4-22-21 Issue 2021 Shore Sports Network Spring Season Preview by Shore Sports Network Journal

April 21, 2021

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

Steve MEYER

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

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

Senior Content Providers MATTManley // mmanley21@gmail.com

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

WELCOME BACK BASEBALL, LACROSSE AND ALL THE SPRING SPORTS! By kevin Williams - shore sports network director

A year ago we were well into the pandemic with no idea when it would end. What it did end was the high school careers of hundreds of high school seniors who played baseball, lacrosse, softball, tennis, golf, volleyball and track. There would be no spring season in New Jersey and the pain that many faced was devastating. A final time to put on their high school uniforms and make memories with friends and teammates. Sure some would go on to play in college but for the majority their careers came to a sudden and unforeseen end due to COVID-19. The story in April of 2021 is quite a bit different. The pandemic is not over but for most the fear of playing sports is and this season will truly be the first to feel “almost normal” since the winter of 2020. You will still notice the many safety measures in place and yes teams and games will be postponed because of health concerns, many due to “tracing” which often takes time. However teams will be on the field and fans will be in attendance and we are promised a full season playing tournaments to their conclusion in the later part of June. How nice will it be to have the game or match be the story and not the circumstances surrounding the pandemic? The players will be the focus of attention which is the way it should be and not quotes from state and local officials on whether parents and fans can even watch. We will be outside in the fresh air and with more and more of us getting vaccinated there will be a renewed feeling of optimism that the worst is over and better days lie ahead. It’s time to throw and hit, shoot and score, set up and spike, run and throw, serve and volley and sink a match-winning putt. It’s high school sports in the spring and boy did we miss you.

ust about the only thing baseball-related that was part of the 2020 season after March 11 was the Shore Sports Network Top 10, which went unchallenged by any actual results (the Last Dance World Series in July, notwithstanding).

Thankfully, there will be a postseason Top 10 to go with this year’s Preseason Top 10, which will once again subject to verifiable scrutiny. In other words, take a screenshot: what you are about to read is sure to change. It is hard to decipher how good a lot of the teams in the running are at this point because there was not a full season to get to know a lot of the players that would have been new to the varsity game last year. The Last Dance gave a brief glimpse into some of the possibilities, but the real education begins on Monday.

Rejoice: baseball is back in New Jersey.

JACKSON MEMORIAL After back-to-back 20-plus win seasons in 2018 and 2019, Jackson Memorial’s would-be 2020 team made the most of its summer by winning seven straight games to reach the championship game of the Last Dance World Series last July. That was a senior-led Jaguars team, but despite losing six starters from the lineup and a top pitcher, Jackson Memorial will be loaded again. The Division-I pitching duo of senior Matt Potok (Coastal Carolina) and Zach Crotchfelt (Auburn) is a big reason why and the lineup will have plenty of firepower, albeit without a lot of varsity experience.

MANALAPAN While Jackson Memorial looks like the comfortable choice for No. 1 to start the year, it’s not as clear who the first runner-up is to open the year. Other teams have more marquee names within the Shore Conference, but Manalapan has the makings of a team without a glaring weakness. The lineup has some experience around the infield and lots of potential in a deep outfield, while the pitching staff will be headlined by two standout arms in Joe Mazza and Tyler Kane.

RED BANK CATHOLIC When ace Shane Panzini is on the mound, it will be hard to beat Red Bank Catholic. The Virginia commit and potential top-100 pick in July’s MLB Draft is not going to give up much over the course of the season, at least if his track recorded and improved stuff is any indication. RBC’s success will depend on how the rest of the pitching staff rounds into form and how well an inexperienced lineup can swing the bats day-in and day-out.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY The Lancers have their best roster since finishing No. 1 in N.J. back in 2014 and now, it’s just a matter of putting the pieces together and turning it into wins. Without a 2020 season, there is a little bit of mystery regarding how St. John Vianney will look two years later, but with a good group of arms led by Ryan Sekman and a potentially devastating lineup, the Lancers could quickly become a force.

TOMS RIVER NORTH Last year was going to be Toms River North’s opportunity to get back into the mix for the Ocean County and Shore Conference Tournament titles, of which they collected a combined five in three years (three counties and one conference) between 2016 and 2018. The group that coach Andy Pagano hoped could reintroduce the Mariners to championships after a “down” year in 2019 by their standards is now made up of mostly seniors, so Toms River North could very well reestablish itself as a championship brand again.

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

The Lions are dealing with some injury issues to open the year but assuming they can get healthy, they will be a factor coming out of a loaded Class A North division. Middletown North was as impressive as any team from the Shore Conference during the Last Dance World Series outside of Jackson Memorial, averaging better than 10 runs per game during pool play and losing a 1-0 game in the knockout round. Danny Frontera and Colin Dowlen are ready to go at the top of the rotation, which should make the Lions hard to beat in at least two games per week.

Wall

The defending Group III champions from 2019 rode a dominant pitching staff to a championship two years ago and while the Crimson Knights have some arms upon which to lean, it will be a pair of left-handed sluggers in the middle of the order that make Wall imposing in 2021. Monmouth commit Jay Bant has already proven himself as a varsity hitter and junior shortstop and Duke commit Andrew Fischer is primed to do the same this spring.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

HOWELL

With a core of seniors that has been playing together at the varsity level since 2019, the Patriots have the makings of a team that should threaten to win the Class A North championship, which means they will be a contender for the County and Shore titles as well. Two years ago, the group lacked power in the lineup, but they are now two years older – and stronger – and it should show in improved offense. All the while, Freehold Township has an unquestioned ace in Zach Gorman and two solid hurlers in Luke Mulhern and Matt Villapiano backing him up.

Like Middletown North, Howell might be a little higher if not for some preseason injury concerns, but there is still a lot to like about the Rebels. Senior Vin Impresa is ready to go at the top of the rotation and while co-ace Chris Ellison gets himself up to speed after an injury delayed his start to the preseason, junior Dan Furlong has picked up the slack. That should give Howell a tough trio for A North teams to deal with, plus an improved offense to complement the arms.

10. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

At the beginning of the season, the name on the front of the jersey can mean as much in the rankings as the names on the back. Eventually, however, the players occupying those jerseys have to prove themselves worthy and that will be the challenge for CBA – one of the youngest varsity rosters in the Shore Conference. The arms – Colin Reilly, Jack Frankovic, Henry Escandon, among others – have a chance to be very good and there is a lot of promis in the position-player group, but the schedule will be tough and no one is going to take it easy on CBA because they are young.

TEN MORE TO WATCH MARLBORO: With five Class A North teams in the rankings, Marlboro is a sixth just outside the picture. The Mustangs have some questions in the pitching staff, but they should hit and catch the ball enough that the pitchers don’t have to be perfect. RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN: The Bulldogs were one of the Shore’s youngest rosters two years ago and have a solid mix of seniors and juniors that are ready to challenge for the top of the A Central division and some postseason hardware. RANNEY: While Rumson comes of age, Ranney is hoping to start a three-year run of dominance and perhaps beyond simply in the Class B Central title. The Panthers are very young, but very talented and their talented pitching staff might make them a county contender despite their age. OCEAN: The Spartans have a nice mix of pitching, offense and potential with some good young players, not to mention a recent history of contending for postseason championships. COLTS NECK: The junior class has a chance to be very good and if there is potential for a big 2022, there is a chance 2021 is pretty good too. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH: Yet another A North team, Middletown South graduated a loaded 2020 class last June but has an experienced pitching staff that keeps them a contender in A North, even as the No. 7 projected team in the Shore’s deepest division. CENTRAL: With Cam Leiter atop the rotation and some proven seniors and juniors who took their lumps as underclassmen in 2019, the Golden Eagles are ready to climb closer to the top of Ocean County again. LACEY: With a senior one-two punch in the rotation and a number of experienced bats in the lineup, this Lacey group has the cast and the chemistry to get back to the top of Class B South JACKSON LIBERTY: Technically the defending B South champion, Jackson Liberty has a young group good enough to make it three in a row. TOMS RIVER SOUTH: Another junior-heavy team in Ocean County, Toms River South does not have a proven roster, but it has a proven track record under Ken Frank, who is six wins shy of 900 for his career.

2. Trinity Hall 3. Manasquan 4. Red Bank Catholic 5. St. Rose

1. Rumson-Fair Haven The Bulldogs have been untouchable within the Shore Conference in recent years and enter the 2021 season with a 121-game winning streak against conference opponents. Rumson has won seven straight Shore Conference Tournament titles and will look to extend that streak this season. With standouts Chase Boyle, Mia James and Ava Poupard back, the Bulldogs are contenders for the Group Rumson Sr. Chase Boyle 2 state title. Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com Photo by:

6. Shore 7. Southern 8. St. John Vianney 9. Wall 10. Freehold Township Manasquan Sr. Sarah Barnes

Jack Trengrove www.facebook.com/jack.trengrove

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athletes who play spring sports in New Jersey, it cost them everything. The 2020 season came and went without a single game being played. By Bob Badders Senior Managing Editor

he COVID-19 pandemic has drastically altered sports worldwide, especially at the high school level. For

Manasquan

(2019: 21-1, B North champ, SCT champ, SJ-1 champ)

The names Manasquan has graduated over the past two years represent a who’s who of Shore Conference lacrosse but the cupboard is far from bare for the Shore’s original lacrosse program. The Warriors will be celebrating year 30 in 2021 and once again have championship aspirations. Senior attackman and UPenn commit Casey Mulligan and senior defenseman and Richmond commit Mike Farrell lead a deep and talented roster that also includes Loyola-bound defenseman Dylan LeBlanc, Colgate-bound defenseman Ryan Bilello, Quinnipiac commit FOGO Max Pauwels, midﬁelders Mike Farinacci (Stevens Tech) and Robert Pendergist and more. Manasquan has some teams hot on its tail but starts the season as the team to beat. Squan buried No. 10 Red Bank Catholic, 18-1, to start the season.

Rumson-Fair Haven (2019: 14-10, SCT QF, SJ-2 finalist) The Bulldogs return a strong group of seniors and some promising juniors and sophomore under veteran head coach Marc Moreau and will once again be among the best teams in all of New Jersey. Senior midﬁelder Patrick Jamin, who will play both lacrosse and football at Middlebury, leads the way after a 70-point sophomore season and is in line for a huge year. Yale commit Christian Bockelmann, a junior attackman, will make his presence felt sooner than later and senior attackman Luke Devlin returns after popping 39 goals as a sophomore. Senior Jack Joyce leads the defense in front of standout senior goalie Ryan Croddick. Rumson already has a huge win under its belt after opening the season with a 9-4 win over stateranked Chatham

Christian Brothers Academy(2019: 13-7, A North champ, SCT finalist) The Colts return just three starters under 23rd-year head coach Dave Santos but have multiple returners who saw plenty of playing time in 2019 as well as some very promising newcomers. The Colts’ defense is their strongpoint with senior Noah D’Andrea in net and senior poles Cooper Graham, Aidan Quinn, Aidan Richter and John Emilio patrolling the defensive zone. Senior face-off specialist Jared Lucich is arguably the best in the entire conference and will look to give CBA’s offense, led by Villanova commit Dan Martin, plenty of possessions. Monmouth commit Terrance Lacewell is one to watch in the midﬁeld along with sophomore attackman Ian Macrae. The Colts lost to prep power Lawrenceville, 11-6, in their season opener but had several positive highlights to take away from the defeat.

Here were are a year later and the sun is back out, both literally and figuratively. Life is beginning to return to pre-pandemic levels, restrictions surrounding athletic competition are lessening and athletes are back on the field representing their high schools for the first time in nearly two years. On April 19, lacrosse returned to the Shore Conference. Finally, we’re back. There are traditions that go with every season and the Shore Conference Top 10 is certainly one of the most noteworthy. Now it’s time for this year’s version. Pressing the rewind button back to the 2019, Manasquan reigned as the Shore Conference

Wall (2019: 11-4, SCT QF, SJ-2 QF) The Bulldogs return a strong group of seniors and some promising Former assistant Victor Rivera takes over as the Crimson Knights’ head coach after Chris Knight, the first and only previous coach in program history, resigned following the 2019 season. Rivera inherits a team loaded with offensive weapons that is looking to make a championship run in 2021. Senior attackman and Rutgers commit Logan Peters is back to lead the way after a 97-point sophomore season and is joined by junior midfielder and Army commit Matt Dollive, senior midfielder Ryan Brice, senior attackman Daniel Burns, senior FOGO Kyle Wenzel, sophomore attackman John McCurry and sophomore midfielder Connor Moore. Junior Charlie Sasso, the reigning SSN Football Defensive Player of the Year, spearheads an athletic and physical defense in front of junior goalie Aiden Kessler. Wall scored an impressive 16-6 win over No. 5 Southern in its first game.

Southern (2019: 14-4, A South champ, SCT SF, SJ-4 SF) The Rams have carried the banner for Ocean County for some time now and enter the 2021 season having won seven straight Class A South division titles. Last year was the first time in seven years they didn’t reach the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals so they’ll look to get back to their usual place among the Shore’s elite. A sturdy defense looks to be Southern’s early strength with junior Bellarmine commit Nate Committee and three-year starting LSM JT Hille in front of junior goalie and NJIT commit Tyler Sininsky. Junior Ryan Sininsky, also heading to NJIT, leads the offense with senior attackman Luke Bruther and junior midfielders Zach and Jake Washco, who transferred from Brick, and senior face-off specialist Drew Wasacz. The Rams took one on the chin in a 16-6 loss to No. 4 Wall to open the season, but the Rams are always well-coached under John Pampalone and should only get better as the season progresses.

Howell

(2019: 11-8, SJ-4 QF)

This is where the top 10 starts to gets tricky. We’ll go with the Rebels here based on their key returners at all three levels. Senior attackman and Chestnut Hill commit James Fay leads the offense with junior midﬁelders Tyler Burns and Doug MacKenzie among the Shore’s candidates to have breakouts seasons. Versatile senior Theo Deberghes returns as Howell’s long-stick middie and leads the defense along with Shayne Hughes. Junior Colin Fay steps in as the Rebels’ starting goalie. They opened the season with an 180 win over Toms River South.

Middletown South

(2019: 11-5)

Former Holmdel head coach Sal Guastella takes the reins at Middletown South as the Eagles look to continue their upward trajectory after ﬁnishing No. 8 in the Shore in 2019. Senior

Tournament champion and captured another South Jersey Group 1 sectional title, Christian Brothers Academy won Class A North and reached the SCT final, RumsonFair Haven reached the South Jersey Group 2 final, Shore Regional authored its best season in program history and Wall continued to push its way into the Shore’s elite. Manasquan’s Canyon Birch, now a redshirt freshman at Penn State, became New Jersey’s all-time leader in goals and points. Unsurprisingly, the 2021 season features some familiar teams at the top. Despite graduating a generational senior class in 2019 and more talented players in 2020, Manasquan is re-stocked with playmakers up and down the field, including a stout defensive unit. Rumson has one of New Jersey’s best players in senior Patrick Jamin and has already picked up a marquee win this season. CBA has a strong defensive core led by goalie Noah D’Andrea and one of the Shore’s top scorers in senior Dan Martin. Wall is led by senior Rutgers commit Logan Peters and showcased its offensive firepower in its season-opener. The question, as it has been seemingly every year, is which teams, if any, can challenge the blue bloods and who will round out the top 10. There is always a ton of movement in the bottom half of the rankings and this season figures to be the same.

attackman/midﬁelder Jason Allen and senior defenseman Tyler Colacichi lead the way. Allen scored 21 goals and eight assists as a sophomore. Colacichi was a third-team All-Shore selection as a sophomore and is one of the top returning defenders in the Shore. Middletown South has senior depth, as well, especially in the midﬁeld with Matt Dunphy, Tyler Wisniewski, Mark Tardy, Matt Mauro and Hunter Knice (LSM).

Jackson Memorial (2019: 11-5)

The Jaguars return nine players who either started or played significant minutes in 2019 and will look to challenge Southern for the Class A South title. Senior midfielder Drew Walenty scored 20 goals, added 14 assists and picked up 71 ground balls as a sophomore and junior attackman Matt DeRosa had 12 goals, 9 assists and 46 ground balls as a freshman. They lead the offense along with junior face-off midfielder Charlie Harrison. Senior defensemen Ryan Rankin, Sean Peruggia and Tim Salisbury and junior Mike Rauch anchor the defense in front of senior goalie Chad Szatkowski. The Jags opened the season with a 12-3 win over St. John Vianney.

Red Bank Catholic

(2019: 10-10)

The Caseys have the potential to take a big step forward in the second year under head coach Don Femminella. Senior face-off specialist Steve Albanese, senior goalie Jack Bilancione, junior midfielder Anthony Muniz, junior defenseman Jack Foote and sophomore defenseman Nick Cosimano are the top returners for RBC. Sophomore midfielder Torin Harmon comes over as an impact transfer from Shore Regional and gives the Caseys a player who can excel in all game situations. RBC had the tough draw of facing No. 1 Manasquan in the first game and suffered an 18-1 defeat, but it’s hard to know what to make of that just yet. With several quality teams in Class B North, the Caseys will have the chance to prove their case.

Shore (2019: 15-2, B South champ, SCT semifinalists, SJ-1 semifinalists) Shore had the best season in program history in 2019 but most of the roster from that team has graduated, including first-team All-Shore middie Gil Goldsmith, All-Shore attackman Jake Turner, AllShore middie Jack McCrae, All-Shore defenseman Ryan Dolan, standout LSM Jake Shirley, versatile middie Terry Carlstrom and starting goalie Scott Sirianni. It’s a lot to replace but the Blue Devils still have some talent on the roster and one of the conference’s best head coaches in Gregg Malfa. Standout junior midfielder Jamie Mazzacco and senior face-off specialist Sean O’Brien lead the way. Mazzacco had 27 goals and 15 assists as a freshman and can impact the game offensively and defensively. O’Brien is the Shore’s leading returner in terms of face-off percentage (.727) and ground balls (150) from 2019. Senior Zac Mansfield, junior Andrew Decker, sophomore Aidan Murphy and freshman Sam Madalone round out a strong midfield. Sophomore Hunter Walker takes over as the starting goalie.

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

HE SHORE SPORTS NETWORK'S LACROSSE PREVIEW CONTINUES WITH A LOOK AT THE TOP RETURNING ATTACKMEN IN THE SHORE CONFERENCE. MOST OF THESE PLAYERS ESTABLISHED THEMSELVES AS EITHER SOPHOMORES OR FRESHMEN WHILE OTHERS ARE JUST WAITING FOR THE CHANCE TO SHOWCASE THEIR SKILLS AT THE HIGH SCHOOL LEVEL.

Players listed alphabetically

CHRISTIAN BOCKELMANN, JR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Bockelmann hasn’t gotten much of a chance to showcase his skills at the high school level yet but his exploits are well known on the travel circuit. The Yale commit could have a huge year for what should be an excellent Bulldogs’ squad. DANIEL BURNS, JR., WALL Burns had a very good freshman season with 21 goals and 11 assists for 32 points. Opposing defenses will put much of their focus on star senior Logan Peters and that should leave players like Burns with plenty of high-quality scoring chances.

graduated so Duddy will be the offensive focal point this season JAMES FAY, SR., HOWELL Committed to Chestnut Hill, Fay is the leader of Howell’s offense and is coming off a sophomore season in which he scored 34 goals and 13 assists for 47 points. DREW GISINGER, SR., TOMS RIVER SOUTH The Felician College commit is a candidate to have a breakout season and will look to lead the way for the Indians. LUKE GUIDETTI, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC Guidetti was a football standout for the Caseys and is looking to make the same impact on the lacrosse field. At 6foot-2 and 235 pounds he will be tough matchup for opposing defensemen.

FILIPE CORREIA, SR., BRICK MEMORIAL As a sophomore, Correia tallied 27 goals and 12 assists plus 38 ground balls. He is committed to Felician College.

TOMMY ILVENTO, SR., HOLMDEL Ilvento sank 36 goals and added five assists as a sophomore and returns to give the Hornets a potent attack line.l

MIKE DEMAYO, SR., MANALAPAN The Braves will be playing in their inaugural varsity season this spring and with DeMayo they have an experienced player to rely on right out of the gate. The Drew University commit is versatile, as well, and will also see some time running on a midfield line.

KYLE KAPCSOS, JR., HOLMDEL Kapcsos showcased his versatility as a freshman by scoring 33 goals and adding 14 assists. He is one of several offensive standouts the Hornets return this season.

MATT DEROSA, JR., JACKSON MEMORIAL DeRosa had a solid freshman season with 12 goals, nine assists and 46 ground balls and now as a junior will lead the Jaguars’ attack line. LUKE DEVLIN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Devlin was an adept finisher as a sophomore when he banked 39 goals and added eight assists. Rumson has several offensive options but it’s not a stretch to believe Devlin could crack 50 goals this season. He will be attending The Hotchkiss School in Connecticut for a postgrad season next year. WILLIAM DUDDY, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC Duddy, who is committed to Chestnut Hill, put together a balanced season as a sophomore with 15 goals, 14 assists and 18 ground balls. Most of the Griffins’ key contributors from 2019 have

MIKE LONG, SR., LACEY Long netted 33 goals and 20 assists as a sophomore and is the Lions’ leading returning scorer from a team that went 14-3 in 2019. He is committed to Georgian Court University. HUNTER LOWE, SR., OCEAN Lowe’s older brother Holden was the star the last time Ocean took the field but now the attention on the attack line will turn to Hunter, and also his twin brother, Hyatt (4g, 2a). As a sophomore, Hunter scored 10 goals and 10 assists for 20 points.

RYAN MCGEE, SR., RED BANK McGee was one of the breakout players of the 2019 season when he scored 51 goals and added 21 assists to finish 15th in the Shore in scoring with 72 points. CASEY MULLIGAN, SR., MANASQUAN The University of Pennsylvania commit was dynamite as a sophomore with 35 goals and 26 assists for 61 points and figures to be among the top pointproducers in the Shore this season. ANASTAGIO MUSCARA, SR., COLTS NECK Muscara scored 31 goals and added 17 assists for 48 points as a sophomore and should be among the top scorers in Class A North this season.

LOGAN PETERS, SR., WALL One of the top returning players in New Jersey, Peters is coming off a sophomore year in which he was fifth in the Shore in scoring with 52 goals and 45 assists for 97 points. At 6foot-3 and 210 pounds, the Rutgers signee is a force in the offensive zone and the preseason favorite to win Player of the Year.

IAN MACRAE, SO., CBA Macrae has yet to make his high school debut but at the travel level has been a top-flight playmaker who should make a major impact for the Colts this season. DAN MARTIN, SR., CBA CBA had a senior-laden team in 2019 but Martin, who is committed to Villanova, was a standout nonetheless with 42 goals and 12 assists for 54 points. He figures to be one of the top-goal scorers in the Shore this season.

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

FFENSE, DEFENSE, MAN-UP, MAN-DOWN, FACE-OFFS; MIDFIELDERS ARE TASKED WITH DOING A LITTLE BIT OF EVERYTHING ON THE LACROSSE FIELD. SOME ARE EITHER OFFENSIVE OR DEFENSIVE SPECIALISTS, OTHERS ARE TWO-WAY STANDOUTS AND A SELECT FEW ARE GOAL SCORERS, PLAYMAKERS AND RELIABLE DEFENDERS. THEY ARE THE ENGINES THAT POWER LACROSSE TEAMS AND THESE ARE THE ONES TO WATCH THIS SHORE CONFERENCE LACROSSE SEASON.

Players listed alphabetically

STEPHEN ALBANESE, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC A Georgian Court commit, Albanese tallied five points and 29 ground balls as a sophomore and will be looking to emerge as one of the Shore’s top FOGOs this spring. JASON ALLEN, SR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH Allen is the top returning offensive player for the Eagles after scoring 21 goals and adding eight assists as a sophomore. DALE ALTO, SR., OCEAN Alto, who is committed to Siena, scored 32 goals and added 14 assists for 46 points as a sophomore. He will be the go-to guy for the Spartans in 2021. RYAN BRADLEY, JR., HOLMDEL Bradley acquainted himself well as a freshman in 2019 by scoring 17 goals and adding 17 assists. He is now committed to St. Joseph’s University. RYAN BRICE, SR., WALL Brice is Wall’s second-leading returning scorer behind Logan Peters after netting 28 goals and 21 assists for 49 points as a sophomore. He is committed to SUNY Maritime. TYLER BURNS, JR., HOWELL AND DOUG MCKENZIE, JR., HOWELL Burns and McKenzie both saw time as a freshmen but now that they are juniors the Rebels expect both to have big seasons patrolling the midfield.

MATT DOLLIVE, JR., WALL A two-way midfielder who glides up and down the field, Dollive sank 19 goals and added 25 assists as a freshman and will spearhead the Crimson Knights’ No. 1 midfield line. He is committed to the United States Military Academy at West Point. MIKE FARINACCI, SR., MANASQUAN Finding playing time on Manasquan’s star-studded 2019 team was difficult, to say the least, but Farinacci made the most of his limited opportunities with 10 goals as a sophomore. Expect a big season from the Stevens Tech commit. HAYDEN GRECSEK, SR., MANASQUAN Grecsek has yet to record a varsity point so he is the definition of an impact newcomer. That being said, cracking Manasquan’s starting lineup as a freshman was nearly impossible and injuries cut short his sophomore season in 2019. The speedy middie will join Mike Farinacci and Robert Pendergist on the Warriors’ No. 1 midfield line. TORIN HARMON, SO., RED BANK CATHOLIC A transfer from Shore Regional, Harmon is a dynamic midfielder who should make an immediate impact for the Caseys. PATRICK JAMIN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN One of the best playmakers in the Shore, Jamin tallied 21 goals and added 49 assists for 70 points as a sophomore. He has 112 points in his two years and figures to be in the middle of everything a talented Bulldogs’ team does in 2021. A two-sport standout, Jamin will play both lacrosse and football at Middlebury College. TYNAN JENSEN, SR., LACEY Jensen is a player that head coach Shane Allen will deploy in all situations and rely on for leadership. AIDAN KIRK, JR., POINT BORO Kirk was a do-it-all player for the Panthers as a freshman in 2019 with 24 goals, 20 assists and 74 ground balls. He also stepped into the face-off X and won 54 percent of his draws.

TERRANCE LACEWELL, SR., CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY A Monmouth University commit, Lacewell flashed his skills in limited action as a sophomore and is one of several candidates in the Shore to have a breakout senior season. JARED LUCICH, SR., CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY The top returning face-off specialist in the Shore, Lucich won close to 80 percent of draws as a sophomore in 2019. His dominance at face-off X will give C B A ’ s offense plenty of possessions. He is committed to Babson College. JAMIE MAZZACCO, JR., SHORE Mazzacco was a highly-touted three-sport standout (football, wrestling) coming into high school and he has lived up to the billing through two years. As a freshman on a senior-laden team he scored 27 goals with 15 assists and also picked up 32 ground balls. SEAN O’BRIEN, SR., SHORE O’Brien was a possession hound as a sophomore, winning 73 percent of draws and picking up 150 ground balls. He is the leading returner in the Shore in terms of face-off percentage and ground balls. JOSH O’LEARY, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY O’Leary was SJV’s starting face-off specialist as a sophomore and won 55 percent of draws and picked up 97 ground balls. He is committed to Penn College of Technology MAX PAUWELS, JR., MANASQUAN Manasquan’s face-off specialist split time at face-off X as a freshman and is now the starter as a junior. He is committed to Quinnipiac. ROBERT PENDERGIST, JR., MANASQUAN Pendergist had plenty of runs on Manasquan’s No. 2 middie line as a freshman and finished with 15 goals and six assists for a team that won the Shore Conference Tournament and reached the Group 1 state final. He should be among the Shore’s best two-way midfielders this season.

JAMES REA, SR., BRICK Rea is committed to Wagner and is coming off a sophomore season in which he scored 23 goals and chipped in 10 assists. DARREN ROMAINE, SR., BRICK MEMORIAL An NJIT commit and Brick Memorial’s first Division 1 recruit, Romaine is one of the more underrated players in the Shore. As a sophomore he was the Mustangs’ leading scorer with 28 goals and 24 assists for 52 points and also picked up 51 ground balls. RYAN SININSKY, JR., SOUTHERN Sininsky stepped in as a freshman and was the Rams’ most reliable midfielder, scoring 21 goals and adding 15 assists. Southern’s offense will run through the NJIT commit.

DREW WASACZ, SR., SOUTHERN Southern has had a tradition of fielding great face-off specialists and the Rams hope Wasacz follows that path as a senior. During his sophomore season he won 60 percent of draws. NICK WEITZ, SR., RED BANK Weitz won 65 percent of face-offs, picked up 59 ground balls and added 15 points with eight goals and seven assists. His versatility is a welcome sight for a Bucs team that graduated three of its top five scorers from 2019.

KYLE WENZEL, SR., WALL A second-team Class B North selection in 2019, Wenzel won 61 percent of draws as a sophomore. With all the offensive firepower Wall has, Wenzel is the key to getting the Knights as many possessions as possible.

TOMMY SWAIN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN For many top teams, the missing piece is often a reliable FOGO. The Bulldogs appear to have that with Swain, who rotated at face-off X as a sophomore but posted an impressive 79 percent win rate. If he is consistently getting the Bulldogs’ offense possessions they will be awfully tough to beat.

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ANDREW WALENTY, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL Walenty scored 20 goals, added 14 assists and picked up 71 ground balls as a sophomore and returns to lead the Jaguars’ midfield lines as a senior. He is committed to Florida Tech.

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

HE GOAL SCORERS AND POINT PRODUCERS GARNER THE MOST ATTENTION IN HIGH SCHOOL LACROSSE, BUT WITHOUT A SOLID DEFENSE, A TEAM IS GOING TO BE ALL STYLE AND NO SUBSTANCE. THESE ARE THE PLAYERS ASSIGNED TO SHUT DOWN THOSE PROLIFIC ATTACKMEN AND MIDFIELDERS ON THE OTHER SIDE AND WHOSE IMPORTANCE IS MAGNIFIED IN THE BIGGEST, MOST IMPORTANT GAMES.

THEO DEBERGHES, SR., HOWELL The Rebels’ LSM, Deberghes picked up 21 ground balls as a sophomore and also had a goal and an assist. Now a senior, he leads the way for the Rebels’ defense and could emerge as one of the Shore’s top defenders. He was an all-Class A North selection in 2019.

Players listed alphabetically

MIKE FARRELL, SR., MANASQUAN

LOGAN BIANCHI, SR., OCEAN As a sophomore, Bianchi had 64 ground balls and returns as the leader of Ocean’s defensive unit. He was an honorable mention all-Class B North selection in 2019. RYAN BILELLO, JR., MANASQUAN Bilello will hit the field as a Colgate commit and comprise on fourth of Manasquan’s impressive defensive unit. AVERY CLARKE, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP Clarke is the most experienced returner on the Patriots’ roster and will anchor their defense. He picked up 70 ground balls as a sophomore. TYLER COLACICHI, SR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH A standout as a sophomore for a Middletown South team that finished No. 8 in the Shore, Colacichi earned high praise from head coach Sal Guastella, who lauded his speed, endurance, footwork, field knowledge, stick stills and leadership. He was a third-team AllShore selection last season. NATE COMMITTEE, JR., SOUTHERN The Bellarmine commit started as a freshman and should be one of the top defensemen in the Shore this season. Also a standout fullback and defensive end for Southern’s football team, he gives the Rams a physical and athletic presence in their close defense.

Farrell will be entering his fourth year as a starting defenseman and is one of the few returning starters a Warriors’ 2019 team that won the Shore Conference Tournament and reached the Group 1 final. Manasquan has plenty of talent but lacks varsity experience and Farrell, who is signed to play at Richmond, brings both talent and experience to the table. CHRIS FARINACCI, SR., MANASQUAN Farinacci saw playing time as a sophomore on Manasquan’s Shore Conference Tournament championship and Group 1 finalist squad and brings versatility to the Warriors’ defensive unit. The Babson commit will start at LSM but is capable of sliding down to close defense and also playing a key role on the man-down unit. PATRICK FRAWLEY, SR., POINT BORO A second-team Class B South selection as a sophomore when he picked up 59 ground balls, Frawley is Point Boro’s defensive captain. The 6foot, 220-pound football and wrestling standout gives the Panthers a sturdy presence in the back end. He will play football at The College of New Jersey. COOPER GRAHAM, SR., CBA Graham saw a lot of playing time as a sophomore when CBA reached the Shore Conference Tournament final. The Muhlenberg commit will step in as a starter this season for a Colts team that is always among the best defensive units in the Shore. JT HILLE, SR., SOUTHERN Hille is committed to Hood College and will be entering his third year as a defensive starter for the Rams. His versatility as Southern’s LSM is a great complement for a team that is strong in goal, on defense and in the midfield.

JACK JOYCE, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN If its season-opening win over Chatham is any indication, Rumson will once again be one of the state’s best teams and a state championship contender. Joyce, who is committed to Kenyon College, will be one of the Bulldogs’ defensive stalwarts. DYLAN LEBLANC, JR., MANASQUAN LeBlanc saw the field sparingly as a freshman thanks to the Warriors’ outstanding and veteran defense but it won’t be long before the future Loyola Greyhound enters the conversation as one of the Shore’s best defenders. GIAN LIBASSI, SR., JACKSON LIBERTY The Lions senior picked up 41 ground balls and caused 10 turnovers as a sophomore and will lead the way on defense for Liberty. JOHN MIRANDA, SR., MIDDLETOWN NORTH An honorable mention all-Class A North selection as a sophomore, Miranda is Middletown North’s LSM and the Lions will rely on his versatility for success in 2021. GORDON OGDEN, SR., RED BANK The 6-foot-4 three-sport athlete (football, hockey) patrols the field as the Bucs’ long-stick midfielder and is one of the top returning defenders in the Shore. He is committed to Jacksonville. AIDAN QUINN, SR., CBA Quinn saw playing time as a sophomore on CBA’s team that won the Class A North division title and reached the Shore Conference Tournament final. He is now committed to Marist and helps give the Colts a standout defensive core with fellow pole Cooper Graham and goalie Noah D’Andrea. RYAN RANKIN, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL Rankin collected 48 ground balls, 20 takeaways and two assists in 2019 to help the Jaguars go 11-5 and returns as a top defender. CHARLIE SASSO, JR., WALL Known for his talents on the gridiron as the 2020 Shore Sports Network Defensive Player of the Year, Sasso will also anchor the defense for a Crimson Knights’ squad that projects as a top-five team in the Shore this season.

Photos by:

Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com

Paula Lopez www.palimages.com

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

T TAKES PLENTY OF FORTITUDE TO STRAP ON MINIMAL EQUIPMENT AND SQUARE UP TO A HARD RUBBER BALL SIZZLING TOWARD YOU AT UPWARDS OF 100 MILES PER HOUR, BUT SUCH IS THE LIFE OF A LACROSSE GOALIE. THEY ARE THE LAST LINE OF DEFENSE AND THE BACKBONE OF ANY TOP DEFENSE. WITH A STANDOUT BETWEEN THE PIPES, THE SKY IS THE LIMIT.

CARTER GROEZINGER, JR., MANASQUAN After waiting his turn behind two-time AllShore goalie Mike LaPoint, Groezinger gets his turn to backstop a Warriors defense that should be among the stingiest in the Shore. He appeared in two games as a freshman and allowed one goal on nine shots. Photo by:

Jack Trengrove

Players listed alphabetically

RYAN CRODDICK, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Croddick figures to be among the Shore’s stingiest netminders for a stout Rumson squad. As a sophomore, Croddick made 159 saves with a .591 save percentage against a very difficult schedule. He opened the season by making 11 saves in a 9-4 win over state-ranked Chatham.

JOEY DAM, SR., MIDDLETOWN NORTH An honorable mention Class A North selection in 2019, Dam sported a fantastic .633 save percentage as a sophomore to go along with 133 saves. NOAH D’ANDREA, SR., CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY D’Andrea stopped 137 shots with a .539 save percentage as a sophomore. The Providence commit gives CBA a veteran standout in goal. He made 15 saves versus prep power Lawrenceville School in the Colts’ season-opener.

COLIN FAY, JR., HOWELL As a freshman, Fay saw action in four games and finished with 16 saves against 26 shots for a .615 save percentage. He’ll have a chance to make a major impact for a Rebels team that could be among the Shore’s top 10 teams this season.

MAX MACEACHERN, SR., ST., ROSE One of the few returning starting goalies from the 2019 season, MacEachern made 116 saves for the Purple Roses as a sophomore, including a season-best 17 against Ocean.

GARRETT SCHWAB, SR., OCEAN Schwab made 236 saves with a .590 save percentage as a sophomore and returns as Ocean’s defensive linchpin. He is closing in on 400 career saves.

TYLER SININSKY, JR., SOUTHERN Sininsky saw limited action as a freshman but this season the cage belongs solely to the NJIT commit. He appeared in seven games in 2019 with 13 saves and .722 save percentage.

CHAD SZATKOWSKI, SR,, JACKSON MEMORIAL Szatkowski returns as Jackson’s starting goalie after a sophomore season in 2019 in which he made 144 saves and posted a .550 save percentage.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 14

Matt Manley Senior Staff Editor

HE MAJOR LEAGUE SCOUTS START PULLING INTO THE PARKING LOT AT COUNT BASIE PARK IN RED BANK A GOOD TWO HOURS BEFORE THE FIRST PITCH ON A PLEASANT WEDNESDAY MORNING AND THERE ARE THERE TO SEE WHAT IS NOT JUST ANY GAME. IN FACT, IT IS NOT A GAME AT ALL. IT IS AN INTRASQUAD SCRIMMAGE. The Red Bank Catholic baseball team is splitting up to play a simulated game in preparation of the start of the 2021 season – one that is two years in the making after the entire 2020 season was canceled due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The world has drastically changed in the last year and already, the RBC players are taking note at what a strange world it is. The question, more or less, is universal. All of these scouts for an intra-squad? Huh? If there is anything familiar about the scene at Count Basie on April, it’s that the approximately 25 scouts in attendance are crammed behind the backstop, most with masks on but social distancing be damned. Pandemic or not, it is time for them to get to work checking in on the top baseball players in the Northeast and Count Basie Park is going to be a common stop for this group this spring. “I think the guys were stunned how many scouts showed up,” Red Bank Catholic coach Buddy Hausmann said. “They were kind of like, ‘We knew they were going to be at our games this year, but we didn’t know it was going to be like that.’ I just told them, ‘Yep, it’s going to be like that. Better get used to it.’”

The scene may be a shock to the majority of the Caseys players but to the 19-year-old high-school senior the scouts have made the trip to Red Bank to watch practice, it is all become fairly routine.

19 years old, some scouts have reportedly expressed some doubt that he can get much better physically. In other words, what you see is what you will get.

As one of the top high-school pitchers in the country, Shane Panzini is a legitimate Major League Baseball Draft prospect – ranked on Top-100 Draft prospect lists by FanGraphs (No. 46) and MLB.com (No. 92). Over the past year, he has grown accustomed to the hoard of baseball talent evaluators crammed behind backstops around the country to watch him showcase his arsenal: a fastball that reaches 97 miles-per-hour, a hard slider that he has evolved from its start as a sharp curveball and a changeup that is picking up steam as Panzini’s best potential secondary pitch.

FanGraphs ranks Panzini No. 46 on its list of players available in the 2021 MLB First-Year Player Draft in July and described him as follows: “He’s old for the class and not at all projectable, but Panzini has real stuff, including a mid-90s fastball that plays at the letters and the makings of two good breaking balls.”

According to Panzini, he is ready for the circus to come to Red Bank. One of his earliest high school memories was dueling current University of Alabama junior Tyler Ras when Ras was a senior at Middletown North and under close watch by scouts leading up to the draft that June. Panzini first caught the attention of many area scouts that night in Red Bank, matching Ras throughout the night and pitching the Caseys to a 1-0 win.

That doesn’t, however, mean Panzini can’t get better and isn’t already getting better, for that matter, because that is what he has been doing for the last four years under the watch of Hausmann.

Throw in the experience pitching in national showcases and not only does the attention not bother Panzini, but it is feeding his hunger to keep getting better. “I got used to it last year,” Panzini said. “I always say facing Tyler Ras here when I was a freshman was kind of the same thing and that was one of my favorite games of high school. I loved the atmosphere. I don’t really get too nervous pitching around (the scouts) but it’s exciting.” At each step along his developmental curve, Panzini has made significant improvements. He followed up the flash of brilliance as a freshman with a dominant sophomore season: a 7-2 record with a 0.66 ERA, 73 strikeouts and 29 walks in 53 innings while earning a spot on the Shore Sports Network All-Shore First Team and committing to the University of Virginia right after the season. The last time Panzini pitched in a high-school game, he one-hit Manalapan in the 2019 Shore Conference Tournament championship game and that was with a fastball that topped out at 91. A year later, according to Hausmann, he was throwing and easy 93 before the season was shut down. At the Perfect Game National Showcase in Alabama in June of 2020, Panzini threw in a game situation for the first time all year. He topped out at 96 miles-per-hour. By the end of the summer, he was recorded hitting 97 and with the improving slider and changeup, the buzz has continued to build.

“EVERY YEAR, HE HAS PROGRES SED,” HAUSMAN SAID. “THERE HASN’T BEEN A YEAR WHERE HE HAS STAYED THE SAME. HE’S MADE JUMPS IN BIG WAYS EVERY YEAR. THE SLIDER HAS GOTTEN VERY GOOD, THE CHANGE IS GETTING THERE. HE HAS THE WORK ETHIC THAT IT TAKES AND HE KNOWS HIMSELF WELL ENOUGH TO UNDERSTAND WHAT HE HAS TO DO TO MAKE THOSE IMPRESSIVE JUMPS AT EACH STEP.” The online scouting reports consider Panzini an advanced high-school prospect with regard to his ability – both a compliment and critique depending on the eye of the beholder. Panzini has the talent to be a legitimate Major League prospect but at 6-foot-3, 220 pounds and already

“I don’t know if I’d say a 19year-old isn’t projectable,” Hausmann said. “I think he is still learning and he has continued making improvements with his spin rates, arm slot and delivery. I look at him and I think there is a lot more in the tank. The intriguing part is he projects as a starting pitcher, whereas other guys his age and who throw that hard sometimes end up relievers. The guy I have heard him compared to is Matt Cain. You look at his Baseball-Reference page, he had a losing record but Matt Cain made almost $150 million in his career and won (three) World Series rings. I’d sign up for that.” Whatever is being said online about Panzini’s status as a prospect, he is not likely to read it. The video-game ban in the Panzini’s Spring Lake, N.J. house – which is home three other Panzini boys between ages 15 and 23 – was a popular topic of conversation during the Perfect Game online stream production and that abstinence from video games applies to social media as well, although that one is self-imposed. “I don’t have Twitter and I kind of just look at what my friends do on Instagram,” Panzini said. “I don’t use social media that often and I don’t look up the draft stuff.”

“I DON’T REALLY CARE FOR (SOCIAL MEDIA). I HAVE A LOT OF PEOPLE TELLING ME TO GET ON TWITTER BUT I DON’T REALLY WANT THAT. ONLY BAD THINGS CAN COME OF IT, REALLY. I’D RATHER JUST PITCH.” See

Panzini

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Panzini

Continued from page 17

Most of what Panzini has heard about what scouts think has come from his inner circle or from friends reading the reports to him. Either way, he has not put much stock in any of it.

“I LIKE TO SAY IF THOSE GUYS KNEW WHAT THEY WERE TALKING ABOUT, THEY WOULD BE WORKING FOR AN MLB TEAM,” PANZINI SAID. “THERE ARE A LOT OF MOCK DRAFTS AND THINGS LIKE THAT BUT I DON’T GET INTO THEM MUCH. I DON’T CARE IF I WAS PROJECTED THE FIRST PICK OVERALL, THE LAST PICK OVERALL OR ANYWHERE ELSE BECAUSE IT DOESN’T MEAN ANYTHING UNTIL YOU PERFORM ON THE FIELD.” In order to keep reaching new heights, Panzini took full advantage of Red Bank Catholic’s virtual learning option during the winter. While New Jersey was getting drilled by snowfall after heavy snowfall, Panzini spent time working out in Jupiter, Fla. at the same facility as a number of Major League pitchers. He found himself working out at the same time as three-time Cy Young Award winner Max Scherzer and New York Mets flamethrower Noah Syndergaard. He even threw a bullpen at the same time as Cleveland Indians rookie Triston McKenzie. “He took advantage of a situation that was different than any other year,” Hausmann said. “He could have been up here, doing what most of us do during our senior year of high school. Instead, he was down there and focused on a goal. He wanted to take advantage of it. He got to see some big-time people and be able to learn in a competitive environment and to kind of do it on his own.” As is the case with most pitchers who could be looking at a seven-figure signing bonus offer from a Major League organization, Panzini’s 2021 season will come with some restrictions. His pitching schedule is essentially set, albeit with some wiggle room come tournament time. Panzini is slated to serve as a designated hitter throughout the season – he hit three home runs as a sophomore and hammered a double off Vanderbilt phenom and potential No. 1 pick Jack Leiter, then at Delbarton – but is not likely to play the field and will be urged to take it easy on the basepaths. Panzini is being advised by Dave Pepe – who has handled similar situations for local products and first-round picks Matt Thaiss (Jackson Memorial; currently in the Los Angeles Angels organization) and J.M. Gold (Toms River North). Panzini refers to Pepe and his team as “the higher-ups.”

Red Bank Catholic winning pitcher Shane Panzini is doused with water after his onehit shutout in the 2019 Shore Conference Tournament final. (Photo by Paula Lopez)

“I understand it (the caution) but at the same time, I want to go out and have fun,” Panzini said. “The future is probably more important but to help my team win a few games wouldn’t be too bad either. It’s something we’ll sit around and talk about more with the ‘higher-ups,’ as we call them. I’ll do whatever the team needs me to do and whether or not that’s hitting or playing in the field, so be it. I’ll be on the bench rooting for them. “If I didn’t have these people telling me what to do, I’d be out there hitting four times a game and playing the outfield. The more they tell me, the more information I’m gathering, the closer we get to the draft and getting to Virginia - I don’t want to go into any of that hurt. I just want to do what’s best for the team at this point.” The flipside to “to-hit-or-play-or-not-to-play” debate is letting Panzini play some outfield and get his hacks at the plate could take some pressure off during what could be a stressful stretch. “He is a high-school baseball player,” Hausmann said. “I’m not going to treat him any different than I have been treating him as long as he is telling me he feels good. Who knows if he’ll get to (hit) again after this year? If he wants to do it, I’m okay with it.” There are big things over the horizon for Panzini in his baseball career but the lesson of 2020 was to never take any time on the diamond for granted. After losing his junior season of high school baseball to the COVID-19 pandemic, Panzini has every intention of enjoying his final year at Red Bank Catholic before making what he hopes will be a difficult decision with no bad answers: pitch at Virginia or accept a generous signing bonus to turn pro.

“IT ALL SEEMED PRETTY FAR OFF LAST YEAR,” PANZINI SAID OF HIS FINAL SEASON AS A HIGH-SCHOOL PITCHER – PERHAPS EVEN AS AN AMATEUR PITCHER. “EVEN THE FIRST DAY OF PRACTICE SEEMED FAR AWAY BUT NOW WE’RE HERE. IT’S ALL REALLY EXCITING. I’M JUST TRYING TO TAKE IT ALL IN.”

The Leiters Return to Central: Cam Leiter Rekindles Leiter Legacy in Bayville By

Matt Manley Senior Staff Editor

efore he turned 15 years-old, Cam Leiter had never been to the Jersey Shore. That’s not really news for a random 15-year-old somewhere on the North American continent, particularly one born in Florida and raised in Vancouver. When your last name is Leiter, however, the Bayville breeze calls you home, no matter where you may be living. In British Columbia, about 40 minutes from the U.S.-Canada border in Washington State, people rarely even made the connection between Leiter and his accomplished, baseball-crazed family. Meanwhile, in Berkeley Township, N.J., his last name is written and engraved on every other thing – including the outfield fence on the baseball field that Cam Leiter now calls home. For the first time since Al Leiter – the former Major League All-Star with the New York Mets and Florida Marlins and the all-time Major League strikeout leader among pitchers born in New Jersey – was a high-school phenom at Central Regional High School in Bayville, there is a Leiter pitching for the high-school alma mater of Al and his six siblings. Cam Leiter – the son of Al’s older brother, Kurt Leiter, and a junior at Central – is on the cusp of making his first official start as a junior pitcher at the high school where the Leiter legend was born. “It’s exciting,” Cam Leiter said. “It’s definitely fun to represent the name on the back and the pride that comes with having Leiter on the back of my jersey. With all my cousins and my uncles did, now it’s my turn. I’m really just excited to help this team because it means so much to our family.” Although he was raised on the other side of the continent and in a different country altogether, Leiter knew his family’s connection to Central Regional well. He heard the stories of his father and uncles – John Leiter was the first Leiter to don the Central jersey and Mark Leiter enjoyed a 12-year Major-League career – and their time starring for the Golden Eagles, as well as the road that followed. "There was a Leiter pitching at Central for a whole decade," Kurt Leiter said. "John, our oldest brother, really got the interest in baseball going. Our dad was not really a sports fan, but he became a sports fan through us. It’s pretty unique that we were all able to keep playing into pro ball and those guys (Al and Mark) got to the Big Leagues." The family history made Cam wonder what it would be like to go back and play in the same place where it all started for the Leiters as a baseball family. Before the start of Cam’s sophomore year of high school in 2019, Kurt made the decision to

move back to New Jersey and to settle back in the Shore area. “I think Kurt really loves the fact that Cam is wearing a Central uniform, walking the halls at Central Regional where him and his brothers were able to do that and I think that’s really cool,” said Central Regional coach Jerry Frulio, a Central alum who graduated six years after Al Leiter led the program to its only overall NJSIAA state championship in 1984. “I know at some point, Cam wanted to play where his dad and his uncles played and it’s a great story. They didn’t just come from Canada, they came from Vancouver. It’s not like Toronto or Montreal. They were cross-country and ended up coming all the way back.” As Frulio tells the story, Al Leiter was actively involved at helping Kurt and Cam do their research about which are would provide Cam with the next opportunity. Al’s last five years learning the state landscape while his son, Jack, navigated the amateur scene in New Jersey put him in tune with the state’s best programs, but he figured he would check in with the coach of his old stomping grounds – whom he knows well. “They wanted to come to the Shore but weren’t sure where and Al wanted to find out what’s going on at Central,” Frulio said. It was kind of like, ‘I’m sending my brother and his son, so I want to know what’s going on over there.’ I think he wanted to have that conversation.” Al put his brother in touch with Frulio while Kurt and Cam were in Illinois and the decision was made: the Leiters were coming home. “I wanted to get back to the Shore, be around my family,” Cam said. “Central was the spot I really wanted to be at with the Leiter name and to carry on the tradition, because my dad and my uncles went here by none of my cousins did. I wanted to be the one guy to go. It’s exciting.” Cam Leiter was not the only addition to the Central program. Kurt is now Central’s pitching coach and in addition to getting a chance to work closely with his son, he is working with a promising young group with the Golden Eagles, who are looking to rekindle the magic of 2018, when they reached the Shore Conference Tournament championship game during an 18-win season. Kurt’s experience has already been a major asset to Frulio and he has learned how best to treat his son within the context of the entire team while also giving Cam as much as he can. “I just try to treat him like any other player on the field, but it’s constant coaching,” Kurt said. “That’s how we were growing up. It was constant baseball 24/7. We played other sports, but baseball was really what we were all into and it’s the same thing with (Cam) and I.” “Kurt is very big on command and I know that conversation is probably had 20 minutes out of every hour in that house,” Frulio said. “They are a great duo, they are great together, they mesh well.” go to shoresportsnetwork.com to read the full story

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

elcome to Class A North: where one of the 15 best teams in the Shore Conference can finish in seventh place out of eight teams.

Class A North is always a gauntlet and there have been some all-time great Shore Conference teams to lead the pack in the division over the years. You would be hard-pressed, however, to ﬁnd a season in which the division was as solid from No. 1 to No. 8 as it is this year. Seven of the teams are legitimate candidates for the Shore Sports Network Preseason Top 10 and the eighth would likely be a middle-ofthe-pack team in most other divisions. The battle for the top spot appears to have two leading candidates, but the next few teams in the pecking order have the pitching to stay in the hunt and make it a wild race to the postseason.

MANALAPAN HEAD COACH: Brian Boyce, 14th season KEY LOSSES: Nick DiPietrantonio (SS), Hunter Serrano (RHP/2B), Dylan Hode (C), Chris Nicol (LHP), Kyle Sciallo (3B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Anthony Matteis, Sr. First Base: Max Graime, Jr.; Ethan Rodriguez, Sr. Second Base: Ken Sclafani, Sr. Shortstop: Sean Caputo, So.; Dylan Reiner, Jr. Third Base: Tom Guidice, Sr. Leftfield: Ethan Rodriguez, Sr.; Chris Marzo, Sr. Centerfield: Anthony Matrone, Sr.; Cristian Bernardini, So. Rightfield: Anthony Mauro, Sr.; Dylan Reiner, Jr.; Gino Gambale, Sr. DH: Chris Marzo, Sr.; Cristian Bernardini, So.

The last time Manalapan played an official high school baseball game, the Braves lost a heartbreaking, controversial 1-0 decision to Eastern in the NJSIAA Group IV semifinal. There aren’t many players left from that team, but the two returning starters from that club will surely remind their less experienced teammates that redemption is on the menu in 2021 – just as it was supposed to be in 2020. The two returning players on the Braves are seniors Joe Mazza and Tom Guidice – both of whom handled the bat well as sophomores, with Mazza also working his way up to the No. 3 starter role. Now a senior committed to play at Rutgers, Mazza is the senior ace heading into the season while Guidice will be a middle-of-the-order bat with talent around him. Speaking of talent around an established returnee, Manalapan’s pitching has a chance to stack up with just about any team in the Shore Conference. Junior right-hander Tyler Kane will back up Mazza and while he has not thrown a varsity inning yet, he was electric during the Last Dance World Series last July, including a two-inning relief appearance in which he struck out six. Justine Simone fits in nicely as the No. 3 pitcher and the Braves have the kind of depth that could produce some more candidates to be the No. 3 at some point. Guidice will bring some stability to the infield, which will be younger than last year’s group projected to be. Ken Sclafani jumps in at second base as a senior, while junior Max Graime and sophomore Sean Caputo rise up through the program to play first and shortstop, respectively. Catcher, meanwhile, belongs to senior Anthony Matteis, who would have started at first base last year with senior Dylan Hode occupying the catcher spot. Now, Matteis brings a solid bat and good defense to the most important position on the field outside of the mound. The outfield has a chance to be loaded, with the overflow supplying the Braves with a very good designated hitter. Anthony Matrone looked primed for a breakout last year, while Anthony Mauro and Ethan Rodriguez also return after missing a chance to start a year ago. Chris Marzo also showed a knack for the big hit in the Last Dance and will find his share of at-bats as well. Manalapan also has another talented sophomore in Cristian Bernardini as part of the mix. Class A North is a beast of a division and Manalapan is always in the mix. With the kind of depth the Braves boast to go with an imposing one-two punch on the mound, they shape up to be the team most fit to survive the gauntlet.

Manalapan jr. Tom Guidice 20

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

HOWELL

HEAD COACH: Ryan McCabe, 2nd season

HEAD COACH: Eric Johnson, 11th season

KEY LOSSES: Mike Roditis (2B), Ryan Rozinski (RHP/OF), Shane Doyle (1B), Jack Costigan (OF), Matt Maguire (3B), Richie Wall (OF)

KEY LOSSES: Tommy Talbot (OF), Chris Acampora (C), Jack Bearse (1B/3B), Jake Lenardo (LHP), Andrew Furlong (OF/RHP), Brandon Troop (2B), Max Friedeman (LHP/1B)

AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Andrew Lombardi, Jr. First Base: Colin Dowlen, Sr.; Christian Malizia, Jr.; Karl Strauch, Jr. Second Base: Michael Weinbel, Jr.; Ryan Frontera So.; Matt Sherwin, Sr. Shortstop: Danny Frontera, Sr.; Ryan Frontera, So. Third Base: Ryan Frontera, So.; Colin Dowlen, Sr. (RS). Leftfield: Dom Scerbo, Sr.; Dylan Briggs, Fr. Centerfield: Tyler Sharkey, Sr.; Matt Adamson, Jr. Rightfield: Tony Sansone, Sr.; Kevin Lisser, Sr. DH: Kevin Lisser, Sr.; Karl Strauch, Jr.; Nick Palmadesso (Jr., 3B)

Without the Last Dance World Series in July, Middletown North would be one of the Shore’s sleeper teams heading into the 2021 season. Instead, the Lions are already on the radar as one of the conference’s five best rosters. That’s how well the Lions played in July, when they bludgeoned three straight opponents to make it to the knockout round in week two of the tournament. Averaging better than 10 runs through the first week of the Last Dance was eyeopening, but Middletown North’s starting pitching was even more impressive. The difference-maker was Danny Frontera, who missed his sophomore year while recovering from Tommy John Surgery and came back firing bullets to give his team an unquestioned ace to complement the rest of the solid staff, as well as a dangerous lineup. Senior Colin Dowlen is the other returning starter on the mound who was dominant in the Last Dance and both Dowlen and Frontera are also big hitters for the Lions. Sophomore Ryan Frontera and Tony Sansone will also get big innings as two-way players, so the top returning arms are also big hitters for Middletown North as well. The other part of the two-way equation for Middletown North is catcher Andrew Lombardi – who has shown impressive power during the first half of his high school seasons and also works well with the pitching staff. The supporting cast around that core of Danny Frontera, Dowlen and Lombardi will be the key to Middletown North taking this high school season even farther than it took the Last Dance run. Sophomore R.J. Kernan is overcoming an injury at the moment, which puts Middletown North down a starter in the middle of the order, but senior Kevin Lisser can make a difference at DH and Dom Scerbo and Tyler Sharkey are seniors looking to step up in the outfield. The rest of Class A North is used to the unforgiving schedule that Middletown North is about to undertake after playing in B North, but the Lions have the pitching to compete with anyone and the unfinished business from the summer to tend to.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP HEAD COACH: Todd Smith, 11th season KEY LOSSES: Jarrett Urban (OF/P), Andrew Reidy (C), Alec Schwartz (RHP), Mason Weeks (LHP), Mike Marino (OF/P), Zander Ginter (OF/RHP), Nick Schulman (2B), Patrick Borromeo (OF), Anthony Czarrunchick (C), Kyle Checkett (OF), Brian Lavelle (P), Brandon Ramos (RHP/SS) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Griffin Murphy, Sr. First Base: Chris Corchado, Sr. Second Base: Sean Keegan, Jr.; Joe Zappulla, Sr.; Connor Morie, Sr. Shortstop: Ryan Keegan, Jr. Third Base: Patrick Burns, Sr. Leftfield: Zach Gorman, Sr.; Joe Zappulla, Sr. Centerfield: Nick Kolozsvary, Sr. Rightfield: Jon Olik, Jr.

Although Freehold Township will miss a few key players that were set to make a significant different last season, the Patriots entered 2020 with a junior-heavy core that always had 2021 as a fallback. That fallback is now here in the form of a prove-it season, during which the Patriots will try to climb back to the top of Class A North while the division is about as deep and challenging as it has ever been. Zach Gorman leads a trio of senior pitchers who will have to be at the center of any success the Patriots have this year. Gorman was an ace as a sophomore, pitching at an All-Shore level while also playing good defense in the outfield and providing plenty of spark in the lineup. Luke Mulhern and Matt Villapiano are the two senior left-handers who will follow Gorman and the Patriots will go where those three take them. The Freehold Township offense will be a major key to the season and while the returning starters have not hit for much authority so far, they were only sophomores in 2019 and trying to hold their own in a very difficult division for underclassmen to shine. Chris Corchado and Patrick Burns return on the corners and will be the two big hitters behind Gorman at the top of the lineup, while senior catcher Griffin Murphy brings some experience back behind the plate. Nick Kolozsvary is ready for a starting spot as a senior and will help replace valuable 2020 graduate Jarrett Urban in the lineup and in centerfield, while junior Ryan Keegan is primed for a strong season after making a case to be the starting shortstop as a sophomore before the season was halted. The pitching should be a constant each day for Freehold Township, which should keep the Patriots in the hunt through the end of the year. If the experienced hitters in the Patriots lineup can make a big jump, they might lead be the team leading the hunt.

AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Jeremy Wojenski, Jr.; Nick Todisco, Jr. First Base: Ryan Behnken, Sr. Second Base: Chris Ellison, Sr. Shortstop: Kristian Saucedo, Sr. Third Base: Vin Impresa, Sr.; Dan Furlong, Jr. Leftfield: Thomas Strauch, Jr. Centerfield: Antonio Gatti, Sr. Rightfield: Russell Halvorsen, So.; Devon Smith, Jr. DH: Alex Jenkins, Sr.; Jake Holzapfel, Sr.

Never has a team been so grateful to lose a heartbreaking game to end a tournament run as Howell was during the Last Dance World Series in July. After having the 2020 high school season wiped out, being eliminated on the field was a much better alternative to being told there would be no baseball played to begin with. By getting out on the field, advancing to the knockout round of 32 and performing well, the Rebels gained a lot of confidence while throwing some extra logs on their proverbial fire to push them through the offseason. If Howell has a big season, it will be behind a quality pitching staff. Vin Impresa and Chris Ellison were sharp during the summer, with Ellison also pitching like a future high-school ace when he was a sophomore in 2019. Ellison has battled a sore arm in the spring, but he is projecting to be ready for the early part of the season. In the meantime, Impresa is ready to become one of the Shore’s best pitchers and junior Dan Furlong gives the Rebels a third arm who can handled a good lineup. Lefthander Nick Gomes is another hurler who pitched well in July, but an injury is currently delaying his start to 2021, according to coach Eric Johnson. Ellison, Impresa and centerfielder Antonio Gatti are the standout returnees in the batting order, while shortstop Kristian Saucedo showed during the summer he is ready for a starting role. Jeremy Wojenski and Nick Todisco are in the mix to fill the open spot at catcher and Ryan Nehnken, Thomas Strauch, Russell Halvorsen, Alex Jenkins and Jake Holzapfel will look to add some length to what could be another in a long line of dangerous Howell lineups throughout the years.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY HEAD COACH: Marty Kenny Jr., 1st season KEY LOSSES: Pat Reilly (RHP/1B), Braedin Hunt (RHP/OF/1B), Mason Wolf (C), Jason Arnott (SS), Declan Hoverter (RHP/2B), Ben Settino (CF), Joe Tutrone (C), Matt Murray (UTIL) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Joe Figliolino, Jr. First Base: Colin Reilly, Jr. Second Base: Alexey Stout, Jr. Shortstop: Harrison Campi, So. Third Base: Nick Harnisch, So. Leftfield: Liam Sweeney, Jr.; Jack Greenspan, Sr. Centerfield: Jack Frankovic, Jr. Rightfield: Gavin Kus, Jr. DH: Joe Marini (Sr., 1B)

The Class A North division is usually at its best when CBA is at its best, but that may not be the case this year. With A North boasting some very good teams, CBA might have less margin for error than usual simply because of the lack of experience on the team. Not many teams have varsity experience, but few are as young as CBA is going to be throughout its starting lineup. With opening day approaching, CBA’s starting lineup of position players will have no more than one senior, with Joe Marino a possibility to play first base. Marino and classmate Henry Escandon will be the two impact seniors – both on the pitching staff and with Marino in the lineup either at first or as the designated hitter. When Marino is the DH, CBA will not have a senior out in the field, with top pitcher Colin Reilly playing some first base and fellow junior Alexey Stout joining him on the right side at second base. The left side is looking like a pair of sophomores in shortstop Harrison Campi and third baseman Nick Harnisch. The rest of the lineup is also juniors, with Joe Figliolino at catcher and Jack Frankovic in centerfield to fortify the middle of the diamond and Gavin Kus, Liam Sweeney and Jack Greenspan the three corner outfield options. Frankovic will also be a big arm on the staff for CBA, which entered last spring ready to play Frankovic at third base before he found a new home in center. If CBA makes a run at a division title with a young team, it will be a deep pitching staff that leads the way. Reilly – whose brother, Pat, is off to a strong start at Vanderbilt after graduating last spring – will be an x-factor heading into the same junior season in which his brother broke out, but the two seniors, Frankovic, Mike Kelly and sophomores Luke Roccesano and Antony DeJohn give coach Marty Kenney Jr. – finally ready to coach his first game after succeeding his legendary father as skipper – lots of quality options.

MARLBORO HEAD COACH: Craig Helfgott, 2nd season KEY LOSSES: Ramon Fontanes (CF), Josh Schleifman (RHP), Jeremy Briskin (1B/DH), Jack McNiff (RHP), David Vignapiano (RHP), Jason Lewis (P), Nick Campisi (C), Dylan Chirichello (C), Jon Spatola (Jr., 2B/SS) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Andrew Bellone, Jr. First Base: Mark Capell, Sr. Second Base: Josh Mack, Jr.; Nick Wright, Sr. Shortstop: Joe Lomangino, Sr.; Alex Jankowski,

Sr. Third Base: Alex D’Ambrosio, So.; Alex Jankowski, Sr. Leftfield: Antonio Vitale, Sr.; Josh Mack, Jr. Centerfield: Julian Buchman, Jr. Rightfield: Frank Talarico, Sr.; Josh Mack, Jr. DH: Nick Wright, Sr.; Daniel Talarico (So., OF)

During the last high school baseball season, Marlboro was a perfect example of how deep the Class A North division is. The Mustangs finished in the bottom half of the regular-season standings but made it to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV semifinal round – one win away from making it an all-A-North final against eventual champion Manalapan. The Mustangs will have a different cast on the whole, but a few names from the deep state tournament run of 2019 return. Mark Capell and Nick Wright are experienced senior infielders who will help pace the lineup and junior centerfielder Julian Buchman is one of the Shore’s more talented all-around outfielders after putting up impressive numbers over a halfseason as a freshman. Marlboro will run out a quality infield defense with shortstop Joe Lomangino and second baseman Josh Mack playing up the middle and sophomore Alex D’Ambrosio emerging as a candidate at third base. Alex Jankowski will be a key pitcher but can also play on the left side of the infield and Wright also figures into the picture either at second, third or designated hitter. Catcher was up in the air last season but Andrew Bellone enters as the projected 2021 starter. Junior right-hander Tyler Villa was a freshman workhorse in 2019 and will top the Marlboro rotation. Jankowski will back him up as the second end of the one-two punch at the top. The position players will be important innings-eaters behind the top two, along with junior lefthander Jake Kalfayan. If the pitching rounds into form, there is enough defense and power in the lineup to help Marlboro stack up with A North’s best.

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Chris LeMore, 1st season (8th overall) KEY LOSSES: Chris O’Connor (SS), Chris Lotito (CF/RHP), Danny Minze (RHP/OF), Jack Sheridan (2B/RHP), Anthony Esposito (C), Mike Rauso (OF/LHP), Mike Barbara (OF), Jack Shangold (RHP) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Greg Trezza, Sr.; Jackson Stoll, So. First Base: Joe Stanzione, Sr.; Ben Schild, So. Second Base: Joe Bartos, Jr.; Will Doyle, Sr. Shortstop: Stephen Boguszewski, Jr. Third Base: Mike Cowell, Sr.; Evan Wood, Jr.; Will Christopher, So. Leftfield: Matt Pontari, Sr.; Brendan Roche, Jr.; Ryan St. Clair, Jr. Centerfield: Patrick Eagone, Sr.; Tom DeMarco, Sr., OF. Rightfield: Ben Schild, So.; Matt Pontari, Sr. DH: Evan Wood, Jr.; Will Christopher, So.; Ben Schild, So.; Brendan Roche, Jr.; Jackson Stoll, So.

Mike Keenan, Jack Shea and Matt Pontari are all senior right-handers with experience, with Keenan and Shea throwing big innings as sophomores in 2019 and Pontari looking very sharp in the Last Dance last July. Sophomore Ben Schild is also a major factor in the staff and is likely to be its ace sooner rather that later with his advanced feel for pitching. Offensively, Middletown South will be a work in progress – not so much because of a lack of talent but because the Eagles have a lot of options and not a lot of game experience among them after so many of this year’s returnees waited behind the talented 2020 class. First baseman Joe Stanzione is the one proven hitter in the bunch after he turned in a productive sophomore season in 2019, while third baseman Mike Cowell was red-hot in the Last Dance. Juniors Joe Bartos and Stephen Boguszewski will play up the middle on the infield and Greg Trezza and Jackson Stoll are the catching candidates with whom LeMore – a former catcher himself – will work. Pontari and fellow senior Patrick Eagone will be two dependable outfielders and the third spot could be a carousel, with Schild, Brendan Roche, Ryan St. Clair and Tom DeMarco among the candidates. Evan Wood and Will Christopher are also in the mix for both at-bats and innings on the mound. The picture still needs to gain some clarity, but Middletown South’s pitching should help the Eagles overcome some of the missing experience.

LONG BRANCH

Pitching will be an x-factor for a team that lost its two best options from 2020, but the position-player group is back to the level it was at in 2018, when the Green Wave qualified for the state tournament and were a tough out against a difficult schedule.

CLASS A NORTH LINEUP (WITH 2019 STATS) ANDREW LOMBARDI, JR., C, MIDDLETOWN NORTH (3 HR) CHRIS CORCHADO, SR., 1B, FREEHOLD TWP. (.290/.372/.348, 4 2B, 13 R, 15 RBI, 6 SB) MARK CAPELL, SR., 1B, MARLBORO (.281/.453/.404, 7 2B, 8 R, 8 RBI) TOM GUIDICE, SR., 3B, MANALAPAN (.337/.413/.484, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 14 R, 12 RBI) COLIN DOWLEN, SR., 1B/3B, MIDDLETOWN NORTH JULIAN BUCHMAN, JR., CF, MARLBORO (.297/.381/.568, 4 2B, 2 HR, 9 R, 10 RBI) ANTONIO GATTI, SR., CF, HOWELL (.357/.446/.393, 2 2B, 10 R, 3 RBI) JACK FRANKOVIC, JR., CF, CBA JOE STANZIONE, SR., 1B, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH (.333/.395/.431, 7 2B, 17 R, 14 RBI)

HEAD COACH: Ben Woolley, 2nd season

CLASS A NORTH ROTATION (WITH 2019 STATS)

KEY LOSSES: Ivan Navarro (2B/RHP), Ryan Wolff (RHP), Patrick O’Dwyer (1B/P), Jahquese Moore (OF)

DANNY FRONTERA, SR., RHP, MIDDLETOWN NORTH

AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Andrew Conklin, Sr. First Base: John Welsh, Jr.; Evan Pellot, So. Second Base: Adam Benetsky, Jr.; Tyler Abbot, Sr. Shortstop: Thomas Brewer, Jr. Third Base: Tyler Abbot, Sr.; Adam Benetsky, Jr. Leftfield: Dave Rodriguez, Sr. Centerfield: Robert Baez, Sr. Rightfield: Xavier Camacho, Jr.

After taking some major lumps in 2019, Long Branch is primed to jump up and surprise some teams in the Shore Conference in 2021. The Green Wave showed as much when it took a lead on Red Bank Catholic into the bottom of the sixth inning of their showdown in the Last Dance World Series before RBC pulled it out with a sixthinning grand slam.

Last season was a bitter pill for Middletown South’s senior-laden team, not only in the spring when the 2020 high school season was canceled by later in the Last Dance World Series as well. After advancing to the second week of the tournament in dramatic fashion, Middletown South had to withdraw from the tournament due to a positive COVID-19 test on its roster.

Unfortunately, Long Branch, the schedule is brutal. The Green Wave have been slotted into Class A North based on school size, but the program numbers in baseball pale in comparison to its divisional peers, which means the players on hand have to do a lot of the heavy lifting in order to compete against what will likely be seven very good teams.

The silver lining was the seniors and the team as a whole got to enjoy a memorable moment in the form of Anthony Esposito’s walk-off grand slam in extra innings. They also got some experience for a handful of players returning in 2021 and will try to keep the program churning under coach Chris LeMore, whose first game coaching the Eagles was delayed by a year.

Last summer, the group showed it might be ready to pick off a few of the A North squads. Seniors Andrew Conklin, Tyler Abbot, Dave Rodriguez and Robert Baez are ready to lead, with Conklin doing so as a solid catcher, Abbot on the mound and at multiple spots on the infield and Baez and Rodriguez in the outfield and at the plate.

The best news for Middletown South is the Eagles should be strong on the mound.

well. Classmates Adam Benetsky and John Welsh will also occupy lineup spots and play on the infield, while fellow junior Xavier Camacho plays in the outfield and gives Long Branch another quality pitching option.

Junior Thomas Brewer is the team’s top returning hitter and will move to shortstop as his primary position, with some innings on the mound also reserved for him as

ZACH GORMAN, SR., RHP, FREEHOLD TWP. (5-0, 2.47 ERA, 39.2 IP, 28 H, 13 BB, 39 K) JOE MAZZA, SR., LHP, MANALAPAN (4-2, 2.26 ERA, 34 IP, 28 H, 16 BB, 19 K) VIN IMPRESA, SR., RHP, HOWELL (1-0, 7.00 ERA, 8 IP, 12 H, 4 BB, 8 K) CHRIS ELLISON, SR., RHP, HOWELL (0-5, 2.96 ERA, 28.1 IP, 28 H, 10 BB, 27 K)

CLASS A NORTH BREAKOUTS TO WATCH COLIN REILLY, JR., RHP/1B, CBA; NICK KOLOZSVARY, SR., CF, FREEHOLD TWP.; DANIEL FURLONG, JR., RHP, HOWELL; THOMAS BREWER, JR., 3B, LONG BRANCH; TYLER KANE, JR., RHP, MANALAPAN; ANTHONY MATRONE, SR., CF, MANALAPAN; JOE LOMANGINO, SR., SS, MARLBORO; MIKE COWELL, SR., 3B, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH; BEN SCHILD, SO., RHP, MIDD. SOUTH; RYAN FRONTERA, SO., 2B/3B, MIDD. NORTH

Photos by:

Paula Lopez

www.palimages.com

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he Class A South division is home to some tradition-rich programs, not to mention some of the Shore's top current squads. The balance of power has swayed back and forth between Toms River North and Jackson Memorial in recent years, with Jackson currently holding the advantage since 2019. The two Ocean County powers ﬁgure to be the top two contenders again this year, while there will be scrap for the other two presumed openings in the top-half of the standings. Then again, there will actually be games played this season, so anything can happen this year and in A South, anything often does happen.

JACKSON MEMORIAL HEAD COACH: Pat George, 1st season KEY LOSSES: Ryan Lasko (CF), Tom Cartnick (C), Carmine Petosa (1B), Christian Pellone (2B), Jake Wendell (3B), Andrew Sefick (C), Nick Beetel (LHP), Dan Greenwood (RHP), Rocco LaVista (RHP), Matt Feld (OF), Joe Santoriello (RHP), Zach Appuliese (OF), Jared Caruso (C), Bill Petrina (OF), Austin Parikh (OF/INF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Zach Rogacki, Jr. First Base: Zach Crotchfelt, Jr. Second Base: Chris Cartnick, Jr. Shortstop: Ty Beck, Sr. Third Base: Charlie Meglio, So. Leftfield: Andrew Patire, Jr. Centerfield: Tommy Kendrick, Jr. Rightfield: Danny Beldowicz, So.; Mike Arent, So. DH: J.R. Osmond

Culture” is a buzzword for a lot of new head coaches across the athletic spectrum and in that sense, new Jackson Memorial head baseball coach Pat George is not especially unique. The difference is that while so many coaches take their new jobs looking to establish their own culture for their players to adapt to, George is adamant that his goal is to continue what is already in place at one of the Shore’s baseball powerhouses. When Frank Malta stepped down as coach of the Jaguars head coach in January after 15 years at the helm, he not only left behind a roster that is ready to win now but a program with a built-in expectation to win and pipeline loaded with talent to support the ambition. Now George, who was an assistant under Malta in 2018 and got his first head-coaching job last season with Princeton Day School, will look to be the keeper of a program that once again enters the spring with championship aspirations. “There is a passion and enthusiasm for the game here that you don’t find many other places,” George said. “Coach Malta really instilled that work-ethic and passion to be great every single day and you see it in all the kids here and even at the youth level in the township. There is just a great baseball culture here and I’m just looking to try to nurture that and help keep it going.” Back in 2018, when George was on Malta’s staff, Jackson Memorial won the NJSIAA South Jersey Group IV championship with a sophomoreloaded team. Following a 20-win 2019 campaign that ended with early tournament exits, the Jaguars were set to return in 2020 with one of the state’s most talented rosters. Then, the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the season was canceled, and what looked like a special 2020 season for Jackson Memorial baseball never got off the ground. Jackson Memorial’s players got a chance to salvage part of the season by playing in the Last Dance World Series, which included well over 200 highschool-based teams from around the state playing to one singular champion in July. Jackson Memorial won the South Jersey championship to reach the overall championship game, which the Jaguars lost to Cranford. It wasn’t a full season, but the three-week run through the southern half of the state provided some closure for the seniors and lit a fire under the group of Jaguars back for 2021. Few players in the entire Last Dance Tournament made a bigger impact than Potok, who won all three of his starts during the tournament without allowing an earned run or walking a batter in his

Jackson Mem. jr. Zach Crotchfelt 22

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

18 innings while also striking out 22. Combined with fellow fireballer Zach Crotchfelt – a junior left-hander committed to Auburn University – Jackson Memorial will have one of the most imposing one-two punches in New Jersey’s field of public-school programs. While Potok and Crotchfelt made an obvious impact in the Last Dance, one of the more under-the-radar members of that team was George, who joined the summer staff. As it turns out, he got to better know the younger players on the roster, as well as his returning pitchers before becoming their coach. George – a history teacher at Jackson Memorial – kept the ship steady by keeping pitching coach Nick Koman and assistant Tom Cahill on board for the upcoming season. George can appreciate another under-the-radar player from the Last Dance team – senior catcher Zach Rogacki. During his first three high-school seasons, Rogacki was stuck behind two varsity starters in Tom Cartnick – who absolutely dominated at the plate during the Last Dance – and Andrew Sefick and surrendered his starting spot in the outfield during the summer to a rotation of seniors playing in their last collection of games with their classmates. After his turn to jump into the starting lineup as a junior disappeared, Rogacki is as intent as anyone on the Jaguars to make 2021 count. In a scrimmage at Red Bank Catholic, with University of Virginia commit and MLB Draft hopeful Shane Panzini on the mound for the Caseys, Rogacki reached base safely in four of his five of his trips to the plate, including a single and walk vs. Panzini and a triple later in the game. With the top of the rotation and catcher solid for the Jaguars, the rest of the roster will have some uncertainty, but plenty of talent to make up for it. Senior Ty Beck is a returning starter at shortstop and junior Devin Foderaro showed promise during the Last Dance as another option on the mound. Junior left-hander Zach McCabe will be another prominent option for George in the rotation, with a host of arms backing up the four at the top. Beck is the lone returning starter on offense, although Rogacki is certainly prepared to step in as a senior and Crotchfelt is a power bat in the middle of the lineup who can play first base when he doesn’t pitch. Junior Chris Cartnick showed he can handle second base and big atbats when he locked up a starting spot during the Last Dance, while talented junior Charlie Meglio has shown a lot of potential with both the bat and the glove as the new third basemen. With Potok on the mound, the Rogacki-Crotchfelt-Cartnick-Beck-Meglio infield will keep Jackson Memorial competitive with anyone. The outfield will be entirely new, with juniors Tommy Kendrick and Andrew Patire occupying two of the spots and sophomores Danny Beldoqicz and Mike Arent battling for the third. J.R. Osmond is another sophomore ready to make an impact as a designated hitter and part-time first baseman who could find himself behind the plate sometime in the future as well. George saw what last year’s graduating class did as sophomores in 2018 and he can’t help but dream the same for his first team as Jackson Memorial head coach. There could be some growing pains for the seven new starters, but that should be mitigated by two of the top pitchers in the Shore anchoring the rotation. “I see a lot of similarities with the 2018 team,” George said. “They are young, they don’t have a ton of experienced, but it’s a confident group that has some real talent. With the two guys we have on the mound, they are going to be in a lot of games so they should have a chance to learn pretty quickly.”

TOMS RIVER NORTH HEAD COACH: Andy Pagano, 7th season KEY LOSSES: Robert Jeans (OF/RHP), Jake Dawson (C), Phil Antoniotti (INF/RHP), Nick DeRose (3B/RHP), Matt Ostroman (LHP) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Lucas Malave, Sr. First Base: Jack Tava, Sr.; Joey Boyle, Sr. Second Base: Nick Mortellitto, Sr.; Dom Saldida, Jr. Shortstop: David Ventura (Jr., SS); Nick Mortellitto, Sr. Third Base: Dom Saldida, Jr.; Brandon Feigin, Sr. Leftfield: Brandon Valles, Sr.; Stevon Davis, Sr. Centerfield: Zack Goodall, Sr. Rightfield: Sean Mindas, Sr. DH: Joey Boyle, Sr.; Brandon Feigin, Sr.

The Class A South division is home to a few mystery teams in that they will have players that are new to regular-season high-school baseball but have been practicing as varsity players for a full year now – in some cases even two years. Toms River North – which passed on the Last Dance World Series last July – is one of those teams and while it remains to be seen just how good this group will be once the games start to count, the Mariners appear to at least be very good on paper despite their inexperience. Right-hander Brandon Feigin, who emerged as the team’s top pitcher as a sophomore, will lead a deep group of arms that also returns senior left-hander and 2019 relief specialist Russ Thistle. Along with fellow senior left-hander Brandon Valles, Thistle is looking at an increased role as backup to Feigin, but there will be some competition from a collection of right-handers. Seniors Jack Tava and David Ventura were ready for their varsity debuts last season and sophomores Joe Loalbo and Brandon Lavallee have the potential to climb the depth chart quickly. Offensively, Toms River North will boast a balanced lineup that has a few of hitters who saw competitive varsity at-bats in 2019. Second baseman Nick Mortellitto won a regular starting job by the end of his sophomore year, Rutgers football commit Zack Goodale was already one of the fastest players on an Ocean County baseball field and Lucas Malave collected a pair of doubles and a .281 average in spot duty. Malave is making the full-time move to catcher, while Mortellitto and Goodale remain in their 2019 spots. Ventura and Tava will also be key infield bats, along with promising junior Dom Saldida, who was likely tabbed for a starting spot as a sophomore. Sean Mindas is another big bat in the outfield, while senior classmates Valles, Stevon Davis and Joey Boyle also look to make an impact. With Jackson Memorial boasting a young group of position players coming off their dominant summer and impressive three-year run, Toms River North has the makings of a team that could fly under the radar and take the A South division back in 2021.

CENTRAL HEAD COACH: Jerry Frulio, 10th season KEY LOSSES: Mike Masino (RHP/SS), Dan Greene (RHP/1B), Gavin Whalen (2B/RHP), Nick Firetto (C), Ryan Black (OF), Mike Ottomanelli (3B), Javier Rios (OF), Eddie Jacoby (1B), Seth Kirwan (2B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Joe Figliolino, Jr. First Base: Colin Reilly, Jr. Second Base: Grant Tillet, Jr.; Conner Shea, Sr. Shortstop: Dan Masino, So.; Kyle McQuinllan, Sr. Third Base: Trevor Coltenback, Sr. Leftfield: Nico Argento, Sr. Centerfield: Evan Agrapides, Sr. Rightfield: Billy Sottilare, Jr.; Chase Pierce, So. DH: Cam Leiter, Jr.

There is a buzz back at Central heading into 2021 and a lot of it has to do with the name that put the school on the map during the 80’s and 90’s, when its most famous alumni was in his baseball prime. Not only did Al Leiter make a generous donation to reconstruct Central’s baseball field – a project that is expected to take most of the spring but could be completed before the conclusion of the season – but his nephew and brother are now part of the program. Cam Leiter – the son of Al’s older brother and the new pitching coach at Central, Kurt Leiter – will be the right-handed ace of the staff in 2021 after the family moved from the Vancouver area before the start of the last school year. Leiter gave Central a small dose of his stuff during the Last Dance World Series, but other than that, the Shore is still just getting to know the 6-foot-2 hurler with the familiar last name. It was not too long ago that Central was among Ocean County’s contenders, with the Golden Eagles reaching the Shore Conference Tournament final just three years ago. It has been a process for coach Jerry Frulio, who returned as the head coach in 2019, to get develop the next competitive group, but a surprising win over Jackson Memorial in 2019 and the return of the Leiter gene pool have been exciting moments that have led to a promising start to 2021. The pitching staff will be inexperienced but can boast some depth, with Jeremy Bruner, Ryan Burke, Joe Viespoli and Shane Sajewicz among the arms following Leiter in the rotation. Offensively, there will be a little more varsity know-how returning, led by well-rounded senior centerfielder Evan Agrapides. Sajewicz and Trevor Coltenback are also back after playing two years ago, while catcher Rob Schneider and Nico Argento are seniors who were ready to go as junior starters a year ago. The middle-infield will be a duo to watch and a key for Central, with sophomore Dan Masino playing shortstop and Grany Tillet ticketed for second base. Leiter also has some power at the plate that should be a weapon for Central, which is hoping to push toward the top of Class A South over the next two seasons.

TOMS RIVER SOUTH HEAD COACH: Ken Frank, 42nd season KEY LOSSES: Maximus Rivas (SS), Mike Montenegro (C), Logan Spakowski (RHP/INF), Erik Narvaez (RHP/OF), Kiefer Samul (RHP/INF), Joe Ferreri (P/1B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Eli McEwan, Sr. First Base: Ty Gibson, Sr. Second Base: Joe Schifilliti, Sr. Shortstop: Ryan Mackle, Sr. Third Base: Austin Beard, Sr. Leftfield: Chris Yuro, Sr. Centerfield: Tyler Madeo, Sr. Rightfield: Gavin Migliori, Jr.

For the better part of four decades, no team in the Shore Conference has been more predictable than Toms River South. The Indians have not always boasted a top roster, but they are always a winning team and always competitive in the Class A South division. That reputation is worth remembering heading into 2021, because Toms River South has a roster full of unknowns at the start of the spring. They had only four returning starters back in 2020 and three of those players graduated in the spring, leaving Toms River South with only centerfielder Tyler Madeo as a varsity-seasoned player for the starting lineup. One of the reasons Toms River South is always competitive is because not only is all-time New Jersey wins leader Ken Frank a great coach but he also loves bringing in a new group to coach up. He was disappointed to lose that opportunity last year but that makes this spring something to savor and after 40-plus years, Frank still loves the process. One thing that jumps out about Toms River South’s projected lineup is the senior influence, with only rightfielder Gavin Migliori representing the junior class. Ryan Mackle and Joe Schifilliti were set to be big contributors last year and not only will the duo play the middle infield, but they will also throw important innings on the mound. Third baseman Austin Beard and leftfielder Chris Yuro can also contribute as two-way guys and both will be in the starting batting order at the outset. Catcher Eli McEwan takes over behind the plate with Brandon Elmendorf and A.J. Pierson providing some depth. Right-handers Jake Wilber and Sean O’Neill will be two more impact pitchers and sophomores Will Endreson, Chris Clark, and Pierson give the staff some real upside. Whatever Toms River South’s potential is, there is a very good chance the Indians reach it.

SOUTHERN HEAD COACH: Keith Cocuzza, 6th season KEY LOSSES: Aiden Hosszu (3B), Ricky Glascock (RHP/1B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Mike Gallaro, Sr. First Base: Brad Mills, Sr. Second Base: Killian Horne, Sr. Shortstop: Jack Plesniarski, Sr. Third Base: Dominic Miranda, So.; Brennan Book, Jr.; Stephen Stafford, Jr. Leftfield: Xavier Hendricks, Sr. Centerfield: Kevin Cooney, Sr. Rightfield: Brennan Book, Jr.; Stephen Stafford, Jr. DH: Stephen Stafford, Jr.; Brennan Book, Jr.; Dominic Miranda, So.; Brad Mills, Sr.

The stories of heartbreak for spring athletes around the country in 2020 are too many to

count and Southern had two of them in Aiden Hosszu and Ricky Glascock. Both 2020 graduates missed almost their entire junior seasons due to injury and were primed for big senior-year comebacks, only to have the COVID-19 pandemic wipe it out. Southern had a chance to surprise the rest of Ocean County with those two senior leaders healthy and should still feel good about its chances now that baseball is back one year later. The pitching will be unproven, but the Rams lineup is littered with players who have already tasted the varsity life – a couple of whom have had some real success as well. Mike Gallaro will be one of the Shore’s top all-around catchers after an impressive showing as a sophomore while centerfielder Kevin Cooney a major factor as a sophomore. Xavier Hendricks, Jack Plesniarski and Brad Mills also saw time back in 2019 and will be senior strongholds in the everyday lineup. With a complementary effort from newcomers Killian Horne, sophomore Dominic Miranda, junior Stephen Stafford and junior Brennan Book, the Rams have the makings of a potent lineup. The rotation is much less settled heading into the season but the Rams are hopeful they have a collection of arms ready to break out. Plesniarski got a chance to pitch important innings as a sophomore and will lead the staff. Left-hander Mike Mucci and right-hander Taylor Munt were ready for starting assignments last year and will enter 2020 as hungry seniors.

BRICK HEAD COACH: Jay Groschel, 15th season KEY LOSSES: Anthony Prato (CF), Robbie Page (RHP/OF), Dan Scheri (2B), Nick Guiro (RHP/SS), Kyle Chirichello (P/1B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Robbie Blair, Sr. First Base: John Wade, Sr.; Ethan Gonzalez, Sr. Second Base: Ryan Duffy, Sr. Shortstop: Jesse Evensen, Sr. Third Base: Brian Yacovchuk, Jr.; Matt Kunzman, Jr. Leftfield: Antonio Vitale, Sr.; Josh Mack, Jr. Centerfield: John McFadden, Sr.; Joe Scamardella, Jr.; R.J. Reindhold, Jr. Rightfield: Jake Billheimer, Sr.; R.J. Reinhold, Jr. DH: Christian Kuhl (Sr., 1B); Nick Hoheb (Jr., C)

Two years removed from a .500 showing (7-7) in Class A South play, Brick brings back a group of players who got significant experience during that season. The Green Dragons will be especially promising on the mound, where seniors John Wade and Ethan Gonzalez return after handling a bulk of the 2019 innings. Wade it a big right-hander who is also the team’s top returning hitter, while Gonzalez is a left-hander who could also find his way into the lineup for regular at-bats this year. Senior right-hander John McFadden will be an x-factor in the rotation this year after missing out on a chance to show off his ability as a junior in 2020. Coach Jay Groschel was excited about McFadden’s potential as a junior so he will be a key cog in 2021 despite not yet logging any varsity innings. Like Wade, McFadden will have an important spot in the field and the batter order as the projected starting centerfielder when he is not on the mound. He will be new to that position, but shortstop Jesse Evensen, catcher Robbie Blair and second baseman Ryan Duffy all return with varsity experience. Of those three, Duffy is the only one moving to a new position, sliding to the keystone from third base. Brian Yacovchuk and Ethan Keegans lead the junior group of position players and Jake Billheimer, Matt Kunzman and R.J. Reingold can add to the cause as both as pitchers and hitters. The middle of Class A South is going to be jammed with quality teams and when the dust settles, Brick has the capacity to finish in the top half of the always-competitive division.

BRICK MEMORIAL HEAD COACH: Evan Rizzitello, 11th season KEY LOSSES: Nick Gillen (RHP/UTIL), Colin Turner (P/1B), Andrew White (1B), Kyle Cline (RHP/OF), Joe Terkildsen (INF/RHP), Sean Beck (UTIL), Nick Doubt (C), Matt Terkildsen (1B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Max Cala, Sr. First Base: Brady Leach, So. Second Base: Joe Gioia, Sr. Shortstop: Anthony Martino, Jr. Third Base: Cole Manfro, Sr. Leftfield: Aiden Patella, Sr. Centerfield: Reese Hackett, Sr. Rightfield: Ryan Turner, Jr..

With no 2020 season, Brick Memorial did not get a chance to develop some of its newer varsity talent, but the Last Dance World Series gave the Mustangs a great opportunity to put some of the younger players to the test. The Mustangs were grouped with eventual tournament runner-up Jackson Memorial and after winning an extra-inning game in the first round, Brick Memorial got to play that loaded Jaguars team. Now that they have seen the best, the Mustangs know what to shoot for heading into Class A South play. There is still a lot of varsity inexperience to overcome, but senior Max Cala will be a lineup lynchpin after an all-division season as a sophomore. Cala played the outfield in 2019 but coach Evan Rizzitello has been looking forward to giving Cala a look behind the plate. Senior Cole Manfro also comes back with some varsity at-bats in his history, while classmates Reese Hackett, Aiden Patella and Joe Gioia were also starting-lineup hopefuls heading into the 2020 season that wasn’t. Anthony Martino will be a key at shortstop and junior classmates Ryan Turner and Jack Flood hope to make an impact. Sophomore Brady Leach is a sophomore to watch both at the plate and at the mound as a possible middle-of-the-order bat and starter on the mound sooner rather than later. Manfro and Patella will also be asked to produce on the mound for a pitching staff that will be a major x-factor when it comes to Brick Memorial competing with A South’s best in 2021.

TOMS RIVER EAST

Mark Roma, Sal Gioia and Elijah Santiago are seniors who were hoping to break in as varsity outfielders last year, so they will have a chance to lead the way this year. Sophomore Bobby Sabatino takes over the ever-important shortstop job and Akkash Santiago is the new junior catcher. Junior left-hander Aidan Gallipoli heads up the rotation and will play first base on his nonpitching days, while senior Mike Florie does the same as third baseman. With Michael Mezza and Evan Mills backing them up, Toms River East will look to navigate the season in A South with hungry, young team with something to prove.

CLASS A SOUTH LINEUP (WITH 2019 STATS) MIKE GALLARO, SR., C, SOUTHERN (.390/.457/.463, 3 2B, 7 R, 9 RBI) NICK MORTELLITO, SR., 2B, TOMS RIVER NORTH (.269, 3 2B) CHRIS CARTNICK, JR., 2B, JACKSON MEMORIAL TY BECK, SR., SS, JACKSON MEMORIAL (.250/.308/.271, 1 2B, 10 R, 9 RBI) JOE USSERY, SR., 2B, TOMS RIVER EAST (.182/.316/.318, 6 2B, 1 HR, 17 R, 8 RBI, 8 SB) EVAN AGRAPIDES, SR., CF, CENTRAL (.273/.342/.379, 2 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 R, 5 RBI) KEVIN COONEY, SR., CF, SOUTHERN (.295/.362/.344, 3 2B, 11 R, 6 RBI, 6 SB) MAX CALA, SR., C, BRICK MEMORIAL (.333/.352/.430, 3 2B, 2 HR, 17 R, 22 RBI) ZACH ROGACKI, SR., C, JACKSON MEMORIAL

CLASS A SOUTH ROTATION (WITH 2019 STATS) MATT POTOK, SR., RHP, JACKSON MEM. (6-0, 0.62 ERA, 34 IP, 25 H, 3 BB, 33 K) ZACH CROTCHFELT, JR., LHP/1B, JACKSON MEM. (2-1, 1.75 ERA, 12 IP, 6 H, 7 BB, 13 K) CAM LEITER, JR., RHP, CENTRAL BRANDON FEIGIN, SR., RHP, TOMS RIVER NORTH (1-2, 1.91 ERA, 25.2 IP, 23 H, 12 BB, 19 K) JOHN WADE, SR., RHP/1B, BRICK (1-3, 2.01 ERA, 31.1 IP, 33 H, 9 BB, 36 K)

HEAD COACH: Keith Smicklo, 3rd season

CLASS A SOUTH BREAKOUTS TO WATCH

KEY LOSSES: Ryan Goodall (C/OF), Matt Santos (RHP/1B), Reece Miller (RHP), Ryan Cicardo (SS), Robert Pero (INF), Mason Tampuu (P), Dan Facchiano (RHP), Jake Steinmetz (INF), Riley Engelhard (INF), Nasceem Davis (OF), Erik Munoz (P/OF), Alex Xenakis (P)

JOHN MCFADDEN, SR., RHP/CF, BRICK COLE MANFRO, SR., 3B/RHP, BRICK MEMORIAL BRADY LEACH, SO., 1B/RHP, BRICK MEMORIAL CHARLIE MEGLIO, SO., 3B, JACKSON MEMORIAL DAVID VENTURA, SR., SS/RHP, TOMS RIVER NORTH JACK PLESNIARSKI, SR., SS/RHP, SOUTHERN LUCAS MALAVE, SR., C, TOMS RIVER NORTH RYAN MACKLE, SR., SS/RHP, TOMS RIVER SOUTH JOE SCHIFILITTI, SR., 2B/RHP, TOMS RIVER SOUTH WILL ENDRESON, SO., RHP, TOMS RIVER SOUTH

AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Akkash Santiago, Jr. First Base: Aidan Gallipoli, Jr.; Ryan Ushock, So. Second Base: Joe Ussery, Sr.; Mike Florie, Sr. Shortstop: Bobby Sabatino, So. Third Base: Mike Florie, Sr.; Joe Ussery, Sr. Leftfield: Mark Roma, Sr. Centerfield: Sal Gioia, Sr. Rightfield: Elijah Santiago, Sr.; Kyle Healy, Jr. DH: Chris Hamilton, Sr.

Toms River East entered 2020 with a lot of momentum coming off a spirited run in the 2019 NJSIAA South Jersey Group III Playoffs as a double-digit seed. That momentum will be extremely hard to recover with the graduation of the three pitchers who were expected to headline the rotation, as well as a catcher, shortstop and three top hitters. The hope for the Raiders is that the players who were ready to play key roles as juniors and sophomores are now prepared to take on leadership roles – both on the field and in the dugout. The most proven of those players is Joe Ussery, who is a quality athlete who will handle second base and be one of the team’s top hitters.

Photos by:

Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

Spartans bullpen. Both will be full-time contributors this year, with Vaughn hitting in the heart of the order and Perrotto joining Callano at the top of the rotation.

ith one of the 100-or-so best players in the country leading its pitching staff, one might assume Red Bank Catholic enters the 2021 season as a heavy favorite to roll to a Class A Central division championship - as much as anything can be assumed in a post-COVID world.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN HEAD COACH: Owen Stewart, 1st season

Junior first baseman and sophomore outfielder George Krenkel will be impact newcomers to the starting lineup, with Krenkel coming off a summer in which he started for Ocean’s Last Dance Tournament team as, essentially, a freshman.

hat could very well be the reality for the other seven teams in the Class A Central division, but there is a glimmer of hope for several other teams in the ﬁeld. Beyond ace Shane Panzini, RBC is rather inexperienced and a number of Class A Central's rosters look ready to peak in time to give the Caseys a serious run at the title.

While most of the programs in the state enter the 2021 season anxious to see what rosters full of first-time varsity players can do, Rumson-Fair Haven is a unique position. The Bulldogs have a slew of players with varsity experience, but are lacking experience at one very important position: head coach. Owen Stewart will finally manage his first game this spring and it will be with a roster that has both talent and seasoning.

Make no mistake: RBC remains the favorite, but keep an eye on the next several teams in the pecking order to mount a real challenge and provide a competitive season all the way until the end.

Shortstop Andrew Schmid headlines Rumson’s proven lineup after all-divisioncaliber seasons as both a freshman and a sophomore. Centerfielder Thomas Elgrim is another senior all-division player in the middle of the diamond and he will be flanked by two more quality athletes and hitters in junior Brian Doherty and senior Dylan Sakele.

KEY LOSSES: Kevin Shanes (LHP/OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Hank Hyduke, Sr., Owen Kenney, So. First Base: Matt Rigby, Jr. Second Base: Liam Murphy, Jr.; Reece Moroney, So. Shortstop: Andrew Schmid, Sr. Third Base: Charlie Tallman, Jr. Left Field: Brian Doherty, Jr. Center Field: Thomas Elgrim, Sr. Right Field: Dylan Sakele, Sr. DH: Jonathan Bruno (Jr., OF)

RED BANK CATHOLIC HEAD COACH: Buddy Hausmann, 13th season KEY LOSSES: Chris Sparber (C), Jack Scrivanic (1B), Robert Gonzalez (SS/3B), Jared Terefenko (1B/3B/RHP), Tyler Birnbaum (RHP), Brayden Kiel (RHP), Mark Lurie (OF), John Nimeth (RHP), Chris Disco (1B), Evan Mottola (RHP) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Riley Supp, Sr., C; Shane Andrus, So., C. First Base: Frank Scrivanic, So., 1B. Second Base: Nico Gonzalez, Jr.; Andrew Gonzalez, Jr. Shortstop: Sean Ettore, Sr. Third Base: Matt Scrivanic, Jr. Left Field: Dan DeFlores, Sr. Center Field: Anthony Borriello, Sr. Right Field: Alex Stanyek, So. DH: Shane Panzini (Sr., LF)

When last we saw Red Bank Catholic in an official high-school baseball game, the Caseys were celebrating the 2019 Shore Conference Tournament championship. That makes them the still-defending champions and they will have a very good shot at successfully defending that title because they return the guy that pitched them to their last one two years ago. Shane Panzini returns at the top of the rotation not only as likely the top returning pitcher in the Shore Conference but also as one of the best in the state and among best dozen or so in the country. Armed with a fastball that reaches 97 miles-perhour to go with good secondary offerings, Panzini is considered one of the 100 best players available in this year’s Major League Baseball Draft by multiple outlets and he was already dominant as a sophomore with a fastball in the low 90’s. RBC’s success this season will come down to how the Caseys perform on days in which Panzini does not pitch. Senior Dylan Wanagiel and sophomore Alex Stanyek are the front-runners to back Panzini in the rotation, with Stanyek looking like the acein-waiting thanks to a fastball that also reached the low 90-miles-per-hour range. Panzini and Stanyek will also be key bats in a lineup that will lack experience since RBC’s 2019 SCT championship team had plenty of junior and senior talent blocking most of the younger players. Center fielder Anthony Boriello started for a large portion of 2019 and shortstop Sean Ettore saw starts that year when former ace Vin Bianchi pitched. Senior Dan DeFlores hit a big grand slam in the Last Dance Tournament last July and fellow senior Riley Supp can catch and provide some offense. Matt Scrivanic, Nico Gonzalez and Andrew Gonzalez are key junior contributors – all on the infield – and catcher Shane Andrus, first baseman Frank Scrivanic and Stanyek will all make an impact as sophomores. Like most teams around the state, there is a great deal of unknown on the RBC roster but anytime the Caseys can hand the ball to Panzini in a big game, they will have a chance to beat any team in the state.

RBC Sr. Dan DeFlores 24

Jack Zabarsky and Harry Greenspan will be key juniors and seniors Riley Morrow, Dylan Stewart and Dean Flannigan all figure to make an impact as starters somewhere around the diamond. Morrow is also a pitcher who will join juniors Rich Alderiso, Will Calderone and Shane Flanagan as right-handers to fortify the staff behind Callano and Perrotto. There is not an ace the caliber of Shane Panzini at Red Bank Catholic and Rumson-Fair Haven has a lot more returning talent, but Ocean has a nice mix of top players, experienced depth and a winning tradition that make the Spartans dangerous in this A Central field.

HOLMDEL HEAD COACH: Chris Arecchi, 4th season KEY LOSSES: Sal Marzano (OF), Nick Ammirati (OF), Mike Lobifaro (OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Jason Sparkes, Sr. First Base: Brandon Cieplensky, So. Second Base: Louie Curcio, Sr. Shortstop: Andrew Woodward, Sr. Third Base: Brett Hilsheimer, Sr. Left Field: Reese Goldberg, Sr. Center Field: James Vallilo, Fr. Right Field: Tim Haggerty, So. DH Sean Brescia (Jr., 1B).

Doherty play more outfield this season, opening up third base for junior Charlie Tallman, who played some second base as a freshman. Across the diamond, junior Matt Rigby is a big bat at first base. Liam Murphy and Reece Moroney are the candidates for the second base job and the winner of the position battle will likely be one of only two first-time starters in the opening-day lineup.

Holmdel lost an important developmental year for its returning players but the good news is there are a lot of returning players. Only three of them started in 2019, but the pitching staff and infield that entered camp in 2020 remain almost entirely intact for 2021, giving the Hornets plenty of reasons for optimism. Throw in a revamped home field and the arrow is pointing up for Holmdel.

The Bulldogs have a one-two punch of experience and young talent at catcher, with senior Hank Hyduke the returning starter and sophomore Owen Kenney one of the Shore’s top underclass backstops. Both are starting caliber players who could start at other positions – a good problem for Stewart to have in his first year.

Andrew Woodward and Christian Gravier are two more seniors to shore up the pitching staff, with Woodward also moving into the shortstop spot two years after missing his sophomore season due to injury. Catcher Jason Sparkes also lost a year to injury before losing another to the pandemic and the senior is ready to prove he is among the Shore’s top backstops.

There is enough talent on hand to allow the junior one-two punch of right-hander Charlie Jones and lefthander Mike Amendola to focus RFH Jr. Brian Doherty on pitching. Amendola had an impressive freshman season and Jones has honed his craft since pitching to mixed results as a freshman with promising stuff. Sophomores Jackson Hinchcliffe and John Goodes will be contributors and Sakele is a good mound option as well, with the junior duo setting the tone at the top of the rotation.

OCEAN HEAD COACH: Cip Apicelli, 11th season KEY LOSSES: Kevin Schoenberger (RHP), Kevin D’Auria (OF), Cole Kelly (1B), Brian Yatcilla (2B), Mark Schell (LHP), Jack Fisher (OF), Nick Schneider (OF), Sam Prud'homme (INF/P), Alejandro Villaraga (INF/P) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Nick Vaughn, Sr. First Base: Cord Birzin, Jr. Second Base: Jack Zabarsky, Jr.; Dean Flannigan, Sr. Shortstop: Kevin Novobilsky, Sr. Third Base: Riley Morrow, Sr. Left Feld: Dylan Stewart, Sr.; Harry Greenspan, Jr.; Dean Flannigan, Sr. Center Field: Nick Callano, Sr.; Dylan Stewart, Sr. Right Field: George Krenkel, So.; Dylan Stewart, Sr.; Harry Greenspan, Jr.; Dean Flannigan, Sr. DH: Dean Flannigan, Sr.; Zach Robinson (Jr., 1B/3B)

Although Ocean looks considerably different from the team that reached the Monmouth County Tournament championship game in 2019, the Spartans still have two of the sophomore starters from that team heading into this spring as senior leaders on the 2021 squad. Senior Nick Callano is a two-way standout who was Ocean’s No. 3 pitcher as a sophomore and a top-of-the-order centerfielder with the requisite speed to fit the profile. Classmate Kevin Novobilsky, meanwhile, was the 2019 team’s starting third baseman and was all set to make the move to shortstop last season before the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything to a halt. Senior catcher Nick Vaughn and senior left-hander Lucky Perrotto were also key contributors in 2019, with Vaughn handling the catching duties when starter Max Winters – now at William & Mary – pitched and Perrotto getting key outs out of the

Seniors Louie Curcio and Brett Hilsheimer already have experience as varsity starters and will man the keystone and the hot corner, respectively. Hilsheimer is also part of a promising pitching staff that will be led by senior left-hander Jake Umans, who is ready to elevate from rotation contributor to staff leader.

Sophomores Brandon Cieplensky and Tim Haggerty, as well as freshman James Vallilo, are the impact underclassmen in the Holmdel lineup. Vallillo and Haggerty will join seniors Reese and Sam Goldberg in the outfield, where Holmdel will have more inexperience than it has throughout the infield and the pitching staff. With plenty of leadership at key positions and some upside in the pitching staff, though, there is a lot to like about this year’s Hornets club.

MONMOUTH HEAD COACH: Paul Crivello, 7th season KEY LOSSES: Alex Alonso (INF/RHP), Nick Bogan (RHP/INF), Mike Bateman (OF/P), Brett Delutis (INF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Joe Esposito, So. First Base: Brian Yadlon, Sr.; Brett Minto, Sr. Second Base: Mike Cavalluzzi, Sr.; Zach Lopes, Jr. Shortstop: Aiden Denton, Jr.; Mike Cavaluzzi, Sr. (RS); Zach Lopes, Jr. Third Base: Chris Theobald, Jr. Left Field: Andrew McKinley, Jr. Center Field: Christian Zito, Jr. Right Field: James Kelly, Jr.; Brian Yadlon, Sr. DH: Brett Minto, Sr.; Tyler Keefer (Sr., 3B)

Monmouth Regional was all set for a transition season in 2020, replacing an ace with some experienced depth on the mound. The Falcons were able to give some of their more talented sophomores and freshmen a chance to break in back in 2019 and that opportunity would have been there for a number of other underclassmen last season. So where does that leave Monmouth heading into 2021? The Falcons have two seniors in Brian Yadlon and Dominick Santaniello that proved as sophomores that not only do they belong in a varsity starting lineup, but they can both excel in one. Yadlon was one of the top hitters in the Class A Central division in 2019 and Santaniello was Monmouth’s most consistent pitcher beyond ace Dante Ciaramella – now at Monmouth University. Those two returning should help stabilize the lineup and the pitching staff with so many unproven players surrounding them. Aiden Denton was only a freshman in 2019 but established himself as one Monmouth’s most important building-block players – one who will take over shortstop for his junior campaign. Senior Mike Cavalluzi also got some time second base, which gives the Falcons three game-ready infielders around which build a lineup.

of at at to

Chris Theobald is the other infielder lineup up the start and an all-junior outfield led by talented centerfielder Christian Zito will back them up. Catcher Joe Esposito is the lone sophomore in the starting lineup and will handle a pitching staff that will rely on Santaniello, Denton, Yadlon and Zito to lead the way against a competitive schedule.

RARITAN HEAD COACH: Jeff Struble, 8th season KEY LOSSES: Dan Fiore (Sr., OF), D.J. Dekis (Sr., 1B/LHP), Jason Lind (Sr., C/1B), Logan Waltz (Sr., RHP), Doug Chudzik (Sr., INF/P) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Justin Kilyk, Sr. First Base: Robert Scarola, Jr. Second Base: Justin Rivera, Jr. Shortstop: Chris Gonzalez, Sr.; John Bachmann, Sr.; John Molnar, Fr. Third Base: Bill Tigar, So. Left Field: Daniel Federco, So. Center Field: Luke O'Hea, Sr. Right Field: Alex Dekis, Jr. DH: Ben Hutchins (Jr., 3B).

Raritan entered 2020 a team beaming with optimism, hoping that a handful of holdovers from its 2018 NJSIAA Group II finalist could spark one more postseason run. Two of those players – Dan Fiore and D.J. Dekis – graduated and the last players left that saw any time as freshmen that year was Chris Gonzalez. Now a senior, Gonzalez will be the Rockets’ shortstop and rotation leader, as well as a key hitter near the top of the lineup. Senior Luke Ohea is the other senior with significant playing experience and he’ll provide the Rockets with a well-rounded centerfielder. Raritan will be strong up the middle with Gonzalez, Ohea and catcher Justin Kilyk – the latter of whom got a very small varsity taste as a sophomore but is poised to be one of the Shore’s most productive catchers. Juniors Robert Scarola and Alex Dekis will be big offensive additions to the lineup, junior second baseman Justin Rivera brings even more athleticism to the middle of the diamond and Bill Tigar and Daniel Federco are sophomores on the cusp of emerging. Federco and sophomore classmate Giancarlo Lamberti will be x-factors in the rotation behind Gonzalez, forming a trio that will get some help from the likes of Scarola, Ben Hutchins, senior Angelo Friend and freshman John Molnar. The depth will help, but the arms at the top of the staff are likely to hold the key to success for Raritan in 2021.

SHORE HEAD COACH: Jay Kuhlthau, 2nd season KEY LOSSES: Christian Bauman (SS/RHP), Cody Fleischer (C/RHP), Shane McLaughlin (OF/RHP), Matt Ippolito (3B), Sam Martucci (3B/RHP), Alex Palmberg (OF), Jimmy Donohoe (1B), James Gomez (OF), Joseph Graci (2B), Chris Krousos (INF/P), Marc Meloni (OF), Zach Rivera (2B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Michael Inacio, So. First Base: Brett Sweeney, So. Second Base: Trevor Crochet, Sr. Shortstop: John Dunleavy, So. Third Base: Christian Simonsen, So. Left Field: Aidan Scaturro, Jr.; Lucas Rosa, So. Center Field: Tyler Tilton, Sr. Right Field: Rylan Fegan, Jr. DH: Danny Smith (Sr., 3B); Rich Barton (Jr., 1B)

The lost 2020 season was a difficult experience for so many players, with the country’s senior baseball players topping the list of the jaded. It is especially demoralizing for a graduating group like the one Shore had last year. The Blue Devils had a standout duo of Christian Bauman and Cody Fleischer to lead the way and while the two got a nice sendoff in the Last Dance Tournament, they missed a chance to try to pull Shore up out of a recent funk.

Now, the chore falls to the 2021 team – one that will boast a young core around senior leaders Trevor Crochet and Tyler Tilton. Crochet is a two-way contributor and the only player on this year’s Shore squad who was a starter in 2019. Tilton, meanwhile, is a Division I arm on the mound and all-around athlete after averaging better than 15 points per game for the Blue Devils basketball team. Tilton is also the son of Ira Tilton, a former Shore Regional and Siena standout who was a fifth-round draft pick of the Philadelphia Phillies in 1996.

the mound work as well. The early part of the season will be a challenge while Turnbach heals and an inexperienced group covers him, but there are some quality players on hand to help St. Rose handle the grind.

CLASS A CENTRAL LINEUP (WITH 2019 STATS) JUSTIN KYLIK, SR., C, RARITAN (3-FOR-11, 1 2B, 3 RBI)

The rest of the lineup will be sophomore-heavy, meaning players who have not played a high-school baseball game of any kind – freshman, junior varsity or varsity – will have a major say in Shore's season. The sophomore class will make up nearly the entire infield, with Michael Inacio handling the catching, John Dunleavy projected as the starter at shortstop and Brett Sweeney and Christian Simonsen playing on the infield corners.

BRIAN YADLON, SR., 1B, MONMOUTH (.316/.381/.382, 5 2B, 11 R, 21 RBI)

Tilton will road centerfield alongside juniors Ryan Fegan and Aidan Scaturro, while another sophomore, Lucas Rosa could factor in as well. Senior Danny Smith is another player to watch as a two-way threat, which is what most of Shore’s pitching staff will be comprised of in 2021.

BRIAN DOHERTY, SR., LF, RUMSON (.296/.441/.352, 3 2B, 10 R, 4 RBI)

ANDREW SCHMID, SR., SS, RUMSON (.323/.392/.462, 3 2B, 2 HR, 15 R, 15 RBI, 8 SB) KEVIN NOVOBILSKY, SR., SS, OCEAN (.273/.449/.288, 1 2B, 11 R, 14 RBI) MATT RIGBY, JR., 1B, RUMSON (.339/.439/.393, 3 2B, 9 R, 7 RBI)

THOMAS ELGRIM, SR., CF, RUMSON (.313/.371/.500, 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 11 R, 14 RBI) ANTHONY BORIELLO, SR., CF, RED BANK CATHOLIC (.321/.441/.385, 2 2B, 12 R, 5 RBI) LUKE O’HEA, SR., CF, RARITAN (.295/.368/.360, 4 2B, 14 R, 11 RBI)

ST. ROSE HEAD COACH: Rich Lanko, 4th season KEY LOSSES: Nolan Dacey (Sr., C) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Logan Boag, Sr. First Base: Tom Turnbach, Sr. Second Base: Matt Gowen, Jr.; Lucas Hope, Sr. Shortstop: Jack Lomerson, So.; Matt Gowen, Sr. Third Base: Jack Crawford, Sr.; Jack Tiernan, Fr. Left Field: Shane Killeen, Sr. Center Field: Ryan Rogers, Jr. Right Field: Ryan Murray, So. DH: Lucas Hope, Sr.; Jack Tiernan, Fr.

With only one starter back from the 2019, last season would have been one focused heavily on development for the St. Rose baseball team, so this year’s team comes in with a lot of players who would have been returning starters but who did not get the actual experience of starting for a full high-school baseball season. The upcoming season will show how well this group did preparing in the offseason, as the Purple Roses try to bounce back from a two-win 2019 by surprising the Class A Central field behind its young roster. One key addition for 2020 that carries over to 2021 is catcher Logan Boag, who transferred from Colts Neck before last season and will be one of the division’s top all-around catchers.

CLASS A CENTRAL ROTATION (WITH 2019 STATS) SHANE PANZINI, SR., RHP, RED BANK CATHOLIC (7-2, 0.66 ERA, 53 IP, 20 H, 29 BB, 73 K) NICK CALLANO, SR., RHP/OF, OCEAN (4-1, 3.14 ERA, 29 IP, 34 H, 10 BB, 30 K) MICHAEL AMENDOLA, JR., LHP, RUMSON (3-2, 2.56 ERA, 27.1 IP, 21 H, 12 BB, 16 K) TYLER TILTON, SR., RHP/CF, SHORE DOM SANTANIELLO, SR., RHP, MONMOUTH (1-2, 2.21 ERA, 25.1 IP, 26 H, 5 BB, 12 K)

CLASS A CENTRAL BREAKOUTS TO WATCH JASON SPARKES, SR., C, HOLMDEL ANDREW WOODWARD, SR., SS/RHP, HOLMDEL AIDEN DENTON, JR., SS/RHP, MONMOUTH CHRISTIAN ZITO, JR., RF/RHP, MONMOUTH

Boag is one of five seniors likely to see time as a starter, with Tom Turnbach playing first base or designating hitter, Jack Crawford manning third base, Shane Killeen in left field and Lucas Hope working in at either an open infield spot or DH. Sophomore Jack Lomerson and junior Matt Gowen will form a promising double-play combination, while Ryan Rogers and Ryan Murray join Keenan in the outfield as twoway left-handers.

GEORGE KRENKEL, SO., RF/RHP, OCEAN

Turnbach is the only returning starting pitcher from 2019 and would have been the horse on the pitching staff, but he is still recovering from Tommy John Surgery last May. Coach Rich Lanko said Turnbach should be able to get back on the mound as a reliever by May and could even make some starts later in the year if his elbow feels good.

CHARLIE JONES, JR., RHP, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

CORD BIRZIN, JR., 1B, OCEAN MATT SCRIVANIC, JR., 3B, RED BANK CATHOLIC ALEX STANYEK, SO., RHP/OF, RED BANK CATHOLIC

LOGAN BOAG, SR., C, ST. ROSE

Crawford will assume some of the burden of innings left open by Turnbach, while Lomerson, freshman Jack Tiernan and the three left-handed outfielders help cover

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish

uring the last two full seasons of baseball, Wall was the dominant team in the Class B North division and then carried that dominance into the NJSIAA Tournament in 2019. Those Crimson Knights look much different two years later, but emerging rival St. John Vianney is the rare team that should have a lot of familiar faces back from 2019. The result is likely to be an intense two-game series scheduled for May 18 and 20 and a season-long race between the two. Of course, there are six other teams that have designs on breaking up the two-team race and those six teams are all capable to different degrees. There has to be a last-place ﬁnisher in a division race, but no one of the eight Class B North teams looks signiﬁcantly behind any of the others.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY HEAD COACH: Mike Morgan, 14th season KEY LOSSES: Ryan Chin (Sr., RHP), Domenic Cerniglia (Sr., INF/OF), John Higgins (Sr., OF), Robert Lehan (Sr., RHP), Ryan DiPede (Sr., OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Jacob Ramirez, Sr.; Kyle Pollack, Jr. First Base: John Furch, Sr., 1B. Second Base: Dylan Galamb, Jr.; Dylan Afflito, Sr. Shortstop: Rocko Brzezniak, Jr.; Dylan Afflito, Sr. Third Base: Matteo Pasculli, Sr.; Dylan Afflito, Sr. Left Field: Brady Oswick, Jr.; Dylan Afflito, Sr.; Matteo Pasculli, Sr.; Drew Montgomery, Jr. Center Field: Nick Ferraoili, Jr.; Dylan Afflito, Sr. Right Field: Ryan Sekman, Sr.; Drew Montgomery, Jr. DH: Kyle Pollack, Jr.; Jacob Ramirez, Sr.

Heading into each of the past two seasons, St. John Vianney had a young-buttalented team that showed the potential to do some special things in due time. That time is now coming due, as the Lancers return a group of players who were promising sophomores and freshmen the last time they were on a high school field and are now some of the top players in the Shore Conference. The headliner at St. John Vianney is junior Rocko Brzezniak, who clobbered seven home runs and slugged over .900 during a First-Team-All-Shore freshman season in 2019. The Louisville commit is the eye-catching talent on the field for the Lancers, but the development of the rest of the squad is what has SJV thinking big heading into 2021. On the mound, the Lancers are poised to have what shapes up to be their best pitching staff since winning the NJSIAA NonPublic championship in 2014. Senior Ryan Sekman is a hard-thrower from the leftside of the rubber and has already served the role of ace as a sophomore. Seniors Thomas Wright, Dominic McCaffery and Evan Pollack are all ready to step up their roles, with Wright throwing a six-inning no-hitter in July’s Last Dance World Series and Pollack – who is still rounding into form while recovering from an injury, according to coach Mike Morgan – pitching well in relief as a sophomore. Sophomore Aiden Cody is the newcomer to the staff and with a fastball that crosses into the 90miles-per-hour-plus range, he could ascend to the No. 2 spot in the rotation behind Sekman. St. John Vianney has an abundance at catcher, with senior Jacob Ramirez and junior Kyle Pollack. Both are promising hitters as well, with Ramirez already putting up solid numbers as the starter in 2019, so whichever player does not claim the bulk of the starting duties will get the bulk of the at-bats as designated hitter. John Furch and Matteo Pasculli are first-year starters at the infield corners, but were ready for starting roles as juniors last season. Pasculli tore the cover off the ball during SJV’s one-week stay in the Last Dance World Series last July, so he has already shown he can be a major runproducer. Dylan Galamb and Dylan Afflito are candidates for the second base job, with Afflito serving as a Swiss-

SJV Sr. Ryan Sekman 26

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

Army Knife for Morgan. Afflito could also land a starting outfield spot in certain lineups, with two-way junior Nick Ferraoli projecting as the centerfielder and Sekman playing in one of the corners when he doesn’t pitch. Juniors Brady Ostick and Drew Montgomery – the latter of whom was injured and unable to play a year ago – are other outfield bats to watch, as well as a collection of seniors in Jaydan Figueroa, J.P. Glick and Nick Loumaskos. Everything has to come together after a year off, but St. John Vianney has the makings of a team that can contend for every title in front of the Lancers in 2021.

WALL HEAD COACH: Jim Rochford, 1st season KEY LOSSES: Teddy Sharkey (CF/RHP), Sean Nocera (OF), Matt Croson (SS), Sean Brannon (INF), Fredo DiPaola (OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Max Harrell, Sr. First Base: Ryan Legere, Sr. Second Base: Christian Cosenza, Sr.; Nick Colbert, Jr. Shortstop: Andrew Fischer, Jr.; Gabe Cavozzoni, So. Third Base: Jay Bant, Sr.; Andrew Fischer, Jr. Left Field: Max Kaplan, Sr. Center Field: Nick Lovarco, Jr. Right Field: Jerry Winchester, Jr. DH: Justin Cofone, Sr., INF

As the lone defending overall NJSIAA group champion in the Shore Conference, Wall just may have skipped a year of growing pains in 2020 and gone right to the part where it gets to contend for another state championship in 2021. Realistically, however, the Crimson Knights newcomers did not get a chance to acclimate themselves to varsity baseball, so the practice reps and the travel ball games late last summer and in the fall will have to be enough to prepare what will be an inexperienced team for a difficult B North slate. Wall could very well have had success last season with standout two-way senior Teddy Sharkey leading the way, but now that the 2020 supporting cast is a year older, this year’s team could have a little more balance to Wall Sr. Max Harrell it. There is still a two-way standout in the mix, with senior Jay Bant two years removed from a strong first season at the plate and ready to help lead the pitching staff as well. While Bant is the lone returning starter from that 2019 squad, catcher Max Harrell and middle infielder Christian Cosenza are two more seniors who were around that group every day and are ready to play important positions on the field now that it is their turn. Ryan Legere, Max Kaplan and Justin Cofone are three more seniors embracing starting roles in the lineup after waiting behind that accomplished 2019 class. A strong junior core will also be a key ingredient this season, led by Duke commit Andrew Fischer. While he profiles best as a third baseman at the next level, Fischer is set to open the season as Wall’s starting shortstop and could also take third when Bant pitches. Classmates Nick Lovarco and Jerry Winchester are two-way players who will get starts in the outfield and Jackson Coan and Nick Colbert are two more juniors that could get at-bats and innings in the field with a lot of the starters in the field likely to shuffle to the mound. Speaking of the mound, Wall will have some questions to answer in the pitching staff but enough options to feel optimistic about it. Senior Jim Bertrand will be high up in the rotation, with classmates Bobby Leete and Ryan Lasko also in the mix. Fischer, Winchester and Lavarco all have the arms to help the cause and sophomore Matt Johnson is another two-way talent to watch on a Crimson Knights team that should be dangerous once their entire picture comes into focus.

COLTS NECK HEAD COACH: Mike Yorke, 21st season KEY LOSSES: Rob Mannino (C/DH), Dan Cowles (1B), Chase Masterson (LHP), Justin Coppola (RHP) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Joe Cilea, Jr. First Base: Dave Cohen, Jr. Second Base: Ben Goldman, Sr.; Nick Villani, Sr. Shortstop: Collin Kratzer, Jr. Third Base: Christian Rice, Jr. Left Feld: Brad Salamone, Jr.; Matt Jacobsen, Sr. Center Field: Tyler Spencer, So. Right Field: Cameron Knipp, Sr.

There are teams in the Shore Conference and throughout New Jersey that lost an obvious opportunity for a big season in 2020 with the cancellation of the high school baseball season and some others that were gearing up for 2021 to be the big year. Colts Neck is somewhere in between – the Cougars had four very good seniors to help lead the way and some young talent emerging that could have made for a very good mix and surprised some of the Shore’s top teams. The loss of those four seniors (listed below) takes some of the helium out of Colts Neck, but there is still an intriguing group of young players left over. Heading into the season, the Cougars have just two seniors lined up to start in the field and only two more figuring prominently into the pitching staff. One of Ben Goldman or Nick Villani will be a first-year starter at second base and Cameron Knipp earned some starts in the outfield as a sophomore. Mickey Thompson, Matt Jacobsen and Brandon Orbach are also in the mix for outfield and designated hitter at-bats should they be open. The heart of the team, meanwhile, will be the junior class. Catcher Joe Cilea got some experience behind the plate as a freshman, as did Collin Kratzer on the infield and near the top of the batting order. Christian Rice was an impact pitching transfer from Staten Island last year and is now better acclimated to his new home. Rice will head up the rotation and play third base across from fellow junior Dave Cohen at first. Brad Salamone is the other junior starter and he will play left field next to sophomore Tyler Spencer, who completes a strong defense up the middle. Brendan Whalen is the senior leader of a pitching staff that will also ride Rice and junior left-hander Anthony Gubitosi, who transferred from Freehold Boro a year ago. Senior Sam Denmark will also be a key arm while Kratzer, Cohen and Spencer are all ready to fill in some innings as the Cougars look to claw back to the top of a Shore Conference division.

RED BANK HEAD COACH: Nick Tucker, 7th season KEY LOSSES: Max Stamer (LHP/OF), Jack McCabe (RHP/3B), Joe Pallante (OF/RHP), Ryan Lahey (C), Kyle Weisman (RHP/INF), Doug Scales (RHP), Ryan McBride (1B) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: C.J. Paolino, Sr. First Base: Ed Devine, Sr.; Nate Ruth, So. Second Base: Gus Del Pra, Jr.; Andrew Glauber, Sr.. Shortstop: Jackson Hyman, So.; Sean O’Mara, Sr. Third Base: Andrew Glauber, Sr.; Cole Armond, Jr. Left Field: Aidan Keale, Sr.; Matt Keegan, Sr. Center Field: Sean O’Mara, Sr. Right Field: Nick Ferrogine, Sr. DH Nate Ruth, So.

Red Bank’s baseball team looked poised for a big jump forward in 2020 and although that chance was lost – not only in the spring but when the team had to withdraw from the Last Dance World Series on the day of the opening round – this upcoming season still presents the Bucs with a golden opportunity considering what they have back. The senior quartet of Sean O’Mara, Andrew Glauber, Nick Ferrogine and Aidan Keale made a solid collective contribution as sophomores and are ready to lead in 2021. O’Mara is a standout athlete who has played shortstop and will occupy centerfield this season with sophomore Jackson Hyman taking over at short. Glauber can play both second and third base and is likely to settle in at third with junior Gus Del Pra in the mix at the keystone. Keale and Ferrogine will join O’Mara in the outfield and Ferrogine will combine with Glauber to top the starting rotation on the mound. Ferrogine is a three-sport standout (football and basketball) and was Red Bank’s best pitcher in 2019 as a sophomore. The Bucs also get a boost from a senior at catcher, where C.J. Paolino returns after missing nearly his sophomore year due to injury. With some varsity time as a freshman on his resume, Paolino brings some stability back to the ever-important position. Ed Devine is another senior bat in the lineup and Matt Keegan will see some innings on the mound as a senior as well. Nate Ruth, meanwhile, is a sophomore who could split the first-base-DH duties with Devine, as well as join classmates Hyman and Greyson Sandos as young arms to help the pitching staff. Junior Cole Armond could very well be an x-factor as a starting pitcher behind Ferrogine and Glauber and if that trio can continue to pass the baton to one another throughout the season, Red Bank has the skill in the field and at the plate to become a much bigger factor in the Shore Conference landscape.

MATAWAN HEAD COACH: Bobby Carnovsky, 8th season KEY LOSSES: Jay Kalieta (CF), Griffin Falco (C), Ben Porricelli (SS), Christian Rivera (2B), Nick Trapani (INF), Matt Silva (OF), Ryan Anderson (1B), R.J. Clifton (P), John Beukers (RHP), Carlos Zeno (RHP), Luke Elliot (OF/P), AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Jack Lacovara, Jr.; Joey Bodin, So. First Base: Tim Egan, Sr.; Mike Caldon, Sr. Second Base: Tyler Bull, Sr.; T.J. Gaboff, Sr. Shortstop: Brandon Falco, Fr.; Jake Brigandi, Jr. Third Base: Mike Caldon, Sr.; Jake Brigandi, Jr. Left Field: AEli Gries-Smith, Sr. Center Field: Luke Elliot, Sr. Right Field: Dom Salot, Sr.; Mike DiPrisco, Sr. DH: Joe Reinhold (Jr., 1B); Robby Cortopassi, Sr.

While Matawan has been a competitive team over the past decade, the Huskies haven’t had many opportunities to win big, which is why losing the 2020 season was so crushing. Matawan had proven senior talent at all four positions in the middle of the diamond and will now have to figure out how to replace that while soldiering on in 2021. The one thing Matawan did not lose much of is perhaps the most important thing a team can bring back: pitching. Senior left-hander Tim Egan was the only experienced starter coming back in 2020, but classmates Mike Caldon and Eli GriesSmith showed with their performances during the Last Dance World Series in July that the Huskies would have had a junior trio on the mound that could have complemented the position-player talent. The three pitchers will all be important bats in the lineup as well, with Egan playing first base, Caldon at third and Gries-Smith in the outfield. Gries-Smith could wind up Matawan’s top hitter this season – part of a solid outfield that also includes seniors Dom Salot and Luke Elliot. That fits with most of Matawan’s lineup, which will also have a senior at second base (Tyler Bull or T.J. Gaboff) and seniors and juniors in the mix for designated hitter. The youth on the roster could be at catcher and shortstop. Junior Jack Lacovara is projected catcher with sophomore Joey Bodin pushing for time, while freshman Brandon Falco looks to take over as the starting shortstop right away. For as disheartening as losing 2020 was, it is an encouraging mix of experience and young talent that could keep Matawan in the hunt for everything the Huskies hoped to chase in 2020.

FREEHOLD BORO HEAD COACH: Jon Block, 30th season KEY LOSSES: Shaun Piotrowski (C/RHP), Sean Wodell (CF/RHP), Jackson Ballargeon (2B), Kyle Wenrich (RHP/1B), Ben Aiello (P/OF), Darius Glover (OF). AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Mike Kleschinsky, Jr. First Base: Gio Sive, Jr. Second Base: Aiden Rivera, Fr. Shortstop: Mario Rivera, Sr. Third Base: Dominic Grenata, Sr. Left Field: Liam Wiley, Sr. Center Field: Spencer Hurley, Sr. Right Field: Mike Gasparo, Sr. DH: Chris Casale (Sr., C/INF/OF); Nick Terefenko (Jr., 3B).

There is some level of uncertainty woven into Freehold Boro’s inexperienced roster but the Colonials should have an easier time - even if only slightly so - figuring out some of their challenges in the Class B North division rather than in Class A North. While it is not as loaded from top to bottom as Class A North is, B North is no picnic and Freehold Boro will have a chance to prove itself with a mostly-inexperienced group as far as high school baseball goes. The Colonials do have experience on the left side of the infield, which gives them a solid foundation for 2021. Mario Rivera is the returning shortstop and Dominic Grenata will be one of the division’s top hitters while manning the hot corner. Freehold also has an intriguing right side of the diamond, with junior Gio Sive at first base and freshman Aiden Rivera jumping in to play second in his first highschool year. Junior Mike Kleschinsky takes over at catcher while it will be a group of seniors to start the season in the outfield and in the designated hitter slot. Liam Wiley, Spencer Hurley and Mike Gasparo make up the outfield from left to right and Chris

Casale is a versatile senior who will get some DH at-bats. Nick Terefenko is one of the juniors in the mix for at-bats as well, but his greatest value to the Colonials will be in the pitching rotation. Terefenko, Sive, Grenata, Wiley and the two Riveras will also factor into the picture on the mound, with junior Anthony Favorito and sophomore Aiden Denham two more arms to watch on a Freehold Boro team with real sleeper potential after grinding through the A North schedule in recent years.

NEPTUNE HEAD COACH: Kevin Frederick, 7th season KEY LOSSES: John Gannon (C), Rocco Richard (SS), Jett Tinik (CF), Jack Smith (1B), Thomas Gamba-Ellis (RHP/1B), Andre Harris (OF/RHP) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Nick Quagliato, So.; Joe Juliano, So. First Base: Tyler Persico, Jr. Second Base: Austin Celiberti, Sr. Shortstop: Ryan Cole, Jr. Third Base: Dan Moran, Jr. Left Field: Quincy Esannason, So. Center Field: Brennan Moloughney, So. Right Field: Jack Tinik, So.; Joe Juliano, So.

Since seventh-year coach Kevin Frederick took over the Neptune program, the Scarlet Fliers have built up a reputation as an overachiever. It started with a surprise run to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III final back in 2017 and the latest example was an extra-innings win over Red Bank Catholic in the Last Dance World Series, followed by a tightly-contested loss to Howell in an elimination game. Some of the important players from last year’s team are gone, but the star of that win over Red Bank Catholic is back at heading up the pitching rotation. Left-hander Brian Young showed in that one start that he was ready to make the transition from project to ace, showing a feel for his pitches one year after issuing 31 walks in 41 innings as a sophomore. Young will give Neptune a chance to beat most of the teams on its schedule but the rest of the team lacks varsity experience. Left-hander Billy Foy and Ryan Cole are talented pitchers right behind Young and a host of sophomores will look to break onto the scene as both depth and potential bulk-innings contributors. Those sophomores will also factor in on offense, with Quincy Esannason, Brennan Moloughney and Joe Juliano all part of the picture in the outfield as two-way players. Jack Tinik is another sophomore likely to start in the outfield, while Nick Quagliato is primed for the starting catcher spot. Cole will start at shortstop alongside double-play partner and senior Austin Celiberti, while juniors Tyler Persico and Dan Moran occupy the corner infield spots. With all the sophomores and juniors, the future could very well be promising, but with Young a senior at the top of the rotation, 2021 is as good of a time as any to strike for Neptune.

MANASQUAN HEAD COACH: Brenan Gordon, third season KEY LOSSES: Alex Galvan (RHP/1B/3B), Will Hopkinson (SS), John Foreman (OF), Ryan O’Keefe (LHP/OF), Hayden Kunz (OF/RHP), Cam Teza (C), Jake Brown (INF/OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Josh Terry, Jr.; Mike Presbrey, Jr. First Base: Jack O’Shea, So.; Zac LaVigna, Jr. Second Base: Ryan Deegan, Jr. Shortstop: Cullen Condon, So. Third Base: David Frost, Sr. Left Field: Brett Patten, So. Center Field: Mike Antonucci, Jr. Right Field: Pat Woodford, Jr. DH:Trevor Wells (Sr., 3B); Cole Kozlowski (Jr., OF)

Will Hopkinson and Alex Galvan helped Manasquan win the program’s first overall group championship in three decades as freshmen and ended their highschool careers with a sendoff that could best be described as unceremonious. On top of losing the 2020 season, Manasquan was not able to participate in the Last Dance World Series and will now look to turn the page after graduating a talented, accomplished senior class. The one player on Manasquan with some starting experience in 2019 is Pat Woodford, who started five games in right field as a freshman and will reprise

that role as a junior in 2021. Senior David Frost and juniors Mike Antonucci and Ryan Degnan were also expected to be starters in 2020 and with three of the four back next year, there is the potential for Manasquan to develop a new core over the next two seasons. Catchers Josh Terry and Mike Presbrey, first baseman Zac LaVigna and outfielder Cole Kozlowski are four more junior bats who will make an impact, while senior Trevor Wells figures into the offensive picture as well. Manasquan also has a pair of sophomores ready to jump into the positions left open by Hopkinson and Galvan, with Cullen Condon taking over shortstop and Jack O’Shea in the mix at first base with LaVigna. Brett Patten is another sophomore lobbying for time in the outfield. The pitching rotation will be a junior-heavy unit led by right-hander James Cosgrove, who was developing as a potential No. 2 behind Galvan for last season before the shutdown. Left-handers Luca Marshall and LaVigna will also be key, as will fellow junior Nicolas Galvan. David Smith is the senior member of the rotation and he could find himself in one of the top three starter spots, with Cosgrove the most likely No. 1 heading into opening day, but an overall balanced staff to help Manasquan move the program forward.

CLASS B NORTH LINEUP (WITH 2019 STATS) JACOB RAMIREZ, JR., C, SJV (.305/.438/.458, 6 2B, 1 HR, 11 R, 13 RBI) JAY BANT, SR., 3B, WALL (.341/.396/.477, 6 2B, 2 HR, 16 R, 27 RBI) COLLIN KRATZER, JR., SS, COLTS NECK (.250/.342/.313, 4 2B, 13 R, 5 RBI) ROCKO BRZEZNIAK, JR., SS, SJV (.508/.608/.952, 5 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 20 R, 26 RBI, 6 SB) ANDREW FISCHER, JR., SS, WALL ANDREW GLAUBER, SR., 2B/3B, RED BANK (.281/.423/.368, 5 2B, 6 R, 9 RBI) MATTEO PASCULLI, JR., 3B/OF, SJV SEAN O’MARA, SR., CF, RED BANK (.273/.364/.348, 2 2B, 1 HR, 9 R, 9 RBI) DOMINIC GRENATA, SR., 3B, FREEHOLD BORO

CLASS B NORTH ROTATION (WITH 2019 STATS) RYAN SEKMAN, SR., LHP, SJV (3-3, 2.84 ERA, 44.1 IP, 37 H, 25 BB, 49 K) BRIAN YOUNG, SR., LHP, NEPTUNE (2-2, 4.27 ERA, 41 IP, 40 H, 31 BB, 39 K) TIM EGAN, SR., LHP, MATAWAN (2-3, 2.51 ERA, 39 IP, 34 H, 14 BB, 34 K) MIKE CALDON, SR., RHP, MATAWAN CHRISTIAN RICE, JR., RHP, COLTS NECK NICK FERROGINE, SR., RHP, RED BANK (3-4, 3.60 ERA, 35 IP, 27 H, 16 BB, 33 K)

CLASS B NORTH BREAKOUTS TO WATCH JOE CILEA, JR., C, COLTS NECK ANTHONY GUBITOSI, JR., LHP, COLTS NECK GIO SIVE, JR., 1B/LHP, FREEHOLD BORO PAT WOODFORD, JR., RF, MANASQUAN JAMES COSGROVE, SO., RHP, MANASQUA ELI GRIES-SMITH, SR., OF/RHP, MATAWAN RYAN COLE, JR., SS/RHP, NEPTUNE C.J. PAOLINO, SR., C, RED BANK AIDEN CODY, SO., RHP, ST. JOHN VIANNEY MAX HARRELL, SR., C, WALL

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he 2019 season was a great one for the Class B South division. The Ocean County Tournament championship game was between the top two teams from the division (Point Pleasant Boro and Jackson Liberty) and one of those teams (Point Boro) also made it all the way to the final of the NJSIAA Group II Tournament. There were also some smaller victories (Pinelands beating Toms River South in a state tournament game), making it a strong showing from top-to-bottom for Ocean County's small-school division. Two years later, the division might be in store for a bit of a rebuilding year, with Point Boro and Jackson Liberty among the teams that will be running out a good number of juniors and sophomores - even some freshmen for some teams. Without a 2020 season to see a lot of those players in action, it remains to be seen whether that is even a problem at all. There are two teams with four starters back in the lineup and two in the starting rotation from 2019: Lacey and Donovan Catholic. Those will be teams to watch as more experienced outfits and the Griffins have a wave of young players close to making an impact as well. Note: Lakewood will not play varsity baseball games during the first week of the season and is expecting to be ready to start its season during the week of April 26, according to coach Gene Drumright. The program is not shut down from practicing in the meantime and will play jayvee games during the first week.

LACEY HEAD COACH: Adam Taha, 2nd season KEY LOSSES: None AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Brandon DeAngelo, Sr. First Base: Matt Kaliske, Sr. Second Base: Matt McClung, Jr.; Zack Mohr, So. Shortstop: Michael Todaro, Jr. Third Base: Josh Fracasso, Sr. Left Field: Noah Quinn, So. Center Field: Donnie Kirk, Sr. Right Field: Zack Mohr, So.; Matt McClung, Jr. DH: Jacob Bowles (Sr., 1B/3B).

No program in New Jersey was completely unaffected by the cancellation of the 2020 baseball season and that includes this year’s Lacey squad. The young Lions lost a year of playing together and developing toward what they hope will be a team that can compete for an Ocean County Tournament and NJSIAA South Jersey Group III title. With that being said, no team in the Shore Conference maintained its roster from 2020 to 2021 more than Lacey did, with the Lions bringing back all of their expected starters from a year ago. It is true that those starters are all skipping over important junior and sophomore seasons, but that is true of every team’s players – at least with respect to high-school at-bats. Lacey’s strength will be at the top of its rotation, led by seniors Jacob Bowles and Nick Zarycki. Bowles has emerged as one of the division’s best arms and Zarycki has been a rotation staple since his freshman season. The rest of the rotation doesn’t have nearly the experience, so Michael Todaro and sophomores Zach Mohr and Noah Quinn will be x-factors for the Lions. Todaro will also be an important part of the lineup as the team’s starting shortstop – a position he was set to assume as a sophomore in 2020. Classmate Matt McClung is another new starter on the other side of the bag at second base and Mohr and Quinn will start in the corner outfield spots, with Mohr able to interchange with McClung at second.

Lacey Sr. Jacob Bowles 28

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

The rest of the lineup will be seniors and experienced ones at that. Brandon DeAngelo is one of the Class B South division’s top returning catchers and Donnie Kirk one of its best all-around centerfielders. Matt Kaliske is also a big bat at first base and Josh Fracasso played multiple infield spots as a sophomore. The division is wide open with multiple contenders and a first-place finish would be a big jump for Lacey, but the Lions are only four years removed from being a 21-win division champion and again have the makings of a team ready to strike.

JACKSON LIBERTY HEAD COACH: Jim Rankin, 13th season KEY LOSSES: Shane Hickey (Sr., SS/RHP), Brandon Kinsman (Sr., C/2B), Tim Duffy (Sr., RHP), Ryan Gallacher (Sr., RHP), Aaron Montgomery (Sr., C), Gavin Maarberg (Sr., OF), Matt Milne (Sr., 1B/C), AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Brett Benecke, Fr. First Base: Zaine Toneske, So.; Chris Sasso, Jr. Second Base: Jake Hickman, Sr. Shortstop: Garrett Drew, Jr. Third Base: R.J. Vashey, Jr.; Sean Yurgel, Sr. Left Field: Casey Braun, Sr. Center Field: Dan Keenan, Sr. Right Field: Carl Barth, Sr. DH: Chris Sasso, Jr.; Zaine Toneske So.; R.J. Vashey, Jr.

The 2019 season brought to an end a dominant run by Jackson Liberty Baseball’s graduating class of that same season and last year likely would have seen the entire Shore Conference Class B South division – Jackson Liberty included – looking up at a loaded Point Pleasant Boro team in the standings. With that in mind, this season will give Jackson Liberty an opportunity to win a third straight Class B South title, even if on a technicality. Although Jackson Liberty might have a better chance to win the Class B South title this year than it would have in 2020, the Lions lost some key pieces from the 2020 team that wasn’t. Senior Jake Hickman will be a key returnee on the infield as a player with some varsity experience on a 20-plus-win team. With Hickman at second base, Jackson Liberty has three other infield starters with some intrigue. Junior Garrett Drew was ready to start as a sophomore a year ago and will man shortstop, while junior third baseman R.J. Vashey is healthy after an injury would have kept him out for most of 2020. The Lions are at their youngest at first base and catcher, with sophomore slugger Zaine Toneske at first and freshman Brett Benecke becoming the third freshman to start behind the plate for the Lions – a list that included older brother, Brendan (Class of 2013). Jackson Liberty’s top all-around returnee is two-way centerfielder Dan Keenan, who was a .319 hitter as a sophomore and a lockdown closer for a team that won 23 games in 2019. He will be flanked by classmates Casey Braun and Carl Barth, with Ethan Bloomfield and Nick Conti at the ready when Keenan or Barth pitch. Bloomfield will also be prominent left-hander in the rotation along with Barth and junior Chris Sasso, while Toneske and Drew are available as depth behind the top arms. The pitching is the biggest question mark at the outset but if it clicks, the lineup looks like another winner at Jackson Liberty.

PT PLEASANT BORO HEAD COACH: Dave Drew, 10th season KEY LOSSES: Nick Guzzi (RHP/3B), Sam Young (OF/RHP), Ryan Jasaitis (C), Nick Zbikowski (2B/RHP), Oscar Scott (OF/RHP), Kyle Fisher (OF), Cole Young (OF/RHP), Connor Kennedy (INF), Luke Severio (OF/P), A.J. Hernandez (RHP/INF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Ryan Aquisto, Fr.; Jayson Bennett, Fr.; Mitchell Decker, Jr. First Base: Trey Harpootlian, Jr.; Nick Scelfo, Jr.; Declan Pratt, So. Second Base: Andrew Lockwood, So.; Tommy Laspina, So. Shortstop: Connor Cilento, So. Third Base: Frankie Dominici, Sr. Left Feld: Nick Scelfo, Jr., Chris Poggio, Jr.; Roberto Rodriguez, So. Center Field: Zach Hill, Sr. Right Field: Bryson Kirby, Fr. DH Eric Anilonis, So.; Nick Scelfo, Jr.

In 2019, the Point Pleasant Boro baseball team came excruciatingly close to winning the overall NJSIAA Group II championship, but not to worry. The Panthers had ace Nick Guzzi leading a talented group of returnees and even added two impact transfers to form a roster that had a chance to be even better as it tried to finish off a championship run in 2020. Of course, we all know what happened. There was no 2020 and even after a strong start to the Last Dance World Series in July, with Guzzi ready to join the team for the second week of the tournament, Point Boro had to pull out because of COVID-19 concerns within its team. The 2019 run was worth celebrating but so many of the players on that team thought they would at least have a chance to celebrate even more in 2020 and nothing could have been farther from the truth. Off that sobering 2020, the 2021 Panthers pack plenty of promise, but it will be a very young team without much influence from the 2019 squad that won both the Ocean County and Central Jersey Group II Tournaments. One big bat still around is third baseman Frankie Dominici, who joined the team in the middle of 2019 and delivered some big hits in big games down the stretch. Centerfielder Zach Hill is the only other senior starter for the Panthers and Point Boro will have as many freshmen in the starting lineup. Bryson Kirby will get the nod in right field Ryan Aquisto and Jayson Bennett are both freshmen making a bid for the starting catcher gig. Trey Harpootlian moves in at first base and the double-play combination with be

a pair of sophomores in Connor Cilento and Andrew Lockwood. Cilento will play shortstop and showed advanced hitting ability in Point Boro’s three games at Barnegat in the Last Dance. Point Boro’s pitching staff is completely new, with sophomore left-hander Eric Anilonis emerging as the current and future ace of the staff. Kirby has also impressed early on as a top-pitcher-in-the-making while Cilento and juniors Matt DeWitte and Carl Divona will be key arms as well. With such a young team, better days are ahead for Point Boro, but a big year from Dominici could spark the Panthers to another standout season with a mostly-new cast.

DONOVAN CATHOLIC HEAD COACH: Corey Hamman, 2nd season KEY LOSSES: Liam Leonard (OF), Christian McElroy (UTIL), Mike Faranaccio (SS), Damian Johnson (OF), Pat Dowling (P), Jack Renaud (RHP/1B) – transferred to Ranney AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Joe Payne, Sr. First Base: Martin Dwyer, So.; Rocco Scarpitti, So.; Anthony Mursko, Jr. Second Base: Andrew Bonick, Jr. Shortstop: Tyler Hmielewski, Jr.; Gavin Degnan, So. Third Base: Gavin Degnan, So.; Anthony Mursko, Jr.; Andrew Bonick, Jr. Left Field: Evyn Menta, Sr.; Ryan Butchko, So. Center Field: Sam Gates, Sr. Right Field: Anthony Mursko, Jr.; John Grano, So.

It took Corey Hamman five seasons to build Lacey into a Class B South championship team and the way things are going, that timeline might be conservative for his rebuild at Donovan Catholic. The Griffins have gotten solid play from their seniors since Hamman took over and this year should be more of the same in that regard, but the countdown is on for a talented group of underclassmen to elevate into the starting lineup over the next two seasons. Centerfielder Sam Gates and catcher Joe Payne are two returning senior starters and shortstop Tyler Hmielewski and leftfielder Anthony Mursko are juniors back in the fold as well. Leftfielder Evyn Menta is another senior moving into the lineup and second baseman Andrew Bonick adds to the juniors in the order. The sophomore class will make an instant impact on the infield corners, with Martin Dwyer and Rocco Scarpitti the candidates at first and among them for the designated hitter job. Gavin Degnan will start at third base and could also work in at shortstop, while John Grano and Ryan Butchko compete for outfield and DH at-bats. Lucas Zydzik and Hunter Johnson are two more sophomores who can catch and will be players to watch over the next two years. Donovan Catholic’s pitching staff will be senior-led, with Matt Colucci and Bob Nosti at the top coming off strong sophomore campaigns. Junior Shaun O’Keefe and senior Andrew Castro are two more experienced arms while Grano and classmates Brian Padilla and Jason Basilcata make up the youth movement within the rotation. If the sophomores are ready to shine, Donovan Catholic could make its move this year and even with a more modest season from the underclassmen, the seniors and juniors are ready to contend.

BARNEGAT HEAD COACH: Dan McCoy, 9th season KEY LOSSES: Lukas Torres (LHP/OF/1B), Matt Scott (OF), Sean Lucas (3B), Matt Vernieri (RHP), Collin Zarenkiewicz (LHP), Steven Meier (OF), Luke Bush (RHP/C), Trevor Fox (INF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Anthony Molﬁno, Jr. First Base: Ryan Tully, Sr.; P.J. Craig, Jr. Second Base: Bryce Davenport, So.;Nick Danbrowney, Sr. Shortstop: Bryan Snowden, Jr.; Ryan Kulpa, Jr. Third Base: Rafael Dominguez, Jr. Left Field: Justin Bye, Jr. Center Field: Joe Fiorentino, Jr. Right Field: Jared Schworn, Jr. DH: Kyle Moore (Sr., C/OF); Nick Danbrowney, Sr.

Last April, in lamenting the likelihood the 2020 season would not happen, Barnegat coach Dan McCoy said he thought his Barnegat team could surprise some teams in the Shore Conference Class B South division and an up-and-coming sophomore class was the secret ingredient. Fast-forward a year and with 2020 indeed getting canceled, Barnegat’s Class of 2022 is still somewhat of a secret. If the group turns out to be a secret weapon, the Bengals will have a shot to shoot up the standings. Barnegat is slated to start at least six juniors in the field and none were varsity starters as freshmen, so it will be an inexperienced bunch. Shortstop Bryan Snowden, catcher Anthony Molfino and centerfielder Joe Fiorentino will play up the middle positions as juniors and the other defensive position up the middle will be either sophomore Bryce Davenport or senior mound ace Nick Danbrowney at second base. Junior P.J. Craig is also in the mix at first base with senior Ryan Tully and Rafael Dominguez is another junior at third base. Throw in Justin Bye and Jared Schworn in the outfield and the fingerprints of the Barnegat juniors will be all over the lineup. A lot of those juniors will form the pitching staff behind Danbrowney, who has been a reliable option for McCoy since his freshman year and is unique in that he features a knuckleball in his repertoire. Junior Ryan Kulpa is likely to be the top pitcher behind Danbrowney and Craig and Schworn will also be key arms as well. Senior Tyler DelPercio and Dominguez will provide some solid length to a rotation that could be pretty tough once the younger members within it acclimate themselves to the day-in-day life at the varsity level.

MANCHESTER

PINELANDS

LAKEWOOD

HEAD COACH: Dave Beauchemin, 5th season

HEAD COACH: Dan Mulligan, 1st season

KEY LOSSES: James Johns (CF/LHP), Evan Scala (RF), Nick Chippisi (3B/RHP), Jarek Vargas (1B/LHP), Dylan Kyle (OF)

KEY LOSSES: Patrick Apgar (RHP/1B), Bryce O’Rourke (INF/RHP), Matt Cox (INF/P), Cade Farmer (OF/P), Cassey Bunting (C/1B).

AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Nick Johnson, Jr. First Base: Chris Grille, Sr. Second Base: Sean McAllister, Jr. Shortstop: Blake Warren, Jr. Third Base: Mike Damato, Jr. Left Field: Keith Fallon, Jr. Center Field: Brandon Sogness, Jr. Right Field: Logan Duffy, Jr. DH: Joe Pati, Jr., LHP

AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Alex Ulrich, Sr.; Jacob Fowler, So. First Base: Anthony Weedo, Sr. Second Base: Michael Schaffer, Sr. Shortstop: Rian O’Rourke, Jr.; Stephen DeMilio, Jr. Third Base: Casey Baglivo, Jr. Left Field: Robert Gordon, So. Center Field: Jack Lawrie, Sr. Right Field: Tyler Ross, Jr.; Hunter Theuret, So. DH: Ethan Edwards, Jr.

NOTE: Lakewood will not play varsity baseball games during the first week of the season and is expecting to be ready to start its season during the week of April 26, according to coach Gene Drumright. The program is not shut down from practicing in the meantime and will play jayvee games during the first week.

The canceled 2020 season robbed Manchester of the chance to give a worthy group of seniors a proper sendoff but it was also a missed opportunity to unleash some exciting up-and-coming talent on the Shore Conference Class B South division. The result is a junior-heavy 2021 team without a lot of experience but with some potential to surprise the rest of the field after a run of years in the middle of the pack.

The 2020 season would have been a pivotal one for the Pinelands baseball team, with two of the better players in recent program history (Joey Ventresca and Noah Dean) graduating the year prior and leaving the program to prove it can turn over after losing impact players and an impact senior class overall. The good news was the Wildcats had a 6-foot-7 ace in Patrick Apgar to dominate once or twice per week and ease the transition.

Right-hander and rightfielder Logan Duffy top junior and, likely, overall player for the Hawks heading into the spring. He is already committed to pitch at Old Dominion University despite not yet throwing a varsity inning, giving Manchester an ace capable to besting any other pitching in the division on a given day.

That transition year did not happen and now, there is no ace like Apgar to overpower opponents while the rest of the group gets their varsity wings. It will have to be a more traditional process and it will also have to be done with a new head coach in Dan Mulligan – the third head coach in the last four seasons for the Wildcats.

There may be some trial-and-error to figuring out the pitchers behind Duffy in the rotation but coach Dave Beauchemin will have no shortage of options. Mike Damato and Blake Warren are two more junior right-handers to follow Duffy who will also be prominent hitters in the Manchester infield. The seniors and sophomores on the team are most likely to make their impact on the mound, with the senior collection of Rich Coufal, Nick Jensen, Nick Isphording and Chris Grille at the ready and the sophomore trio of Joe Sclama, Frank Kern and Ethan Lopez in the fold as well. The daily lineup is set to be nearly all juniors along with the senior Grille, who slides into the first base opening after playing a utility role as a sophomore. Brandon Sogness and Keith Fallon join their classmate Duffy in the outfield, while Warren shares the left side of the infield with Damato as long as neither is on the mound. Sean McAllister will start the year as the second baseman and Nick Johnson will seize the catching duties. Even the hitters who will make a contribution off the bench and filling open spots when position players pitch will be on the younger side. It may take some time for the group to mature but Manchester will have a chance to get a lot of young players valuable experience and become a dangerous team by 2022 – if not a little bit sooner.

The silver lining for Pinelands is two-fold. First, the Wildcats play in a division with a lot of younger rosters trying to learn on the fly, so there are not many players with a significant amount of more playing time than Pinelands’ group has. The second bright spot is one of Pinelands’ players does have some valuable experience as a varsity standout. Rian O’Rourke was one of the Shore’s most productive freshmen in 2019 – a topof-the-order hitter on a roster that had talent. O’Rourke played third base as a freshman and will shift over to shortstop for his junior season. Pinelands has a chance to be solid up the middle with O’Rourke and seniors Alex Ulrich (catcher), Jack Lawrie (centerfield) and Michael Schaffer (second base) providing quality defense and production in the lineup.

CLASS B SOUTH LINEUP (WITH 2019 STATS) BRANDON DEANGELO, SR., C, LACEY (.282/.352/.346, 5 2B, 12 R, 15 RBI) MATT KALISKE, SR., 1B, LACEY (.227/.322/.293, 5 2B, 9 R, 15 RBI) JAKE HICKMAN, SR., 2B, JACKSON LIBERTY (5-FOR-11, 3 R, 2 RBI) CONNOR CILENTO, SO., SS, POINT BORO RIAN O’ROURKE, JR., SS, PINELANDS (.366/.410/.451, 6 2B, 15 R, 7 RBI, 7 SB) FRANKIE DOMINICI, SR., 3B, POINT BORO (.250/.372/.389, 3 2B, 1 3B, 7 R, 10 RBI) DAN KEENAN, SR., CF, JACKSON LIBERTY (.319/.380/.377, 4 2B, 17 R, 16 RBI) SAM GATES, SR., CF, DONOVAN CATHOLIC (.203/.352/.257, 4 2B, 11 R, 11 RBI, 11 SB) DONNIE KIRK, SR., CF, LACEY (.300/.417/.380, 4 2B, 10 R, 8 RBI)

CLASS B SOUTH ROTATION (WITH 2019 STATS) NICK DANBROWNEY, SR., RHP, BARNEGAT (3-3, 3.33 ERA, 30.1 IP, 37 H, 15 BB, 30 K) JACOB BOWLES, SR., RHP, LACEY (3-3, 1.69 ERA, 29 IP, 32 H, 14 BB, 20 K) NICK ZARYCKI, SR., RHP, LACEY (2-4, 3.35 ERA, 46 IP, 52 H, 12 BB, 29 K) LOGAN DUFFY, JR., RHP, MANCHESTER MATT COLUCCI, SR., RHP, DONOVAN CATHOLIC (2-2, 1.81 ERA, 31 IP, 30 H, 19 BB, 21 K)

CLASS B NORTH BREAKOUTS TO WATCH BRYAN SNOWDEN, JR., SS, BARNEGAT RYAN KULPA, JR., RHP, BARNEGAT

First baseman Anthony Weedo is another senior in the lineup and junior Casey Baglivo will play across the diamond from him at third. Pinelands will be younger at the corner outfield spots, with junior Tyler Ross in line for one of the spots and sophomores Robert Gordon and Hunter Theuret also competing for time.

GAVIN DEGNAN, SO., 3B, DONOVAN CATHOLIC

O’Rourke will be a key figure in the pitching staff as well, but it is likely that junior Stephen DeMilio emerges as the No. 1 starter for Pinelands. With some senior influence around the diamond, pitching will be the x-factor for Pinelands and if DeMilio, O’Rourke, Schaffer and Ulrich are up to the task in leading the staff, the Wildcats are capable of putting up a very good season in a division of fairly young rosters.

MICHAEL TODARO, JR., SS/RHP, LACEY

ZAINE TONESKE, SO., 1B, JACKSON LIBERTY GARRETT DREW, JR., SS, JACKSON LIBERTY R.J. VASHEY, JR., 3B, JACKSON LIBERTY ALEX ULRICH, SR., C, PINELANDS ZACH HILL, SR., CF, POINT BORO ERIC ANILONIS, SO., LHP, POINT BORO

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

here has always been a haves-and-have-nots element to the Shore Conference Class B Central division and every so often, enough of the smaller Group I teams would step up, compete with the perennial contenders and make for a fun season. This season, with so many schools and programs dealing with the residual impact of the COVID-19 pandemic, small-school programs are feeling additional strain that larger programs are better equipped to absorb. Nowhere is that more evident than in taking a look around the Class B Central landscape, where two teams are armed for, perhaps, the best seasons in their respective histories. Meanwhile, one program has closed up shop for the year and four others are just trying to stay afloat and make it to what we all hope is something close to a normal school year in 2021-22. Ranney and Point Pleasant Beach appear ready for big seasons, but even that has its complications as Point Beach will be shut down due to COVID-19 protocol until April 29 - just five days before the two division favorites are schedule to meet for the first of two games in three days. Meanwhile, Asbury Park has decided it will not be able to field a team in 2021, according to its athletic department. At the moment, that will be a one-year hiatus for the Blue Bishops but it remains to be seen what the impact of not fielding a baseball team for two consecutive springs will have on the program. Elsewhere, Mater Dei Prep lost 13 seniors to graduation as well as a longtime head coach, Keyport is playing with a dozen players, Keansburg does not have much more and Henry Hudson will be starting at least five freshmen.

Gracia and fellow sophomore left-hander Marcello Mastroianni are the other two high-upside pitchers in the Ranney rotation, but the Panthers will have more arms behind them. Wehringer was a reliable pitcher as a freshman and will be part of a deep stable of spot starters and relievers to support the sophomore headliners. With a tough non-conference schedule that includes games against Toms River North, Gloucester Catholic, Middletown South, Brick Memorial and Donovan Catholic, the Panthers are putting their talent to the test and attempting to become a team that does more than just win within the Class B Central division.

PT PLEASANT BEACH HEAD COACH: Angelo Fiore, 7th season KEY LOSSES: Will Baranello (LHP/OF), Aiden Conway (OF), Jeff Wall (OF/RHP) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: David Terra-Nova, Sr. First Base: Alec Glen, Sr. Second Base: Matt VanBrunt, Sr. Shortstop: Phil Trebour, Jr. Third Base: Colin Matuschat, Jr. Left Field: Andrew Banick, Jr. Center Field: Hunter Alia, Sr. Right Field: Hunter Roselli, Jr.; Braden Ryan, Jr. DH: Owen West, Jr.

The 2019 ended with such promise for Point Pleasant Beach’s baseball team, which reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I championship game and gave favored Middlesex a battle in a tough, season-ending loss. Without any seniors playing a major role and just one junior figuring prominently into the championship run, the Garnet Gulls had the makings of a team with two more deep postseason runs in them. Heading into 2021, with the 2020 already wiped out by the COVID-19 pandemic, Point Beach is hoping to rekindle that magic at some point in 2021. The team is already facing a program shutdown until April 29 and will now have to deal with a revamped, pitching-loaded Ranney team that has gone from scrappy young upstart in 2019 to a bubbling volcano of a program. Those challenges aside, Point Beach has all the ingredients to put together a strong season and make another memorable postseason run once it gets rolling. The pitching staff will be plenty deep, with returning starters Matt VanBrunt and Andrew Banick leading the way and junior left-hander Owen West joining the rotation after missing his freshman year due to injury and losing last year to the pandemic. Junior Phil Trebour threw 21 2/3 innings of relief as a freshman as well and is once again in line to close games.

The hope is the hard times won't last beyond this season and even if this year is a challenge, the good news is there will still be baseball games to play.

Trebour is also the starting shortstop, infield leader and top-of-the-order threat for the Point Beach lineup. VanBrunt will play second base when he is not on the mound and junior Colin Matuschat will return to third base after winning the job as a freshman. Point Beach’s top returning hitter, meanwhile, is back at first base, with Alec Glen looking to follow up a 27-RBI sophomore campaign in which he also hit .473.

RANNEY

Speedy centerfielder Hunter Alia is the lone returning outfielder, but Banick has some experience out there and fellow juniors Hunter Roselli and Braden Ryan are ready to step in.

HEAD COACH: Pat Geroni, 2nd season KEY LOSSES: Tommy Jensen (1B), Nate Aquino (1B/OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Lou Spadafora, Jr., First Base: Jack Renaud, So.; Nick Coniglio, So. Second Base: Diego Tavarez, So.; Kris Bhatnagar, So. Shortstop: Brett Wehringer, So. Third Base: Jack Tallent, So. Left Field: Dev Bhatnagar, Sr. Center Field: A.J. Gracia, So. Right Field: Charlie Chropuvka, Jr.

It has been a long time since there was an official high school baseball game played in New Jersey and no Shore Conference team will make that sentiment more obvious than Ranney. Way back in 2019, the Panthers were an improved team with a handful of talented underclassmen under first-year coach Pat Geroni – a Point Pleasant Boro graduate and former head coach of a successful Monroe program in Middlesex County. Now, the Panthers are looking like a sleeping Giant in the Shore Conference and that giant might pick its head off the pillow this year. It is still a young team, although a number of the freshmen and sophomores from the 2019 have since reclassified, so the graduating years of a number of the starters might undersell what experience Ranney does have. Either way, Ranney has the makings of an impact team for the next several seasons. A quartet of 2019 starters return for 2021, led by outfielder Charlie Chropukva – one of the players who reclassified from 2021 to 2022. Chropuvka absolutely dominated Class B Central last season and is one of the Shore’s top returning position players from two years ago. Senior Dev Bhatnagar is also back in the outfield after a solid sophomore season and the Panthers have two proven returnees at key defensive positions in catcher Lou Spadafora and reclassified sophomore shortstop Brett Wehringer. The rest of the lineup will be filled out by sophomores, led by Duke commit A.J. Gracia in centerfield. Jack Tallent would likely have earned starts at third base as a freshman and is entrenched as the starter this season, while the right side of the infield will have two sophomores at each position vying for playing time. Both first base candidates – Jack Renaud and Nick Coniglio – will be part of an overhauled pitching staff that has the makings of one of the Shore’s best, if not right away, then at some point over the next three seasons. Renaud transferred to Ranney after spending his freshman year at Donovan Catholic and Coniglio did the same last year – transferring from Monroe for his sophomore season before reclassifying as a 2023 graduate this season.

Ranney jr. Charlie Chropuvka

Getting rolling after the shutdown and keeping up with Ranney’s talented young squad won’t be easy, but Point Beach has the experience to tackle a lot of on-field obstacles in 2021. If the off-field issues remain limited to the early shutdown, the Garnet Gulls will be fired up for their series with Ranney on May 3 and 5 and should round into form in time to be a threat in the Group I playoffs.

MATER DEI PREP HEAD COACH: Mike Eckert, 1st season KEY LOSSES: Sean Turner (SS/RHP), Patrick Mastro (CF/RHP), Pete Gorman (OF/MIF), Johnny Eckert (3B/RHP), Mike Folk (OF/RHP), Ashton Mejias (1B/RHP), Vernon Morris (OF), R.J. O’Keefe (2B/1B), John Ferrara (C), Jesse Ascolese (OF), Matt Curti (2B), Dylan Morales (OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Xavier Maldonado, Sr. First Base: Jack Olausen, Sr.; Gavin Sansone, Fr. Second Base: Jeremy Ramos, Sr. Shortstop: Sean Hanna, So. Third Base: Gerard Novello, Jr. Left Feld: David Corbisiero, Jr. Center Field: Jake Jacobsen, Jr. Right Field: Gavin Sansone, Fr.; Andreas Von Fricke, Sr.

Mater Dei’s athletic department has undergone and is continuing to undergo a lot of changes over the last eight years but through it all, the baseball program under Pat Riddell was a reliable commodity. The year the school announced it would have to close – which was avoided thanks to a massive fundraising campaign – the Seraphs baseball team won its first Shore Conference Class B Central division championship in more than a decade and added another one in 2019. After missing out on a chance to defend the title in 2020 with a team of 13 seniors, Riddell stepped down after 15 seasons and left the program to assistant Mike Eckert. In his first season, Eckert will look to steady the ship with an inexperienced team in a B Central division that is getting very competitive at the top with perennial Group I contender Point Beach remaining strong and Ranney emerging as a potential Shore Conference power. On Mater Dei’s end, the Seraphs will rely on a pair of seniors with experience. Senior Jack Olausen was a part-time contributor as a sophomore and will play first base and help lead the pitching staff. Junior Jake Jacobsen made an impact as a freshman two years ago and is ready to step up as a top hitter – both on the team and within the division as a whole. Eckert excels working with catchers and he will continue his work with Xavier Maldonado, now a senior ready to take the starting reins behind the plate. Second baseman Jeremy Ramos is another senior moving into the starting lineup and Mater Dei will get some help from the basketball team with Gerard Novello, Andreas Von Fricke and David Shkolniy all joining the baseball team for the first time. All three two-sport athletes transferred from schools in Staten Island over the past two school years. Sophomore Sean Hanna leads the youth movement and will play shortstop and figure prominently into Mater Dei’s pitching plans. Freshman Gavin Sansone will play some outfield and first base in the lineup and also add a left-hander to the rotation. Things remain as fluid as ever at Mater Dei and the baseball team will look to remain competitive through it all in a fast-improving division.

KEYPORT HEAD COACH: Kyle Keelen, 9th season KEY LOSSES: Lucas Dant (INF/RHP), John Lachky (3B), Chris Johnson (OF), Bryan Mattos (1B), Adrian Sabatino (OF), Tristian Blashfield (OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Sean Lachky, Sr. First Base: Mason Hospital, So. Second Base: Carter Williams, Fr.; Jayden Graham, Sr. Shortstop: Anthony Longo, Jr. Third Base: Ean Hospital, Sr. Left Field: Tim Connanllon, Jr. Center Field: Jack DiPaolo, Jr. Right Field: Josh Dswonyk, Jr.

Five seasons ago, Keyport was on the cusp of its finest moment when the Red Raiders reached the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I championship game. The run ended with a loss, but it showed what could be possible for coach Kyle Keelen and his program. Heading into 2021, the COVID-19 continues to impact the country – both in direct ways and some more residual. With respect to high school sports, small Group I programs with relatively low numbers from year-to-year are feeling the hit and Keyport is in that group. The Red Raiders have only a dozen players on the varsity team and are hoping a handful of their better players can carry the load and that the group can stay healthy for the entire season. The good news for Keyport is junior Anthony Longo is two years removed from an impressive season as a two-way freshman in the Class B Central division. Longo will be the No. 1 pitcher and play shortstop on his non-pitching days to lead Keyport into battle this season. Three other starters from 2019 return for the Red Raiders, with senior Sean Lachky back at catcher, senior Eon Hospital moving to third base and junior Jack DiPaolo returning to centerfield. All three will be important pitchers as well, with DiPaolo and Hospital likely to follow Longo as the other two starters in the rotation. Sophomore Mason Hospital will jump in to play first base and freshman Carter Williams will be a second baseman when Longo is at shortstop and could see shortstop time with Longo on the mound, with senior Jayden Graham factoring into the infield picture as well. Juniors Tim Connanllon and Josh Dswonyk will play the outfield corners alongside DiPaolo. This season is going to present additional challenges to teams like Keyport, but if the Red Raiders can persevere, there is reason for hope. The four returning starters with Longo leading the rotation give Keyport a chance to advance in the Group I postseason, which is on track to return in June.

KEANSBURG HEAD COACH: Ryan Lillis, 4th season KEY LOSSES: Chris Desantis (RHP/1B), Justin Hicks (OF/1B/OF), Brandon Rizzi (OF), Ryan Agostini (OF), Dwan Davis (OF) AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Louis Chalmers, Sr. First Base: Matt Keelen, Jr.; Victor Matay, Sr.; Jesse Berecsky, Sr. Second Base: Rian Rivera, Sr.; Waylon Manoes, Sr.; Donald Antonucci, Fr. Shortstop: Connor Graf, Sr.; Rian Rivera, Sr. Third Base: Waylon Manoes, Sr.; Rian Rivera, Sr. Left Field: Antonio Alejandro, So.; Ryan Comey, So. Center Field: Andrew Valle, Sr.; Antonio Alejandro, So. Right Field: Ryan Comey, So.; Aiden Flynn (So., OF). DH: Victory Matay, Jr.; Matt Keelen, Jr.; Jesse Berecsky, Sr.

The 2021 season will not be an easy one for Group I programs and Keansburg will not be exempt from that challenge. The Titans will be relying on their roster of players to be versatile and hope that the pitching staff can stay in attack mode, stay efficient and get through a Class B Central schedule that continues to get tougher. Senior Rian Rivera returns with the most experience on the team, having finished second on the team in innings pitched in 2019 and played a starting role in both centerfield and the infield. Rivera will play the infield this season, working mainly at second base and pitching in one of the top two starting pitching spots in the rotation. Connor Graf, Maylon Manoes and Louis Chalmers all return with a helping of varsity experience and are ready for more substantial roles this season. Chalmers will catch, Graf is lined up for the starting shortstop job and Manoes can play third base, second base and will be a top pitcher for the Titans as well. Matt Keelen, Victor Matay and Jesse Berecsky are in the mix for first base and any of the three could see designated hitter at-bats as well.

the outfield and sophomore C.J. Murgolo provides some flexibility in the infield with all of the Admirals’ pitching staff playing somewhere in the field as well. With so many freshmen playing right away, Henry Hudson will take some lumps but the Admirals have enough depth to get through a season – at least relative to some of their Group counterparts. With so many players who will be back for at least two more seasons, Henry Hudson has a chance to lay the groundwork for some good seasons to come.

CLASS B CENTRAL LINEUP (WITH 2019 STATS) DAVID TERRA-NOVA, SR., C, POINT BEACH (.318/.423/.485, 6 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 10 R, 13 RBI) LOU SPADAFORA, JR., C, RANNEY (.333/.500/.461, 5 2B, 11 R, 12 RBI) ALEC GLEN, SR., 1B, POINT BEACH (.473/.518/.581, 6 2B, 1 3B, 12 R, 27 RBI)

Senior Andrew Valle is the second of the two returning starters from 2019, although he was only a starter for part of the year while Rivera started for the duration. Valle will patrol centerfield and also throw important innings on the mound, while sophomores Antonio Alejandro, Ryan Comey and Aiden Flynn account for the production in the corner outfield spots.

PHIL TREBOUR, SR., SS, POINT BEACH (.290/.432/.377, 2 2B, 2 3B, 18 R, 14 RBI, 10 SB)

Freshman Donald Antonucci will also be a key player in filling in all over the infield and giving Keansburg some innings as the Titans try to hold their own in an improving B Central division.

CHARLIE CHROPUVKA, JR., OF, RANNEY (.554/.662/.786, 13 2B, 22 R, 24 RBI, 18 SB)

BRETT WEHRINGER, SO., SS, RANNEY (.375/.507/.393, 1 2B, 25 R, 11 RBI, 16 SB) DEV BHATNAGAR, SR., OF, RANNEY (.254/.379/.473, 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 20 R, 14 RBI, 12 SB) A.J. GRACIA, SO., CF, RANNEY HUNTER ALIA, SR., CF, POINT BEACH (.313/.409/.313, 22 R, 8 RBI, 15 SB)

CLASS B CENTRAL PITCHING STAFF (WITH 2019 STATS)

HENRY HUDSON

MATT VANBRUNT, SR., RHP, POINT BEACH (3-2, 2.24 ERA, 25 IP, 28 H, 10 BB, 15 K)

HEAD COACH: Matt Mancini, 4th season

ANTHONY LONGO, JR., RHP, KEYPORT (3-2, 2.61 ERA, 32.1 IP, 27 H, 9 BB, 32 K)

KEY LOSSES: Mike Mohr (3B/1B/RHP), Grady Hendrickson (2B/SS/RHP), Josh Winters (1B/RHP), Casey Haupt (OF/LHP), Mike Hoey (OF), Tom Doherty (OF/RHP), Garrett Shine (OF), Nick Brown (OF)

NICK CONIGLIO, SO., RHP, RANNEY

AROUND THE DIAMOND: Catcher: Aidan Winters, Fr.; Trevor Hendrickson, Sr. First Base: Chris Parmigiani, Fr. Second Base: Trevor Hendrickson, Sr. (RS); C.J. Murgolo, So. Shortstop: Nick Bigotto, So. Third Base: Nick Dowd, Fr. Left Field: Dylan Gonzalez, Fr. Center Field: Brandon Hendrickson, Fr. Right Field: Aaron Lynch, Sr.; Jack Crowley, Jr.

JACK RENAUD, SO., RHP, RANNEY

Over the past two seasons, Henry Hudson has lost a significant amount of starting talent and that is evident in the youth all over this year’s projected starting lineup. Only senior Trevor Hendrickson is back from 2019 as a starter and he will move from catcher to second base in the starting lineup, with a chance to move back behind the plate in some lineups. At least five freshmen are likely to open the 2021 season as starters for Henry Hudson, led by catcher Aidan Winters. Chris Parmigiani will be the leading candidate to open on the mound and will also play first base, while freshman Nick Dowd plays across the diamond at third. Brandon Hendrickson and Dylan Gonzalez are two more freshman ticketed for starting spots in the outfield and Jeremy Hay and Hayden Kurdes are two more rookies who could carve out important varsity roles in their first year. Sophomore Nick Bigotto will be a key piece for Henry Hudson as the team’s starting shortstop – a position he likely would have played some as a freshman. Senior Aaron Lynch and junior Jack Crowley bring some experience to the lineup and

MARCELLO MASTROIANNI, SO., LHP, RANNEY

CLASS B CENTRAL BREAKOUTS TO WATCH SEAN LACHKY, SR., C/RHP, KEYPORT JACK DIPAOLO, JR., CF/RHP, KEYPORT CONNOR GRAF, SR., SS, KEANSBURG WAYLON MANOES, SR., INF/RHP, KEANSBURG JACK OLAUSEN, SR., 1B/RHP, MATER DEI PREP SEAN HANNA, SO., SS/RHP, MATER DEI PREP JAKE JACOBSEN, JR., OF, MATER DEI PREP ANDREW BANICK, SR., RHP/OF, POINT BEACH OWEN WEST, JR., LHP, POINT BEACH JACK TALLENT, SO., 3B, RANNEY

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