing its fourth straight Central going 18-5 last season, DaCruz captured gold Jersey Group II title after graduating the best at the Neptune Classic to start the season. class in the program's long and storied history. Senior state qualifiers Withler Marcelin (25-13) Freshmen Tommy Flanagan and Jason is at 145/152 along with junior Nick Hernandez along with sophomore Andy Pappayliou (13-4). Sophomore Danny Loizos Hernandez will battle for the 106-pound slot should be an impact performer at 160 pounds behind senior David Carmona (18-15) at 113 and senior Mike Andre gives the Spartans some and senior Romulo Garcia at 120. Sophomore experience in the 160 and 170-pound classes. Nick Menkin will be at 126 after winning 10 Up top, Ocean will close with arguably the best matches a season ago and junior Luke Balina upperweight trio in the Shore Conference. (21-11), second in District 22 as a freshman, is Senior Sam Sottile, who didn't wrestle last year at 132. Junior Nick George (22-12), who also but was 16-13 in 2010, is at 195. Senior district won a district medal in 2010, is at 138. Senior champ and state qualifier Colton Bigelow (18Gavin Pejakovich (21-15, third in District 22) 2) is at 220 and senior state qualifier Kyle Gora will be at 145 and opened the season strong by (17-12) is at heavyweight. Both Bigelow and winning the Neptune Classic. Junior Jake Gora won titles at the Neptune Classic. The George was 27-12 last season and won district Spartans are deep and talented, and began the medal, and will wrestle at 152 again. Senior
Alberto Plaza (17-11) and junior Joscil Jackson (20-12, district runner-up) will anchor the upperweights. The Green Wave lack experience at the beginning and end of the lineup under coach Dan George, but are solid everywhere else and will be a tough squad to contend with late in the season.
Monmouth Regional
The Falcons have made great progress over the past few seasons under head coach Jason Morrell and enters the season on the heels of a 16-9 campaign. Seniors Joey Panchak (22-9) and Dominick Cardella (22-9) lead the way from their respective spots at 106 and 126 pounds. The lower portion of the lineup will be the Falcons' strength with junior Sean Sanderson (18-16) at 113 and senior Julio Hernandez (15-8) at 120. Sophomore Jose Hernandez, junior Darren Esposito and junior Ali Javaid all wrestled in at least 15 matches last season and add experience to the bottom half of the lineup. The rest of the lineup is inexperienced save for senior 182-pounder Evan Imber and senior heavyweight Max Neis, but if the Falcons get solid contributions from their newcomers they can continue to build on their recent success.
Neptune
The Flyers are coming off a program-record 18 wins last season, and despite losing its wins leader to graduation should continue its upward trend under coach Tim Jobes. Junior district champion Karl Waldron leads the way at 126 pounds after a 27-6 season as a sophomore. Another district medalist among the Scarlet Fliers lineup is junior Sekou Harris, who was third in District 23 last year and has a 20-7 record. Junior Isaiah Haymon went 23-7 last season and will wrestle at 113 pounds. Another
continued on page 27
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key wrestler will be junior Jose Caraballo (19-10) at 138. Sophomore Pedro Diaz will try to eclipse the 15-win total after wrestling in 18 matches as a freshman. He will be at 152 leading into junior Dae'Sean Brown at 170 pounds. Brown was 23-4 as a sophomore. At 220 is junior John Seidle, who went 16-11 last season.
Colts Neck
The Cougars have just one senior among its starting lineup, but the young Cougars return four 20-match winners from last season as they try to climb the ladder in B North. Colts Neck is strong in the first four weight classes with sophomore Nick Ottaviano (216) at 106, junior Pete Ottaviano (32-8, district runner-up) at 113, sophomore Ryan Carl (16 wins) at 120 and sophomore Vinny Belfiore at 126. The Cougars also close strong at the top of the lineup with junior Frank Lefkowitz (28-9, district runner-up) at 195 and senior Brandon Russo at 220/heavyweight. Russo was 21-15 and placed third in the District 21 tournament last season. The middle of the lineup is inexperienced, however, and that only
got worse when senior district medalist Chad Kaplowitz was lost for the year with an injury. If Colts Neck can patch its holes in the middle and get solid contributions from its newcomers it should be able to build on last season's 10 wins.
Freehold
The Colonials return senior 20-match winners Thomas Nulty and Zach Mostowsky as the Colonials will try to push their record over .500 after going 9-11 last season. Nulty was 26-7 last season and is a two-time District 21 medalist. He has 73 career wins and is looking to become just the fourth Freehold grappler to win 100 career matches. He will be at 132 pounds before Mostowsky (237) at 138. Sophomore 113-pounder Jared Blum is also one to watch after going 16-12 as a freshman. His presence down low will help a Freehold unit that is otherwise inexperienced from 106-126. Other returners that saw significant time last season include senior Mike Triozzi at 126, sophomore Will Zembricki at 152, senior Schulyer Weiss at 160 and sophomore Andrew Mikosh at 170.
ASM / 27
Red Bank Catholic
The Caseys are another program that has steadily improved in the last five seasons. Head coach Joe Gallagher led the Caseys to nine wins last season and has plenty of experienced wrestlers returning. Senior Andrew LaMura is the returning wins leader after going 24-8 last season and he began this year with a championship at the Matawan Icebreaker. LaMura won the 182-pound title by topping District 21 champion Glenn Cross of Matawan. The Caseys also feature senior Anthony Dorsi (12 wins) at 195 pounds and senior heavyweight Joe Coscarelli, who was the Shore Conference Defensive Player of the Year this past football season. From 106-120 the Caseys have sophomore Luciano DiNardi, junior Pat Walsh and junior Angelo Bailey (14 wins). Junior Chris Whitlock (17-12) at 145, junior Dan States (20-8) at 152 and senior Paul Alwell (17-12) at 160 give RBC a solid trio of middleweights.
28 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
WRESTLERS TO WATCH Dan Wojtaszek, Jr., Brick
160
Lex Knapp, Sr., Lacey
220
Jalen Ramos, Sr., Central
Jesse Meaney, Sr., Manchester Joe Mandara, Jr., Barnegat
126 138
132
BREAKOUT WRESTLERS TO WATCH Steve Cimmino, Jr., Brick
145
Jeff Paton, Jr., Central
220
Connor Mulligan, So., 106 Brick Pat Schinder, Jr., Lacey Ryan Kirk, Jr., Barnegat
KEY FACT
195
160
Lacey's only state champion, Russ Witt (1997), is the new head coach at Christian Brothers Academy.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
Brick Township
The Dragons return as the defending B South champions and a top 10 team in the Shore Conference after last season's 14-5 season that included a Central Jersey Group III semifinal appearance. State medalist Connor Brennan has graduated and lowerweight Nick Melon transferred to Christian Brothers Academy, but the Dragons have plenty in their arsenal this season. Sophomore Connor Mulligan will be at 106 pounds coming off a 22-8 season where he wrestled mostly at 112 pounds as a freshman. He placed third in the District 23 tournament and recently won the Colt Classic to start this season. Three freshmen dot the landscape from 113-126 with Kyle Wojtaszek, Dean Sherry and Nick Pollara. Sherry was the lowest seed at 120 pounds at the Colt Classic but rallied to win the title. Sophomore Brian Matthews was third at districts last season while winning 12 bouts and will be at 126 pounds. The Dragons are very solid from 132 to 195 with six wrestlers that won at least 15 matches last season. Senior Joe Paton (15-13) is at 132 and junior Mark Bixenman (15-10) will be at either 138 or 145, as will junior Steve Cimmino (22-6, district runner-up). Juniors Ian Azzaretti and Vic Rivera will man the 152-pound class in front of fellow juniors Dan Wojtaszek and Dan Watson at 160 and 170 pounds. Wojtaszek was 25-5 and finished second at the district tournament while Watson was 18-8 with a third-place finisher. Senior Jesse Lyon will be at 195 coming off a 16-12 season. Expect the Dragons to challenge for a sectional title, a spot in the Shore Conference Tournament final four and a District 23 team title this season.
Central Regional
The Golden Eagles have seven wrestlers that won at least 10 matches returning as they try to build off last season's 12-8 mark. It's undeniable that Kalyph Hardy's decision not to wrestle, coupled with the graduation of district medalists Chris DeDeyn and Tim O'Connor, put a dent in the Golden Eagles' division title hopes, but a good mix of veterans and newcomers in a deep
room will help soften the blow. Leading the way is senior Jalen Ramos, who finished 32-6 last season, who a District 24 title and finished fourth in the Region VI tournament. He has 87 career wins and will wrestle at 126 pounds. Senior Chris Phillips won 12 matches last season and will be at 120 while junior JD Porter (11 wins) is at 126 or 132. Senior Vin Palmieri (13 wins) is at 138 before senior middleweights John Kroon (16-8, district medalist) and John Buhagier (23-11). The only wrestler with significant experience up top is junior Jeff Paton (220), who went 18-10 last season.
Manchester
The Hawks didn't have a great offseason as it lost over 125 wins to graduation and transfers. The loss of standout brothers Matt and Ken Theobold to Toms River South is a tough blow for a program that had turned the corner thanks to some great classes of wrestlers. The Hawks return in 2011-2012 led by senior Jesse Meaney at 138 pounds. The returning District 24 champion was 24-6 last season and started off the season with a championship at the Nottingham Tournament. Senior Chris Stafford (13-6) is a strong presence at 132 pounds while senior Joe Phillips (14 wins) will be a key contributor among the middleweights. Other returning wrestlers that saw time last season include junior Korey Tomei at 170 and senior Ken Johnson at heavyweight.
Barnegat
The Bengals graduated three solid wrestlers from last season but returns with a group that is both youthful and talented and will try to improve on last season's 11-4 record. Junior Joe Mandara is the team's returning wins leader after going 19-5 as a sophomore. He opened the season by winning the Icebreaker at 132 pounds. Senior Matt Schofield was also a champ at the Icebreaker, winning the 195-pound title. Schofield was 14-5 last season. In the bottom half of the lineup the Bengals have junior Nick Fogarty (14-11) at 106 and 113 leading into Mandara and then sophomore Rich
Schmaltz (9-4) at 132/138. The middle of the lineup is solid with juniors Chris Stoma (16-11) at 145, Ed Santiago (13-13) at 152 and Ryan Kirk (18-8) at 160. Sophomore Greg Moran will look to get to double-digit wins at 182. Junior Matt Frigon is at 220 and sophomore Zack Andrews, a starter on the football team, is the heavyweight.
Lacey
The Lions did not lose any of its big guns to graduation, and thus return a squad that should definitely improve on its 10-11 record last season. Senior Lex Knapp (25-8) is a returning District 24 champion and is at 220 while senior Jake Fernandez (27-6) is at heavyweight. Junior Pat Schinder won 12 matches as a sophomore and his anticipated improvement would give Lacey a very solid trio. Down low Lacey has junior Steve Bassford (10-7) at 106, junior Ben Mrozinski (15-10) at 113, senior Kevin Enright (21-9) at 120 and junior John Moynihan (14 wins) at 126 to form a very good lightweight group. In the middle, senior Danny Moore will lead the way after going 24-11 and finishing second at districts. The Lions also have junior Luke Fernandez at 160, who was won 18 matches last season.
Pinelands
The Pinelands have a new head coach in Gerald Caravella and also has legendary coach John DeMarco on its staff as it attempts to bounce back from last season's 3-15 mark. Four wrestlers that won at least 10 matches return, starting with wins leader junior Joe Rodano. He went 19-6 last season and will wrestle at 126 and 132 pounds this season. Sophomore Corey Byrne (10 wins) at 106, senior Abdullah Abdelaziz (12-8) at 145 and senior Josh Yaede (12-6) at 195 bolster the Wildcats lineup. Pinelands had a strong showing by placing fifth at the Neptune Classic, and could build on a solid start.
www.allshoremedia.com
ASM / 29
Finishing The Job
I
By Bob Badders - Senior Staff Writer f any of us regular folk had the ability and found the success that B.J. Clagon has found in his first two years, confidence would not be a problem.
It isn't a problem for the Toms River South junior either, but what boosted his belief in himself even more didn't come from any takedown, reversal or pin. “I've always wanted to be a captain, and my freshman year I just started to walk to the middle of the mat with the other captains,” Clagon recalled. “Coach Laycock stopped me and said 'What are you doing?’ You have to earn that.’ “Now I think I've earned it by working hard and taking second in the state, and it's actually boosted my confidence. The way people look up to me now, I don't want to let them down.” Attitude may be the biggest change Clagon has undergone since the Shore Conference last saw him on a wrestling mat. The junior finished his sophomore season with a 36-1 record, losing only to West Essex's Anthony Perrotti, 4-2, in the New Jersey 130pound final.
Along the way Clagon captured his second straight District 24 title, won his first Region VI title and pushed his career win total to 70. He was also a state medalist as a freshman when he finished seventh at 125 pounds. He's still as ferocious as ever and athletically gifted to where his coaches marvel at his moves. Where head coach Ron Laycock has been most impressed, though, has been Clagon's maturity.
“From a prospective of his maturity and, believe it or not, his confidence, he has really improved,” Laycock said. “From a team standpoint he understands what's expected of him.” “I'm not nervous at all,” Clagon said. “I know what needs to be done to win states and that is to always work hard, focus and stay healthy.”
The ultimate goal, of course, is for Clagon to return to Boardwalk Hall in Atlantic City and finish the job. One minute with Clagon is all it takes to see that a title is all that is on his mind. “He talks to me about it every single day,” Laycock said. “There really isn't a day that goes by where he isn't thinking about it.”
“Every day I wake up in the morning and it's stuck in my head,” Clagon said. “I'm up at 5 a.m. for a run, I go to school, then practice, and it's always on my mind. I have to get back. I was seventh as a freshman and then second last year. I can't be lower than that. My goal is to win two state titles, not just get there.”
What also helps Clagon is that the Indians have big aspirations as a team. The pressure to perform is always there as the Indians try to claim the Class A South title against the likes of Jackson Memorial, Brick Memorial and Southern, and battle with Timber Creek in the South Jersey Group III sectional tournament.
Toms River South also got two key transfers in the offseason when brothers Ken and Matt Theobold came in from Manchester. Ken was second in Region VI last season and placed seventh in the state at 125 points while Matt was a region runner-up. Clagon and Theobold wrestle right next to each other in the lineup and have been able to boost each other in the practice room. “Ken is a great workout partner for me,” Clagon said. “We're good friends, and we
always go to the gym together and maintain our weight. He's a great buddy to have around.” “Now we have guys on our team with similar goals in Theobold and Kevin Corrigan,” Laycock said. “In years past we had maybe one of those guys but now BJ has multiple guys pushing as hard as he is.”
Toms River South has five state champions in its long and illustrious history, but none since 1984 when the late Darnell Myers won at heavyweight. Jeff Parker won titles in 1976 and 1977, and Mike Weidenbush and Frank Major also won titles in 1978. Since 1984, Indians wrestlers have cracked the state top three just twice. Mark Maestrey took third in 2009 and Clagon finished second last season. Laycock knew Maestrey and 2001 fourth-place finisher Bill Wilbert (215) had shots at a state title and would place high, but it's different with Clagon. He'll likely be the favorite should he make it through the district and region tournaments unscathed.
“Those guys weren't the favorites, and I know they were gunning for a state title but coming into the season the goal was to place high,” Laycock said. “I think with BJ his goal and my goal is for him to be standing on top of the podium.” “I think a lot about it, and it's stuck in my head that I have to do what I have to do to get back there,” Clagon said. “That's my main goal, and hopefully I can achieve it.”
30 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
WRESTLERS TO WATCH Rob Finnerty, Sr., Point Beach
138
Romello Union, So., Keansburg
132
Tore Capriglione, So, Point Beach
126
Sean Hoban, So. St. Rose
103
BREAKOUT WRESTLERS TO WATCH Riley Kelly, So., Point Beach
Carlos Fontanez, So., Keansburg Steve Prevost, Jr., Keyport
145
138
195/220
Nick Greenquist, Sr., 145/152 St. Rose
KEY FACT
Asbury Park has a Division I national champion among its alumni. Howell Scobey won the heavyweight national championship in 1936 for Lehigh. He was runner-up in 1935.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
Point Beach
The Gulls have been the clear favorite in the division now since Shore moved to Class A Central, and even though the Gulls lost a lot to graduation, particularly in the upperweights, they always seem to have enough for a title run and a state sectional bid. Senior Rob Finnerty, a district runner-up last season, returns at 138 pounds after going 19-8 last season. He opened the season by winning the Colt Classic. Point Beach should be solid down low with senior Gustavo Garcia (106), sophomore Tray Watkins (113) and sophomore Tore Capriglione (126) each having won at least 10 matches a season ago. The Gulls also have sophomore Riley Kelly (14-13) at 145 pounds to complete a solid bottom half. Junior Danny Tighe at 160 and senior CJ Brooks at 220 are the only wrestlers with experience from 152 through heavyweight, so the development of the upperweights will be key
Keansburg
The Titans will be led by sophomore Romello Union, who went 22-10 last season and finished second in the District 22 tournament. The Titans have a total of six wrestlers who won at least 10 matches last season returning, including senior Valquan Rush (14-11) at 113, sophomore Carlos Fontanez (11-5) at 138 and senior Jose Jara (16-9) at 138/145. Among the upperweights, senior 160-pounder Matt Keddell and junior 220pounder Brad Baker had double-digit wins last season. team with 19 wins.
St. Rose
The Purple Roses' were hit hard by graduation as nine starters from last year's surprise sectional semifinalist squad are gone. Assistant coaches Kurt Pellegrino and Justin Haskins are also no longer with the program. The Purple Roses, however, will look to build on last season's success and will be led by sophomore Sean Hoban
and senior Nick Greenquist. Hoban was 12-8 last season and will wrestle at 106 and 113 pounds. Greenquist won 10 bouts as a junior and will wrestle at 145 and 152.
Keyport
The Red Raiders lost heavyweight stud Greg Velasco, third in the state last season, to graduation, and will try to push forward in 2011-2012 with seven wrestlers that competed in at least 20 matches last season. Junior Steve Prevost is the returning wins leader and will be at 195 and 220 pounds this season.
Asbury Park
Head coach Matt Ardizzone leads. the Blue Bishops into the 2011-2012 season with key returners Deshawn Miranda, Domingo Perez, Severe Fortune, Kareem Whitley, Elijaha Scott, Rele Famularo, Rodrig Foster and Darius McKnight. Newcomers include freshman Davon Moore and junior Arocism Etienne.
www.allshoremedia.com
WRESTLERS TO WATCH Nick Zak, Jr., Jackson Liberty
170
Steve Biserta, Sr., Wall
152
Ryan Harter, Jr., Point Boro
Ryan Budzek, So., Point Boro
113
120/126
Brandon Kosheff, Sr., Jackson Liberty
145
BREAKOUT WRESTLERS TO WATCH Mike Russo, Fr., Jackson Liberty
106
Dan Nobbs, Fr., Point Boro
120/126
Tom Donnelly, Sr., Msgr. Donovan
126/132
Drew Donner, Jr., Wall
Jose Hernandez, Sr., Lakewood
KEY FACT
160
170
Point Boro head coach Pat Brady was a Division III All-American while wrestling for The College of New Jersey in 2004.
ASM / 31
By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
Jackson Liberty
The Lions are without question a program on the rise. The program lost all-time wins leader Chris Zak to graduation, but return a pair of 25-match winners that will anchor the team. Junior Nick Zak had a fantastic season as a sophomore, going 34-6 and finishing second in the Region VI tournament. He missed out on a state medal by one match, and should be one of the Shore's best this season at 170 pounds this season. Senior Brandon Kosheff will be the Lions 145-pounder coming off a 27-7 junior year that saw him place second in the District 21 tournament. At 152 will be sophomore T.J. Ligouri, who had an impressive 18-4 freshman season. Junior Jon Scialabba also eclipsed the 15-win plateau in 2010-2011 with a 16-9 mark and will wrestle at 132 pounds. Senior Brandon Roman is also a returning starter and will be at 160 pounds. The Lions will look to get big contributions from a trio of talented freshman at the bottom of the lineup. Twins Mike and Matt Russo will wrestle at 106 and 113 pounds with Dominick Regina will be at 120. Mike Russo pinned his way through the Neptune Classic while Matt Russo finished second. C Central should be a competitive division with defending champ Point Boro and Wall in the mix, but if all the pieces come together Jackson Liberty will be hoisting its first division title in program history.
Point Boro Lakewood
The Panthers are the defending division champion but has to replace 144 wins lost to graduation. Junior Ryan Harter was 26-4 last season with a District 23 title and a Region VI fourthplace finish. He'll be at 113 before promising freshman Dan Nobbs at 120. Sophomore Ryan Budzek, who went 25-
10 and finished second at districts last season, will be at 126. Up at 145 is another sophomore, Kevin Kelly, who brings a 19-10 record from his freshman season into 2011-2012. Seniors Brandon Cusack (17-12) at 160 and Andrew Matter (18-13, third at districts) at 220 anchor the top portion of the lineup. There are some spots that need to be filled and role players from a season ago will have to step up as starters, but if that happens Point Boro will be right there at the top of the division while also challenging for a District 23 title.
Wall
The Crimson Knights were crippled by injuries to standouts Steve Biserta and Andrew Marr last season and suffered through a rare losing season. Biserta, now a senior, returns after missing most of last season due to injury and will be at 152 pounds. Junior Drew Donner (1713 is at 160 while senior Max McClelland is the 170-pounder. Junior Austin Ridoux is at 182 after wrestling in 29 matches as a sophomore and could be much improved. Sophomore Aldo Guisse went just 5-5 last season, but started off his season in style by winning the heavyweight title at the Colt Classic. Three freshmen – Denzel Tovar, Jack Wishart and Nick Iezzi – will compete at 106 and 113 before returning starters Don Kessler at 120, Dan Kinsella (16 wins) at 126, Rodolpho Gonzales at 132 and senior A.J. Romanelli (17 wins) at 138.
Monsignor Donovan
The Grif ’s had one of its best seasons in 2010-2011 but will enter a rebuilding year after losing 237 career wins to graduation, including region champion Anthony D'Anton. Senior Tom Donnelly is the Griffins' returning wins leader
after a 17-11 year as a junior. He will be at 126 and 132 pounds. Junior Josh Pereria won 11 matches last year and will be at 132 and 138, and junior Francis Duffy (10 wins) is the 145pounder. Connor Hanifian is also a returning starter from last season and will wrestle at 126 or 132.
Manasquan
Brings back a pair of 10-match winners from last season and has 12 wrestlers that saw varsity action returning. Senior Corey Phillips is the team's returning wins leader and will be at 160 pounds while Senior Christian Felstedt is at 138. Junior Harry Warner took second at heavyweight at the Icebreaker and is a candidate for 15-20 wins. Senior Michael Henriques is back after not wrestling last season and started strong by placing third at the Icebreaker at 126 pounds. Other key returners for the Warriors include sophomores Evan Walsh (138) and Brian Gianforte (152), junior Anthony Deseno (182) and senior Luis Roa (220).
Lakewood
The Piners are led by senior Gary Carmona, who finished up at 16-8 last season and will wrestle at 132 pounds. The Piners have a new head coach with Dominic Salerno taking over the program. Seniors Eddie Carmona (120) and Jose Hernandez (170), and junior Alex Martinez (126) each had winning records last season while sophomore Solomon Cobbs (145) was a 10-match winner. Losing district medalist Damian Banach at heavyweight will be tough, but the Piners have some pieces to move forward with as Salerno tries to resurrect the program.
32 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Jackie Dluhi, Jr., F, Middletown South
A three-year varsity veteran, Dluhi is a solid all-around player expected to be a leader in points and rebounds for an Eagles team looking to take home a division title. She was a second-team All-Division selection by the coaches as a sophomore.
Carissa Gray, Jr., G, Middletown South
A starter as a sophomore, Gray returns to form a strong backcourt for the Eagles as they try to make a deep trip in the postseason.
Jasmine McCall, Sr., G, Manalapan
One of the top scorers in the Shore Conference, McCall has committed to Seton Hall after averaging 18 points per game as a junior.
Stephanie Martinez, Sr., G, Freehold Township
One of the top point guards in the division, Martinez looks to help the Patriots challenge Middletown South for the title.
Rachel Neuman, Sr., G, Marlboro
A top 3-point shooter, Neuman will be called upon to raise her scoring output after the graduating of leading scorer Sam Hermans.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brianna Haspel, So., G, Middletown South Morgan Duffy, Sr., G, Freehold Township
Shannon Pickett, Sr., G, Howell
Haley Unger, So., F, Marlboro Maureen Ciccosanti, Sr., G, Middletown North
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
The Favorites:
The Contenders:
A group of juniors at Middletown South that have been playing varsity since their freshman year looks to lead the Eagles to the front of the pack in Class A North despite the loss of star guard Meghan McGuinness to graduation. Guard Carissa Gray, swing Kiera Gannon and forward Jackie Dluhi will lead a core that also includes senior guard Tara Cangelosi, junior guard Lauren Van Exter and sophomores Brianna Haspel and Christiana Rutkowski for head coach Tom Brennan’s club, Middletown South junior Jackie which went 15-8 last season. The Eagles had a huge roadblock in their way in the form of Neptune in the state playoffs the past few seasons, and now will have to deal with a formidable Manasquan team in Central Jersey Group III. Head coach John Sciarappa is now in his 30th season at Freehold Township, which looks to challenge Middletown South for A North supremacy behind a seniorladen group of returners. Stephanie Martinez, Morgan Duffy, Michelle Johnston and Lily Weinstein are a solid group, and the Patriots welcome a group of sophomore newcomers that includes Madison Dunn, Samantha Eilert and Adrian Vitello.
FOR EXTENDED TEAM PREVIEWS & INFO
Manalapan will try to break into the upper echelon with a team led by Seton Hall recruit, Jasmine McCall, a 5foot-9 senior guard who can score in bunches. A Piscataway transfer, she averaged 18.7 points and 7 rebounds per game last season. She will be joined by fellow senior guards Debra Razzino and Sam Carlson as well as forwards Morgan Mahoney and Adriana Medina. A group of sophomores who saw time as freshmen last season, guard Catherina Traina and forwards Same Meier and Kelly McNulty, also will help out.
Howell is coming off a 21-4 season under head coach Bill Gallacher but took a big hit from graduation, including standout Sarah Olson, who is currently a freshman playing Division I basketball for NJIT. The Rebels will try to stay competitive with seniors Chelsea James, Shannon Pickett, Christina Justiniano and Marina Lukianov leading the way along with junior returner Allie Moreland. Two freshmen, Reese Parr and Gabby Greene, also may see time along with sophomores Tara Mircovich, Amanda McClintock and Ashlee Trimble.
After winning 15 games a season ago, Marlboro will try to keep the victories under coach Brian Nash coming despite losing some solid players to Dluhi graduation, including A North second-team selection Samantha Hermans. Senior guards Brittany Fallon, Ally Weinberg and Rachel Neuman return along with Haley Unger and Kami Grewal in the front court.
Middletown North is looking to work its way further up the standings on the heels of a six-win season under veteran coach Ed Jones, and will field a young team that includes one senior, guard Maureen Ciccosanti. A group of juniors that includes forwards Taryn Miller and Emily Lavin as well as guard Megan DeGrushe will lead the way, with sophomores Emilia Weaver, Ashley Bird, Courtney Davis and Marissa Reilly moving up to varsity to add depth.
GO TO
WWW.ALLSHOREMEDIA.COM
KEY FACT
Manalapan’s Jasmine McCall is the only returning first-team AllDivision selection from last season.
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460
smeyer@allshoremedia.com
www.allshoremedia.com
ASM / 33
A S A M P L I N G O F C U R R E N T A N D F O R M E R M A C A L L - S TA R S
n Sehmonyeh Allen—Neptune HS n Sean Armand—Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis HS (NY) n Delvon Arrington—St. Anthony’s HS n Brian Baker—Colts Neck HS
n Mustafa Barksdale—RBR HS n Robert Barksdale—Asbury Charter School n Billy Beggans—Ocean Township HS
n Steve Bridgemohan—E Brunswick HS n Josh Brody—RBR HS
n Brandon Brown—Freehold Boro HS n Yesenia Burgos—St. John Vianney HS
n Rashon Bruno—St. Anthony’s HS n Courtney Calderon—St. John Vianney HS n Richard Calia—Holmdel HS
n Shilique Calhoun – Middletown North HS n Quarran Calhoun—Raritan HS
n Cooper Calzonetti—Neptune HS n Chase Campbell—Oak Hill Academy (NC) n Cleveland Cannon—Long Branch HS n Raheem Carter—Long Branch HS n Corey Chandler—East Side HS
n Robert Cheeks—St. Anthony’s HS n Rahmir Cottman—RBR HS n Vincent Council—Lincoln HS (NY)
n Mark Donnelly—RBR HS n Sean Dunne—CBA
n Kristian Duravcevic—Fordham Preparatory School (NY) n Mike Faherty—Brooklyn Polytech HS
n Crissie Fisher—Rumson-Fair Haven HS n Sarah Fisher—RBR HS
n Adam Fleischner—Holmdel HS n Colin Ford—Manasquan HS n Glen Ford—RBC HS
n Greg Ford—Trenton Central HS n Avery Gardner—Long Branch HS
n Billy Gilligan—RBR HS n Tyler Glass—Mater Dei Prep HS n Erica Gomez—St. John Vianney HS
n Dana Graziano—Holmdel HS n Kevin Grier—CBA
n Paul Halas—St. Rose HS n Felicia Harris—RBR HS n Michael Harris—Randolph HS
n Mike Mavrinac—Middletown South HS n Jasmine McCall—Manalapan HS n Billy McCue—CBA n Christian Morris—S. Kent School (CT) n Darius Morris—Long Branch HS
n Valerie Morris—Freehold Boro HS n Michael Murphy—Howell HS
n Sachin Nagpal—Ranney School n Brian O’Reilly—Middletown South HS n Karen Otrupchak—RBR HS n Kevin Owens—Neptune HS n Toni Panza—St. John Vianney HS n Anthony Perry—St. Anthony’s HS
n Eugene “Nu Nu” Harvey— St. Benedict’s Prep n Corey Haskins—RBR HS n Kasey Hobbie—RBC HS
n Darien Hutton—Ewing HS n Nolan Ivers—Holmdel HS
n Dana Jean DeGennaro—RBC HS n Chris Delaney—CBA
n Billy Kiss—Long Branch HS n Michael Kelly—St. Anthony’s HS (NY)
n Pat Delaney—CBA n Jose Diaz—Pt. Pleasant Beach HS
n Maggie Loundy—Pt. Pleasant Beach HS n Charles Markens—St. Patrick HS
n Mykel Harris—Great Mills HS (MD) n Ashley Hart—The Peddie School
n Don Coven—Long Branch HS n Paul De Salvo—CBA
n Syessence Davis—Neptune HS n Allen Dean—Neptune HS n Taquan Dean—Neptune HS
n Erin Leahy—Rumson-Fair Haven HS n Carl Little—Asbury Park HS
n Jasmine Jackson—Old Bridge HS n Rosie Jackson—St. John Vianney HS n Tyson Johnson—St. Mary’s HS (NY) n Nick La Morte—Mater Dei HS n Herve Lamizana—St. Patrick’s HS
V i s i t o u r w e b s i t e , w w w. m a c t e s t i n g . c o m
n Shinece Perry—RBR HS n Earl Pettis—Saints John Neumann & Maria Goretti Catholic HS (PA) n Simon Press—Asbury Park HS n Joey Raines—Asbury Park HS n David Reeves—RBC HS n Anne Richards—The Lawrenceville School n Charlie Rogers—Matawan HS
n Amanda Rosato—St. John Vianney HS n Alifiya Rangwala— The Ranney School n Will Sanborn—RBR HS n Keyron Sheard—RBR HS
n Brian Snodgrass—Holmdel HS n Lauren Sokol—The Peddie School n Stephen Spinella—Colts Neck HS
n Matt Stahl—Middletown South HS n Missy Stavola—Rumson-Fair Haven HS n Jenna Strich—RBC HS n Scott Stump—RBC HS n Kim Talbot—RBC HS
n Aaron Tarver—RBR HS n Terrance Todd—Neptune HS
n Maurice Turpin—Long Branch HS n John Weldon—Freehold Boro HS n Dawn Werner—St. John Vianney HS
n John Werner—St John Vianney HS n Kade Weston—RBR HS
n Kayshanna Wesley— Asbury Park HS n Eric Yarborough—Asbury Park HS n Tomora Young—RBR HS n Terry Zinn—RBC HS n Lynne Zoltowski—RBC HS
34 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Lyndsay Rowe, Jr., G, St. John Vianney
A role player in her first two seasons on some loaded teams, Rowe should be a much bigger contributor to the Lancers’ success this season.
Kat Egan, Jr., G, St. John Vianney
Another potential star who is a threeyear varsity player of the Lancers, the athletic Egan looks to emerge as one of the team’s top scorers.
Hannah Miller, Jr., F, Rumson-FH
After not seeing much time behind on a senior-dominated lineup last season, Miller will be counted on heavily to help the wins continue to keep coming at one of the state’s top programs.
Tara Inman, Jr., G, Holmdel
A three-year varsity player, the 5-foot-9 Inman has Division I potential and should be one of the top guards in the division.
Lauren Postell, Jr., G, Matawan
A second-team All-Division selection last season, Postell is the lone returner from the All-Division team and looks to help Matawan improve on its 11-win season from last winter.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH Jill Brunori, Jr., G, St. John Vianney
Grace Stant, Fr., G/F, Rumson-FH
Zoe Curtis, Jr., F, Red Bank
Victoria Cardaci, So., G, Holmdel
Julie Tonuzi, Sr., G, Raritan
KEY FACT
St. John Vianney enters the season with a 50-game winning streak against divisional competition.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
top guards in the division. Sophomore guard Victoria Cardaci also returns along with junior forward Lauren Kelly and senior forwards Amanda Hall and Jessica Tages to give the Hornets a deep frontcourt. The Hornets may not quite be on the level of the top two teams in this division but should still be a solid playoff team.
The Favorites:
St. John Vianney graduated its entire starting lineup from one of the greatest classes ever to come through one of the state’s most storied programs, but the Lancers don’t rebuild, Red Bank Regional is coming off a they reload. Coach Dawn 13-win season under head coach James Young Karpell’s new group will be and returns some quality veterans in junior led by experienced returners forward Zoe Curtis and senior guard Theresa Kat Egan and Lyndsay Rowe, Soya to help continue their progress in Young’s a pair of junior guards, as third season at the helm. Forwards Shannon well as sophomore forward Roberto and Alex Burr are the only other Katie Beriont and senior seniors who will be in the rotation, so this is guards Zoe Otterman and still a young team that also features junior Angelica Esposito, who saw guard Kayla Cunningham and duo of time last season. Guards sophomores Mia Schoening and Jazz Van Jackie Gallagher, Becky Loon. Van Loon’s sister, sophomore Paris Van Pund and Olivia Liskowkitz Loon also should see time along with freshman are a trio of sophomores who Devon Van Loon. also will be key players St. John Vianney Junior Kat Egan along with junior transfer Jill Raritan is hoping to bounce back from a Brunori, a transfer from six-win season under head coach Ron Poll with South Carolina who has to sit a young team that will be led by senior guard Julie Tonuzi and out the first 14 games because she played 14 high school games senior forward Brianna Rodriguez. Sophomores Katelyn Sire, as an eighth-grader. Senior guards Kaleigh Ganter and Paxton Taylor Falco and Meghan Quinn return after seeing time as Reddington also should figure in the Lancers’ deep rotation. freshmen, and senior Agnieska Pala adds depth to the frontcourt along with junior Megan Lunney. Much like St. John Vianney, Rumson-Fair Haven lost its entire lineup to graduation, but that doesn’t mean the talent Matawan returns one of the division’s top players in well is dry by any means under veteran coach George Sourlis. guard Lauren Postell, who hopes to continue the Huskies’ Junior forward Hannah Miller looks to be one of the leaders of momentum after an 11-win season at a program that usually is the new brigade along with senior Katie Hake, junior center stuck near the bottom of the standings. Brianna Swindell, Nikki Armstrong, and junior guards Casey Weis, Hope LoPresti Tiffany Ezepue, Montana Bertoli, Carley McCloskey and and Jess Harvey. Guard/forward Grace Stant should be one of Amanda Carmichael all return with experience around Postell. the top freshmen in the Shore but may be out until February after undergoing surgery in the preseason. Freshman forward Much like Raritan, Shore Regional is hoping to Sam Sabino, freshman center Catie Ebner and freshman rebound from a six-win season with a large group of returners guard/forward Claire Stefanelli are others to watch among a that includes several sophomores who saw time as freshmen on loaded group of newcomers. a team that only features one senior in forward Dana Kelly. Junior guard Gina Ruscil looks to be one of the team’s top scorers, with junior Claudia LaMarca bolstering the frontcourt. The sophomore group of guards Ellen Dougherty, Jordan Hayes : and Taylor Kinsey and forwards Emily Reiser and Ciara Boice all should play a much larger role this season. Todd Hampton takes over a Holmdel program that returns some quality talent led by junior guard Tara Inman, one of the
The Contenders
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36 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Hannah Missry, Jr., G, Jackson Memorial
One of the Shore Conference’s best longrange shooters, Missry will become more of a focal point of the offense after the graduation of star Christa Evans.
Tiffany Montagne, Sr., G, Jackson Memorial
A quick guard with good length, Montagne is a harassing defender who also looks to unlock her scoring potential this season.
Emily Kunzman, Sr., G, TRE
An All-Division pick as a junior, Kunzman is one of the leaders of a veteran Raiders team looking to crack 20 wins this season.
Kendal Kauffman, Jr., G, TRN
One of the top guards in the division, Kauffman looks to lead a bounce back season for the Mariners.
Amanda Timmes, Sr., G, TRS
A solid 3-point shooter, Timmes will try to get the Indians back to a winning season after a 7-win campaign last year.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Stephanie Mason, Sr., G, Jackson Memorial
Corey Schwartz, Sr., F, TRE
Megan Holloway, Sr., G, Southern
Victoria Alvarez, So., G, TRS
Justine Mangiafico, Jr., C, Brick Memorial
KEY FACT
Jackson Memorial’s girls basketball, boys basketball and wrestling teams all won Class A South titles last season.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
The Favorites : Jackson Memorial graduated a tremendous senior class that included center Christa Evans, who is already an important contributor as a freshman at Rutgers. However, there is still plenty of talent returning for coach Rachel Goodale to make the Jaguars the favorite to repeat as division champions after a 22-win season. Guard Hannah Missry, one of the Shore’s best 3-point shooters, returns along with athletic senior guard Tiffany Montagne. This is a guardoriented team with a deep backcourt that also includes Stephanie Mason and Jazmin Curet, while Evans’s younger sister, Shannon, anchors the frontcourt. Erin Scheno and Sarah Dessner also look to be contributors.
The Contenders : Toms River North looks to rebound from a sub-.500 season with a young team that will be led by junior guard Kendal Kauffman, an All-Division selection by the coaches last season. She is the leader of a backcourt that also includes junior Kristine Knowles and seniors Briana Turner and Danielle DeMattia as well as sophomore Nicole Gardner. Sophomore Keely Petrick and junior Christina Gerew anchor the frontcourt for a team that should at least be able to turn in a winning season and possibly win a tournament game or two.
Jackson Memorial junior Hannah Missry
Coming off a 17-win season under coach Kevin Cohen, Toms River East looks to be a primary challenger to Jackson Memorial’s supremacy with a senior-laden team. Senior forwards Corey Schwartz and Lara Goodwin return along with a deep group of senior guards that includes Emily Kunzman, Marissa Bruno, Lara Goodwin, Kelsey Tiazkun and Nicole Breunig. Schwartz and Kunzman were two of the top players in the division as juniors and are poised for a big season. Throw in junior guards Mary Kate Sullivan and Kristen Kennedy as well as junior forward Lindsay Shore, and you have a team looking to make some noise this season.
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Southern suffered through a 10-win season after being hit hard by graduation and only has a handful of experienced returners under coach Kathy Snyder, now in her 33rd season. Senior guard Megan Holloway is the most veteran player on the team, and senior center Lindsay Merola also returns with experience along with sophomore guard Allison Spaschak. Freshman Tierney Goetz leads the youth brigade along with sophomores Virginia Kretchmer, Kate Elasser, Victoria Mancini, Lexi Brown, Dana Errico and Shelby Swenor.
Brick Memorial returns a young team after a 7-win season a year ago, with forward Tori Capestro being the only senior returning with experience on a team that lost All-Division talent Jackie Caravella to graduation. The frontcourt should be the strength with junior center Justine Mangiafico and sophomore Ali Frederick joining Capestro. Sophomores Lauren Lamastra and Olivia Markoski saw time as freshmen and lead the backcourt. Toms River South returns standout Amanda Timmes and will try to build around her with returners Victoria Alvarez, Mackenzie Pepper, Michelle Fallon, Emily Cottrell, Andrea Eckholt and Casey O’Connor.
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All Shore Media Team Today! Interested in joining our team and think you have what it takes to be covering sports in the Shore Conference for All Shore Media? We are looking for local writers interested in covering sports like Football, Soccer, Lacrosse, Hockey, Basketball, Wrestling, Track, & more as part of our Bi-weekly newspaper and our website, www.allshoremedia.com. Grab your chance to appear regularly in The All Shore Media Bi-weekly issues & on www.allshoremedia.com
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Just contact Managing Editor Scott Stump @ stump@allshoremedia.com
ASM / 37
38 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Morgan Arnott, Sr., G, RBC
A four-year varsity player, Arnott is a solid 3point shooter and ballhandler for the veteran Caseys.
Grace Fallon, So., G/F, RBC
Made an impact as a freshman and now looks to make the leap to an upper-echelon player.
Jazmine Davis, Sr., G, Monmouth
An Albany recruit, Davis is looking to get the Falcons more wins to go with her impressive stats from her four-year varsity career.
Jessie Fifield, Jr., G, Colts Neck
A second-team All-Division pick by the coaches a season ago, Fifield should only be better this season with a year under her belt.
Cydney Mooney, Sr., G, Neptune
The Red Bank Catholic transfer looks to be one of Neptune’s top scorers on a team that graduated almost its entire lineup.
Kim Dana, Sr., G, Freehold
A veteran guard who has been one of Freehold’s top scorers her whole career, Dana will look to lead the Colonials to a bounce back season.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Nahja Carter, Sr., G, Neptune
Caroline Corcoran, Jr., G/F, RBC Kaitlyn Healy, Fr., G, Colts Neck
Iyonna Crenshaw, So., F, Neptune
Camerin Spahn, Jr., F, Freehold
KEY FACT
Neptune has not lost to a Shore Conference team since the 2008-09 season.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
joined by seniors Dawn Mazurkiewicz, junior Danielle Degroot and a group of sophomores, Jenna Looney, Lindsay Bosland, Elissa Moody and Julia Spencer, who all saw time as freshman. The Cougars also add talented freshman guard Kaitlyn Healy, the daughter of head coach Jeanene Healy.
The Favorites:
Neptune has ruled this division with an iron fist for the past three seasons, but that should change now that the Scarlet Fliers graduated one of the best classes in Shore Conference history while Red Bank Catholic has a group of solid returners. The Caseys : also lost some top talent to graduation in Division I recruits Freehold looks to bounce back Samantha Guastella and Kasey from a losing season with a solid core Hobbie, but a deep group of of players led by the tandem of 6-foot guards should lead them to the junior forward Camerin Spahn and top of B North this season. standout senior guard Kim Dana. They Seniors Morgan Arnott and will have to do the heavy lifting as only Jackie Cajigal and junior Mary Sarah Cobb and Allie Incremona return Kate Caverly give them with any experience, but if Spahn and experience and long-range Dana have big seasons, the Colonials shooting in the backcourt, while should at least get back on the good sophomore Grace Fallon is an side of the win column. all-around talent who made an impact as a freshman. Junior Monmouth Regional returns guard/forward Caroline a senior-laden team led by star Jazmine Corcoran is poised for a strong RBC senior Morgan Arnott Davis, an Albany recruit, along with season, while senior center senior guard Cassie Acerra. Seniors Kayla Dunn, junior guards Alex Georgina Hook, Kierra Smith, Desree Johnson, Becky Corson, Alfano and Maria Balocco and junior forward Tara Daniels all Heather Halleran and Christina Santoro make this a team with should be contributors. Freshman Alex Barazotti is also one to plenty of experience. Juniors Raven Love and Rachel Murray watch. also saw time as sophomores.
The Contenders
It’s the dawn of a new era at Neptune, which graduated one of the most talented and successful classes in Shore Conference history after reaching its second straight NJSIAA Tournament of Champions final. Senior guard Nahja Carter and junior forward Ivy Harrington are two of the most experienced returners, with promising forward Iyonna Crenshaw also expected to play a larger role. RBC transfer Cydney Mooney, a senior guard, will also give the Scarlet Fliers a boost in addition to spicing up the divisional race. Senior guards Taylor Mallory and Amerisse Rogers round out the backcourt along with freshman Marajiah Bacon. Junior forward Desiree Moss also is in the rotation under coach John Brown.
After a rebuilding season following the graduation of a senior class that had more than 100 career wins, Colts Neck looks to make its way back into the thick of things this season. Junior Jessie Fifield is a top returner with good scoring potential and is
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Ocean lost top player Kayrle Greaves to graduation, but will look to compete with a solid blend of juniors and seniors. Senior center Brittany O’Gorman returns along with guards Macie Fisher and Elle Skender, while juniors Gianna Kinhofer and Laura Merrick round out the backcourt. Junior forward Jenna Gilman also gives the Spartans experience in the frontcourt alongside O’Gorman.
The only way to go is up for Long Branch, which endured a two-win season last winter but does return some experience. The frontcourt is senior-laden with Kimberly Ging, Kera Crosby, and Maegan Cerruti returning at forward, and junior Imani Wilder-Wilson at center. Tamyca Goff and Alex McCammon return in the backcourt after seeing time as sophomores.
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PLAYERS TO WATCH
Tiffany Williams, Sr., G, Central
The leading returning scorer for the Golden Eagles, she looks to help them repeat as division champs and make some noise in the postseason.
Rachel Iozzia, Jr., G, Central
A three-year varsity player, Iozzia has a wealth of experience and is a solid leader at point guard.
Ashley Bernath, Sr., G, Central
Another integral part of the top backcourt in the division, Bernath is a three-year starter.
Miaja Coursey, Sr., G/F, Pinelands
A versatile talent who is quick off the dribble, she will try to help Pinelands make a darkhorse run at a division title.
Jenna Fleck, Sr., F, Lacey
An All-Division selection a season ago, Fleck will try to push the Lions back over the .500 mark this season with her scoring and rebounding.
ASM / 39
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
The Favorites :
Defending champion Central returns as the heavy favorite to repeat under head coach John Truhan after a 17win season. Junior guard Rachel Iozzia is a three-year starter and part of a strong backcourt that also includes senior Ashley Bernath, another three-year starter. Senior Tiffany Williams led the Golden Eagles with 11 points per game last season, and sophomore guard Brianne Allender and senior Michelle Iozzia also are ones to watch. Senior guards Sarah Will and Jessica Candrilli add backcourt dpth along with sophomore Ashley Marino.
Pinelands returns an All-Division talent in senior swing Miaja Coursey and will look to make a run at Central’s supremacy. Seniors Jenna Dowd and Sarah Sheffel give the Wildcats experience in the frontcourt, and junior guard Melinda MacNeil also returns. Sophomores Elisha Hartman and Laura Dewey also look to be contributors as they move up to the varsity level.
The Contenders : Lacey will try to improve on an 8-win season with a team led by senior forward Jenna Fleck, one of the top returning players in the division. Senior Amanda Biele will be alongside her in the frontcourt along with junior center Taylor Batella and sophomore Jennifer Coleman to make
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that area a particular strength. The guards are inexperienced, with only sophomore Brittany Biele returning with any backcourt experience.
Manchester has a new head coach in David Beauchemin, who takes over for long-time coach Sweeney McKennan and inherits a team that graduated its top player, Gabrielle Valmon. The Hawks will look to rebuild with only one senior with experience, forward Corinne Morgan. A host of newcomers that includes senior forward Shirley Pope and a group of juniors will try to keep Manchester on the right side of the win column.
Brick has a solid amount of returners from last season but will have to replace top scorer Shaniece Hardy. Senior guards Kathleen Conlon, Brenda Zanetti and Jess Mellito and junior guard Ashley Pfeil will look to pick up the slack in the backcourt, while junior center Caitlin McDede, senior forward Krissy Pike and sophomore Brianna Page anchor the frontcourt.
Barnegat will try to climb its way up the standings following a six-win season. Its main returners include Samantha DeCapua, Sarah Ridgway, Amanda Glowacki, Danielle Chiarella, Martena Brazill and Lauren Barrett.
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BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Brianne Allender, So., G, Central
Corinne Morgan, Sr., F, Manchester Jenna Dowd, Sr., F, Pinelands
Kathleen Conlon, Sr., G, Brick
Samantha DeCapua, Jr., G, Barnegat
KEY FACT
Central won its first division title since 1991 last season.
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40 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Samantha Clark, Sr., F/C, St. Rose
A matchup nightmare at 6-foot-3 with 3-point shooting range, Clark has committed to
Fordham. She is one of the best and most versatile post players in the Shore.
Kasey Chambers, Sr., G, St. Rose
Committed to Monmouth University, she is one of the top point guards in the Shore Conference.
Taylor Curti, Sr., C, Mater Dei Prep An All-Division pick by the coaches last
season, she is one of the top post players in Class B Central.
Diana Malanga, Sr., G, St. Rose
Yet another talented member of a loaded St.
Rose squad, she has a knack for big baskets in pressure situations.
Tara Yetman, Sr., F, Mater Dei Prep
Part of a strong 1-2 frontcourt tandem with teammate Taylor Curti.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Catherine Phipps, Fr., G, St. Rose
Rachel Trigg, So., G, Keyport
Morgan Barry, Sr., G, St. Rose
Sydney Bellicose, Sr., F, Henry Hudson
Erin Yetman, So., G, Mater Dei Prep
KEY FACT
St. Rose has been realigned from Non-Public B into Non-Public A by the NJSIAA this season, where St. John Vianney is the four-time defending champion.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
The Favorites : St. Rose has long ruled this division and is so far ahead of the other contenders that it has its eyes on much bigger things, like a Shore Conference Tournament title and state championship. The Purple Roses return senior center Samantha Clark, a Fordham recruit, and senior point guard Kasey Chambers, a Monmouth University recruit. Senior guard Diana Malanga is another standout along with senior guard Morgan Barry. Senior forward Maeve Smith and sophomores Cindy Napolitano and Sarah Kurtz also return. Freshman guard Catherine Phipps is a talented newcomer who should see significant minutes.
athleticism, including the Trigg sisters, sophomores Jill and Rachel. Junior guard Samantha Cortez and sophomore forward Jasmine Hay also return after seeing time last season. Sophomores Rebecca Nicholas and Danielle Piccini also should see time along with junior Jenn Andryshak. Point Beach has been hit hard by graduation, including four-year starter Lauren Romao. Its best basketball player, senior Brianna Feerst, the daughter of head coach Mike Feerst, quit basketball last season to focus on her top sport, distance running. Senior guards Erin O’Connell and Molly Schaller along with senior forward Jess Magno are the only experienced returners for the Garnet Gulls, with freshman guard Molly Laterza as one to watch.
Asbury Park had a seven-win season last winter under head coach Barry Baity, a former boys basketball coach for the Blue Bishops. Tyonna Johnson is their only returner, but Porschia Witherspoon, Keyona Hudson, Kelsi Salazen and Jada Witherspoon look to help the Blue Bishops win the fight with Keansburg and Henry Hudson among the bottom three teams in the division.
Out of the rest of the Henry Hudson is in its second season St. Rose senior Samantha Clark pack, Mater Dei under head coach Brooke Tomovich, a Prep is always a solid former Red Bank Catholic star who is looking to improve a bet to gain runner-up status behind powerhouse St. Rose. program that has traditionally struggled mightily in the The Seraphs return a strong frontcourt led by seniors Taylor standings. The Admirals return junior guards Allison Curti and Tara Yetman, with sophomores Shannon Glenn, Maddock and Sierra Esparra along with a veteran frontcourt Fallon Quigley and Danielle Juelis also returning up front to that includes senior center Karina Kurta, senior forward add depth in that spot. Junior guard Skyelar McArtney and Sydney Bellicose and junior forward Courtney Semkewyc. sophomore Erin Yetman are the most experienced returning guards. Keansburg only has two players back with experience in Nadya Szaniszlo and Kim McNelis on the heels of a fourwin season and will try to improve with the help of newcomers Julia Pepe, Laniyah Overton-Thomas, Briana : Landi and Amanda Jeffrey.
The Contenders
Keyport has a new head coach in Deboney Braithwaite and returns a young team that has some
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42 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Michaela Mabrey, Sr., G, Manasquan
One of the top players in New Jersey, the Notre Dame recruit is on pace to pass the rare 2,000-point scoring mark for her career.
Katelynn Flaherty, So., G, Manasquan
The point guard exploded on the Shore Conference scene as a freshman, averaging 22 points per game, and should only be better this season.
Kelly Hughes, Jr., G, Point Boro
One of the top scorers in the Shore, the Panthers’ three-year starter is a surefire Division I player.
Kelly Milana, Jr., G, Msgr. Donovan An All-Division pick a season ago, Milana will once again be the primary scorer for the Griffins.
Jess Macchi, Jr., G, Point Boro
Part of the vaunted junior class at Point Boro, Macchi is a steady guard who can hit from deep and score off the dribble.
BREAKOUT PLAYERS TO WATCH
Marina Mabrey, Fr., G, Manasquan
April Szymczyk, Jr., G, Jackson Liberty
Kerry Malleck, Jr., F, Point Boro
Amanda Hagaman, Jr., F, Manasquan
Kelsey Thompson, Jr., G, Wall
KEY FACT
Manasquan senior Michaela Mabrey started the season 455 points shy of 2,000 for her career.
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
Teams listed in predicted order of finish
The Favorites:
The Contenders:
This is the season Manasquan has been preparing for since senior star Michaela Mabrey transferred from St. John Vianney three seasons ago. The Notre Dame-bound guard led the Shore Conference in scoring last season as she and sophomore teammate Katelynn Flaherty both averaged more than 22 points per game. Now Mabrey’s younger sister, freshman phenom Marina Mabrey, has been added to the fold to give the Warriors a third potent scorer. Sophomore forward Samantha Sullivan and senior guards Melissa Pavia and Gretchen Fay also return to add depth. Junior forward Amanda Hagaman, a talented transfer from Monsignor Donovan, adds to the loaded lineup. Head coach Felix Romero and the Warriors have what it takes to make a run at the Shore Conference Tournament and Group III titles.
Monsignor Donovan was dealt a blow when it lost standout forward Amanda Hagaman, who transferred to Manasquan, but does return All-Division talent Kelly Milana under coach Jerry Bruno. She will look to lead the Griffins with a group of returners that also includes Megan Gordon, Alyssa Laguerta, Samantha Stazko, Francesca Gervato, Dana Carbone and Carly Davenport. Freshman guard Chelsea Crowe is also one to watch from the newcomers. Wall graduated 1,000-point scorer Jess Nevins from a team that won 10 games last season and will need someone else to step up in the scoring department. Senior guard Emily Cilinski returns along with sophomore Samantha Darby, who saw significant minutes as a freshman along with her sister, Sydney Darby. Senior forward Hayley Fried and junior Madison Mitchell are the most experienced frontcourt players, and junior guard Kelsey Thompson, a good long-range shooter, is a candidate to fill the scoring void left by Nevins.
Second-team All-Division selection April This division is Manasquan, Point Szymczyk returns to lead Jackson Boro and then everyone else. The Manasquan senior Liberty, which won 11 games last season. defending South Jersey Group II Michaela Mabrey She is joined by a group of returners that champions return with a junior-laden includes Maggie O’Connor, Courtney Titus, squad led by All-Shore talent Kelly Emma Soto, Anijaah White, Kyasia White and Sheona Vega for a Hughes at guard. Her sister, Lauren, as well as juniors Jess Macchi Lions team looking to challenge Monsignor Donovan for third and Kerry Malleck have all been varsity mainstays since their place in the division. freshman year. Sophomores Brielle Barber and Jamie Pike also saw some time last season along with junior Erin Flynn and seniors Lakewood will try to rebound from a 2-17 season with a Emily Donahue and Jackie Knight. The main challenge will be group of returners that includes Yamilex Rodriguez, Myandra replacing the versatile and tenacious Kelsey Haycook, who Dixon, Makeda Jones, Kamaria Vaughn, Jamilia Vaughn, Delmoira graduated from last season’s 25-win team Kelly-Morris, Carolina Rojas, Sierra Keraitis and Lashea Woodside.
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ASM / 43
OFFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR JAHEEM WOODS, SR., QB, NEPTUNE When Neptune senior quarterback Jaheem Woods first met with new Neptune head coach Mark Ciccotelli in the preseason, Ciccotelli had a simple proposition for Woods when it came to running Ciccotelli's veer offense. "'Cicc' came in and he told me, 'If you get this offense down, you're going to be Player of the Year,''' Woods said. "I kind of thought he was a little crazy, but I took that into consideration. I have the ability to do whatever I put my mind to.'' Twelve games later, and Ciccotelli has proven to be prophetic, as Woods is this year's selection as the All Shore Media Offensive Player of the Year for the Shore Conference. Woods's brilliant season culminated in a 4728 victory over Steinert that gave the Scarlet Fliers their first NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III title since 1998.
He was 78-for-148 for 1,385 yards passing, and had 231 carries for 1,336 yards (5.8 ypc) rushing for a total of 2,721 yards and 27 touchdowns. He also was a standout defensive back, finishing with 32 solo tackles, 42 assists, and 5 interceptions, 2 of which he returned for touchdowns. Woods played his best in the biggest games, as he exploded for a career-high 257 yards rushing and four touchdowns and also threw for 164 yards and a touchdown
in the win over Steinert in the CJ III championship game. He has received interest from Albany, Temple, Syracuse, Rutgers, Delaware, Stony Brook and Monmouth University.
Woods was also named the Class B North Offensive Player of the Year by the coaches for a team that tied a school record with 11 wins and averaged 30 points per game and 49 points per game in the playoffs.
In every must-win situation, Woods rose to the occasion. He had 202 yards and 4 touchdowns in a game against Colts Neck that Neptune had to win to qualify for the state playoffs on cut-off weekend. In a quarterfinal game against Allentown, he ran for a touchdown and threw for three touchdowns, including the gamewinner in overtime of a 40-33 shootout. He also had over 100 yards rushing in a win over Northern Burlington in the CJ III semifinals. "We knew the whole
community was behind us on this one, and we had great school spirit,'' he said.
MOST VALUABLE PLAYER LARRY ALSTON III, SR., RB/S, MATAWAN A crucial reason Matawan was able to reach the Central Jersey Group II final and then finish the job by upsetting RumsonFair Haven was because of Alston. The Huskies were 2-2 when senior tailback Cassius Williams tore his ACL and was lost for the season. Matawan's season could have gone off the tracks at that point, but Alston was moved to tailback and not only stabilized the spot, but thrived. He ran for just over 700 yards in seven games, including a 246-yard, threetouchdown game against previously undefeated Manasquan in the CJ II semifinals. He also had a huge all-around game in a win over previously undefeated Carteret in the quarterfinals. Against Rumson, he had several booming hits and two crucial pass break-ups at safety to help power the win. Alston grew up in Matawan,
moved to Georgia with his mother for his first two years of high school and then returned last fall too late to play football, so this was his one and only season with the Huskies. If he had not returned, it's an almost certainty that Matawan would not have won its second CJ II title in three seasons. He has an offer from Temple and interest from Rutgers and Boston College.
DEFENSIVE PLAYER OF THE YEAR JOE COSCARELLI, SR., DL, RED BANK CATHOLIC After being selected as first-team All-Shore as a junior, Red Bank Catholic senior defensive tackle Joe Coscarelli knew that he was no longer any type of a secret to opposing offenses. Teams gameplanned to neutralize him or avoid him, but no one was able to do it in a dominant season for Coscarelli that helped the Caseys finish No. 1 in the Shore Conference. Coscarelli has been named the 2011 All Shore Media Defensive Player of the Year. He led the Caseys with 105 tackles and also had a forced fumble and two fumble recoveries despite consistent double teams and opposing offenses running away from his side. He had 24 solo tackles and 81 assists, and also had 5.5 sacks on a defense that allowed 9.5 points per game. "I felt like after having a good junior year, all teams knew about me and were going to try and stop me,'' Coscarelli said. "I knew I've got Josh (Klecko) next to me, whom teams had to worry about also, so I just wanted to play my hardest so everyone else can have an easier job around me.'' Known for his non-stop motor, Coscarelli helped RBC win the Class B North title and reach the Non-Public Group III semifinals for the Caseys' first win in the state playoffs since 1998. RBC also did not
lose to a Shore Conference opponent all season. "When I look back, I feel like we had a great season,'' Coscarelli said. "Everyone wants to win a state championship. We're in one of the hardest brackets in the state and we fought our butts off, so I know we played our best.'' Coscarelli had 16 tackles in a doubleovertime victory against Central Jersey Group III champion Neptune, had 13 tackles in a double-overtime loss to Delbarton in the state sectional semifinals, and had 11 tackles in a 21-0 win over Central Jersey Group II finalist Rumson-Fair Haven. As a junior, he had 107 tackles and 7 sacks.This season he was named the Class B North Co-Defensive Player of the Year by the coaches. Coscarelli also played on the offensive line for the Caseys. "I played my best, and it all has to come to an end sooner or later,'' he said. "I'm going to miss it, but I'm happy with my season and the past seasons.'' He has an offer from Division II University of Charleston (W.Va.) and interest from Stony Brook, Delaware and St. Francis (Pa.).
COACH OF THE YEAR JOHN WAGNER, POINT BEACH When John Wagner decided to take the head coaching job at Point Beach before this season, the situation did not look as bleak to him as it may have appeared to those outside the program. Point Beach had not had a winning season since 1997, had not been to the state playoffs in 10 years, and had not won a state playoff game since 1982. The Garnet Gulls had also gone a combined 7-34 in their previous two seasons, including 2-8 last season. However, Wagner was no stranger to building winners at the Group I level, having won a pair of state sectional titles with undefeated seasons during his tenure at Roselle Park, where his teams went 150-92-2 from 1981-2005 and also won Mountain Valley Conference division titles. Wagner had retired from Roselle Park, but the passion for coaching still burned, and he had a yearning to return to the sidelines, leading him to put in for the Point Beach job. He surveyed the success of the other athletic programs at Point Beach and saw from analyzing the film that he had some talent to
work with. "When I first came, I just wanted football to be part of the party,'' Wagner said. "They were winning in wrestling, basketball, baseball, girls soccer, tennis, everything. I knew we had a good nucleus of talent, so it was just a matter of putting the pieces together.'' The pieces came together in the form of one of the best seasons in Point Beach history. The Garnet Gulls won a school-record eight games and won their first state playoff game in 29 years and just their second in school history. Of their three losses, two were to Central Jersey Group I champion Asbury Park and the other was a two-point loss to a Dunellen team that finished 10-1. "It was our year,'' Wagner said. "There's no other way to say it.'' They also won their first Thanksgiving game since 1996 with a 14-12 win over Shore Regional to cap the season. For engineering an eyeopening turnaround, Wagner has been selected as the 2011 All Shore Media Coach of the Year. "There was a lot to accomplish, so to pick up that eighth win at the end, it just finished off the season on a great note,'' he said .
44 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
Volume-III / Issue-22
FIRST TEAM
SECOND TEAM
QB - Ryan Davies, Sr., Howell RB - John Sieczkowski, Sr., Manalapan RB - Kalyph Hardy, Sr., Central RB - John DiStefano, Sr., Red Bank Catholic WR - Anthony Firkser, Jr., Manalapan WR - Brandon Yaegel, Sr., Howell TE - Ryan Morris, Sr., Barnegat OL - Matt Ford, Sr., Wall OL - Ryan Brodie, Sr., Long Branch OL - Brandon Pearce, Sr., Manalapan OL - Matt Jewett, Sr., Rumson-FH OL - Frank Gabriel, Sr., Red Bank Catholic UT - Jaheem Woods, Sr., Neptune UT - Dwight Clark, Jr., Long Branch K - Connor Ryan, Jr., Middletown South
QB - Mark McCoy, Sr., Barnegat RB - Victor Scalici, Sr., Colts Neck RB - T.J. Bellissimo, Sr., Southern RB - Connor Riley, Sr., Rumson-FH WR - Geoff Fairbanks, Jr., Neptune WR - Blake Potter, Sr., Rumson-FH TE - Jesse Tate, Sr., Toms River North OL - Tyrell Smith, Sr., Lacey OL - Ryan Byrne, Sr., Red Bank Catholic OL - Brad Henson, Jr., Monsignor Donovan OL - Tim Donahue, Sr., Howell OL - James Clouse, Sr., Neptune UT - Anthony Pante, Sr., St. John Vianney UT - John Dunbar, Sr., Point Boro K - Pat Moran, Jr., Barnegat
DL - Joe Coscarelli, Sr., Red Bank Catholic DL - Jack Eisenstadt, Sr., Rumson-FH DL - Josh Klecko, Jr., Red Bank Catholic DL - Ra'Zahn Howard, Jr., Asbury Park LB - Jazzmar Clax, Sr., Neptune LB - David Gutzmore, Sr., Neptune LB - Chris Donald, Sr., Red Bank Catholic LB - Doug Whitlock, Sr., Red Bank Catholic DB - Tyrice Beverette, Jr., Lakewood DB - Joe Johnson, Sr., Manchester DB - Brandon Winston, Sr., Jackson Memorial DB - Larry Alston III, Sr., Matawan UT - Armond Conover, Sr., Asbury Park UT - Ikie Calderon, Sr., Neptune P - Chris Gulla, Jr., Toms River North
DL - Garrett Sickels, Jr., Red Bank Regional DL - James Cowen, Sr., Jackson Memorial DL - Remy Martin, Sr., Jackson Liberty DL - Jake Clapp, Sr., Rumson-FH LB - Dimitrie Christodoylakis, Sr., Jackson Memorial LB - Kodie McNamara, Sr., Manasquan LB - Joe Simone, Sr., Middletown South LB - Matt Schofield, Sr., Barnegat DB - Alec Morris, Sr., Southern DB - Solomon Simpkins, Sr., Matawan DB - Matt LaMattina, Sr., Middletown South DB - Mike Morralle, Sr., Rumson-FH UT - Tom Winters, Sr., Brick UT - Ken Bradley, So., Jackson Memorial P - Steve Cluley, Sr., Wall
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
THIRD TEAM
OFFENSE
OFFENSE
DEFENSE
DEFENSE
QB - Danny Roberto, Jr., Rumson-FH QB - Anthony Carlucci, Sr., St. John Vianney RB - Justin Billups, Sr., Jackson Liberty RB - Amir Conover, Sr., Asbury Park RB - Kyle Spatz, Jr., Lacey WR - Tim Vangelas, Jr., Colts Neck WR - Connor Grogan, Jr., Manasquan TE - Derek Gardner, Sr., Wall OL - Jon Valentine, Sr., Middletown South OL - Jon Appice, Jr., Manalapan OL - Matt Pisarcik, Sr., Wall OL - Matt Kemp, Sr., Colts Neck OL - Ryan Breen, Sr., Ocean UT - Ishmael Hyman, Jr., St. John Vianney UT - Islam Joshua, Sr., Asbury Park K - Mike Creamer, So., Matawan DL - Lex Knapp, Sr., Lacey DL - Cody Coleman, Sr., Point Beach DL - DeVon Rice, Sr., Matawan DL - David Calderon, Sr., Neptune LB - Glenn Cross, Jr., Matawan LB - Jackman Bush, Sr., Southern LB - Travis Clark, Jr., Rumson-FH LB - Jordan Powell, Sr., Lacey DB - Jordan Salt, Sr., Barnegat DB - Greg Moore, Sr., Ocean DB - Zach Santos, Sr., Brick Memorial DB - Mark Jurkowski, Sr., Point Beach P - Tyler Saito, Sr., Manasquan UT - Thomond Hammary, Sr., Asbury Park UT - Scott Buxbaum, Sr., Toms River North
12/19/11
www.allshoremedia.com
ASM / 45
Hockey Update By Scott Stump – Managing Editor
As usual, Christian Brothers Academy’s ice hockey team has proven to be the class of the Shore Conference in the early going by zipping out to a 5-1-1 start that includes an unbeaten mark in the Shore A Division.
The Colts feature senior forward James Martello, who had 15 goals and 16 assists to power CBA’s 17-win season last winter, as well as defenseman John Bassett, center Evan Van Epps and the tandem of brothers Liam and Sean Glennon. CBA has already picked up wins over Brick and Middletown South, its two closest pursuers for the Shore A title, and has held its own with a 1-1-1 record in the American Division of the Gordon Conference, the most loaded conference in the state. Brick is off to a 5-1 start, with its only loss coming in a 4-2 setback against CBA. The Green Dragons have are a strong offensive team led by forwards Jeff Lang, Brendan Dowd, Tyler Martin, Nick Auriemma and Austin Blanco and sophomore Andrew Reiss, who had 13 goals as a freshman. Senior Brian Murphy leads the defense along with junior Tyler Iannarone and sophomore David Kearns, the latter of whom started as a freshman.
At 3-1 in Shore A, Middletown South is tied with Brick behind CBA, as the Eagles are looking for another big season after reaching the Public B championship last winter. They are led by senior captain Tyler Ralph, a forward who had 18 goals and 18 assists last season to power the offense. Jimmy Burns, one of the top defensemen in the Shore Conference last season, also is back after finishing with 6 goals and 15 assists in addition to anchoring the back line.
Junior Trevor Grossman returns as a top scorer for Red Bank Catholic, which is off to a 2-2-1 start that included a 5-3 win over Middletown North.
In the Shore B Division, Howell and St. John Vianney have taken the early lead in the division with six points apiece, and the Rebels are off to a 4-1 start overall. St. John Vianney has been led by senior forward Nick Saporito, one of the Shore’s best.
Toms River South is trying to adjust to life without Jay Malone, after the highscoring center graduated from last season’s 16-win team following a combined 94 goals in the last two seasons. Todd Unger will try to lead the way this season after registering 31 goals and 17 assists last season and moving over to center this winter.
Rumson-Fair Haven and Freehold look to battle it out in the Shore C Division, while St. Rose is off to a 5-1 start to lead the Shore D Division. Billy Regan returns as one of St. Rose’s top offensive players, and he had a goal and an assist in a 4-3 victory over rival Manasquan early in the season for a key win.
46 / ASM 2012 Winter Preview
Volume-III / Issue-22
12/19/11
Point Pleasant Beach
School Address: St. Louis and Chicago Avenues, Pt. Pleasant
Beach
Directions: From north - Route 35 south. After crossing
Barnegat
Bear left and turn onto Route 527 South. Follow for 6-7 miles
Directions: From the north - Parkway to exit 67
becomes 528 at Whitesville Road). School is about a half
School Address: 180 Bengal Boulevard, Barnegat
(Barnegat). Make a left at the end of the exit ramp onto Bay
Avenue. At second light make a left onto Barnegat Boulevard
and turn left onto South Hope Chapel Road (just after 527 mile on the right.
North. Go approximately one mile and make a left onto
Jackson Memorial
Parkway to Exit 63. Follow route 72 east to route 9 north.
about 10-12 miles west to Route 528 intersection. Turn right
Bengal Boulevard. School is on the left. From the South-
Make a left onto Bay Avenue. Make a right onto Barnegat Boulevard North and follow above direction.
School Address: Don Connor Boulevard, Jackson
Directions: From south - Route 9 north to Route 571. Go
on Route 528. Continue on Don Connor Boulevard and make a right. School is a quarter mile on the left. From north -
Brick
Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to exit 21. Bear left and
Directions: From north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off
Route 528. Continue to Don Connor Boulevard and make a
School Address: 346 Chambers Bridge Road, Brick
exit. Go straight at light, follow to Route 88. Cross Route 88,
turn onto Route 527 South. At second light turn right onto left. Follow directions above.
go under Parkway overpass and school is just ahead on right.
Lacey
right from off-ramp.
Directions: Parkway Exit 74. Turn right on Lacey Road.
From south- Parkway exit 90. School is short distance on
School Address: Haines Street, Lacey
Brick Memorial
Follow less than two miles, take jughandle left turn for
Directions: From South - Parkway exit 90. Ramp will
Street. School is on the right.
School Address: 2001 Lanes Mill Road, Brick
Manchester Avenue. Go to the first light, turn right on Haines
put you on Chambers Bridge Road. Take first jughandle U-
turn and go west on Chambers Bridge Road. Cross Route 88
Lakewood
and follow to second light, where there is a convenience store on the left and a gas station on the right. The right and go
Directions: From south - Parkway exit 90. Take
immediate jughandle U-turn to go west on Chambers Bridge
over the Parkway. Pass the 7-Eleven and take the jughandle left turn for Lanes Mill Road. Go straight across, bear right just pass Lanes Mill Elementary School. High school is on
School Address: 855 Somerset Ave, Lakewood
Road. Turn left onto Route 88, follow to New Hampshire
Avenue and turn right. Take New Hampshire to end, turn left
Manasquan River, follow signs for Broadway/Beach and
make U-turn onto route 35 North. Make a quick right onto Broadway. Make a right onto St. Louis Avenue and follow
until you see the field. From south - Route 35 north. Make a right onto Broadway and continue with above listed directions.
Point Pleasant Boro
School Address: Laura Herbert Drive, Point Pleasant
Directions: From north - Parkway Exit 91. Stay left off
exit and take jughandle around to light at gas station. Turn
right and follow Burnt Tavern Road to Route 70. Turn left on
Route 70 and at next intersection turn right onto Herbertsville Road. Stay on Herbertsville Road to intersection with Route
88. Go straight through light to school less than a mile on the right. From south - Route 88 east to Beaver Dam Road and make a right. School entrance is ahead on right.
Southern Regional
School Address: 600 North Main St. (Route 9), Stafford Directions: Parkway exit 63. Take Route 72 east about
two miles and bear right onto Route 9 north. Take Route 9 about three miles and school is on the left.
Toms River East
School Address: Raider Way, Toms River
Directions: Parkway Exit 82, Take Route 37 east to
Coolidge Avenue jughandle. Go north on Coolidge one mile to Raider Way. Turn left, school entrance is on the left.
onto Ridge. Go about 1 ½ miles to school on right. From
Toms River North
light, follow road to Route 88 intersection. Turn right on
light take a jughandle left onto Route 166 north. Bear right at
Central Regional
School Address: Forest Hills Parkway, Berkeley
Manchester
Directions: From north - Parkway exit 77. Turn left off
exit onto Double Trouble Road, follow it to traffic light. Turn
School Address: 101 Colonial Drive, Manchester
three miles ahead on right.
Directions: Parkway to Exit 82A. Take Route 37 west
Toms River South
about five miles to jughandle for Colonial Drive. Cross 37 and follow back to school parking lot.
Directions: Parkway exit 82. Take Route 37 east. Turn
right onto Hooper Avenue. The field is a half mile down on
right. From north - Parkway exit 91. Bear left after the toll. Follow jughandle around, turn right at light at gas station. Follow directions above after going over the Parkway.
left on Forest Hills Parkway. School is just ahead on right.
Parking entrance is at far end of school or at middle school
lot. From south - Parkway exit 77. Turn right on Forest Hills
Parkway. School is just ahead on right. Parking entrance is at
far end of school or at middle school lot.
Jackson Liberty
School Address: 125 North Hope Chapel Road, Jackson
Directions: From south- Route 9 north to Cox Cro Road
Road in Toms River. Make a left onto Cox Cro and follow
about two miles to 527 (Whitesville Road). Make a right onto
527 and follow for about 4-5 miles. Make a right onto South
Hope Chapel Road/CR-547. School is just ahead on the left.
From north - Parkway exit 98. Take I-195 west to Exit 21.
north - Parkway exit 91. Stay right off exit. Go straight at Route 88 and follow rest of directions above.
Monsignor Donovan
School Address: 711 Hooper Avenue, Toms River
School Address: Old Freehold Road, Toms River
Directions: Parkway Exit 82. Take Route 37 East. At first
next traffic light onto Old Freehold Road. School is about
School Address: 101 Hyers Street, Toms River
the right behind the Ocean County Courthouse.
Directions: Parkway to Exit 82. Take Route 37 east and
turn right on Hooper Avenue. Go south on Hooper about a half mile and turn left at the first light. School is on the right.
Pinelands Regional
School Address: Nugentown Road, Little Egg Harbor
Directions: Parkway Exit 58. Take Route 539 east about
three miles. Turn right on Nugentown Road. School is three miles on the right.
FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION
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ASM / 47
Red Bank Regional
School Address: 101 Ridge Road, Little Silver Directions: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road
east to end to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. School is one and a half miles on right.
Asbury Park
Marlboro
east to traffic circle. Follow Route 35 north to Sunset Avenue. Turn right; school is about two miles on left. From north Parkway exit 102 to Asbury Avenue east. Asbury Avenue runs into Route 66 and then same as above.
few miles ahead on left.
School Address: 1003 Sunset Avenue, Asbury Park Directions: From south - Parkway exit 100A. Take Route 66
Colts Neck
School Address: 59 Five Points Road, Colts Neck Directions: Route 34 to Route 537 west toward Freehold.
School is two to three miles ahead on the left.
Freehold Boro
School Address: 2 Robertsville Road, Freehold Directions: Take Route 18 to Route 79 south. Turn left onto
Robertsville Road. Filed is one block ahead on left.
Freehold Township
School Address: 281 Elton-Adelphia Road, Freehold
Township
Directions: Take Route 9 to Elton-Adelphia Road (Route 524). Go west on Route 524. School is one mile ahead on left.
Howell
School Address: 405 Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, Howell Directions: Route I-195 west to Lakewood-Farmingdale exit
School Address: 95 Route 79, Marlboro Directions: Route 18 north to Route 79 north. School is a
Matawan
School Address: 450 Atlantic Avenue, Aberdeen Directions: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing
northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the Parkway. Before toll booth, turn right on Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At next light, turn right on Church Street. At next light, turn right on Atlantic. School is just ahead on the right.
Mater Dei
School Address: 538 Church Street, Middletown Directions: Parkway exit 114. Turn right on Red Hill Road,
follow to end. Turn left onto Kings Highway, and right on Harmony Road, Take Harmony Road across Route 35 and turn right on Cherry Tree Farm Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on left.
Middletown North
School Address: 63 Tindall Road, Middletown Directions: Parkway exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill
for Route 547 west (toward Farmingdale). Go about 200 yards to Squankum-Yellowbrook Road, turn left. School is about two miles on left.
Road and follow to end. Turn right onto Kings Highway. Make a right and follow to Route 35 south to the jughandle for Tindall Road. Take the jughandle and then make a right to Tindall Road. The school will be a half mile on right.
Holmdel
Middletown South
At first intersection, turn right onto Crawfords Corner Road. School is one and a half miles ahead on the right.
light for Dwight Road. Turn right on Dwight Road to Middletown-Lincroft Road. Cross Middletown-Lincroft Road to Nutswamp. School is a half mile on the right.
School Address: 36 Crawfords Corner Road, Holmdel Directions: Parkway exit 114. Go west on Red Hill Raod.
Keansburg
School Address: 140 Port Monmouth Road, Keansburg Directions: Parkway exit 114. Turn right off ramp onto Red
Hill Road. At first light, turn left onto VanShoik Road. VanSchoik becomes Laurel Avenue. Take Laurel across Route 35 to Route 36. Turn right on Route 36 and take to jughandle left turn for Main Street. At first light, turn right onto Port Monmouth Road. School is down on the right.
Keyport
School Address: 351 Broad Street, Keyport Directions: Parkway exit 117. Take G.S. Parkway Exit
117. Bear left on to Route 36 south. Take jughandle left onto Atlantic Street. School is on the left.
Long Branch
School Address: Indiana Avenue, Long Branch Directions: Parkway exit 105. Take Route 36 east, bear onto
route 71 past Monmouth University and turn left on Westwood Avenue. Make a right onto Bath Avenue and then a right onto Indiana Avenue. School is ahead on right.
Manalapan
School Address: 30 Church Lane, Manalapan Directions: Route 9 to Route 522 west. Turn right on Tennent
Road, then left on Church lane. School is a half mile on right.
Manasquan
School Address: 159 Broad Street, Manasquan Directions: From north - Parkway exit 98. Take Route 34
south two miles to Manasquan/Sea Girt Exit. Go under Route 34 and follow Atlantic Avenue through circle. School is about one mile ahead on left. From south - Parkway exit 98. Take route 138 west to route 34 south, follow rest of above directions.
School Address: 501 Nutswamp Road, Middletown Directions: Parkway exit 114. Go east on Red Hill Road to
Red Bank Catholic
School Address: 112 Broad Street, Red Bank Directions: Parkway exit 105. Take Rt. 520 (Newman
Springs Road) east for about 4 miles and make a left at the traffic light on to Rt. 35 north/Broad Street. School is about 1 1/2 miles down on the left.
Rumson-Fair Haven
School Address: 74 Ridge Road, Rumson Directions: Parkway exit 109. Take Newman Springs Road
east to Route 35 (Broad Street), turn left. At the second light, turn right on Harding Road. After about three miles, Harding becomes Ridge Road. Pass Red Bank Regional High School and go about three more miles. Rumson-Fair Haven will be on the left.
St. John Vianney
School Address: 540 Road, Holmdel Directions: Parkway exit 117. Bear left off exit (passing
northbound tollbooths) and get in left lane of Route 35 south. Turn left onto Route 35 north and follow sign back to the parkway. Before tollbooth, turn right onto Clark Street. At light, turn left on Lloyd Road. At first light, turn left onto Church Street. At next light, turn right onto Line road. School is on left.
Shore Regional
School Address: Route 36 east, West long Branch Directions: Parkway exit 105. Take route 36 a few miles,
cross route 71. School is just ahead on the right.
Wall
School Address: 18th Avenue & New Bedford Road, Wall Directions: Parkway exit 98. Take Route 138 east about two
miles to second light, turn right onto New Bedford Road. Follow to school entrance on left.
Monmouth Regional
School Address: 1 Normal J. Field Way, Tinton Falls Directions: Parkway to exit 105. Take jughandle at first
traffic light to Hope Road and go north to Tinton Avenue. Turn left on Tinton Avenue and go about half a mile to school entrance on the right, just before Parkway overpass.
Neptune
School Address: 55 Neptune Boulevard, Neptune. Directions: From north: Parkway Exit 102. Make a right on
Asbury Avenue after the exit and take that until it intersects with Rt. 66 east. Bear right on to Neptune Boulevard and stay to the right at the exit. Go straight at the stop sign and go through the next traffic light. School is down on the right. From south: Take Parkway Exit 100 A (Rt. 66 East/Asbury Park) and follow directions above from Rt. 66.
Ocean Township
School Address: 550 West Park Avenue, Ocean Township Directions: Route 35 to West Park Avenue. Go east on West
Park Avenue, school is a half mile on the right.
Raritan
School Address: 419 Middle Road, Hazlet Directions: From north - Parkway exit 114. Make a left off
the exit onto Red Hill Road, which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turn left, school is on the right. From south - Parkway Exit 114. Turn right onto Red Hill Road, which turns into Laurel Avenue. Follow Laurel north across Route 35 to Middle Road. Turn left, school is on the right.
All Shore Media w ou l d l i k e to t h a n k ou r ph o t og ra ph e r s f o r a l l t h ei r p r of e s s i on al ph ot os f e at u r ed i n ou r Pr ev i e w s , Pa pe r s & W e b S i t e
Cliff Lavelle
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www.billnormile.zenfolio.com
Doug Bostwick
www.sportshotswlb.com
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2012 Winter Preview
Volume-III
Issue-22
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