4-10-18 Issue - 5 Volume-X Spring Kickoff

April 10, 2018 Volume-X Issue-5

The first thing fans, players, coaches and parents want to know after the big game is always, � � Is this going to be on

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of all the important games that Shore Conference fans will be talking about. n Catch up on the action you might have missed n Watch video clips of everything from the action early in the event to the big finish as well as video interviews with various athletes. n www.shoresportsnetwork.com is the most visited sports site in the Shore Conference during the scholastic year n Follow us on Twitter (over 18,000 followers) & Facebook, we keep fans posted on the latest scores and news n Established leading portal for local high school coverage.

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Shore Sports Network Director High School Division stev e. meye r@t ownsquar emedia .com 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

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6. C E N T R A L R E G I O N A L ( 3 - 0 , 2 - 0 )

BASEBALL I. C H R I S T I A N B R O T H E R S A C A D E M Y ( 2 - 0 , I - 0 ) Two wins were enough to push CBA into the No. 1 ranking this week given that one was against a top-10 opponent in Colts Neck and the Colts needed to jump just one team to get to No. 1. The pitching staff is not quite complete yet, but Nick Hohenstein and Joe Escandon have done the job so far and the offense – also led by Hohenstein – has gotten the job done.

2. W A L L ( 4 - 0 , 3 - 0 ) CBA is No. 1 based on where the Colts started in the rankings, but it’s hard to argue against Wall as the most impressive team at the Shore so far. The Crimson Knights handled Holmdel, shutout Monmouth, knocked Middletown North right-hander and Rutgers commit Garrett French around and beat a powerful Middletown South lineup, 1-0. The next two years already looks promising with so many juniors on the roster, but they are now starting to look downright scary.

3. M A N A L A P A N ( 5 - 0 , I - 0 ) To become the Shore’s only 5-0 team, Manalapan had to get away from the Shore – and New Jersey altogether. After surviving extra innings against Colts Neck on opening day, the Braves took a very timely trip to Myrtle Beach, S.C. and won three games, including one against a quality Lenape club. Manalapan has a huge welcome-home week coming up, with games against CBA, Freehold Township, Marlboro and Toms River North.

4. J A C K S O N L I B E R T Y ( 2 - 0 , 2 - 0 ) With 27 runs in two games so far, the Lions are picking up where they left off at the end of last year, when they racked up runs against good competition with a sophomore-laden lineup. Scott Wierciszewski is off to a scorching start – 6-for-8 with a home run and 11 RBI in those two games – which has been the best of many good individual starts in the Liberty lineup. The Lions will get a chance to prove they belong on Saturday against Jackson Memorial.

5. J A C K S O N M E M O R I A L ( 4 - 0 , 2 - 0 ) It appears as though the Jaguars are back and ready to contend for Class A South. Jackson Memorial has had great pitching from top to bottom so far, with seniors Nick Sefick and Matt D’Amore combining for 16 starter innings with no earned runs and seniors Ryder Tallent and Mike Dimino combining on six scoreless relief innings. With a lineup that has five sophomores and two juniors, the hits are coming and they will be here to stay for the next several years.

GIRLS LACROSSE

Not all undefeated starts are created equal and in Central’s case, its 3-0 start packs a punch.

The Golden Eagles beat Pinelands ace Joey Ventresca on opening day and followed that up with an 8-4 win over preseason No. 1 Toms River North. Another close win for ace A.J. Smith and the Eagles over Southern made it three in a row and positions Central in the top 10 for the first time since the Golden Eagles were the Ocean County champions in 2014.

7. T O M S R I V E R N O R T H ( 2 - 2 , I - 2 ) The loss to Central is the basis for the six-spot drop, but Toms River North is still positioned to play for the top spot by getting straightened out in A South and continuing to perform outside the division. The Mariners lost a one-run, extra-inning game to Washington Township in the season-opener and won their next Saturday game by beating Gloucester Catholic – a top-five team in the NJ.com preseason top 10. Toms River North’s next Saturday game will be against No. 3 Manalapan, which comes a day after a showdown with No. 5 Jackson Memorial.

8. F R E E H O L D B O R O ( I - 0 , I - 0 ) The weather knocked out all but one game for the Colonials, but what a game it was. Freehold Boro beat Marlboro in dramatic fashion, with catcher Phil Marcantonio belting a go-ahead tworun home run to dead center field in the top of the seventh inning. Freehold will have a couple of matchups this week with top 10 implications, with Freehold Township and Colts Neck on the upcoming schedule.

9. C O L T S N E C K ( I - 2 , 0 - 2 ) Although Colts Neck is below .500, the Cougars lost one-run games to No. 1 CBA and No. 3 Manalapan, plus routed Hamilton West, 13-0. Colts Neck has a deep lineup, a solid defense and a pitching staff that is coming along, but the wins will have to start coming for the Cougars to stay in the top 10 going forward. This week includes two games against Middletown South bookending divisional matchups against Howell and Freehold Boro.

I0. M O N M O U T H R E G I O N A L ( 3 - I , I - I ) The Falcons slide into the top 10 after beating Red Bank Catholic and getting past Neptune to end the week. The Falcons’ top two pitchers – Charlie Kelly and Dante Ciaramella – pitched well in their starts and the bats came to play in every game except against Wall left-handed ace Trey Dombroski. B North is a grind, but Monmouth made the trek to the top of the standings last year and has to be considered a threat again this season.

BOYS LACROSSE

1. Rumson-Fair Haven

1. Manasquan

2. Manasquan

2. CBA

3. Freehold Township

3. Rumson-Fair Haven

4. Red Bank Catholic

4. Southern

5. Ocean

5. Wall

6. Colts Neck

6. Freehold Township

7. Holmdel

7. Howell

8. Red Bank

8. Jackson Memorial

9. Shore

9. St. John Vianney

10. Toms River South

10. Toms River East

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By B ob B add ers – Senior Managing Ed itor

Class A North

Class A South

Class B North

Class B South

Favorite: Christian Brothers Academy

Favorite: Southern Regional

Favorite: Rumson-Fair Haven

Favorite: Manasquan

The Rams have won five consecutive Class A South division titles and are a good bet to make it six in a row this year despite graduating another very good class. Junior attackman Nick Fontana is one of the top returning scorers in the Shore after posting 45 goals and 47 assists as a sophomore and will lead the offense. Junior Aniello Russo (10g, 20a) and sophomore Cade Johnson (9g, 7a) join Fontana on the attack line.

Rumson took an enormous hit to graduation from last season’s South Jersey Group II title team and will be breaking in several new starters in the second year under head coach Marc Moreau, but the Bulldogs are still the overwhelming favorite to win yet another division crown.

The reigning Shore Conference Tournament champions lost some great players to graduation but still return a boatload of talent, led by a dynamic junior class, that should have the Warriors competing for SCT and state titles while remaining the prohibitive favorite in B South.

Junior attackman Canyon Birch led the Shore Conference in points with 106 points on 77 goals and 29 assists, and the Army West Point recruit has started the season on fire with nearly 30 points in three games. Junior midfielder James Pendergist, a Rutgers recruit, is arguably the Shore’s best all-around player and will see much more offensive opportunities after spending his first two seasons as primarily a defensive middie.

Junior defenseman Jack Fabean (Richmond) is a stud in the back end in front of junior goalie Mike LaPoint (Siena), who will own the cage this season after splitting time with Tom Pollock the last season seasons.

Manasquan will get a gargantuan boost after 10 games when transfers Mike Page and Matt Franzoni become eligible. Page came back home after two years at the Hun School and is an elite LSM who is committed to Syracuse. Franzoni had a very good freshman season at St. John Vianney and will bolster Manasquan’s midfield.

With a large senior class, good scoring depth and history on its side, CBA enters the 2018 season as the heavy favorite to take home another division title. In fact, the Colts have won at least a share of the Class A North division title for nine straight seasons, so it’s going to take a Herculean effort to dethrone them atop the standings. Senior attackman Michael Carroll, a Bucknell recruit, leads the way after scoring 34 goals last season, and along with senior Robbie Hermansen (33g, 6a last year) and junior Connor Macrae (16g, 8a) form one of the most potent attack lines in the Shore.

Contenders: Freehold Twp., Howell, Middletown South Rest of the division: Middletown North Neptune & Marlboro

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Seniors Ryan Comfort (8g, 14, committed to Arcadia) and Ryan McWhorter (9g, 3a) lead the midfielders along with sophomore defensive middie Will Devane and Eastern University recruit Anthony Firmani on face-offs. Firmani is one of the top FOGOs in the Shore after winning 70 percent of draws last season along with posting nine points (3g, 6a). Senior Luke Gehardt, a four-year starter, is the Rams’ top defender in front of junior goalie Luke Maul. Sophomore Noah Wasacz is also back after a successful year as freshmen when he earned all-division recognition and junior LSM Brandon Durst is also a returning starter.

Contenders: Brick Mem. & Brick, Jackson Mem., Lacey, TR East, TR North & TR South

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Senior defenseman Stephen Edler (committed to Richmond), senior attackman Wyatt Feinberg (Haverford) and senior midfielders Billy Garavente (Chestnut Hill) and Peter Lucas (Lehigh for football) head the Bulldogs’ cast of returners who will look to lead the way for a promising, yet inexperienced group of newcomers. Rowan Goldin and Kurt Bruckman have emerged as the team’s leading scorers through the first handful of games.

Sean Bunnell takes over in goal and sophomore Doug Duprey has also seen time in the cage.

Rumson’s nonconference schedule is superb with games against Chatham, Watchung Hills, Westfield and Seton Hall Prep already completed.

The high-level competition along with several injuries has contributed to Rumson’s slow start, but there’s little doubt the Bulldogs will be right in the mix when it matters later in the season.

Contenders: SJV, Holmdel, Ocean & Shore Rest of the division: RBC, Red Bank & Long Branch

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Contender: Wall & Lacey Rest of the division: Barnegat, Donovan Catholic, Jackson Lib., Pt Boro & St. Rose

By Bob Badde rs – Senio r Managing Edito r

W

e’re off and running with the 2018 Shore Conference boys lacrosse season.

The season is just about two weeks old, but with the winter weather still lingering several games have had to be postponed. Teams are still finding their groove as we enter the middle of the month, and hopefully as they start to heat up so does the weather.

The top teams have done as expected so far and there haven’t been any

I M anasquan .

(3-0)

The defending Shore Conference Tournament champion Warriors are loaded and primed for another run at an SCT championship and a state title with players like junior attackman Canyon Birch (Army), junior midfielder James Pendergist (Rutgers), junior defenseman Jack Fabean (Richmond) and junior goalie Mike LaPoint (Siena). The Warriors also have two highimpact transfers with junior LSM Mike Page (Syracuse) and sophomore midfielder Matt Franzoni, who will each have to sit out the first 30 days of the season. The Warriors have been dominant so far with wins over Lacey, Red Bank and St. John Vianney and are outscoring their opponents 51-5.

surprises with those groups. As usual, however, the bottom half of the rankings continues to be a challenge with a bunch of teams being able to make a legitimate claim to be ranked. Right now, it’s as simple as Team A beat Team B, and so on, but if history is any indication that logic will only last so long. There’s a good chance the top 10 will look different every week given the initial Shore Sports Network Top 10 couldn’t even survive the first week intact.

Here’s where we stand heading into the second full week of the season.

Records and results based on games played through April 7.

The Colts won their ninth straight Class A North division title and reached the SCT semifinals last season and return good scoring depth and a large senior class. The attack line of seniors Michael Carroll and Robbie Hermansen along with junior Connor Macrae combined for 93 goals last season. Seniors Luke Valentino and Luke Grover lead the midfield with senior Nick Robertson back as the face-off specialist. Senior Ryan Tierney and junior Thomas Gray lead the defense in front of senior goalie Chris Downey. CBA opened their season in impressive fashion with a 16-4 win over St. John Vianney and followed it up with a 13-7 over CBA-Syracuse.

The Colts then won an 8-7 thriller over Don Bosco Prep and beat Middletown South 14-2.

3 R umson-Fair Haven .

James McElduff, Canyon Birch, Mic ha el LaPo int,Ja k e Fa be a n & Eva n Hilla

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2 CBA .

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Robbie Hermansen, Luke valentino, Chris Downey, Michael Carroll, Ryan tierney & Luke Grover

(l to r)

(I-4)

The defending South Jersey Group II sectional champion Bulldogs lost a ton to graduation including their top eight scorers, two-thirds of their defense and their goalie – so it will take time for this talented but inexperienced group to come together.

Midfielder Peter Lucas, defenseman Stephen Edler, attackman Wyatt Feinberg and FOGO Alex Maldjian lead the Bulldogs cast of returning starters.

Their schedule is brutal and injuries have prevented them from fielding their best lineup. If you’re wondering why a 14 team is ranked No. 3 in the Shore it’s because Rumso n’s Sr. Ste p h en Rumson gets the benefit of the doubt, especially when those losses are to Chatham, Watchung Hills, Westfield and Seton Hall Prep.

See

TOP TEN

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6 Fr e e h o l d T o w n s h i p ( 3 - 0 ) .

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The Rams have taken some major hits to graduation over the last few seasons but have demonstrated what a good feeder system can do for staying power. Junior attackman Nick Fontana leads Souther n’s retur ning starters after posting 92 points last season, while defensemen Luke Gerhardt and Noah Wasacz, midfielders Aniello Russo, Ryan McWhorter and Aniello Russo and attackman Cade Johnson are all back after starting or playing significant minutes. The Rams also have one of the best face-off specialists in the Shore in senior Anthony Firmani. Souther n is 3-0 so far with wins over Howell, Holmdel and Toms River South.

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The Patriots took a good hit to graduation but bring back one of the top attackmen in the Shore as well as both their starting goalies.

Senior Chris Novella leads the offense after a 43-goal, 30-assist season last year and will be joined up top by fellow senior Matt Graybush and promising sophomore Brendan Doel. Juniors Matt Kondrup and Nick Elimanco lead a midfield that will be breaking in several newcomers, while junior Evan Nastarowicz leads the defense in front of senior ( l t o r ) C h r is N ov el l a, goalie Billy Patten and Ev an N as t aro wi c z & M att K an dr up junior goalie Aidan Purcell, who will likely split time again. Freehold Township opened its season with an 8-3 win over Red Bank then rallied for a dramatic double-overtime win over Allentown before turning in a stout defensive effort in a 5-1 win over Howell.

7 Howell .

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Will Forte, Mike McIntyre, Ryan Kellett & Tim O’Hern

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The Crimson Knights retur n several core starters, including Monmouth University recruit Mike McIntyre, as they look to make deep postseason runs in 2018. McIntyre netted 59 goals last season and leads a group which also includes attackmen Tim O’Her n and Jack Textor, midfielders Will Forte, Ryan Kellett and Connor Prindiville, LSM Shane Meyler and goalie Sean DeMott. Forte (33g, 10a, 42gb) was a first-team Class B South pick last season and Meyler was also an all-division pick after collecting 54 ground balls.

O’Hern tallied 23 goals and 29 assists last season and Textor had 27 goals and 12 assists. Kellett picked up 72 ground balls and will take over on face-offs where the Knights coaching staff expects him to be among the best in the Shore. Wall opened the season with a 14-5 win over Colts Neck before dropping an 11-10 overtime game to senior-laden Hightstown team. They rebounded with lopsided wins over Red Bank Catholic and St. Rose.

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to r) S e a n M y l o d , V a u g h n M e e h a n , N i c k R o b e r t o , Logan Dennison & Braedon Baldwin

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The Rebels are coming off a solid season but also one in which they lost their top three scorers to graduation. The name of the game for Howell this year will be defense with LSM Sean Mylod, goalie Nick Roberto and defenseman Braedon Baldwin leading the way. Junior Joey Sorrentino will look to lead the attack line while sophomores Vaughn Meehan and Logan Dennison will have expanded roles. Meehan looks to be a major weapon on face-offs and this year will stay on the field after draws. The Rebels fell to No. 4 Souther n, 9-3, to open the season but rebounded with wins over Brick Memorial and Jackson Liberty before dropping a game to rival Freehold Township.

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Memorial (2-0)

The Jaguars have gone from unranked in the preseason to No. 8 thanks to a 5-4 win over Toms River East. It really is a logjam at the bottom of the rankings and it will likely be in flux each week, but Jackson has earned its spot thanks to knocking a ranked team to start 2-0. The Jaguars are a young team paced offensively by sophomores Aaron Hutchinson, Joe Iacobone and Nick Perillo and junior Santo Porazzo. The Jaguars have one of the best defenseman in the Shore in senior Sean Duggan, who leads the defense in front of senior goalie Yael Bonilla.

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John Vianney (I-2)

After the program’s first run to the Shore Conference Tournament final four, the Lancers return several key pieces and will try to continue their success under longtime Shore Conference head coach Mike Dowd. The Lancers were hit hard by graduation with Ryan Gilfillan, Andrew Porretta, Chris Kelly, Tino D’Amore and Ed Sheridan, among others, exiting the program.

They also lost midfielder

Matt Franzoni to Manasquan via transfer. Back in the fold this year are sophomore midfielder Anthony Brett, sophomore defenseman Kyle Harris, senior defenseman Jim Guilbert, junior goalie C.J. Hanson, junior defenseman Mike Noble, senior midfielder Nick Peckyno and junior midfielder Andrew Gosse. Harris was a second-team Class B North selection last year while Brett had 31 points and 88 ground balls as a freshman. The Lancers had the unenviable task of facing No. 1 Manasquan and No. 2 CBA to open the season, so their 1-2 start is a bit misleading. They got into the win column with an 11-5 win over St. Rose.

I0 T o m s .

River East (I-I)

The Raiders grabbed the No. 10 spot in the initial rankings thanks to a 9-7 win over Ocean to start the season and remain there even after a loss to Jackson Memorial. Ocean has a win over Middletown South and Middletown South has a win over Shore, keeping the Raiders at 10 for the time being. Toms River East is coming off a 9-9 season in which head coach Mike Alfieri was the Shore Conference Lacrosse Coaches Association Coach of the Year. The Raiders bring back three of their four top scorers in Matt Gannon (23g, 19a), Evan Otten (28g, 8a) and Salvatore Esposito (30g, 5a) plus all-division defenseman Anthony Marinelli.

Teams to watch: Brick, Ocean, Middletown South, Shore (l

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K yl e H arr is & M ic h a el N o bl e

& Brick Memorial

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

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Players listed alphabetically

ANTHONY BRETT, SO., ST. JOHN VIANNEY Brett scored 19 goals and added 12 assists while also picking up 88 ground balls as a f r e s h m a n . B r e t t ’s r o l e w i l l i n c r e a s e a s t h e Lancers lost many of their top players to graduation.

By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor MATT KONDRUP, JR., FREEHOLD TWP. Kondrup made the most of his opportunities last season with 14 goals and six assists and will enter the season as the Patriots’ top middie.

KEVIN CLOHOSEY, JR., NEPTUNE

PETER LUCAS, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

The Scarlet Fliers continue to improve under head coach Robert Schulte, and C l o h o s e y h a s b e e n a m a j o r r e a s o n w h y.

He is among the top returning goal scorers in the Shore after netting 50 goals as a sophomore and is on pace to reach the 100-goal mark this year.

Lucas has speed in abundance and during football season showcased his great agility a n d p o w e r a s a 2 , 0 0 0 - ya r d r u n n i n g b a c k . H e ’s b e e n a defensive midfielder for the Bulldogs and is usually automatic on clears, but with Rumson looking to break in several new starters, Lucas could see his offensive minutes jump.

ANTHONY FIRMANI, SR., SOUTHERN Firmani is the Rams’ face-off specialist and committed to Eastern University. He was an all-Class A South selection last year after winning 70 percent of his dra ws and also added three goals and six assists.

WILL FORTE, SR., WALL A returning all-Class B South selection, Forte scored 33 goals, added 10 assists and picked up 42 ground balls for a Crimson Knights team that went 12-3 and averaged 14.1 goals per game.

GIL GOLDSMITH, JR., SHORE A versatile player for the Blue Devils, Goldsmith scored 33 goals, dished out 37 assists and was top 15 in the Shore with 89 ground balls last season.

He was a second-team Class B South pick.

MIKE KINSEL, SR., ST. ROSE Kinsel did a little bit of ever ything for the Purple Roses last season, scoring 11 goals, picking up 82 ground balls and winning 61 percent of face-offs.

MAX MATTHIES, SR., JACKSON LIBERTY Matthies scored 19 goals and picked up 52 ground balls last season and is part of a Lions senior class looking to lead a bounce-back season.

balls. He’ll be on the field a lot more as a first-line middie this season and could emerge as one of the Shore’s most versatile players.

LUKE VALENTINO, SR., CBA Valentino scored 21 goals and added 18 assists last season and is part of a veteran CBA core that, combined with some promising newcomers, will look to challenge for the SCT title.

ALEC ZENKER, JR., MIDDLETOWN NORTH A second-team Class A North selection last season, Zenker was fourth in the Shore w i t h a . 7 1 0 fa c e - o f f percentage while picking up 63 ground balls, scoring seven goals and adding 12 assists.

JACK M C CRAE, JR., SHORE One of the leaders of a talented junior cl a s s f o r t h e B l u e D e v i l s , M c C r a e s c o r e d 26 goals and added 36 assists while also picking up 47 ground balls last season.

VAUGHN MEEHAN, SO., HOWELL As a freshman, Meehan won 60 percent of faceoffs as the Rebels’ FOGO while scoring six goals and finishing second on the team with 87 ground

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 8

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By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Edit or

Players listed alphabetically

JUSTIN ARREDONDO, SR., HOLMDEL

MIKE MCINTYRE, SR., WALL

Arredondo scored 30 goals and added 25 assists last season to be named to the Class B North second-team. He is committed to Kean University.

Committed to Monmouth University, McIntyre netted 59 goals and totaled 76 points last season and was a second-team All-Shore selection.

CANYON BIRCH, JR., MANASQUAN

RYAN MORRIS, SR., SHORE Morris emerged as a reliable scoring option last season with 39 goals and 25 assists for 64 points while also picking up 42 ground balls for the Blue Devils. He was a second-team Class B North selection.

Among New Jersey’s most prolific scorers, Birch, an Army West Point recruit, enters the season as the Warriors’ top offensive threat after scoring 77 goals and leading the Shore Conference with 106 points last season.

CHRIS NOVELLA, JR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP No vella, who is committed to Catholic University, was a top-15 scorer in the Shore last season with 43 goals and 30 assists for 73 points.

MICHAEL CARROLL, SR., CBA Carroll missed time with injuries last season, limiting his point total to 34 goals and nine assists, but the Bucknell recruit is a physical force up top who could have a monster year for the Colts.

JOECARLO CHIMENTI, SR., LACEY A second-team Class B South pick last season, Chimenti scored 25 goals and added six assists as a junior.

SHANE REILLY, SR., ST. ROSE Reilly scored 27 goals and added 29 assists last season to help St. Rose reach

JOEY FERRARA, SR., BRICK MEMORIAL A n E a s t e r n U n i v e r s i t y r e c r u i t , Fe r r a r a scored 43 goals, added 19 assists and also picked up 53 ground balls last season to be selected as a first-team Class A South attackman.

NICK FONTANA, JR., SOUTHERN Fontana made an instant impact in his first season as a starter by scoring 45 goals and dishing out 47 assists to finish fourth in the Shore with 92 points and earn third-team All-Shore status.

the SCT quarterfinals during the best season in program histor y.

He enters the season with 75 goals and 122 points in his career.

HOLDEN LOWE, JR., OCEAN The Spartans’ top returning offensive player was a balanced threat last season with 36 goals and 31 assists for 67 points.

Photos by:

Paula Lopez

www.palimages.com

Ray Rich Photography

rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

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Players listed alphabetically

By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor MEMORIAL

BRAEDON BALDWIN, SR., HOWELL

Ferrara is one of the few returning starters for Brick Memorial and will anchor the defense coming off a season where he collected 55 ground balls. He is a returning first-team Class A South pick and is committed to Eastern University.

Baldwin was a first-team Class A North selection last season when he had 22 ground balls and four takea ways. Howell’s strength is on defense this season and Baldwin will be among those leading the way.

RICHIE BIANCHI, SR., OCEAN Bianchi’s numbers went down a bit due to a shift from LSM to defenseman last season, but his level of play remained high for a Spartans team that allowed 5.4 goals per game. Bianchi, who is committed to Monmouth University, fielded 44 ground balls and added four goals.

He’s also a weapon coming off the wing o n fa c e - o f f s a n d w i l l o c c a s i o n a l l y step in to take dra ws.

LUKE GERHARDT, SR., SOUTHERN Gerhardt is a four-year starter for the Rams and helped Southern allow just 5.7 goals per game last season. He was a second-team Class A South selection last season.

KYLE HARRIS, SO., ST. JOHN VIANNEY Harris stepped in as a freshman and picked up 67 ground balls to help the Lancers reach the SCT semifinals. He was a second-team Class B North pick.

SEAN DOLAN, SR., HOLMDEL A returning Class A South all-division and second-team All-Shore selection, Duggan was sensational for the Jaguars last season with 130 ground balls (third most in the Shore), 33 takeaways and four interceptions. He was also an o f f e n s i v e t h r e a t w i t h 1 7 p o i n t s o n f i v e g o a l s a n d 1 2 a s s i s t s , i n cl u d i n g a seven-point game, to lead all Shore Conference defensemen.

BOBBY MAHON, SR., ST. ROSE A Class B South all-division selection last year, Mahon collected 68 ground b a l l s t o h e l p S t . R o s e t o t h e S C T q u a r t e r f i n a l s i n t h e p r o g r a m ’s m o s t successful season. He will anchor the Purple Roses’ defense this season.

BOBBY MAHON, JR., ST. ROSE

STEPHEN EDLER, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN A University of Richmond recruit, Edler was part of a Rumson defense that yielded just four goals per game last season. He earned second-team AllShore honors as a junior and returns to anchor the Bulldogs’ defense as the lone returning starter.

A s e c o n d - t e a m C l a s s B S o u t h p i c k l a s t y e a r, M a h o n p i c k e d u p 6 0 g r o u n d balls last year and will lead the Purple Roses’ defense in 2017.

SHANE MEYLER, JR., WALL As the Crimson Knights’ LSM, Meyler picked up 54 ground balls last season and was a first-team Class B South selection for a defense that allowed 6.3 goals per game.

JACK FABEAN, JR., MANASQUAN Fabean will begin his third year as a starter for the Warriors and brings the complete package of experience, positioning, stick skills and lacrosse IQ. His play was a major reason why Manasquan allowed a Shore Conference-best 3.8 goals per game, won the Shore Conference Tournament and reached the South Jersey Group II final.

SEAN MYLOD, SR., HOWELL Mylod had a great junior season en route to second-team Class A North honors with 104 ground balls and 29 takeaways as the Rebels’ long-stick midfielder. He figures to be among the best in the Shore at his position once again this season.

MICHAEL PAGE, JR., MANASQUAN Page transferred back to Manasquan after attending the Hun School for his first two years. He's an elite LSM who gives the Warriors a huge boost all o ver the field. He is committed to Syracuse.

CHASE FAIRBANKS, SR., NEPTUNE A third-team All-Shore selection last season at L S M , Fa i r b a n k s i s N e w J e r s e y ’s l e a d i n g g r o u n d ball gatherer coming off a season where he picked up a whopping 218 ground balls. He is committed to Bellarmine University.

CONNOR RYAN, SR., TOMS RIVER SOUTH R ya n w a s a n h o n o r a b l e m e n t i o n C l a s s A S o u t h p i c k l a s t s e a s o n w h e n h e collected 43 ground balls and led the Indians’ defense.

MIKE FERRARA, SR., BRICK

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By Bob Badders – Sen ior Managing Edito r

Players listed alphabetically

JUSTIN COVEY, SR., LACEY

BILLY PATTEN, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP/AIDAN PURCELL, JR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

C o m m i t t e d t o D e l a w a r e Va l l e y, C o v e y r e t u r n s a s o n e o f t h e S h o r e ’s t o p netminders after making 207 saves with a 61% save percentage last season.

SEAN D E MOTT, JR., WALL

T h e Pa t r i o t s h a v e a g o o d p r o b l e m i n t h a t they have two starting-caliber goalies.

Pa t t e n h a d a . 5 8 7 s a v e p e r c e n t a g e a n d 114 saves last season while Purcell made 61 stops with a .539 save percentage.

DeMott stopped 56 percent of shots with 94 saves last season for a Crimson Knights team that allowed 6.3 goals per game and finished with a 12-3 record.

NICK ROBERTO, SR., HOWELL Roberto and the Rebels’ defense will be leaned on heavily this season as the Rebels work in several new starts on the attack line and in the midfield. The Cata wba recruit made 194 saves with a .563 save percentage last season to be selected as the Class A North alldivision goalie.

MATT GIBSON, JR., RED BANK Gibson led the Shore with 293 saves last season and posted a .578 save percentage.

PARKER RONCIN, JR., POINT BORO A second-team Class B South selection last season, Roncin had a .568 save percentage and made 201 saves.

C.J. HANSON, JR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY A 6-foot-5, 285-pound behemoth who is also an FBS recruit as an offensive lineman, Hanson has the size and athleticism to have a big year.

He stopped 56 percent of shots last season and made 238 saves last, the third-highest total in the Shore.

NICK TUCCILLO, JR., HOLMDEL Tu c c i l l o r e t u r n s a s t h e H o r n e t s ’ s t a r t i n g g o a l i e after making 154 saves with a .613 save percentage.

MIKE L A POINT, JR., MANASQUAN After serving as a backup as a freshman and splitting time last season the Warriors’ cage is L a Po i n t ’s t o p r e s i d e o v e r i n 2 0 1 8 . E x p e c t t h e Siena recruit to be among the best goalies in the Shore after posting a 61 percent save percentage last season.

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish

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f anyone needs to be convinced the Class A South is still a dominant division, look no further than the 2017 season. Toms River South ascended to the top spot in the Shore Conference during the regular season before Toms River North and Southern grabbed the headlines in the tournaments. Toms River North finished tied for second in the division, yet claimed the No. 1 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 by winning both the Ocean County and Shore Conference Tournaments.

Southern, meanwhile, enjoyed a historic season by reaching the Ocean County Tournament final for the first time in nearly four decades and won its first sectional title in 50 years. The Rams finished fourth in the division behind the two Toms Rivers and Brick. Even Brick was worth noting for beating Southern and Toms River North once each during the season.

Throw in a Central team coming off a quality season and a Jackson Memorial program that is always dangerous and A South has the makings of another deep talented, collection of teams.

TOMS RIVER NORTH HEAD COACH: Andy Pagano, 5th season 2017 RECORD: 20-7 (9-5, tied second in A South)

By Matt Manley - Senior St af f Writ er KEY RETURNERS: Craig Larsen (Sr., SS/RHP), Jared Bellissimo (Sr., 1B/LHP), Brendan Mullins (Sr., 1B/RHP), Justin Schaff (Sr., C), Alex Klalo (Sr., CF/INF), Nick Sibilia (Sr., OF), Donovan Varga (Sr., OF/C), Mike Centeno (Sr., RHP), Jonathan Giordano (Jr., OF/RHP), Dylan Feigin (Jr., 2B/SS)

TOMS RIVER SOUTH HEAD COACH: Ken Frank, 41st season 2017 RECORD: 22-5 (13-1, 1st in A South)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Sean Aguiar (Jr., OF), Nick DeRose (So., 2B/3B), Robert Jeans (So., OF/RHP), Jake Dawson (So., C) A year after climbing back to the top of Ocean County via the OCT, Toms River North returns enough talent to think even bigger this year. The Mariners lost SSN Hitter of the Year Joey Rose – now in the Diamondbacks farm system – and a number of other key bats in the order to graduation but the pitching staff comes back entirely intact and the defense figures to be solid again. Junior right-hander and Penn State commit Brendan Mullins emerged as Toms River North’s big-game pitcher last year, a reputation he cemented by pitching seven strong innings in the Ocean County Tournament final against Toms River South to claim the tournament MVP honors while also clinching the Mariners their second OCT trophy in four years.

Junior left-hander and Rutgers recruit Jared Bellissimo was second on the team in innings pitched and was proficient in attacking the strike zone as a sophomore. Junior right-hander and Villanova commit Anthony Sasso, meanwhile, struck out 24 in 22 innings while boasting an ERA under 1.00. Senior Brody Sprinkle is the elder statesman of the group and he is coming of 27 2/3 impressive innings as a junior, which included a 0.98 WHIP. Finally, junior Craig Larsen gave the Mariners some depth and length and could very easily perform to the level of the other four in the rotation this season.

Bellissimo and Larsen will also be important pieces in the field and in the batter’s box for Toms River North, which enters the season with considerably less power in the lineup after the graduation of Rose and outfielder Jeff Ciervo. They do return some all-around good hitters, with senior Mike Nyisztor chief among them. The shortstop and Rutgers recruit led the Shore with 38 runs scored and was 10th in batting average at .448. Larsen will be the other half of the Mariners’ double-play combination, Bellissimo will play first base when not on the mound and senior Austin Feigin could end up playing third base after patrolling left field last year. The Mariners also return catcher Ian Mindas while junior Alex Klalo takes over in center field after playing a part-time role last year.

The collection of position players will have to string together hits more often to keep up with last year’s offensive output, but with the pitching the Mariners return, scoring seven runs every game should not be a must. A well-oiled machine on offense is not necessary for Toms River North to have a good season, but it would give the Mariners a chance to have a very special year.

To ms r i veR S o uth s r . T . J . S c u d e r i

KEY RETURNERS: T.J. Scuderi (Sr., OF/RHP), Tom Spiwak (Sr., RHP), Nico Gonella (Sr., SS), Colin Mackle (Jr., OF), Jordan Erbe (Jr., 2B/RHP), Sam Conover (Jr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Chris Mellot (Sr., OF/RHP), Derek Elmendorf (Sr., INF), Jake Towell (Sr., C), Gabe Driscoll (Jr., RHP), Mike Lazzaro (Jr., INF), Damian Scott (Jr., C/3B), Michael Montenegro (So., C), Justin Lowden (Jr., RHP/OF), Max Rivas (So., INF), Shane Pennell (Jr., OF/1B/LHP), Rich Sansone (Sr., RHP/1B), Joe Ferreri (So., 1B/RHP), Shane Gibson (So., INF), Fred Grove (So., 1B/LHP), Nick Iaderosa (So., OF), Brandon Leatherman (Jr., OF), Erik Narvaez (So., RHP), Brandon Rios (Jr., OF), Tyler Diaz (Jr., OF), Keifer Samul (So., RHP/INF), Logan Spakowski (So., INF/RHP), Christian Blaska (So., OF)

CENTRAL HEAD COACH: Mike Casale, 3rd season

JACKSON MEMORIAL

2017 RECORD: 12-11 (7-7, tied 5th in A South)

HEAD COACH: Frank Malta, 14th season 2017 RECORD: 10-13 (7-7, tied fifth in A South) KEY RETURNERS: Matt D’Amore (Sr., RHP), Nick Sefick (Sr., RHP), Mike Dimino (Sr., RHP), Shawn Kellich (Sr., LHP), Alex Iadisernia (Jr., OF), Tom Pellone (Sr., DH), Kyle Thaiss (Sr., OF), Troy Bathmann (Jr., OF), Ryder Tallent (Sr., LHP), Mike Koslowski (Sr., 3B), Andrew Sefick (So., C)

Toms riveR North Sr. Craig Larsen

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KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Beetel (So., LHP), Carmine Petosa (So., 1B), Ty Beck (Fr., SS), Joe Princiotta (Jr., LHP), Christian Pellone (So., 2B), Ryan Balla (Sr., INF), Rocco LaVista (So., RHP), Ryan Lasko (So., OF), Tom Cartnick (So., C)

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KEY RETURNERS: Matt D’Amore (Sr., RHP), Nick Sefick (Sr., RHP), Mike Dimino (Sr., RHP), Shawn Kellich (Sr., LHP), Alex Iadisernia (Jr., OF), Tom Pellone (Sr., DH), Kyle Thaiss (Sr., OF), Troy Bathmann (Jr., OF), Ryder Tallent (Sr., LHP), Mike Koslowski (Sr., 3B), Andrew Sefick (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Beetel (So., LHP), Carmine Petosa (So., 1B), Ty Beck (Fr., SS), Joe Princiotta (Jr., LHP), Christian Pellone (So., 2B), Ryan Balla (Sr., INF), Rocco LaVista (So., RHP), Ryan Lasko (So., OF), Tom Cartnick (So., C)

TOMS RIVER EAST

SOUTHERN

Division Lineup

HEAD COACH: Keith Smicklo, 2nd season

HEAD COACH: Keith Cocuzza, 3rd season

Marcos Matias, Sr., Catcher, Southern

2017 RECORD: 3-17 (2-12, 7th in A South)

2017 RECORD: 18-10 (8-6, 4th in A South)

Tom Ruscitti, Sr., Catcher, Central

KEY RETURNERS: Nick DeGennaro (Sr., RHP/OF), Brad Brush (Sr., RHP/OF), Danny Clemente (Sr., OF), Jason Longo (Sr., OF), Shaun Sullivan (Sr., 2B), Ahmir Cournier (Jr., SS), Brandon Coyle (Jr., LHP), Rob Cenci (Sr., INF), Ryan Goodall (So., C/OF), Jordan Daly (Sr., P), Justin Donnamaria (Sr., P), Jared Mizrachi (Sr., RHP/INF)

KEY RETURNERS: Marcos Matias (Sr., C), Cole Markley (Jr., SS), Joe Colonna (Sr., OF), Austin Pharo (Sr., 2B/SS), Colin Flood (Sr., RHP/OF), Andrew Luongo (Sr., RHP), Mike Liantonio (Sr., 3B)

Chris Salsano, Sr., 2B, Brick

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Downey (Sr., SS/3B), Brady Clark (Sr., 1B), A.J. Mandel (Jr., 1B), Frankie Pellegrino (Jr., RHP/3B), Mike Schiatarella (Jr., RHP/SS), John Tilton (Jr., RHP), Joe Capone (Sr., 3B/OF), Tyler Colon (Sr., OF/LHP), Matt Marinelli (Sr., RHP), Jordan Rosser (Sr., RHP)

T.J. Scuderi, Sr., OF, Toms River South

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Santos (So., RHP/1B), Mike Farinaccio (So., INF), Aidan Meola (Fr., INF), Joe Ussery (Fr., C)

Craig Larsen, Sr., SS/RHP, Toms River North Tom Pellone, Sr., DH, Jackson Memorial

Alex Iadisernia, Jr., OF, Jackson Memorial Tyler Aires, Sr., OF, Centra Danny Clemente, Sr., OF, Toms River Eastl

Division Rotation (With 2017 Stats) Nick DeGennaro, Sr., RHP, Toms River East

BRICK MEMORIAL HEAD COACH: Evan Rizzitello, 8th season

BRICK

Jared Bellissimo, Sr., LHP, Toms River North

2017 RECORD: 6-19 (1-13, 8th in A South)

HEAD COACH: Jason Groschel, 13th season

Brendan Mullins, Sr., RHP, Toms River North

KEY RETURNERS: Nick Stephan (Sr., RHP), Trevor Sherman (Sr., LHP), Blaine Netterman (Sr., OF/RHP), Mike Sullivan (1B/RHP), Mike Murphy (Jr., C), Torrey Savoia (Jr., RHP), Tristan Savoia (Jr., RHP/INF), T.J. Rosace (Jr., SS/RHP), Graham Harrigan (Jr., OF/RHP), Nick Gillen (So., RHP/UTIL)

2017 RECORD: 14-9 (9-5, tied 2nd in A South)

A.J. Smith, Sr., RHP, Central

KEY RETURNERS: Chris Salsano (Sr., 2B), Joe Guerra (Jr., C), Vin Galdieri (Sr., SS), Mike Brunner (Sr., 1B/P), Cole Groschel (Jr., CF)

Matt D’Amore, Sr., RHP, Jackson Memorial

KEY NEWCOMERS: Kyle Sullivan (Sr., OF/P), John Coppola (Sr., 1B/OF), Joel Ramirez (Sr., OF), Joe Espana (Sr., RHP/3B), Jimmy Leblo (Jr., P/OF), Joe Carchio (Jr., OF/P), Christian Malta (Jr., OF/1B), Mike McGuigan (Jr., INF), Tom Powell (Jr., P/3B), Tyler Skurat (Jr., 3B), Anthony Prato (So., INF)

Breakout Players to Watch

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alex Benson (SR., OF), Logan Bailey (Sr., 3B), Joe Casselli (Jr., C), Greg Hanlon (Jr., INF), Mark DeFelice (Jr., RHP/3B), Ed Glinka (Jr., P/1B), Bryan Baxter (Jr., OF), Nick Doubt (So., C/DH), Colin Turner (So., OF/DH), Sean Beck (So., 3B), Joe Terkildsen (So., INF/P), Kyle Cline (So., RHP), Max Cala (Fr., OF)

Colin Mackle, Jr., OF, Toms River South Jonathan Giordano, Jr., RHP/OF, Toms River North Carmine Petosa, So., 1B, Jackson Memorial Cole Markley, Jr., SS, Southern Joe Guerra, Jr., C, Brick

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

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By Matt Manley - Senior St af f Writ er Teams listed by predicted order of finish

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

HEAD COACH: Marty Kenney, 45th season 2017 RECORD: 18-10 (9-5, 2nd in A North)

W

elcome to Class A North, where both the first-place and seventh-place teams reached sectional finals and everybody in between spent the season in the Shore Sports Network Top 10, or at least knocking on the door. The eight-team field is so loaded that a last-place finish is nothing to stop a team from making a run in the state tournament as long as it can qualify.

Neptune was the obvious example of that last year, when the Scarlet Fliers entered the Central Jersey Group III Tournament as a 7-12 No. 14 seed and preceded to lose to eventual Group III champion Allentown in extra innings.

Every team in Class A North, whether projected No. 1 or No. 8, has a formula to win some kind of hardware this season if just a couple of things break right. There is a strong case to be made that all eight teams should be considered top 20 teams in the Shore Conference and any one of them could see time in the top 10 this season. For now, though, it’s time to tackle the unenviable task of picking a rank order of one of the state’s most unforgiving divisions.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

KEY RETURNERS: Nick Hohenstein (Sr., RHP/OF), Tommy DiTullio (Jr., SS), Andrea Dalatri (Sr., 3B), Johnny Dudek (Sr., 1B), Jack Harnisch (Sr., 2B), Matt Fitzsimmons (Sr., 1B), Blaise Venancio (Sr., LHP), Matt Barnes (Sr., RHP), Matt Kern (Sr., C), Joe Escondon (Jr., LHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Mason Wolf (So., C), Anthony Celestre (Jr., 2B/OF), Braedin Hunt (So., RHP/OF), Pat Reilly (So., RHP), Jake Lawrie (Sr., LHP) While CBA’s 2017 wasn’t exactly hurting for talent, the Colts entered the year as somewhat of an unknown after relying so much on current University of North Carolina sophomores Luca Dalatri and Brandon Martorano for three very successful seasons.

Although CBA did not hang a banner and did not crack the Shore Sports Network Top 10, the Colts made some very important strides with a team that only featured two seniors. Now the Colts return a team with a deep pitching staff, a dangerous lineup and very good athletes around the diamond.

Senior Nick Hohenstein has been an impact player and an AllShore performer in each of his past two seasons with the Colts and enjoyed his best all-around season as a junior. In addition to running an on-base-plus-slugging percentage of 1.109, the La Salle recruit pitched to a 1.78 ERA and a 56-to-10 strikeout-towalk ratio in 55 innings on the mound, setting new career marks for himself. The Colts also got a breakout year from left-hander and St. Joseph’s commit Blaise Venancio, who sported a sparkling 1.25 ERA over 50 1/3 innings. The third starter was a committee of capable pitchers and among that group this year will be senior right-hander Matt Barnes, junior left-hander Joe Escondon, senior left-hander Jake Lawrie and promising sophomore right-hander Braedin Hunt.

CBA will be able to keep runs off the board with its standout pitching, but also thanks to a strong infield defense that returns in full. Junior shortstop and Bryant University commit Tommy DiTullio debuted as one of the Shore’s best defenders in his first year of varsity ball, while senior third baseman Andrea Dalatri drove in a team-best 28 runs out of the clean-up spot. Senior second baseman Jack Harnisch is also back to pair with DiTullio up the middle and seniors Johnny Dudek and Matt Fitzsimmons will split the first base and designated hitter duties. CBA is aiming to put some more runs on the board – something that eluded the Colts more than they would have liked last year – to support a stellar pitching staff that will make it a team to beat in 2018.

MANALAPAN HEAD COACH: Brian Boyce, 13th season 2017 RECORD: 10-13 (7-7, tied 5th in A South) KEY RETURNERS: Giovanni Ciaccio (Sr., CF), Dan DeBlasio (Sr., 1B/OF), E.J. Melendez (Sr., RHP/DH), Robert Gargano (Sr., LHP/OF), Vin Lanza (Sr., 2B), Jack Schweitzer (Sr., C/OF), Anthony Naylor (Sr., OF), Jake Pellecchia (Jr., SS), Anthony Jomo (Sr., LHP), Justin Korman (Sr., RHP), Nick DiMiceli (Sr., OF)

CBA sr Nick Hohenstein

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KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Crehan (Sr., LHP), Ben Levine (Jr., LHP/1B), Billy Waters (Jr., 3B/2B), Andrew Lore (Jr., 1B/C), Michael Kuver (Jr., OF), Nick DiPiertrantonio (So., SS), Nick Serrentino (Jr., C), Aaron Ayers (Jr., RHP) – Transfer from Marlboro

F re e ho ld T w p. s r. R ya n F or d HEAD COACH: Todd Smith, 9th season 2017 RECORD: 12-12 (8-6, tied 3rd in A North) KEY RETURNERS: Ryan Ford (Sr., RHP/1B/3B), Bryan Reed (Sr., RHP/1B), Nick Lodispoto (Sr., LF/LHP), Brandon Smith (Jr., SS), Cristian Corcione (Jr., 2B), Mike Woods (Jr., CF), Liam Simon (Jr., RHP), Ryan Kurczeski (Jr., RHP), Luke Milchman (Sr., DH), Chris Goodman (Sr., OF), Kevin Goodman (Sr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: James Romero (Sr., 3B), Nick Portaleos (So., C), Brian Lee (Jr., LF), Vladimir Scriptunas (Jr., P)

FREEHOLD BORO HEAD COACH: Jon Block, 27th season 2017 RECORD: 18-9 (10-4, first in A North) KEY RETURNERS: Mark Costanzo (Sr., SS/RHP), Phil Marcantonio (Sr., C), Nick Aiello (Sr., RHP/OF), Matt Granato (Sr., 3B/RHP), Dane Della Valle (Sr., LHP/1B), Matt DaSilva (Sr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Henry Nonnamacher (Jr., C), Anthony Farinaccio (Sr., OF), Zach Sepkowski (Sr., OF), Travis Thompson (Sr., LHP), Colin Popper (Sr., 2B), Luke Crivelli (Jr., 1B/OF), Cam Eslager (Jr., 2B/3B), Kacey MacCutcheon (Jr., 2B/SS), Steven Gee (Jr., RHP/2B), Dominic Nonnamacher (Jr., RHP/OF), Frank Santarsiero (Jr., OF), Adam Schwerthoffer (Jr., RHP/1B), Rich Vignelli (Jr., RHP/OF)

COLTS NECK HEAD COACH: Mike Yorke, 19th season 2017 RECORD: 14-12 (7-7, 5th in A North) KEY RETURNERS: Anthony Galason (Sr, OF/RHP), Hunter Boag (Sr., OF/RHP), Jack Tirrell (Sr., SS), Joe Kohm (Sr., OF), Nick Straub (Sr., 2B), Shawn Scully (Sr., UTIL), Adrian Jimenez (Jr., 3B/RHP), Reece Horneck (Jr., OF), Rob Mannino (So., C), Anthony Sasso (Sr., RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Brooks Condon (Jr., UTIL), Dan Cowles (So., 1B), Mike Jannucci (Jr., 3B), Anthony Lazaro (Jr., 3B), Brendan Reece (Sr., P/OF), Alec Molloy (Sr., P), Tom Marten (Sr., P), Zach Albom (Sr., P)

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MARLBORO

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Bernstein (Sr., OF), Matt LaPoff (Sr., UTIL), Ramon Fontanes (So., OF), Sean Donaghue (Jr., C/1B), Matt Gomolka (Jr., P), Peter Kuwjaski (Jr., OF), Peter Morreale (Jr., INF) – transfer from CBA; Gurkaran Singh (Jr., RHP/3B) – transfer from West Windsor-Plainsboro South

Division Lineup Phil Marcantonio, Sr., Catcher, Freehold Boro Dan DeBlasio, Sr., 1B/OF, Manalapan Mark Costanzo, Sr., SS, Freehold Boro Tommy DiTullio, Jr., SS, CBA Ryan Ford, Sr., 3B/1B/RHP, Freehold Twp.

HOWELL

Anthony Galason, Sr., OF/RHP, Colts Neck

HEAD COACH: Eric Johnson, 9th season

Giovanni Ciaccio, Sr., CF, Manalapan

2017 RECORD: 7-16 (3-11, 8th in A North)

Nick Hohenstein, Sr., RF/RHP, CBA

KEY RETURNERS: Ryan Bearse (Jr., SS/RHP), Mike Walsh (Sr., LHP/1B), Nick Ruszczyk (Sr., OF), Eddie Morales (Sr., 2B/SS), Mike Wynne (Sr., RHP/2B/OF), John Limaldi (Sr., LHP/OF), Dylan Beyer (Sr., P/OF), Kyle Brex (Jr., 2B/SS), Bryan Bernard (Jr., P/OF), Michael Gomes (Jr., P)

Andrea Dalatri, Sr., 3B, CBA

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tommy Talbott (So., OF), Chris Acampora (So., C), Kevin Lindon (Sr., C), Junior Jake Kutcher (Jr., OF)

Division Rotation Blaise Venancio, Sr., LHP, CBA Dane Della Valle, Sr., LHP, Freehold Boro Ron Cole, Sr., RHP, Neptune Bryan Reed, Sr., RHP, Freehold Twp. Mike Walsh, Sr., LHP, Howell

NEPTUNE HEAD COACH: Kevin Frederick, 4th season

Breakout Players to Watch

2017 RECORD: 10-13 (5-9, 7th in A North)

M a rl bo ro j r. J us ti n Ka p us ci nsk i

KEY RETURNERS: Ron Cole (Jr., RHP/1B), Devon Furges (Sr., C), Sebastian Jno-Baptiste (Jr., CF), Rocco Richard (So., SS), John Gannon (So., 3B), Matt Bonderant (Sr., LF)

Reece Hornek, Jr., OF, Colts Neck

KEY NEWCOMERS: Sam Draper (Sr., P), Greg Millaway (Sr., P/1B), Kyle Bailey (Jr., OF), Jack Smith (Sr., 2B)

Sebastian Jno-Baptiste, Jr., CF, Neptune

Liam Simon, Jr., RHP, Freehold Twp. Gurkaran Singh, Jr., 3B/RHP, Marlboro

Braedin Hunt, So., RHP, CBA

HEAD COACH: Jim Ferraro, 10th season 2017 RECORD: 12-13 (6-8, 6th in A North) KEY RETURNERS: Justin Levito (Sr., SS), Justin Kapuscinski (Jr., C), Vin Ferrigno (Jr., 1B), Anthony Brienza (Jr., 2B), Davonte Smith (Sr., OF), David Vignapiano (So., RHP), Ian Li (Jr., RHP)

Photos by:

Paula Lopez

www.palimages.com

Ray Rich Photography

rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

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B y Ma tt Ma nl ey – S en ior S taff E dito r

As great as Dombroski looked against the Falcons, Shulman has arguably been even better at the outset of his junior year.

Shulman flashed a good slider as a sophomore and has upped his velocity by gaining strength over the offseason and the results have been undeniable. In his first two starts of the season, Shulman made a case as the Shore’s most effective pitcher, spinning 12 shutout innings with six hits allowed, two walks and 13 strikeouts.

he top of the Shore Sports Network P r e s e a s o n To p 1 0 w a s a l l a b o u t p i t c h i n g – N o . 1 To m s R i v e r N o r t h , N o .

2 Christian Brothers Academy and No. 3 Middletown North all returned multiple pitchers with an AllShore season to their credit.

None of the three, however, have been in the conversation for best pitching staff in the first week of the season, nor has any other team come close to the pitching boasted by the No. 4 team in the preseason top 10: Wall.

Shulman pitched five scoreless in an 8-1 win over Holmdel to open the season and in his second start, he pitched a three-hit shutout with eight strikeouts and no walks against Middletown South – a team that scored 23 runs in its first two games, including seven against Middletown North’s Division I tandem of Tyler Ras (University of Alabama) and Garrett French (Rutgers).

The Crimson Knights are off to a 4-0 start and with five runs allowed in its first four games, they have the look of a pitching staff that can trot out a dominant starter in just about every game. On top of that, the top three Wall pitchers are all only juniors.

The two Wall pitchers that finished last year on fire as sophomores were senior lefthander Trey Dombroski and junior right-hander Grant Shulman and both have picked up where they left off.

Dombroski was an All-Shore pitcher as a sophomore and his dominant season helped him earn an offer from Monmouth University, which he accepted in the form of a non-binding verbal commitment.

Dombroksi’s first outing of the season was a dazzling two-hit shutout of defending Class B North champion Monmouth Regional in which Dombroski struck out a career-high 10 while issuing just one walk.

On top of his dominant performance on the mound, Shulman homered in Wall’s opener and began the season 6-for-13 at the plate. He also drove in the only run in his 1-0 win over Middletown South.

Junior Ryan Napolitano is Wall’s third starter and he turned in a solid performance to open the season as well, giving up one earned run on four hits with seven strikeouts and three walks over 5 1/3 innings in a win over Middletown North. The three starters combined for one earned run over their first 24 1/3 innings (0.29 ERA) with 30 strikeouts against just six walks.

Wall Jr. Trey Dombroski Wall Jr. Grant Shulman

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innings while walking none and striking out 12. He did take the loss, but fell victim to a pair of defensive miscues behind him in his final inning and flashed a fastball that sat between 91 and 94 miles-per-hour over the first three innings to go along with an effective slider and changeup.

Quiet Starts for Talented Staffs The other three teams ranked in the top four of the preseason poll have had their issues on the mound while also flashing some brilliance. CBA has the least cause for concern, with senior Nick Hohenstein and junior left-hander Joe Escandon helping the Colts off to a 2-0 start. The Colts also have All-Shore left-hander Blaise Venancio back on the roster, and although CBA coach Marty Kenney said Venancio is not available to pitch yet for undisclosed reasons, he is expected to join the staff soon after a breakout junior season in 2017.

Toms River North has allowed 20 runs over its last three games but opened its season with seven no-hit innings from senior right-hander Brendan Mullins in a 1-0, extra-inning loss to Washington Township. Senior Mike Centeno – a University of New Orleans commit – stepped up to deliver a strong outing on April 7 in a 6-4 Mariners win over South Jersey powerhouse Gloucester Catholic, which served as a reminder that beyond Mullins and fellow Division I arms Craig Larsen and Jared Bellissimo, Toms River North is still overflowing with talent on the mound.

At 2-2, Toms River North is not sounding any alarms, but Middletown North’s 0-3 start was a little less reassuring. The Lions surrendered 24 runs in its first three games despite being the only team in the Shore Conference to return three pitchers from the 2018 Shore Sports Network All-Shore Team.

Senior right-hander and Rutgers commit Garrett French is still finding his feel on the mound after losing to Wall and junior knuckleballer Chris Price dropped a decision to Howell on April 7.

Ras was a bright spot in Middletown North’s 0-3 start, which should not come as a surprise considering his status among the country’s top pitchers. Ras in considered a legitimate prospect in the upcoming Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June and according to Middletown North coach Justin Nathanson, more than a dozen teams have sent representatives to visit Ras.

Ras is being advised by Jeff Randazzo, who also served as an adviser to former Barnegat star and current Red Sox top prospect Jason Groome during his draft year in 2016. Groome was selected by Boston with the 12th overall pick that year.

Although Pinelands did not begin the season in the top 10, the Wildcats were a contender for a spot thanks to a one-two pitching punch of Division I juniors Joey Ventresca (Monmouth commit) and Noah Dean (Xavier). Neither got off to an ideal start on the mound – with Ventresca dropping a decision to Central Regional and Dean taking a nodecision in three innings of work vs.

Barnegat.

On the bright side, Pinelands still started 2-2 thanks to some quality relief work by junior Peter Hammond and senior Sean O’Rourke. Once Ventresca and Dean start to click, Pinelands has the makings of a potent pitching staff that could be a factor in the Class B South race and certainly in the postseason.

Freehold Township has also worked around slow starts by a couple of its top pitchers. Senior Bryan Reed and junior Liam Simon – a University of Notre Dame commit – both failed to get out of the first inning of start during the first week of the season and the Patriots managed to go 1-1 in those two games. Reed also allowed four runs in four innings in an opening-day loss to Jackson Memorial as well.

Senior Ryan Ford has picked up the slack for the Patriots with an impressive first start, as well as with his performance at the plate. Ford fired a three-hit shutout with 11 strikeouts and no walks in a 3-0 Freehold Township win over Neptune on April 6, a game in which he took a perfect game into the sixth inning before losing it with two out. Ford also started 6-for-13 with two doubles and four RBI at the plate and looks like the dominant two-way force he was as sophomore All-Shore selection in 2016.

Toms River North Sr. Brendan Mullins

In his first high school start of the season on March 31 vs. rival Middletown South, Ras allowed one earned run on three hits over five

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Money on the Mound Just as there have been some slow starters on the mound, a number of pitchers were throwing darts out of the gate in 2018.

More Pitchers on the Mend

Jackson Memorial is trying to rebound from backto-back losing seasons and the performance of its pitching staff to open the year is reason to believe the program downturn will be a short one. Seniors Nick Sefick, Matt D’Amore and Ryder Tallent combined for 20 innings without an earned run allowed to open the season for Jackson Memorial, with Sefick accounted for half of those innings. He did not allow an earned run in an opening-day win over Freehold Township and stifled Toms River South for six shutout innings on April 6.

Both Howell and Toms River East started the season on the right foot despite missing seniors who were set to pitch at the top of their respective rotations this season.

Senior left-hander Mike Walsh sustained a torn meniscus in his knee that will likely need surgery, according to Howell coach Eric Johnson, and hopes to return by the middle of May if the Rebels can stay alive in the postseason drive through the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Group IV Tournaments. Walsh has also been a middle-of-the-order slugger for the Rebels.

D’Amore was the best pitcher on the Jaguars last season and pitched six shutout frames in a win over Brick on April 5.

Tallent, meanwhile, shut down St. Rose for four innings of relief on April 7 to pick up the win out of the bullpen.

Toms River East’s offense has seemingly turned the corner after putting up nine runs in its opener and eight more in game two. It is a good thing too, because the Raiders have been without the services of senior right-hander Nick DeGennaro. Not only was DeGennaro and All-Shore pitcher last year; he was also one of Toms River East’s only productive hitters and a rare bright spot during a 3-17 season.

Shore Regional had one of the Shore’s weaker run-prevention teams last year but the Blue Devils got two sparkling performances on the mound to open this year. Senior Mike Shirvanian was the go-to pitcher for Shore last year and he was sharp out of the gate with five scoreless innings in a win over Keansburg. Junior lefthander Mike Deusch followed Shirvanian’s outing with six one-hit innings against Matawan on April 5, which included nine strikeouts.

Coach Keith Smicklo was not able to comment on DeGennaro’s indefinite absence, but said he hopes he will be able to return sooner rather than later.

Brick Memorial senior Nick Stephan knows what it is like to sit out a season, which he had to do as a junior last year due to an elbow injury. The George Washington commit is back this year and he showed he is feeling himself with a dominant performance on opening day vs. Monroe. Stephan went the distance for a one-hit shutout, striking out eight and walking three to earn his first win since 2016 Howell Sr.

Manalapan Sr. E.J. Melendez See

Mike Walsh

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RBI in four games during his first week with his new team, but his pitching was even better. Singh struck out 12 and walked one during a seven-inning performance and win against Freehold Township on April 5.

Long Branch went just 7-17 last year, but the Green Wave were tough to score on with Matt Mincieli on the mound. That trend continues early in 2018, with Mincieli shutting out Barnegat for six innings on April 2 and blanking Manasquan for 4 2/3 on three-days rest on April 6. In those 10 2/3 innings, Mincieli has 11 strikeouts while allowing only five hits and three walks.

Returning senior ace A.J. Smith won his first two decisions during a 3-0 start to the season for Central, but the efforts of senior shortstop and emerging closer Colin Stacy should not go unnoticed. Stacy saved a 5-4 win over Pinelands on opening day, then spun 5 2/3 innings of relief to earn a win over preseason No. 1 Toms River North just three days later.

Stacy also opened the season 5-for-11 at the plate with three RBI.

Raritan senior right-hander Zack Johnston has been effectively wild to open his season, issuing six walks and hitting five batters, but also striking out 19 – the highest total at the Shore through the first week of play. He is 1-1 with a 2.10 ERA in those two outings against Marlboro and Rumson-Fair Haven.

Lacey’s pitching staff powered the Lions to one of the best seasons in program history last year, but it is the Lacey offense that is carrying the load this season.

The Lions produced 30 runs in their first three games, including an 8-6 win at Toms River South and a come-from-behind, 8-7 win over Point Boro in which the Lions trailed, 7-1, and won on a Miles Feaster walk-off single.

Manalapan’s accomplished, senior-loaded lineup was a prime reason the Braves started the season ranked No. 5 by Shore Sports Network, but it was the pitching and defense that carried the Braves to a perfect 5-0 week to open the season. Senior E.J. Melendez went 2-0 with six scoreless, two-hit innings to lead the pitching staff, which has had seven pitchers contribute at least two innings over the first five games with six of those pitchers boasting an ERA under 3.00.

Although Toms River South started the season 0-3, the Indians’ best player did not have any trouble in the early going.

Monmouth commit and senior outfielder T.J. Scuderi reached base in 10 straight plate appearances to open the season, going 6-for6 with a home run during that two-game span before Jackson Memorial kept him quiet in an April 6 Jaguars win.

Who’s Hot? Jackson Liberty is loaded with junior talent and Scott Wieciszewski not only swung the hottest bat on the team over the first week, but perhaps the hottest bat in the entire conference. In Jackson Liberty’s two week-one wins, Wierciszewski went 6-for-8 with a home run and 11 RBI, including a 4-for-4, eight-RBI game in the Lions’ 17-4 opening-day rout of Manchester.

Finally, Ranney deserves some props for winning two out of its first three games under new head coach Tory Principe. After an opening-day loss to Monmouth Regional, the Panthers topped Mater Dei, 8-5, on April 5 and Keyport, 7-5, a day later. Mater Dei won the Class B Central championship three seasons ago and Keyport was in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I championship game just two years ago.

Not only did Colts Neck senior Anthony Galason pitch five scoreless innings vs. Hamilton West in his first outing; he also went 6-for-10 with three doubles, four runs scored and three RBI in his team’s first three games – including two hits and a double in each of them.

Marlboro junior Gurkaran Singh – a transfer from West Windsor-Plainsboro South – has also made his mark as a twoway talent. Singh went 4-for-14 with three doubles and five

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By Matt Manley - Senior St af f Writ er

I

t did not take long for Jackson Liberty to emerge as the preeminent team in Class B South under coach Jim Rankin, the only coach in the short history of the program. In each of the past three seasons, however, the Lions have had to settle for a consolation prize despite remaining competitive as the rest of the division has raised its level of play thanks to a number of high-end players passing through.

Hart is also a solid catcher who has contributed as the designated hitter over the past two seasons.

Juniors right-handers Kevin Ritz and Nick DeCarlo are the other returning members of the pitching staff. Jackson Liberty also has a standout sophomore in third baseman Shane Hickey, who hit a shade under .500 and posted an OPS north of 1.000 as a freshman. With Hickey and the slew of juniors, the future is certainly bright at Jackson Liberty and based on last year’s finish, the present looks pretty promising as well.

PINELANDS HEAD COACH: Rob Sanzari, 6th season

Class B South still has talent and a whole lot of it will be on two rosters this season – one of which is the aforementioned Jackson Liberty squad.

The Lions have a chance to have one of their better teams and while that’s not saying something given their brief existence, it does say something considering Jackson Liberty has been to a Shore Conference Tournament final and racked up multiple B South titles.

2017 RECORD: 13-12 (8-6, tied 3rd in B South) KEY RETURNERS: Joey Ventresca (Jr., SS/RHP), Anthony Diaz (Jr., 3B), Noah Dean (Jr., LHP/OF), Sean O’Rourke (Sr., 1B/OF), Peter Hammond (Jr., RHP/1B), Nick Rapallo (Sr., 2B), Jimmy Zazenski (So., C), Bryce O’Rourke (So., 2B/SS), Patrick Apgar (So., RHP), Bobby LeFevre (Jr., OF), Billy Crawford (Jr., INF)

Meanwhile Pinelands is also lining up for a big two-year push and if everything clicks for both the Wildcats and the Lions, the two could form quite the rivalry over the next two years while dominating the rest of the division. The other teams in the field will have something to say about that, but can anyone stop either favorite from winning the regular-season crown?

JACKSON LIBERTY

KEY NEWCOMERS: Danny Thomas (Sr., OF), Matt Ingold (Sr., RHP), Colin Sweeney (Sr., OF), Jake Sobara (Jr., OF), Tommy Gessner (So., C)

HEAD COACH: Jim Rankin, 11th season 2017 RECORD: 17-10 (10-4, second in B South) KEY RETURNERS: David Melfi (Jr., C), Matt Pickus (Sr., RHP), Rich Dordas (Sr., 1B/LHP), Billy Hart (Sr., 1B/C), Connor Keenan (Jr., OF), Daniel Sofield (Jr., SS), Kevin Ritz (Jr., RHP), Alex Torres (Jr., 2B), Nick DeCarlo (Jr., RHP), Scott Wierciszewski (Jr., OF), Shane Hickey (So., 3B/2B)

P ine la nds j r. J oe y Vent re s ca

KEY NEWCOMERS: Dan Dordas (Sr., P), Charlie Rudderow (Jr., OF), Brandon Kinsman (So., UTIL) Although Jackson Liberty was somewhat unpredictable over the course of the season, that was as a very young team and one that showed some big-game chops down the stretch. The Lions lost a couple of close divisional games to miss out on a chance to challenge Lacey for the division title, but they also beat the division champs once to spark a late-season surge. They played Toms River South tough twice in two losses – once in the Shore Conference Tournament – and beat second-seeded Steinert in the Central Jersey Group III quarterfinals.

J ac ks o n Li be rt y sr . Bi ll y Ha r t

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BARNEGAT HEAD COACH: Dan McCoy, 7th season 2017 RECORD: 10-15 (5-9, tied 6th in B South) KEY RETURNERS: Tyler Suydam (Jr., RHP), Ryan Bush (Sr., RHP), Liam Corbett (Sr., RHP), Lucas Torres (So., CF), Brian Finucan (Jr., LF), Luke Bush (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Joe Coleman (Jr., INF), David MacGillivray (Jr., INF), Dexter Dambroski (Jr., LHP), Ethan Fox (Jr., INF), Liam Lynch-Bell (Jr., OF), Nick Danbrowney (Fr., RHP), Matt Scott (So., INF), Kenny McKeon (Jr., INF)

All of those accomplishments came from a team that started two seniors in the field and leaned on two more as part of a deep pitching rotation. That means Jackson Liberty has a whole lot of talent back this year and most of it is in the junior class. Catcher David Melfi leads that group coming off an AllShore season as a sophomore backstop. The double-play duo is also a pair of juniors – Daniel Sofield at shortstop and Alex Torres at second base - while junior outfielders Connor Keenan and Scott Wiercizewski are also back.

KEY RETURNERS: Jorden Jurkiewicz (Jr., C), Keith Apostolos (Sr., SS), Miles Feaster (Sr., INF), Anthony Tobia (Sr., CF), Colin Trembley (Jr., OF/P)

The Lions are not without senior impact players either, most notably at the top of the pitching staff with All-Shore right-hander Matt Pickus and senior lefthander Rich Dordas. Senior Billy

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Sansone (Sr., 3B/P/C/1B), Andrew Laspina (Sr., OF/P/1B), Cole Weingarten (Sr., 3B), Jack Brennan (Sr., INF), Joe Letizia (Sr., OF/2B/P), Michael Krey (Sr., OF), Christian Aurin (Jr., P/OF/C), Paul Franceschini (Jr., OF/P/1B), Dylan Kleinfeldt (Jr., OF/P), Jack Bycseck (Jr., 2B), Cole Young (So., OF/P), Sam Young (So., OF/P), Luke Severio (So., OF/P), Ryan Jasaitis (So., C), Connor Kennedy (So., INF), Nick Zbikowski (So., 2B/SS)

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LACEY HEAD COACH: Corey Hamman, 6th season 2017 RECORD: 21-6 (12-2, 1st in B South)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Evan Wallis (Sr., RHP), Sam Sramaty (Jr., RHP), Jacob Bowles (Fr., 1B/P)

POINT PLEASANT BORO HEAD COACH: Dave Drew, 8th season 2017 RECORD: 10-13 (6-8, sixth in B South) KEY RETURNERS: Sam Collins (Jr., SS/RHP), Trent LiVolsi (Jr., C/1B), Nick Guzzi (So., RHP/3B)

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MANCHESTER HEAD COACH: Dave Beauchemin, 3rd season 2017 RECORD: 11-12 (8-6, tied third in B South) KEY RETURNERS: Jack Felipe (Jr., C), Jimmy Johns (So., CF/LHP), Derek Schmidt (Sr., 1B), Jagger Karaksa (Sr., P), James Cuber (Sr., P), Jacob Roberts (Jr., P) KEY NEWCOMERS: John Simonini (Sr., 2B), Markel Hourigan (Jr., 3B), Alex Hunsinger (Jr., OF), Evan Scala (So., LF), Ryan Costello (Fr., RF/P)

DONOVAN CATHOLIC HEAD COACH: Bill Beining, 3rd season 2017 RECORD: 6-14 (5-9, tied 6th in B South) KEY RETURNERS: Matt Morro (Jr., SS/CF), Ryan Miller (Sr., 1B/P), Eian Gilroy (Jr., OF/P), Ross Artale (Sr., OF), Sawyer Conrad (Sr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Christian Cmur (Jr., OF), Andrew Connallon (Jr., P), Brandon DuPont (Jr., C), Liam Leonard (So., C/OF), Christian McElroy (So., 3B/1B/SS), J.T. Murphy (Jr., 2B/P), Anthony Stefanelli (Jr., OF), Matt Weeden (So., P), Frankie Dominici (Fr., 3B), Sam Gates (Fr., OF), Nick Marchetta (Fr., SS/2B), Jarek Vargas (Fr., 1B/P)

LAKEWOOD

(INFORMATION NOT SUBMITTED)

HEAD COACH: Gene Drumright, 14th season 2017 RECORD: 4-14 (2-12, eighth in B South)

Division Lineup David Melfi, Jr., Catcher, Jackson Liberty Sean O’Rourke, Sr., 1B, Pinelands Daniel Sofield, Jr., SS, Jackson Liberty Anthony Diaz, Jr., 3B, Pinelands Shane Hickey, So., 3B, Jackson Liberty Matt Morro, Jr., CF/SS, Donovan Catholic James Johns, So., OF, Manchester Lucas Torres, So., OF, Barnegat Jorden Jurkiewicz, Jr., C, Lacey

Division Rotation Matt Pickus, Sr., RHP, Jackson Liberty Joey Ventresca, Jr., RHP, Pinelands Noah Dean, Jr., LHP, Pinelands Tyler Suydam, Jr., RHP, Barnegat Peter Hammond, Jr., RHP, Pinelands

Breakout Players to Watch Keith Apostolos, Sr., SS, Lacey Nick Guzzi, So., RHP/3B, Point Boro Evan Scala, So., LF, Manchester Nick DeCarlo, Jr., RHP, Jackson Liberty Ryan Bush, Sr., RHP, Barnegat

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B

aseball is unique in the landscape of N.J. because while other sports have multi-part seasons featuring the regular season, county/conference tournament and the NJSIAA Tournament, baseball at the Shore blends the three into one another. The nature of the game with its hot-and-cold streaks and pitching rotation structuring also lends itself to surprises during both the regular season and in the postseason.

Class B North was a textbook example of the baseball season progressing through multiple segments with totally different outcomes in each.

Monmouth Regional – picked to finish fifth in the division in this space a year ago – won the outright Class B North over a sophomore-heavy Wall team projected to finish seventh, then both teams sputtered out in the postseason while fifthplace Red Bank Catholic made runs to a Monmouth County championship and an SCT runner-up while third-place Manasquan won the Group II title.

The roller-coaster in B North was also an indication of the division’s strength and that strength remains this year, perhaps even growing some. There is a great mix of pitching and hitting talent throughout the division, but the teams that project the best are the ones that have pitching in spades.

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

By Matt Manley - Senior St af f Writ er HEAD COACH: Justin Nathanson, 4th season

HEAD COACH: Todd Schmitt, 21st season

2017 RECORD: 14-10 (8-6, 4th in B North)

2017 RECORD: 19-7 (10-4, 7nd in B North)

KEY RETURNERS: Tyler Ras (Sr., RHP/INF/OF), Garrett French (Sr., SS/RHP), Brendan Doherty (Sr., OF), Jason Timmons (Jr., OF), Nick Donato (Sr., 3B), Chris Price (Sr., RHP), Jake Dillon (Sr., C), Mike Adamson (Sr., 2B)

KEY RETURNERS: David Howarth (Jr., C), Teddy Sharkey (So., OF/RHP), Trey Dombroski (Jr., LHP), Ryan Napolitano (Jr., RHP), Grant Schulman (Jr., 3B/RHP), Johnny Volpe (Jr., 2B/OF), Dylan Richey (Jr., SS), Jason Horowitz (Sr., RHP), Andy Lenneper (Sr., OF), Anthony Velasquez (Sr., OF), Joe Schimko (Jr., OF), Tanner Powers (Jr., 1B/LHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Drew Tidwell (Jr., INF), John Iradi (Jr., INF), Doug Wetzel (Jr., OF/C), Tyler Winkowski (Jr., RHP/OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Kevin Fallon (Sr., P/OF), Vincent Gregorio (Sr., P/INF), Brian Quinn (Sr., 1B), Sean Gardiner (Jr., P), Brandon Sansone (Jr., P/INF), Michael Roditis (So., 2B), Daniel Frontera (Fr., INF) If pitching really does win championships, it will be hard to top Middletown North for any hardware this year. The Lions return three All-Shore arms on the mound and all three are unique in their own right. Senior Tyler Ras is a 6-foot-4, 220-pound beast who breaths easy low-90’s fire and is heading to Alabama next year unless a Major League organization makes him a better offer.

Fellow senior Garrett French is a polished right-hander with high80’s heat that moves, which he will feature at Rutgers next season. Then there is Chris Price, who not only changes the pace with a legitimate knuckleball but was Middletown North’s best big-game pitcher a year ago.

RED BANK CATHOLIC

As long as those three pitchers stay healthy and Price has a feel for the knuckleball, Middletown North is going to be in ever y game. The offense, on the other hand, has some questions beyond Ras – who posted a 1.109 on-base-plus-slugging percentage (OPS) last year – and lefty-swinging senior outfielder Brendan Doherty.

French is a capable offensive player who could very well build on his junior numbers and senior outfielder Jason Timmons had a solid .288/.392/.394 line as a junior, which gives the Lions at least four solid hitters.

Senior catcher Jake Dillon and senior third baseman Nick Donato return with plenty of varsity experience and Dillon picked up some big hits over the course of his junior year. Seniors Mike Adamson and Brian Quinn will also factor into the lineup and underclassmen Michael Roditis and Dan Frontera will get a chance to make an impact on an otherwise-senior-heavy team. The roster is not as loaded from top-to-bottom as some other top teams in the Shore Conference and this group has not quite gotten over the hump in the postseason yet, but with three pitchers like Ras, French and Price, the sky is the limit in 2018.

WALL

Red Bank Catholic s r . A u s t i n N a p p i HEAD COACH: Buddy Hausmann, 11th season 2017 RECORD: 21-9 (7-7, tied 5th in B North) KEY RETURNERS: Austin Nappi (Sr., RHP), Blaise Panzini (Sr., RHP), Vincent Bianchi (Jr., SS/RHP), David Glancy (Jr., OF), Jon Michael Rotando (Sr., 1B), John Nimeth (So., RHP), Jake Birnbaum (Sr., RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan O’Hara (Sr., 3B/RHP), Elijah Ally (Jr., CF), Alex Gonzales (Jr., 2B), Jack Bertoldo (Sr., RHP), Joe Ianelli (Sr., RHP), Dan Ianelli (Sr., 1B), Tommy Lang (Sr., RHP), Chris Sparber (So., C), Nick Merlo (Sr., OF), Harry Allegra (Jr., C), Matt Arthur (Sr., 3B), Matt Mallamaci (Sr., 2B), Shane Panzini (Fr., RHP), Brad Schmitt (Sr., OF), Steve Claggett (Jr., RHP), Jack Scrivanic (So., 1B), Robert Gonzales (So., SS)

MONMOUTH HEAD COACH: Paul Crivello, 5th season 2017 RECORD: 17-7 (11-3, 1st in B North) KEY RETURNERS: Justin Scotto (Sr., CF), Liam Kile (Sr., SS/3B/RHP), Ricky Voss (Sr., 1B/LHP), Charlie Kelly (Sr., RHP/OF), Dante Ciaramella (Jr., SS/RHP), Chris Anfuso (Jr., OF), Anthony Guarino (Sr., C/INF), Eli Rife (Jr., INF/OF),

Midd. North sr Tyler Ras

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KEY NEWCOMERS: Jack Martell (Sr., P), Matt Kopp (Sr., OF), Tyler Riccardi (Sr., OF), Seth Gonalez (Sr., P/OF), Andrew Faccone (Jr., C), Joe Schwartz (Sr., P), Evan Smith (Jr., INF/P), Jake Cushing (Jr., INF), Alex Alonso (So., INF/P), Nick Bogan (So., P/INF), Daniel Forsman (Jr., INF/P), Nick Alfano (Jr., OF/P), Kevin Lynch (Jr., OF/P), Jack Faletti (Sr., C) – transfer from Red Bank Catholic

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

KEY NEWCOMERS: Cole Kelly (So., 1B), Isaac Greenspan (So., RHP), Jack

Division Rotation

HEAD COACH: Ryan Spillane, 10th season

Mostow (Sr., RHP/INF), Jack Adams (Sr., INF), Brent Gabner (Jr., OF), Matt

Tyler Ras, Sr., RHP, Middletown North

2017 RECORD: 14-11 (7-7, tied fifth in B North)

Samilow (Sr., OF), Dylan Thomas (Jr., RHP), Michael Cascaes (Jr., LHP/OF),

KEY RETURNERS: Joe Sprake (Sr., RHP/DH), Aurellio Licata (Jr., SS), Robby Zega (Jr., 2B/RHP), Trevor Brey (Jr., C), Jack Roesch (Jr., RHP), Dylan Walling (Jr., INF/OF), Nick Sabatino (Jr., RHP)

Mark Schell (So., LHP), Kevin D’Auria (So., RHP/OF), Nick Callano (Fr., OF/RHP),

KEY NEWCOMERS: Chris O’Connor (So., 3B/1B), Anthony Esposito (So., 1B), Danny Minze (So., RHP/OF/2B), Chris Lotito (So., OF/1B/RHP), Bobby Pirie (So., RHP), Mike Rauso (So., OF/LHP), Jack Sheridan (So., INF/OF/P), Matt Cruz (Jr., C), Jack Kinsella (Jr., OF), Ryan Truscio (Jr., RHP/OF), A.J. Vega (Jr., C)

LONG BRANCH

Austin Nappi, Sr., RHP, Red Bank Catholic Trey Dombroski, Jr., LHP, Wall

Ryan Mishkin (Jr., RHP)

Garrett French, Sr., RHP, Middletown North Matt Mincieli, Sr., RHP, Long Branch

HEAD COACH: James Reilly, 3rd season 2017 RECORD: 7-17 (1-13, 8th in B North)

Breakout Players to Watch

KEY RETURNERS: Matt Mincieli (Sr., SS/RHP), T.J. Brewer (Sr., C), James

David Glancy, Jr., OF, Red Bank Catholic

MANASQUAN

Horniacek (Sr., 1B/LHP), Nick Lunn (Sr., 2B), Juwan Wilkins (Sr., 3B/SS/RHP), Pasa

HEAD COACH: Brenan Gordon, 1st season

(Jr., OF)

Fields (Sr., CF), Evan Yerman (Jr., RHP/SS), Jordan Pellot (Sr., OF), Joseph Mazza

Alex Galvan, So., 1B, Manasquan T.J. Brewer, Sr., Catcher, Long Branch Dante Ciaramella, Jr., SS/RHP, Monmouth

2017 RECORD: 16-10 (9-5, 3rd in B North) KEY RETURNERS: Tommy Antonucci (Sr., CF), Ethan Thompson (Sr., 2B/SS), James Harmstead (Jr., 3B/RHP), Alex Galvan (So., 1B), Will Hopkinson

KEY NEWCOMERS: Brendan Cuddy (Jr., 1B), R.J. Hurd (Jr., INF/OF), Ivan Navarro (So., RHP/INF), Jaire Smith-Moore (Jr., P), Paul Montague (Sr., OF),

Vincent Bianchi, Jr., SS/RHP, Red Bank Catholic

J.R. Bracerro (Sr., C)

(So., SS), Dylan Finn (Sr., OF/1B), Ricky Flynn (Sr., OF/RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Spencer Bauer (Jr., RHP/3B/OF) – transfer from CBA; Mike Anthony (Jr., OF/RHP), Denny Maher (Sr., C), Tim McEneny (So., LHP), Alec Wells (Jr., C/RHP), Jack Kinneally (Sr., OF/INF), Joey Attardo (Sr., P)

Division Lineup Max Winters, Jr., C/SS, Ocean Ricky Voss, Sr., 1B, Monmouth Robby Zega, Jr., 2B, Middletown South

OCEAN

Aurellio Licata, Jr., SS, Middletown South

HEAD COACH: Cip Apicelli, 9th season

Photos by:

James Harmstead, Jr., 3B/RHP, Manasquan

2017 RECORD: 10-16 (3-11, 7th in B North)

Paula Lopez

Brendan Doherty, Sr., OF, Middletown North

KEY RETURNERS: Max Winters (Jr., C/INF/RHP), Jack D’Auria (Sr., OF/P),

www.palimages.com

Justin Scotto, Sr., CF, Monmouth

Matt Redbord (Sr., 1B), Mark Butler (Sr., RHP/INF), Evan Arbeeny (Sr., C), Ryan Toomey (Jr., 2B), Will Callano (Sr., OF), Scuba Hagerman (Jr., INF/RHP), Brian Yatcilla (So., INF), Kevin Schoenberger (So., RHP)

Teddy Sharky, So., OF/RHP, Wall Joe Sprake, Sr., DH/RHP, Middletown South

Ray Rich Photography

rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish

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he 2018 season ended without a Class A Central team in the final Shore Sports Network Top 10, but the division still had some memorable moments from a variety of its teams.

Raritan returned to prominence in 2017 behind an impressive pitching staff that remains largely intact, while Rumson (vs. Manasquan) and St. John Vianney (vs. Pinelands) picked up noteworthy non-divisional wins during the regular season. Matawan beat a quality Freehold Township team in 11 innings in the Monmouth County Tournament and Red Bank also made noise by reaching the NJSIAA North Jersey Group III semifinals as a No. 15 seed – highlighted by a 15-inning win over Middletown North.

On the whole, the division looks stronger on paper than a year ago, which should make for a competitive season from start to finish – both in divisional play and once the A Central teams venture out in to the tournaments. Ultimately, however, there is a heavy favorite to win the regular-season title and while the lineup has a lot to do with it, it ultimately comes down to pitching.

RAR ITAN HEAD COACH: Jeff Struble, 6th season

By Matt Manley - Senior St af f Writ er field.The division should be a little stronger in 2018, but so too is Raritan and the Rockets are primed to once again run the show in A Central while eying more postseason success come May.

HOLMDEL HEAD COACH: Chris Arecchi, 2nd season 2017 RECORD: 9-11 (7-5, 3rd in A Central) KEY RETURNERS: Sal Monticciolo (Sr., 1B), Alex DiBona (Sr., SS/3B/RHP), Brandon Saghafi (Sr., C/RHP), Jason Lyons (Jr., SS/RHP), Ezra Caspi (Jr., OF), Alec Licato (Jr., RHP), Mike Devino (Sr., INF/C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Fanzini (Jr., UTIL), Brendan Cowley (Jr., UTIL), Ron Shangle (JR., P), Evan Smith (Jr., P)

KEY RETURNERS: Logan Marter (Sr., OF/LHP), Chris Caragliano (Jr., 3B), Evan Perrette (Sr., 2B), Spencer Margulis (Jr., C/OF), Robert Skinner (Jr., SS), Brendan Martin (Jr., RHP), Alex Tango (Jr., RHP), Frank D’Alessio (Sr., OF), Michael DiPede (Sr., INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Pat Caragliano (Sr., C/OF), Anthony Altomonte (Sr., C/INF), Luciano Fabrizzi (Jr., C), Nick Noto (Jr., INF), Matt McCormack (Sr., P), Matt Dellea (Jr., P), Peter Loumakos (Sr., P), John Kaminski (Jr., INF), Jack Owens (Jr., OF), Domenic Cerniglia (So., INF/OF), Ryan Chin (So., OF/RHP), Jeremia Minaya (So., INF/P), Tristan Delaney (So., INF/P), Ryan Sekman (Fr., INF/P), Robert Smith (Fr., P), Robert Lehan (So., P)

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KEY RETURNERS: Mike Shirvanian (Sr., SS/RHP), Tommy Dunleavy (Sr., 3B), James LaBruno (Sr., OF), Mikey Deusch (Jr., LHP/1B), Jared Breithoff (Sr., C), Jim Maletto (Sr., RHP/2B), Oscar Scott (So., OF/P), Kevin Pennell (Jr., 3B/RHP), Cody Fleischer (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Bailey Crochet (Sr., RHP/SS), Jack DuBois (Sr., OF), J.T. Schloesser (Sr., RHP/2B), Hunter Ward (Sr., RHP/OF), Max Cameron (Jr., RHP/1B), Salvatore LaRosa (Jr., C/OF), Brett Young (Jr., OF), Gabe Zwerin (Jr., LHP/OF), Christian Bauman (So., RHP/OF)

RED BANK HEAD COACH: Nick Tucker, 5th season 2017 RECORD: 11-12 (5-7, tied 4th in A Central)

MATAWAN

KEY RETURNERS: Jack Povey (Jr., RHP/INF), Aidan Kelly (Jr., SS), Luke Jurek (Jr., OF), Colin Chatto (Jr., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Eulner (Sr., 1B/P), Zach Yates (Sr., INF/P), Nick Quaranta (Sr., 3B/P), Stephen Navitsky (Sr., 2B), Nick Arnone (Sr., OF), Kevin Weisman (Sr., DH), Evan Potts (Jr., OF), Ryan McIntyre (Jr., SS/3B), Mike Gilson (Jr., OF), Max Stamer (So., OF/P), C.J. Paolino (Fr., C), Andrew Glauber (Fr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Kasmer (Jr., OF), Dan Fiore (So., OF), Chris Gonzalez (Fr., SS)

Raritan had to sweat out the division last year because of an error in tracking its pitch count that led to a forfeit, but on the field, the Rockets were a step above the rest of the A Central

SHORE 2017 RECORD: 6-13 (4-8, 6th in A Central)

HEAD COACH: Mike Morgan, 12th season 2017 RECORD: 7-14 (3-9, 7th in A Central)

KEY RETURNERS: Zack Johnston (Sr., RHP), Alex Lamattina (Sr., C), Dan Vanmeerbeke (Sr., 2B/RHP), Tyler Bruno (Jr., CF), Jake Tennant (Jr., 3B/RHP), Sean Ohea (Jr., OF), Kyle Lamattina (Sr., UTIL), D.J. Dekis (So., 1B)

As if overcoming Raritan’s pitching staff was not enough, the Rockets also look like best offensive team in the division as well and potentially a better at the dish than they were a year ago with their four top hitters back. Junior center fielder Tyler Bruno was a top-five hitter in the division as a sophomore as well as a solid defender in the outfield. Senior Alex Lammatina is the top returning catcher in the division, while Vanmeerbeke and Tennant are also both coming off big offensive seasons. Johnston can handle the bat as well and junior outfielder Sean Ohea came on strong as a sophomore with a .321 average.\

KEY NEWCOMERS: Kyle Caruso (Sr., 2B), John McHeffy (Sr., OF), Max Glenn (Sr., OF/LHP), J.C. Carolan (Jr., LHP), Ryan Dupree (Jr., OF), Kevin Shanes (So., LHP)

HEAD COACH: John Kuhlthau, 1st season

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

2017 RECORD: 16-7 (10-2, first in A Central)

The Rockets returned to the top of the A Central heap last year and despite losing ace and All-Shore right-hander Matt Birdsall to graduation, they look like an even better team this season. It all starts with the pitching staff at Raritan and even without Birdsall, the Rockets have three proven pitchers who all proved they could cut through A Central lineups during the 2017 campaign. Senior right-handers Zack Johnston and Dan Vanmeerbeke top the rotation after both posted ERA’s below 2.00 as juniors, with Johnston putting up a microscopic 0.81 mark.

Last year’s staff was also remarkably good at pounding the strikezone, with Birdsall, Johnston, Vanmeerbeke and returning junior Jake Tennant issuing a combined 22 walks in 154 2/3 innings – which comes in at almost exactly one walk per seven innings.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN HEAD COACH: Kevin James, 16th season 2017 RECORD: 8-11 (5-7, tied 4th in A Central) KEY RETURNERS: Alex Burnett (Sr., RHP), Robby Smith (Sr., C), Thomas Forlenza (Sr., C/DH), Thomas Scinto (Sr., CF), Dan Harby (Sr., LF), Dylan Avino (Sr., P), Sean Mikolajczak (Jr., 3B/RHP), Mike Martino (Sr., 1B/P), Kevin Stant (Sr., SS/RHP), Gordon Forsyth (So., 1B/RHP), Jack Velcamp (Sr., 2B; Manager)

Division Lineup Alex Lamattina, Sr., Catcher, Raritan Sal Monticciolo, Sr., 1B, Holmdel Evan Perette, Sr., 2B, St. John Vianney Jason Lyons, Jr., SS, Holmdel Jake Tenant, Jr., 3B/RHP, Raritan Jackson Hercek, Jr., OF/RHP, Matawan Tyler Bruno, Jr., CF, Raritan Chris Caragliano, Sr., 3B/OF, St. John Vianney Alex DiBona, Sr., SS/3B/RHP, Holmdel

Matawan jr. Jackson Hercek HEAD COACH: Bobby Carnovsky, 6th season 2017 RECORD: 12-12 (8-4, 2nd in A Central) KEY RETURNERS: Jackson Hercek (Jr., OF/RHP), Steven Salot (Sr., INF), Rich Olsen (Jr., OF/LHP), Derek Jordan (Sr., UTIL), Chris Gendi (Jr., RHP/INF), Danny Hirujo (Jr., RHP/INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Ben Palumbo (Jr., INF/C), Jay Kalieta (So., OF), Griffin Falco (So., C), Christian Rodriguez (Sr., OF), Zach Grillo (Sr., INF/C)

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Division Rotation Zack Johnston, Sr., RHP, Raritan Jack Povey, Jr., RHP/INF, Red Bank Dan Vanmeerbeke, Sr., RHP/2B, Raritan Logan Marter, Sr., LHP/OF, St. John Vianney Mike Shirvanian, Sr., RHP/SS, Shore

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Breakout Players to Watch Gordon Forsyth, So., RHP, Rumson-Fair Haven Spencer Margulis, Jr., C/OF, St. John Vianney Ezra Caspi, Jr., OF, Holmdel Sean Ohea, Jr., OF, Raritan Danny Hirujo, Jr., RHP/INF, Matawan

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish

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n many seasons, the Class B Central race is less a race and more a foregone conclusion. St. Rose has been the dominant force in the division for almost as long as it has existed and last year was another one of those seasons. The Purple Roses won all 14 of their B Central games and won all of them by at least seven runs – 10 by 10run rule.

St. Rose will again be the heavy favorite to not only win B Central but do so with a perfect record, unless one of the other teams on an upswing can step up and knock off the talented Purple Roses. Point Pleasant Beach would seem to be the No. 1 contender, but Mater Dei Prep should remain competitive and Keansburg returns a strong group as well.

The bigger question for St. Rose and the division is can any of the teams make noise come postseason time. The Roses fell in last year’s NJSIAA South Jersey Non-Public B final to powerhouse Gloucester Catholic, while Point Beach and Keansburg will be in search of a memorable run through Central Jersey Group I.

ST. ROSE

By Matt Manley - Senior St af f Writ er impact wins, so when St. Rose gets a chance to beat a top 10 caliber team, it can’t let the chance go by.

Fortunately for the Purple Roses, they will have some chances to pick up impact wins and a team capable of taking advantage.

Although the Roses graduated two top pitchers, an All-Shore centerfielder and a starting shortstop, they return brothers Riley and Brody Maypother off of eye-popping statistical seasons (not an anomaly in Class B Central). Riley is committed to East Tennessee State University and in addition to hitting the ball about as hard as anybody in the area, he also can reach 90 miles-perhour with his fastball, which he will be throwing more this year after pitching 15 2/3 innings without allowing an earned run last year. Brody will be his and every other St. Rose pitcher’s catcher after an All-Shore season as a junior.

Leadoff hitter Will Gannon also returns to the lineup and will shift from second base to shortstop, giving St. Rose the same kind of weaponry at the top of the lineup that it had last year. Gannon will also get some innings on the mound, as will two-way senior John Crowley, who hit .364 and was also one of three St. Rose pitchers to toss a no-hitter last year. Right-hander Sammy Sestito also hurled a no-hitter and returns to the rotation this season, while senior Mario Bove takes over a starting outfield spot as a senior after getting a handful of starts and at-bats as a junior.

There is enough talent back to once again breeze through B Central and with games against Jackson Memorial, Freehold Township, Marlboro and Wall, St. Rose will have four chances to validate their status as a top 10 team in the Shore Conference.

POINT PLEASANT BEACH HEAD COACH: Angelo Fiore, 5th season 2017 RECORD: 12-11 (10-4, 2nd in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: John Nista (Sr., RHP/3B), Josh Yates (Sr., 2B/RHP), Phil Antoniotti (So., SS/RHP), Chris Russo (Sr., LHP/OF), Kenny MacPherson (Sr., OF), Jude Lovegren (Sr., INF), Vincent Storino (Sr., C), Max Alia (Jr., 1B), Aidan Conway (So., OF), Joey Favatto (So., OF), Mihalis Hrisafinis (Jr., OF), Luke Frauenheim (Sr., UTIL), Jean Verrier (Sr., OF/P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Luke Testa (Fr., P/OF), Jeff Wall (Fr., P/OF), David Teranova (Fr., C), Matt VanBrunt (Fr., P/OF), Alex Glen (Fr., OF/INF), Steven Hrisafinis (Fr., P/OF), Will Jarvis (Sr., OF/P), Johnny Langeveld (Sr., UTIL), Jake Lorenzo (Sr., P), Joe Coakley (Fr., 1B/OF), Anthony Lipari (Sr., P/1B)

HEAD COACH: Rich Lanko, 2nd season 2017 RECORD: 24-4 (14-0, 1st in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Riley Maypother (Sr., 3B/RHP), Brody Maypother (Sr., C), Will Gannon (Sr., SS/RHP), John Crowley (Sr., OF/RHP), Sammy Sestito (Sr., RHP), Mario Bove (Sr., OF), Nick Schmidt (Sr., RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Frank Bellezza (Jr., 2B/SS/RHP), Dan Rose (Sr., OF), Evan Peeke (Jr., 3B/RHP), Phil Morelli (Sr., 1B/3B), Robert Rothery (Sr., 2B/SS), Patrick Ferrante (Jr., OF), Zack Alesika (Jr., 1B/RHP), Carter Vanderslice (Sr., 2B), Dominic Renia (Sr., 2B), Vinny Mastria (Sr., 1B), Jack Trabattoni (Sr., OF), Jeff DeFazio (Jr., OF/RHP), Nick Marini (Sr., LHP) Every year, St. Rose simultaneously has both an easy road into the top 10 teams in the Shore Conference and a hard road. The Purple Roses are almost a lock to win all 14 division games when their roster is as good as it has been over the past couple of seasons, which both gives them a pristine record and a chance to line up their pitching to face the better teams on their schedule.

On the flip side, they also have very few opportunities to pick up

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HEAD COACH: Pat Riddell, 14th season 2017 RECORD: 8-12 (8-6, 3rd in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Joe Profaci (Sr., OF), Mike Dunne (Sr., C/OF/RHP), Ryan Turner (Sr., OF/1B), Sean Turner (So., SS/RHP), Patrick Mastro (So., OF/RHP), Greg Bender (Sr., RHP/3B), Matt Carrigy (Sr., RHP/UTIL), Chase Hardy (Jr., 2B/RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Thomas Olausen (Sr., 1B), Justin Tumulty (Sr., RHP/SS/2B), Rob Cassin (Jr., C)

HENRY HUDSON HEAD COACH: Matt Mancini, 2nd season 2017 RECORD: 8-11 (7-7, tied 4th in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Liam Hagan (Jr., 3B/C), Tim Farrell (Jr., SS/RHP), Grady Hendrickson (So., 3B/OF/RHP), Mike Mohr (Sr., 1B/C/RHP), Blaise Cauvin (So., 2B/OF), Casey Haupt (So., OF), Mike Hoey (So., OF), Matt Payne (Jr., P/OF), Tom Doherty (Jr., P/OF), Mike Adams (So., 2B), Nick Brown (So., OF), Garrett Shine (So., OF), Justin Murphy (So., 1B), Josh Winters (Jr., C/1B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Trevor Hendrickson (Fr., UTIL), Aaron Lynch (Fr., 2B)

RANNEY HEAD COACH: Tory Principe, 1st season 2017 RECORD: 3-12 (3-11, 7th in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Kiran Shah (Sr., OF/RHP), Ethan Gavin (Jr., 2B/SS/RHP), Ryan Batista (Jr., C/1B), Benny Kraushaar (Jr., 2B/RHP), Jacob Field (Jr., 1B/P), Cole Redman (Jr., 3B/C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Charles Chropuvra (Fr., OF/LHP), Deven Bhatnagar (Fr., SS/3B/RHP), Ryan Krauashaar (Jr., OF/RHP)

ASBURY PARK HEAD COACH: Johnny Grasso, 12th season 2017 RECORD: 0-14 (0-14, 8th in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Devin Nash-McGee (Sr., SS), Luis Rodriguez (Sr., C), Alex Peavey (Jr., P), Kyrie Moore (Sr., 1B), Tylil Tulley (Sr., P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Jansi Mendez (So., OF), Bismarck Garcia (Sr., P), Deris Martinez-Urbina (So., 2B), Jamier Cancel (Sr., 2B), Nasir Jones (Sr., P), Jarred Chathuant (Fr., 3B), Lazarus Chathuant (Jr., C)

Brody Maypother, Sr., Catcher, St. Rose Riley Maypother, Sr., 3B, St. Rose Josh Yates, Sr., 2B, Point Beach Will Gannon, Sr., SS, St. Rose Devin Nash-McGee, Sr., SS, Asbury Park Kenny MacPherson, Sr., OF, Point Beach Liam Meyer, Jr., CF, Keansburg Ryan Turner, Sr., OF, Mater Dei Prep John Nista, Sr., 3B/RHP, Point Beach

Division Rotation

KEANSBURG HEAD COACH: Ryan Lillis, 2nd season 2017 RECORD: 8-14 (7-7, tied 4th in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Justin Alessi (Sr., SS), Paul Eckleberry (Sr., OF/RHP), Joe Osterbye (Sr., C), Liam Meyer (Jr., CF), Liam Riecks (Jr., INF/OF/RHP), Gabe Torres (Jr., INF/RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Miguel Crespo (Sr., OF), Michael Flynn (Sr., OF), Jamaal Gordon (Sr., OF), Danny Vital (Sr., OF), Derek Martinez (Jr., OF), Thomas McKeon (Jr., OF), Frank Sautner (Jr., OF/C/1B), Christopher DeSantis (So., P), Justin Hicks (Jr., OF), Anthony Prestino (So., OF), Brandon Rizzi (So., OF), Jesse Berecsky (Fr., 1B), Louis Chalmers (Fr., C/INF)

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KEY NEWCOMERS: Tyler Ely (Jr.), Matt Russo (So.), Chris Johnson (So.)

Division Lineup

MATER DEI PREP S t . Ro s e sr . W il l Ga n n o n

KEYPORT HEAD COACH: Kyle Keelen, 7th season 2017 RECORD: 9-12 (7-7, tied 4th in B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Colin Fernandez (Sr., RHP/OF), Zack Whitehead (Sr.), Lucas Dant (So., RHP/INF), Matt Twigg (Jr., OF)

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John Crowley, Sr., RHP/OF, St. Rose Sammy Sestito, Sr., RHP, St. Rose Chris Russo, Sr., LHP, Point Beach Paul Eckleberry, Sr., RHP/OF, Keansburg Colin Fernandez, Sr., RHP, Keyport

Breakout Players to Watch Gordon Forsyth, So., RHP, Rumson-Fair Haven Spencer Margulis, Jr., C/OF, St. John Vianney Ezra Caspi, Jr., OF, Holmdel Sean Ohea, Jr., OF, Raritan Danny Hirujo, Jr., RHP/INF, Matawan

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Sudden Cardiac Arrest in Young Athletes

S

udden cardiac arrest (SCA) in young athletes is very rare.

Millions of elementary, high school and college athletes compete yearly without incident yet, it is the leading cause of death in young athletes. These sudden deaths most often occur without warning during athletic training or competition, and more often occur in males than females.

The causes of SCA in young people is ver y different than in older people.

With older people, the leading causes of heart disease are high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes. In younger people, the causes stem from congenital heart defects or o verlooked heart abnormalities and which can go undetected without proper screenings. The main cause of SCA in young adults is a loss of proper heart rhythm caused by electrical p r o b l e m s t h a t m a k e t h e h e a r t b e a t d a n g e r o u s l y fa s t a n d i n t e r r u p t s t h e b l o o d f l o w. W i t h p u m p i n g d i s r u p t e d , t h e h e a r t c a n n o t p u m p b l o o d t o t h e body's vital organs. Sudden cardiac arrest symptoms are immediate and drastic and include: • Sudden collapse • No pulse • No breathing • Loss of consciousness Sudden cardiac arrest is a medical emergency. If not treated immediately, i t c a u s e s s u d d e n c a r d i a c d e a t h . W i t h fa s t , a p p r o p r i a t e m e d i c a l c a r e , sur vival is possible. Administering cardiopulmonar y resuscitation (CPR), treating with a defibrillator — or even just compressions to the chest — can impro ve the chances of sur vival until emergency personnel arrive.

In more than a third of sudden cardiac deaths, there were warning signs t h a t w e r e n o t r e p o r t e d o r t a k e n s e r i o u s l y. Wa r n i n g s i g n s a r e : fa i n t i n g , s e i z u r e o r c o n v u l s i o n s d u r i n g p h y s i c a l a c t i v i t y o r e m o t i o n a l ex c i t e m e n t ; d i z z i n e s s o r l i g h t h e a d e d n e s s , c h e s t p a i n s a t r e s t o r d u r i n g ex e r t i o n ; palpitations; fatigue or tiring more quickly than peers; or being unable to keep up with friends due to shortness of breath.

It is important that parents and coaches pay attention to an y irregularity in health behavior. New Jersey requires all school athletes to be examined by their primar y care physician or school physician a least once per year.

The New Jersey Department of Education requires use of the Preparation Physical Examination form (PPE). This process begins with the parents and student-athletes answering questions about symptoms during exercise and questions about family health histor y. The required physical exam includes measurement of blood pressure and a careful listening examination of the hart, especially for murmurs and rhythms abnormalities. If there are no warning signs reported on the health history and no abnormalities disco vered on exam, no further evaluation or testing is recommended. With p r o p e r s c r e e n i n g a n d e va l u a t i o n , m o s t c a s e s c a n b e i d e n t i f i e d a n d prevented.

To learn more about the cardio vascular ser vices offered at Ocean Medical Center and Southern Ocean Medical Center visit OceanMedicalCenter.com or SouthernOceanMedicalCenter.com for more information.

SPECIAL THANK YOU to all the photographers who allow us to use their

GREAT PHOTOS

seen throughout this Issue as well as our website:

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Scottie Lewis with Brian Klatskyfrom I'm Possible Training

SCOTTIE LEWIS DUNKS HIS WAY TO A THIRD TITLE AT ANNUAL ALL-STAR DUNK CONTEST

A

nyone who has heard the name or has seen the game knows Scottie Lewis has a special talent for dunking a basketball.

On Monday night March 26th at the RWJ Barnabas Health Arena in Toms River, the Ranney junior showed he can dunk in the clutch.

Defending his title for the second consecutive year, Lewis authored two perfect dunks, according to the judges, when he needed them most and slammed his way to a third straight I'm Possible Slam Dunk Contest championship in the third ever installment of the event.

Lewis overwhelmed the competition as a freshman and sophomore the past two years but got a stiff challenge from three other contestants on Monday night. In round one, both Jared Kimbrough of Neptune and Nick Silvia of Toms River East scored higher than Lewis and Christian Brothers Academy senior Rob Mahala matched him to force a dunk-off between the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals opponents.

Mahala executed a through-the-legs dunk for a perfect score of 40, but Lewis delivered a 40 of his own by leaping over four of his friends for a onehanded slam.

Lewis, Mahala and Silvia all advanced to the final round and after Mahala and Silvia completed their turns, Lewis sealed the victory with a windmill dunk

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and by jumping over yet another human being - this time his younger brother, Jalen Smith - grabbing the ball between his legs and hammering a double-clutch reverse dunk. Needless to say, Lewis's final dunk earned him a 50.

Monday's arsenal of dunks by Lewis was similar to the show he put on when he won the dunk contest at the City of Palms Classic in Florida in December, which featured some of the best players and athletes in the country.

Kimbrough earned a perfect score with his first dunk, beating Scottie Lewis to the punch and jumping over three of his Neptune schoolmates, including 6foot-9 Mekhi Moore.

Silvia came up one point short of a 40 with an authoritative 360 dunk on his second story, which propelled him into the final.

Both Yasin Pretlow of Mater Dei and Travis Holland of Toms River North completed first-round dunks despite not getting into the second round.

Lewis will have the opportunity to be a four-time champion next year when he is a senior, but should he get a chance to participate in the McDonald's AllAmerican Game - a strong possibility for a consensus top-15 recruit in the Class of 2019 - it's likely that Monday was the last dunking exhibition Lewis will put on in Toms River that's not in the flow of an actual game.

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A Memorable Day of Basketball

t was another great send-off for the seniors to cap the Shore Conference basketball season at this year’s Shore Basketball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Games on March 26 th at the RWJ Barnabas Arena Toms River.

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