Shore Sports Networks 2016 Spring Kickoff by Shore Sports Network Journal

April 5, 2016 Volume-VIII Issue-7

The first thing fans, players, coaches and parents want to know after the big game is always, â&#x20AC;? â&#x20AC;? Is this going to be on

Shore Sports Network has established itself as a leader in scholastic sports coverage in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing more video highlight clips, in-depth reporting, feature stories and regular updates than ANY OTHER OUTLET in the area. SteveMEYER

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

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VOLUME-VIII

ISSUE-7

/ 4/5/16

Table of Contents BASEBALL

SSN Divisional

Predictions................................................Page 4 Boys Lacrosse:

Divisional Previews.....................Pages 7 thru13 Jason Groome

Returns Home.............................Page 14-15, 17 Baseball

Divisional Previews................Pages 16 thru 25

2016 Basketball All-Star

Review.............................................. Page 26-27

SPECIAL THANKS

to the photographers who supplied the photos seen throughout this issue Mark Brown b51photography.com Eric Braun ericbraunphotography.smugmug.com Ray Rich Photography rayri chphotography.smugmug.c om Rob Samuels boofacephotography.com Bill Normile billnormile.zenfolio.com

1. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

The Colts will try to follow up quite a 2015 act. Last year, CBA won all five possible championships for a Shore Conference team – the division, county, conference, NJSIAA sectional and NJSIAA group championships – and the goal remains the same this year with this particular group of returnees. Senior Luca Dalatri is the reigning Gatorade Player of the Year in N.J. and Shore Sports Network Pitcher of the Year and catcher Brandon Martorano is the reigning Shore Sports Network Player of the Year. Both are likely to hear the names called before the late rounds of the MLB Draft, but first, they will look to lead CBA to a second straight No. 1 finish in N.J.

2. RED BANK CATHOLIC

After a strong finish to the 2015 season propelled them to the No. 2 ranking in the final top 10, the Caseys return as the No. 1 challenger to CBA to open the season. Red Bank Catholic returns six starters to its lineup and all three of its starting pitchers, which makes the Caseys arguably the most well-rounded team in the Shore Conference.

3. MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

The Eagles not only return four of their top five starting pitchers and seven of their nine players from a team that won 20 straight games and put together a 14-game winning streak at one point, but they also boast as much depth on the varsity roster as any team in the conference. Middletown South has four viable starting pitchers, six quality infielders and two outfielders capable of playing quality defense in center field. They tied CBA for the A North title last year and have the makings of a team that can do it again.

4. BARNEGAT

On days that Jason Groome pitches, Barnegat might be the best team in the state. Over the long haul, the Bengals are still going to be a quality team when Groome is simply the designated hitter thanks to a all-Division I left-side of the infield and a solid collection of arms. The Bengals have come oh-so-close to finishing off a postseason title in each of the past two seasons and with the potential No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft at the top of the rotation, this could be the year they break through.

5. MANALAPAN

Manalapan was one of the five teams to beat CBA last year and the Braves return most of their potent offense, as well as their top pitcher from a year ago. Pitching will be the key for Manalapan, but the Braves have plenty of offense to get them through the season and an all-senior lineup that should take care of the little things game-in and game-out.

6. COLTS NECK

Colts Neck went 20-1 in regular-season games last year behind its two-headed monster of left-handed pitchers. Only one of those heads remain, but Mario Ferraioli gives the Cougars a No. 1 pitcher to go with a solid collection of position player talent that is back from last year. While a repeat of a 14-0 division record is a long shot in a B North division with at least five quality teams, the Cougars will be in the hunt as they try to prepare for a better postseason showing this year.

7. JACKSON MEMORIAL

Although Jackson Memorial has a lot of production to replace from last year, the Jaguars have the top talent and the makeup to contend for every championship again this year. Even with two pitchers limited by arm trouble, the Jaguars won the Ocean County Tournament and reach the semifinals of both the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Central jersey Group IV tournaments. With more luck on the health front, this year should bring more of the same for the perennial A South and Group IV contenders.

8. TOMS RIVER NORTH

The Mariners’ pitching staff has been decimated by graduation and injuries to the experienced pitching that they did bring back. Despite that, Toms River North still boasts one of the most potent lineups in the Shore Conference and the return of junior shortstop Mike Nyisztor will shore up the defense behind the inexperienced-but-talented starting staff. If Toms River North can hit on some of the young pitching it has, the Mariners will be dangerous come tournament time.

9. FREEHOLD BORO

Not only did Freehold Boro beat CBA last year, but the Colonials beat them twice. And not only did Colonials beat CBA twice, but they shut them out twice. Finally, not only did they shut them out twice, but they outscored them 12-0 in both games, including a 10-0 win in six innings. Freehold Boro returns most of its team from 2015, when the Colonials beat the No. 1 team in the state twice and also Monroe ace and North Carolina recruit Robbie Peto on the way to a Central Jersey Group IV semifinal appearance.

10. TOMS RIVER SOUTH

A season with fewer than 20 wins is considered a letdown by Toms River South standards, but by everyone else’s, it istop-10 caliber. Toms River South has a lot of offense to replace, but the Indians also have a solid foundation at the top of the rotation with right-handed Monmouth recruit Trevor Wagner and junior left-hander Justin Fall. There are going to be a hoard of teams clawing at this No. 10 spot, but Toms River South is always a safe bet to reside in the top 10 over the course of the year.

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

Class A North

Class A South

Class B Central

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

Christian Brothers Academy Middletown South Manalapan Freehold Boro Freehold Twp. Marlboro Howell Middletown North

Jackson Memorial Toms River North Toms River South Brick Memorial Toms River East Lacey Brick Southern

St. Rose Mater Dei Prep Keyport Point Beach Ranney Keansburg Asbury Park Henry Hudson

Class A Central

Class B North

Class B South

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7.

1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. 7. 8.

St. John Vianney Manasquan Monmouth Rumson Raritan Shore Holmdel

Red Bank Catholic Colts Neck Wall Ocean Matawan Red Bank Neptune Long Branch

BOYS LACROSSE 1. Rumson-Fair Haven 2. Manasquan 3 Southern

Rumsonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

Emmett Jennings

4. 5. 6. 7. 8. 9. 10.

CBA Ocean Red Bank Catholic Freehold Twp. Jackson Liberty Wall St. John Vianney

Barnegat Point Boro Jackson Liberty Manchester Donovan Catholic Pinelands Central Regionl Lakewood

GIRLS LACROSSE 1. Rumson-Fair Haven 2. Shore Regional 3. Wall 4. Red Bank Catholic 5. Manasquan 6. Manalapan 7. St. John Vianney 8. Freehold Twp. 9. Brick Memorial 10. Howell

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

VOLUME-VIII

ISSUE-7

/ 4/5/16

2016 Boys Lacrosse Preseason Top 10

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

eading into the 2016 Shore Conference lacrosse season there is no question who the top team is.

Rumson-Fair Haven made history last season when it won the NJSIAA Group I title with an overtime victory over Mountain Lakes, becoming the first Shore Conference team to win a state group title. The Bulldogs return most of their starters and are ready to reclaim the Shore Conference Tournament title while aiming to get back to the state title game, this time in Group II.

1 RUMSON-FAIR

. 18-6, B North champs, SCT runner-up, SJ-I champs, Group I champs

HAVEN

The team on the rise is Manasquan, which reached the SCT semifinals last season and returns almost its entire team led by a standout junior class. The Warriors also have several promising freshman in the fold and should be a fun team to watch. Southern graduated the senior class that put it on the map, including two-time Shore Sports Network Player of the Year Dylan Jinks, but the Rams should still be one of the best in the conference. Longtime stalwart CBA is always in the mix, while teams like Ocean and Jackson Liberty are looking to continue their climbs up the conference ladder. Rumson and Manasquan look to be in a class by themselves this season, but as the conference grows so does the competition. Last season was wide open outside of Rumson and Southern, and this year should see more of the same from the teams ranked third and lower.

2 Manasquan

. 5-4, B South champs, SCT semifinalists, SJ-I quarterfinalists

The Warriors re-emerged as a Shore Conference power last season, and with almost their entire team returning plus a very promising freshman class Manasquan should be a championship contender at the division, conference and state levels this season.

The Bulldogs return the core of their team coming off the program’s first NJSIAA Group I title as they look to win another state championship and make a run in the Tournament of Champions. Senior Robbie Garavente (pictured right), a returning SSN firstteam All-Shore selection who is signed to Lafayette College, leads the offense on the attack line after scoring 80 points (46 goals, 34 assists) last season. The entire attack line returns for Rumson with seniors Griffin Schultz (30g, 16a) and Henry Sillen (29g, 18a) also back to give the Bulldogs arguably the Shore’s top group up front. Juniors Charlie Curran and Colin Pavluk should also see significant time. Curran scored 20 goals with eight assists last season and Pavluk had 16 goals and three assists. Sophomore Wyatt Feinberg rounds out the second group of attackmen.

Manasquan is led by a standout junior class that is headlined by returning leading scorer Jarrett Birch. The attackman scored a teamhigh 50 goals and added 17 assists last season and is off to a fast start this season. Junior Joe Tonkovich (23g, 17a) also returns, and the two are joined by standout freshman Canyon Birch, who is already committed to Army. The younger Birch has already made his presence felt with 11 goals in his first three games. Senior Joe Incorvati will also see playing time up front.

The Warriors biggest strength appears to be in the midfield where they have experience and depth. The first line of juniors Pat Felstedt (23g, 14a), John Moran (27g, 22a) and Devan Carroll (19g, 12a) are all returning starters, and another highly-touted freshman, James Pendergist, will see major minutes. Seniors Paul Krueger, Peter Degnan III and Conor Kinneally add depth with junior Matt Thermann serving as the face-off specialist. Freshman Riley Callahan could also see playing time. Senior Billy Wall is the long-tick midfielder and senior Matthew McGrady IV will serve as a utility player.

The defensive unit should also be a major strength for Manasquan with lock-down junior Kyle LeBlanc, a second-team SSN All-Shore selection, leading the way. Juniors Edmund Mallett, Chip Sarnasi and Tom Meyer along with senior Jim LaPoint form a tough unit. Freshman Jack Fabean III figures to be a cornerstone defender over his career and will also see playing time.

Juniors Bryan Hess and Matt Waters anchor the midfielders after playing crucial roles as sophomores. Hess, who is committed to Lafayette, scored 23 goals and had 45 ground balls last season while Waters scored 14 goals with six assists. Junior Ryan Tuorto (5g, 6a), senior Lachlan Hull (3g, 58 ground balls) and junior Alex Werner comprise the rest of the middies. Senior Butch Clark returns as the team’s face-off specialist.

The Warriors have one of the top goalies in the Shore returning in junior Tom Pollock, who stopped 150 shots with a .610 save percentage last season. Freshman Mike LaPoint is the goalie of the future and will see action during the season.

Rumson graduated standout defenders Cooper Cuje and Jack Moore, but return a very good group led by senior Ian Clarke (nine forced turnovers, 23 ground balls) and junior Emmett Jennings (19 forced turnovers, 25 ground balls. Junior Dan Maloney and sophomore Stephen Edler return after seeing time last season, and the group welcomes freshman Tommy Bavuso into the fold.

Rumson has a few options in goal with senior Kyle Knapp (.600 save percentage, 113 saves) and junior Conor Deverin (.700 save percentage, 106 saves) each back. Both started several games last season. The Bulldogs also have senior Daniel Browne (.800 save percentage, 16 saves).

After making history last season as the first Shore Conference team to win a state group championship and reach the T.O.C., Rumson has the goods to make another run at multiple championships. The Bulldogs are the favorite to take back the Shore Conference Tournament title after falling to Southern in last season’s finals. Their schedule is brutal once again, but as we saw last season it’s not about what happens in April. Rumson limped to an 0-4 start last year that had some predicting a down year. Instead the Bulldogs turned in their best season ever. Expect this group to be playing into late May.

The Shore got a glimpse of Manasquan’s potential when the Warriors reached the SCT final four last season and gave eventual champion Southern a stern test. With a so many returning starters and some potential superstars entering as freshman, the time is now for the Warriors to make a serious run at an SCT title and go deep in the state playoffs.

and Adragna were each first-team SSN All-Shore selections while Lefanto was on the second team. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but the cupboard isn’t bare in Manahawkin. Several top players return and Southern has built a steady feeder program that should inject new stars into the lineup.

Senior attackman Nick Simonelli (pictured bottom), is the Rams’ leading returning scorer after tallying 33 goals and 47 assists last season. He’ll be joined on the attack line by junior Kyle Mulrane, who had 36 goals and nine assists last season. Sophomore Ryan McWhorter joins the starters after seeing limited time as a freshman. Junior Will Johnson is the top scoring midfielder after posting 26 goals with 10 assists, and brothers Jon and James Manzo team with him to form the first line of middies. Junior Giancarlo Disporto returns as a starter at defensive middie and senior Kyle Brown should also see time.

Despite graduating its top defenseman, Southern does return an experienced group of defenders to help first-year starting goalie Tristan Farina. Senior Evan Henken, an Eastern University recruit, senior defenseman/long-stick midfielder Anthony Triola and senior LSM Gordon Von Schmidt are all returning starters. Triola is committed to Hood College and Von Schmidt is headed to Albright.

The Rams remain the favorite in A South and are still one of the top teams in the Shore. Their offense can’t possibly be as explosive as it was over the past four years, but their up-tempo style still has several capable scorers to keep them rolling. This is an important year for Southern’s program to prove it can sustain heavy losses to graduation and consistently compete for championships.

. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY 11-6, A North tri-champs, SCT quarterfinalists

The Colts return their top four scorers from a season ago as they look to claim the outright division title and make a run at the Shore Conference Tournament championship. A powerful attack line will be CBA’s strength in 2016, as it features dynamic junior Nick Casner, potent scorer Michael Carroll and solid all-around senior Shay Walczak. Casner had 40 goals and 40 assists last season while Carroll, a sophomore, had a great freshman campaign with 44 goals and eight assists. Walczak netted 31 goals to go along with eight assists. Senior Cologialo Muscara was a 20-point player with nine goals and 12 assists last season, and will be the next man in up front. Senior John Salcedo (17g, 13a) anchors the midfield with fellow seniors Justin Shea-Katz and Shane McGuiness. Seniors Chris Hayes and Andrew Rooney, and juniors Ryan Madalone and Finn Straine round out the returning midfielders.

The Colts will have to replace several key players in the back end, and how well they come together defensively will be a major key to their success. Junior Jack Koury and senior Trevor Einwechter lead the group with senior Gordon Paul and juniors Jack Croken and Richie Bartlewitz also in the mix. Junior Ryan McGuiness takes over as the starting goalie.

. Southern 18-1, A South champs, SCT champs, South Jersey Group IV quarterfinalists

CBA should be a very good offensive team. The question marks are on defense and in goal where they are unproven. If the Colts can be a consistent defensive unit they should take the division title and challenge for the SCT title.

The Rams finally slayed the dragon that was Rumson-Fair Haven last season, beating the Bulldogs twice including a 16-6 win to claim the Shore Conference Tournament title, the first for an Ocean County school. Southern has reached three straight SCT championship games, won three consecutive Class A South division titles and won two state sectional titles over the past four years, but with a program-defining senior class having graduated the Rams have plenty of work to do to remain in the upper echelon of the Shore Conference. The biggest loss was current University of Hartford freshman Dylan Jinks, a two-time SSN Player of the Year who scored an astonishing 420 career points and was one of New Jersey’s best offensive players during his career. Also gone are standout midfielders Chris Smith and Shawn McManus, defenseman Mike Adragna and goalie Brendan Lefanto. Smith, McManus

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

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TOP TEN

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Top Ten

C on t in u ed f rom pa ge 5

5 Ocean

. 14-3, second place B North, SCT quarterfinalists, SJ-II quarterfinalists

After a breakout season last year, the Spartans return their top three scorers as they look to make deeper runs in both the Shore Conference and state tournaments.

Senior Joey Appio (pictured right) was the best set-up man in the Shore last season with a conference-high 64 assists. He also scored 32 goals to finish with 96 points, the fourth best in the Shore. The team’s leading goal scorer is also back with senior midfielder Erik Rant returning after scoring 60 goals and adding 12 assists, plus picking up 102 ground balls. Teaming with Rant in the midfield are senior Connor Daly, who netted 25 goals and added 29 assists last season, and sophomore Sam Hanna (27g, 15a).

Senior Alex Bravo returns as the face-off specialist after winning 70 percent of draws last season while the defensive is led by junior Clayton Hauck and sophomore Richie Bianchi. Junior David Walk is back as the starting goalie after making 145 saves with a .600 save percentage.

The Spartans have a lot back, but do have to replace some key parts such as ground-ball machine Steven Graziano and 50-point scorers Zack Karasic and Christian Goslin. Appio and Rant give Ocean two of the best players in the Shore, however, as it looks to continue its upward trend and try to reach the SCT final four.

6 RED BANK CATHOLIC

. 10-7, fourth place B North, SCT qualifiers

Frank Finochio takes over as Caseys head coach after guiding Middletown South the last two seasons, and on his staff as an assistant is Don Femminella, who was Red Bank’s coach for the last few seasons. They inherit a talented team that includes Sienna College-bound midfielder Brett Habich along with senior attackman Alec Mintz, senior midfielder Liam McArdle, senior goalie Matt Benjamin and sophomore midfielder James Mele.

Habich is a big, physical midfielder with a cannon of a shot, and is equally effective shooting or passing. He was an SSN third-team All-Shore selection last season and a first-team Class B North pick by the coaches. Mintz and McArdle had big games in a season-opening win over Marlboro and Mele is one of the top sophomores in the Shore Conference. Benjamin gives them an experienced goalie in front of a defense that has to account for the loss of SSN first-team All-Shore defenseman Matt Pieringer.

The Caseys should be near the top of the Class B North standings and make a play to reach the SCT final four.

7FREEHOLD

. TWP. 15-6, A North tri-champs, SCT semifinalists, SJ-IV quarterfinalists

The Patriots enjoyed their best season in program history last season in claiming a share of the Class A North division title and reaching the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals with a thrilling win over rival CBA. The challenge now is to sustain the success after graduating several standout players.

Ryan Eichner moves up from assistant to head coach, and the former SCT championship winner while the head man at Red Bank Catholic has a handful of returning starters looking to keep the Patriots among the Shore’s best. Among the players Freehold Township lost to graduation are Class A North Player of the Year Billy Sasso, SSN first-team All-Shore defenseman Mike O’Brien, attackman Brandon Nunez and goalie Matt Schroepfer. Juniors Josh Nastarowicz and Drew Dunn, and sophomore Chris Novella return after playing reserve roles last season and will form the top attack line. Senior Matt Lach will also see major minutes as an attacker. Junior Mike Ferdinandi is the top returning midfielder along with senior Jake Dudics and junior Mike Colicchia. Seniors Ty Sebor and Tyler Von Nessen, along with junior Shawn Poole, lead the defense. The Patriots were blown out, 16-5 by Manasquan, in their season-opener, but it remains to be seen if that is a sign of growing pains for Freehold Township or if Manasquan is just that good.

. Township 9-7, second place Class B South, SCT qualifiers

The Crimson Knights took a bit of a step back last season after graduating its top three scorers, but the emergence of a standout scorer and the growth of a previous reserve could have Wall enjoying a rebound season.

As a sophomore Mike Steppe was a second-line attackman, but as a junior he needed to assume more of a leadership role as the elder statesman up front. He flourished last season with 53 goals and 20 assists to finish top 15 in the Shore Conference in scoring. Finding secondary scoring was crucial, and that came from Michael McIntyre, who turned in a phenomenal freshman season with 41 goals and nine assists. Steppe and McIntyre will lead an offense that also includes senior midfielder Casey Foley, senior midfielder Lucas Iarossi, sophomore attackman/middie Tim O’Hern, junior attackman Chris Stone, junior middie Sean Ferguson and sophomore middie Ryan Kellett. Junior Evan Gacos is the face-off specialist.

Junior Joseph Belko, who is committed to Monmouth University, leads the defense with seniors Chris Kellett and Joe Fay and junior Jack Byrne. Senior Zach Harrell was the starting goalie last season but has moved to the midfield. He did play goalie in a season-opening win over Red Bank, however. Freshmen Sean DeMott and Ryan Murphy are listed as Wall’s other goalies.

10 ST. JOHN VIANNEY

. 10-10, third place B North, SCT qualifierss

Several teams have a legitimate claim for the final spot in the opening SSN Top 10, and its the Lancers with their solid group of returners that get the early nod.

JACKSON . LIBERTY

11-7, third place B South, SCT quarterfinalists, SJ-III quarterfinalists

Jackson Liberty’s program reached new heights in 2015 by advancing to the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament, earning the program’s first state playoff victory and beating rival Jackson Memorial for the first time. With a large group of returners at key positions the Lions look to build on that momentum and sustain a spot among the top 10 teams in the Shore.

Seniors Matt Ferullo and Tyler Kalmowitz lead the attack line with junior Randy Vengen, while seniors Christian Pongracz and Walter Matthies are the top returning midfielders. Ground ball ace Chris Stefanowicz is one of the top long-stick midfielder in the Shore Conference and gives the Lions great versatility. Sophomore midfielders Max Matthies and Thomas Ferullo along with junior attackman Ian O’Connor and junior middie Brad McKelvey round out the top offensive returners.

Seniors Austin Doel and Gio Colandrea lead the defense in front of standout goalie Christopher Mulholland. The Lions are out to a solid start at 2-0, including a 13-6 win over Howell.

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Junior midfielder Ryan Gilfillan leads the way with seniors Tom Hanson, Conor Zielasnicki, Joe Rice and Gary Frost, junior Tino D’Amore and sophomore Josiah Walker also in the midfield. Junior Andrew Porretta leads the group of attackmen with junior Matt Swisher. D.J. Soriano is the top returning goalie in Class B North, and will play behind a defense that includes second-team all-division selection Mike Stapert, seniors Mike Gentile, Andrew Solari and Andrew Falcone and sophomore Ed Sheridan. The key for St. John Vianney is consistency. The Lancers had wins over Freehold Township, Wall and Red Bank Catholic last season but also had a few disappointing losses.

Teams to watch:

Lacey (14-6, third place A South): Senior midfielder/face-off Ryan Mahon and junior midfielder Connor Wilson lead the way for the Lions with senior goalie Mike Trezza and senior LSM Corey Spatz leading the defense.

Howell (13-4, A North tri-champs): The Rebels graduated a ton and are

very young and inexperienced this season. Senior midfielder Nic Rossi leads the way.

Toms River North (10-4, second place A South): Ryan Clancy, Josh

Francis, Andrew Lombardi and Tom Butz lead a Mariners team looking to build off a successful bounce-back season.

Barnegat (10-5, fourth place B South, SCT quarterfinalists, SJ-I quarterfinalists): Rutgers recruit and senior midfielder J.J. McKenna leads the way for the Bengals after scoring 47 goals with 12 assists last season.

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer Team listed in alphabetical order

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY HEAD COACH: Dave Santos, 18th season (225-88)

ASSISTANT COACH: Bill Ryan 2015 RECORD: 11-6 (6-1)

NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Shay Walczak, Sr., A (31g, 12a); John Salcedo, Sr., M (17g, 13a); Nick Casner, Jr., A (40g, 40a); Michael Carroll, So., A (44g, 8a); Jack Koury, Jr., D; Cologialo Muscara, Sr., A (9g, 12a); Trevor Einwechter, Sr., D; Justin Shea-Katz, Sr., M; Ryan McGuiness Jr., G; Shane McGuiness, Sr., M; Gordon Paul, Sr., D; Chris Hayes, Sr., M; Andrew Rooney, Sr., M; Jack Croken, Jr., D; Richie Bartlewitz, Jr., D; Ryan Madalone, Jr., M; Finn Straine, Jr., M.

2015 RECORD: 7-9 (4-3)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Chris Bisignano, Sr., A; Dominic Conoshenti, Sr., D; Joseph Fifield, Sr. D; Andrew Halmi, Sr., G; Anthony Mauriello, Sr., M; Jack Schaefer, Sr., M; Thijs Smith, Jr., A/M; Vinnie Gargiulo, Jr., A; Patrick Gazzillo, Jr., D; Michael LoPresti, Jr., M; Colin Scalea, Jr., M; Jack Becce, Jr., M; Sam Becce, Jr., M; Mike Franco, Jr., G; Danny O’Connor, Jr., D; Colin Vill, Jr., D. NEWCOMERS: Justin Cifone, Sr., M; James Lowell, Sr., M; Nicolas San Fillippo, Jr., M; Logan Afonso, Jr., M; Matt Deissler, Jr., D; Zach Alagna, So., M; Nick DiBella, So., A; Richard Kemble, So., M; Nick Lago, So., A; Tyler Thomson, So., M; Jordan Drizen, Jr., M; Michael Federico, J., D; Donald Friedrich, Jr., A; Mike Heck, Jr., M; James Clarke, So., M; Dan San Fillippo, So., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/13 vs. Jackson Memorial; 4/18 vs. Freehold Township; 5/4 at Howell.

NEWCOMERS: James Barnes, Sr., D; Joseph D’Agostaro, Sr., M; Clinton Wilson, Jr., D; Matt Farrell, Jr., A; Thomas Convery, So., M; Christopher, So., G; Luke Grover, So., M; Robbie Hermansen, So., A; Dylan Johnston, So., A; Luke Valentino, So., M; Nick Zanghi, So., M; Connor Macrae, Fr., A.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 vs. Manasquan; 4/9 at Freehold Township; 4/12 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven; 4/23 vs. Don Bosco Prep. CBA Jr., Attack Nick Casner

COLTS NECK

HEAD COACH: Jeff Rosenberg, 12th season (100-81) ASSISTANT COACHS: Keith Manara, Chris Pioe

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

HEAD COACH: Ryan Eichner, 1st season (11th overall)

ASSISTANT COACHS: Bobby Wagner, Mike Ferrando, Steve Gibb, Corey Rutberg

2015 RECORD: 15-6 (6-1)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV.

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Chris Novella, So., A; Mike Colicchia, Jr., M; Drew Dunn, Jr., A; Mike Ferdinandi, Jr., A/M; Josh Nastarowicz, Jr., A; Shawn Poole, Jr., D; Jake Dudics, Sr., M; Matt Lach, Sr., A; Ty Sebor, Sr., D; Tyler Von Nessen, Sr., D. NEWCOMERS: Aidan Purcell, Fr., G; Billy Patten, So., G; Christian Elimanco, Jr., M; Bryan Kundrup, Jr., D; Kyle Keubler, Jr., D; Mike Martino, Jr., M; Keenan Murphy, Jr., D; Adrian Rybaltowski, Jr., M; Kevin Hobbs, Sr., M. GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 vs. CBA; 4/13 at Red Bank Catholic; 4/18 vs. Colts Neck; 4/27 vs. Howell; 5/6 at Southern

HOWELL

HEAD COACH: Anthony Bonjavanni, 4th season (33-21)

2015 RECORD: 13-4 (6-1)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV. RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Drew Bukowiec, Jr., A; Zach Halperin, Sr., A; Nic Rossi, Sr., M; Jason Kenny, Sr., M; Nico Lorenzo, Jr., M; Ryan Choffey, Jr., M; Cameron Ayesh, Sr., LSM; Kevin Bailey, Sr., D; Jack Noone, Jr., D; Nick Chianca, Sr., M; Chris Boncimino, Sr., D.

NEWCOMERS: Ryan Damelio, Jr., A; Spencer Verdoni, Jr., A; Braedon Baldwin, So, A; Colean Chrzan, Jr., M; Jake Goldberg, Jr., M; Joe Masino, Jr., M; Sean Mylod, So., LSM; Jake Borrelli, Jr., D; Sal Dyevoich, Sr., D; Thomas Heiser, Sr., D; Nick Roberto, So., G.

Colts Neck’s Andrew Halmi

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 at Jackson Memorial; 4/15 vs. CBA; 4/27 at Freehold Township; 5/2 vs. Southern; 5/4 vs. Colts Neck; 5/7 at Wall

MARLBORO

HEAD COACH: Alex Sinkovich, 3rd season (9-25) 2015 RECORD: 2-14 (1-6)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV.

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Tim Dwyer, Jr., A; Connor Leahy, Sr., M; Robert Semo, Jr., D; Blake Marabuto, Sr., D; Anthony Martino, Jr., G.

NEWCOMERS: Matthew Weber, Fr., A; Dylan Portnoy, Fr., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/11 vs. Howell; 4/14 vs. Middletown South; 4/20 at Freehold Township; 4/23 at Colts Neck.

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

HEAD COACH: Ryan Hilla, 3rd season (15-24)

2015 RECORD: 10-10 (3-4)

NJSIAA SECTION: North Jersey Group III.

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Ryan Aker, Sr., A; Bryan Flannigan, Sr., A; Hayden Fairhurst, Sr., M; Khristian Acosta, Sr., M; Brock Zenker, Jr., M.

NEWCOMERS: Josh Gomez, Sr., LSM; Matt Dombrowski, Sr., D; Alex Zenker, Fr., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 at Colts Neck; 4/11 vs. Ocean; 4/20 vs. Middletown South; 4/29 at Howell; 5/4 vs. Freehold Township; 5/14 at Middletown South.

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Rob Grella, 1st season (18th overall) 2015 RECORD: 6-13 (2-5)

NJSIAA SECTION: North Jersey Group III

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Tom Baccelieri, Sr., M; Daniel Burger, Sr., M; Dante DiGennaro, Sr., M; Jake Dorr, Sr., D; Nicholas Giodano, Sr., D; Matthew Gruhler, Sr., D; Liam Honnen, Sr., A; Matt Kelty, Sr., DM; Brenan Loesch, Sr., D; Zach Nanney, Sr., M. NEWCOMERS: Pat Walsh, Jr., A; Zach Albrecht, Jr., A; Noah Diodato, Jr., M; Mike Gallicchio, Jr., A; Jack Kaiser, Jr., D; Peter Lawson, Jr., M; Matt Marino, Jr., G; Ryan Mitisiopoulis, Jr., M; John Pagliettini, Jr. M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/14 at Marlboro; 4/20 at Middletown North; 4/27 vs. Colts Neck; 4/30 vs. Freehold Township; 5/14 vs. Middletown North.

NEPTUNE

HEAD COACH: Frank Palumbo 2015 RECORD: 1-14 (0-7)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III.

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Not Provided NEWCOMERS: Not provided

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

By Bob Badders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Senior Staff Writer Team listed in alphabetical order

BRICK MEMORIAL

Toms River North; 4/14 at Southern; 4/16 vs. Brick Memorial; 4/18 vs. Jackson Liberty; 4/20 at Brick.

2015 RECORD: 7-10 (2-5)

LACEY

HEAD COACH: Brent Middlemiss, 10th season (53-78)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III

HEAD COACH: Shane Allen, 8th season 2015 RECORD: 14-6 (5-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group II

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/11 vs. St .Rose; 4/14 at Brick; 4/16 at Jackson Memorial; 4/20 vs. Toms River North; 4/27 at Lacey.

NEWCOMERS: Nick DeOliveira, Jr., M/FO; Tom Campbell, Sr., A; Sean Feery, Sr., M; Matt Milden, Jr., D.

BRICK TOWNSHIP

HEAD COACH: Mark Wilsea, first season (0-0)

2015 RECORD: 11-8 (3-4)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Jonathan Ling, Brenen Baron, Dean Muzzio, Zac Abruzzese, Anthony DiCristina, Zion Powell, Nick Deufemia, Rich Cosgrove, Zack Phillips, Liam Rea, J.T. Carey, Tyler Palmer, Gavine Cole. GAMES TO WATCH: 4/14 vs. Brick Memorial; 4/16 at Toms River South; 4/22 at Toms River North; 5/5 at Toms River East.

JACKSON MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Joe Pienkowski, 2nd season (7-10) ASSISTANT COACHS: Tyler DiStefano, Bob Wyskowski, Pat Conti 2015 RECORD: 7-10 (4-3)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Corey McKay, Sr., A; Justin Mayer, Sr., A; Aiden Schell, Jr., A; Henry Smith, Sr., M; John Chitren, Jr., M; Chip Straniero, Sr., LSM; Sean Duggan, So., D; Mitch Mills, Jr., D; Tom Olenik, Jr., LSM; Dylan Furnback, Jr., G.

NEWCOMERS: Dakota Neron, Jr., M; Spencer Swain, Jr., D; Anthony Gasser, Sr., A; Kyle Housey, Jr., A; GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 vs. Howell; 4/9 vs.

HEAD COACH: Michael Alfieri, 2nd season (0-13) 2015 RECORD: 0-13 (0-7)

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Billy Porter, Sr.; Hunter Vojtko, Jr., Mike Mowder, Jr., Luke Vescovi, Sr.

NEWCOMERS: Mike Morton, Jr.; Henry Moran, Jr.; Mike Ferra, So.; Steve Assante, Jr.; Vinnie Spinillea, Jr.

TOMS RIVER EAST

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Ryan Mahon, Sr., M/FO; Connor Wilson, Jr., M; Mike Trezza, Sr., G; Corey Spatz, Sr., LSM.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/11 at Jackson Liberty; 4/14 vs. Southern; 4/15 at Toms River North; 4/20 vs. Southern; 4/27 vs. Brick Memorial; 5/4 vs. Jackson Memorial.

SOUTHERN

HEAD COACH: John Pampalone, 10th season. (120-49) ASSISTANT COACH: Mike Jinks 2015 RECORD: 18-1 (7-0)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Nick Simonelli, Sr., A (33g, 47a); Kyle Mulrane, Jr., A (36g, 9a); Will Johnson, Jr., M (26g, 10a); Evan Henken, Sr., D; Anthony Triola, Sr., D/LSM; Gordon Von Schmidt, Sr., LSM; James Manzo, Sr., M (8g, 4a); Jon Manzo, Sr., M (5g, 11a); Giancarlo Disporto, Jr., DM; Kyle Brown, Sr., M (2g, 2a)

NEWCOMERS: Tristan Farina, Jr., G; John Loftus, Jr., D/LSM; J.T. Villani, Sr., D; John VanNosdall, Sr., D; Dan Hem, Sr., LSM; Luke Gerhart, So., D; Chris Citarella, Jr., DM; Will Gallagher, Jr., DM; Ryan McWhorter, So., A (3g); Austin Ogule, Jr., A; Nick Fontana, Fr., A; Anielio Russo, Fr., A; Dylan Smith, Jr., M; Ryan Comfort, So., M; Anthony Firmani, So., FOGO

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/5 vs. RumsonFair Haven; 4/7 vs. Jackson Liberty; 4/14 at Jackson Memorial; 4/20 at Lacey; 4/29 vs. Toms River North; 5/6 vs. Freehold Township.

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Brad Correia, Sr., D; Jake Dallago, Sr., G; Michael Grasso, Fr., M; Sal Esposito, So., A; Ben Cagno, Jr., A; Nick Price, Jr., M. NEWCOMER: Tyler Budrow, Fr., G.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/8 at Brick Memorial; 4/19 vs. Toms River South; 4/27 vs. Toms River North; 4/30 at Jackson Memorial; 5/5 vs. Brick.

TOMS RIVER NORTH

HEAD COACH: Howard Baranker, 2nd season (10-4)

ASSISTANT COACH: Bill Ryan 2015 RECORD: 10-4 (5-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Ryan Clancy, Josh Francis, Andrew Lombardi, Tom Butz.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 at Jackson Memorial; 4/13 at St. Rose; 4/15 vs. Lacey; 4/18 vs. Howell; 4/20 at Brick Memorial; 4/29 at Southern.

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Sean Hirtes, 1st season 2015 RECORD: 2-13

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Tyler Sosa, Sr., M; Ethan Lucas, Jr., M; Cooper Guzzi, Jr., M; Jacob Newton, Sr., M; Kyle Brooks, Sr., M; Justin Szomboran, Sr., M; A.J. Alvarez, Jr., A; Timothy Kaiser, Jr., A; Dillon Simeon, Sr., D; Connor Ryan, Sr., D; Declin Mullin, So., D; Ray Camaraza, Sr., D; Johnny DeBuduo, Jr., G; Alex Lopez, Sr., G. NEWCOMERS: Sean Ryan, So. M; Mike Caulfield, Jr., M; Devon Murray, Sr., M; Robert Hull, So., M; Roberto Bonilla, Sr., M; Andrew Xiques, Fr., A; Justin Minneti, So., D.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/16 vs. Brick; 4/19 at Toms River East; 4/22 at Brick Memorial; 5/3 at Toms River North

Southern junior attack Kyle Mulrane

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 8

VOLUME-VIII

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ISSUE-7

/ 4/5/16

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

Catholic.

HOLMDEL

HEAD COACH: Denis Noonan, 2nd season (2-10)

Team listed in alphabetical order

HEAD COACH: Dale Oehler, 1st season.

2015 RECORD: 7-10 (2-5)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group I RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Chris Tascione, Sr., D; Frank Entwistle, Sr., A/M; Parker Aldridge, Sr., D; Shane Norton, Sr., LSM; Zach Marcigliano, Sr., M; Mike Lubrano, Sr., G; Kevin Burmeister, Jr., M; Jack Cook, Jr., F/O; Billy DiMaio, Jr., M; Zach Barrot, Jr., D.

NEWCOMERS: Justin Arrendando, So., A; Joe Hazel, So., M; Jake Preziosi, So., A; Sean Dolan, So., D.

RED BANK REGIONAL

HEAD COACH: Kevin Main, 1st season

RANNEY

2015 RECORD: 10-12 (4-4)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III

2015 RECORD: 2-10 (1-7)

NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public B RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Jack Torpey, So., A; Eric Stavola, So., M; Max Bonavento, So., D; Noah Ayers, Jr., M; Matt Torpey, Jr., A; Myles Fishcer, Jr., D. NEWCOMERS: Ian Dobrynski, Jr., G; Marc Greenstein, So., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 vs. Red Bank; 4/13 at Holmdel; 4/16 vs. Shore.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 at Ocean; 4/18 at St. John Vianney; 4/20 vs. Red Bank Catholic; 4/23 vs. Red Bank.

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Jon Pierce, Sr., G; Brian Fagan, Sr., M; Ryan Gilmartin, Sr., M; Cole Smolokoff, Sr., A; Jacob Curtis, Sr., D; Kevin Paz, Jr., LSM; Jon Doherty, Sr., M; Pat Karr, Jr., M; Tyler Wark, Jr., M; Evan Peterson, Jr., M; Kyle Stulack, Sr., D, Kent Hottmann, Jr., A.

NEWCOMERS: Seamus Cochrane, So., A; Anthony Buonantuono, So., D., Will Spencer, So. M; Dean Hottmann, Fr., M, Richard Dane, So., D; Sam Goldzweig, So., D; Dan Bonanno, So., A; John Quinn, So., A; Matt Gibson, Fr., G. GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 vs. Lacey; 4/11 vs. Colts Neck; 4/13 vs. St. John Vianney; 4/15 at Red Bank Catholic; 4/19 vs. Ocean; 4/25 vs. Freehold Township; 4/29 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

HEAD COACH: Frank Pannullo, 3rd season (1-35)

HEAD COACH: Andy Eastwood, 3rd season (35-11)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III

2015 RECORD: 18-7 (8-0)

LONG BRANCH

ASSISTANT COACH: Kevin Pfister

2015 RECORD: 1-17 (0-8)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group II

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Thomas Kelly, Hunter Marhan, Harrison Stone, Jaime Martinez, Tyler Wolff, Lazaro Valencia, Giovanni Gagliardi. NEWCOMERS: Troy Arentino, Ygor Da Silva, Leonardo Da Silva, Caique Souza. GAMES TO WATCH: 4/15 vs. Bergen Tech; 4/24 at NEW Egypt.

OCEAN

HEAD COACH: Warren Towns, 8th season (4575)

2015 RECORD: 14-3 (71)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group II

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Joey Appio, Sr., A; Erik Rant, Sr. M; Connor Daly, Sr., M; Alex Bravo, Sr., F/O; Sam Hanna, Jr., M; David Walk, Jr., G; Clayton Hauck, Jr., D; Richie Bianchi, So., D.

NEWCOMERS: Kyle Cascaes, Sr., D; Trevor Hayes, Sr., D; Cole Conti, Jr., M; Jesse Giannotti, Jr., M; Grayson Hurley, Jr., M; Trevor Kraeutler, Jr., D; Andre Worthington, So., D; Holden Lowe, Fr., A; Mike Niess, Fr., M; Mike Kircher, Fr., M. GAMES TO WATCH: 4/22 vs. St. John Vianney; 4/27 at Shore; 4/30 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven; 5/6 vs. Red Bank

Ocean Sr. Mid Connor Daly

RBC Sr. Midfielder Brett Habich

RED BANK CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Frank Finochio, 1st season (3rd overall 11-23)

ASSISTANT COACH: Don Femminella, Zack Cooper 2015 RECORD: 10-7 (5-3)

NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Brett Habich, Sr., M; Matt Benjamin, Sr., G; Alec Mintz, Sr., A; Liam McArdle, Sr., M; James Mele, So., M.

NEWCOMERS: Matthew Reverendo, Jr., D; Joey Caputo, Jr., A; Jack Kapcsos, So., M; Ryan Marshall, Jr., LSM.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/13 vs. Freehold Township; 4/15 vs. Red Bank; 4/23 vs. Shore; 4/26 at Rumson-Fair Haven; 5/4 at St. John Vianney; 5/6 at Ocean.

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RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Robert Garavente, Sr., A (46g, 34a, 27gb); Henry Sillen, Sr., A (28g, 19a, 13gb); Griffin Schultz, Sr., A (30g, 15a, 18gb); Charlie Curran, Jr., A (20g, 8a, 30gb); Colin Pavluk, Jr., A (16g, 3a, 9gb); Bryan Hess, Jr., M; (23g, 3a, 45gb); Matt Waters, Jr., M (14g, 6a, 13gb); Ryan Tuorto, Jr., M (5g, 6a, 3gb); Lachlan Hull, Sr., M (3g, 56gb); Butch Clark, Sr., F/O (50%, 32gb); Ian Clarke, Sr., D (3a, 9 forced turnovers, 23 gb); Emmett Jennings, Jr., D (19 forced turnovers, 25 gb); Dan Maloney, Jr., D (8 forced turnovers, 12gb); Stephen Edler, So., D (3 forced turnovers, 14gb); Kyle Knapp, Sr., G (60%, 113 saves); Conor Deverin, Jr., G (70%, 106 saves)

NEWCOMERS: Tommy Bavuso, Fr., D; Alex Werner, Jr., M (1g, 5a, 3gb); Wyatt Feinberg, So., A (3g, 3a, 4gb); Daniel Browne, Sr., G (80%, 16 saves) GAMES TO WATCH: 4/5 at Southern; 4/9 at St. John Vianney; 4/12 at CBA; 4/21 vs. St. Augustine Prep; 4/23 vs. Bergen Catholic; 4/26 vs. Red Bank Catholic; 4/30 at Ocean; 5/5 vs. St. Peter’s Prep; 5/7 vs. BridgwaterRaritan.

Rumson Sr., Attackman Griffin Schultz

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

SHORE

HEAD COACH: Gregg Malfa, 5th season (42-45)

HEAD COACH: Mike Dowd, 7th season (27th overall 227-198)

ASSISTANT COACH: Mark Costantino

ASSISTANT COACH: Mike Dowd Jr., Alex Legge

2015 RECORD: 6-12 (2-6)

2015 RECORD: 10-0 (6-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group I

NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: D.J. Soriano, Sr., G; Mike Gentile, Sr., D; Mike Stapert, Sr., d; Tom Hanson, Sr., M; Conor Zielasnicki, Sr., M; Joe Rice, Sr., M; Gary Frost, Sr., M; Andrew Solari, Sr., D; Andrew Falcone, Sr., D; Ryan Gilfillan, Jr., M; Andrew Porretta, Jr., A; Tino Dâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Amore, Jr., M; Matt Swisher, Jr., A; Ed Sheridan, So., D; Josiah Walker, So., M. NEWCOMERS: Jacob White, Sr., D; Chris Kelly, Jr., A; Nick Peckyno, So., M; Nick Moss, Jr., M; Dominick Spano, So., M; C.J. Hanson, Fr., D; Mike Noble, Fr., D.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven; 4/13 at Red Bank; 4/18 vs. Holmdel; 4/22 at Ocean; 4/25 at Wall; 5/4 vs. Red Bank Catholic.

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Doug Goldsmith, Sr., M; Jack Britton, Sr., M; Eric Graham, Sr., D; Casey Rogers, Sr., D; Nick Boice, Sr., D; Henry Cioffi, Sr., A; Hunter Avallone, Sr., G; Mike Lithgow, Sr., FO/M; Mark Russo, Jr., M; Lucas Jackey, Jr., M; Ethan Delehanty, Jr., LSM/M; Matt Laytham, Jr., M; Ryan Morris, So., A; John Salerno, So., D; Matt Altomare, So., M; A.J. Shirley, So., M.

NEWCOMERS: Jack Brignola, Jr., G; Angelo Marone, Sr., A; Duke Russo, Sr., M; Justin Valerio, Sr., M; Trevor Houlis, Sr., M; Jared Graff, Sr., M; Josh Campi, Jr., M; Gil Goldsmith, Fr., A/M; Jack McCrae, Fr., M; Tom Bocco, Fr., A/M; Jake Turner, Fr., M; Nick Crochet, Fr., A.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/8 at Barnegat; 4/11 at Freehold Township; 4/13 at Rumson-Fair Haven; 4/20 vs. St. John Vianney; 4/23 at Red Bank Catholic; 4/27 vs. Ocean; 5/2 vs. Red Bank.

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer Team listed in alphabetical order

BARNEGAT

Schwartz, Sr.; Nick Christakis, Jr.; Kyler Rossi, Jr.; Nick Duda, Jr.; Cooper Klotz, Jr.; Nick Palazzo, Jr.; Tanner Gordon, So.; Trevor McNamara, So.

NEWCOMERS: George Freuh, Jr.; Steven Schuster, Sr. GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 at Southern; 4/9 vs. Wall; 4/11 vs. Lacey; 4/15 vs. Manasquan; 4/18 at Jackson Memorial; 4/27 at Barnegat.

NEWCOMERS: Sasha Dalton, Parker Roncin.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/19 vs. Donovan Catholic; 4/21 vs. Haddon Township; 4/25 at Donovan Catholic; 4/27 vs. St. Rose; 5/7 at New Egypt; 5/16 at Neptune.

MANASQUAN

HEAD COACH: Sean Cunningham, 2nd season (15-4) ASSISTANT COACH: Tom Russiniello HEAD COACH: Ryan Dalon, 11th season (54-106) 2015 RECORD: 10-5 (4-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group II RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: J.J. McKenna, Sr., M (47g, 12a); Ryan Reynolds, Sr., A (22g, 13a); Joe Jinks, Sr., M; Tristan Potts, Sr., A; Ryan Parker, Sr., D; Phil Wambach, Sr., D; Kyle Kessinger, Jr., G (104 saves); Joe Monaco, Jr., M; Jake Nagy, Sr., D; Brandon Denigris, Jr., D. NEWCOMERS: Frank Sweet, Jr., M; Ryan Flaherty, So., M; Tyler Shearer, Jr., M; Brendan Murphy, Sr., A; Dylan Corbett, So., A; Kyle Rodmell, Sr., D.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/8 vs. Shore; 4/21 at Manasquan; 4/27 vs. Jackson Liberty’ 4/30 at Wall

DONOVAN CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Michael Santos, 1st season

2015 RECORD: 5-10 (1-5)

NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Pete Schlendorf Sr, M; (87g, 24a); Hunter MacPherson, Sr., A (24g, 10a); Matt Baltus, Sr.; Alex Rosario, Matt Isaacs, Hunter Calvetto, Johnny Chiusolo, Justin Cancel, P.J. Spernal, Nico Calise.

NEWCOMERS: Will Baltus, Trevor Barber, Jared Wacha, Nick Bidwell, Andrew Steitz

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 at Point Boro; 4/15 at New Egypt; 4/25 vs. Point Boro; 5/5 at Ranney.

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group II

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Matt Ferullo, Sr., A; Tyler Kalmowitz, Sr., A; Christopher Mulholland, Sr., G; Chris Stefanowicz, Sr., LSM; Austin Doel, Sr., D; Christian Pongracz, Sr., M; Walter Matthies, Sr., M; Gio Colandrea, Sr., D; Max Matthies, So., M; Thomas Ferullo, So., M; Ian O’Connor, Jr., A; Brad McKelvey, Jr., M; Randy Vengen, Jr., A.

ASSISTANT COACH: Ryan Heisler, Jonyar Agheri

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Jarrett Birch, Jr., A (50g, 17a); Kyle LeBlanc, Jr., D; Tom Pollock, Jr., G (61%, 150 saves); Pat Felstedt, Jr., M (23g, 14a); Joe Tonkovich, Jr., A (23g, 17a); John Moran, Jr., M (27g, 22a); Devan Carroll, Jr., M (19g, 12a); Edmund Mallett, Jr., D; Chip Sarnasi, Jr., D; Tom Meyer, Jr., D; Jim LaPoint, Sr., D; Paul Krueger, Sr., M; Peter Degnan II, Sr., M; Billy Wall, Sr., LSM, Conor Kinneally, Sr., M; Joe Incorvati, Sr., A; Matt Thermann, Jr., M.

2015 RECORD: 7-10 (2-4) NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public B RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Griffin McDermott, Jr., A (20g, 5a); Robbie Brugnoli, Jr., G (156 saves); Shane Reilly, So., A; (15g, 8a); Billy Frost, Jr., M; Bobby Mahon, So., D; Hunter Harms, Jr., D.

NEWCOMERS: Mike Kinsel, So., M; Jack Cusack, Jr., M; Chris Bormida, Jr., A.

NEWCOMERS: Canyon Birch, Fr., A; James Pendergist, Fr., M; Jack Fabean II, Fr., D; Mike LaPoint, Fr., G; Matthew McGrady IV, Sr., UT; Riley Callahan, Fr., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/11 at Brick Memorial; 4/16 at Barnegat; 4/20 at Wall; 4/27 at Point Boro; 5/9 vs. Donovan Catholic.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 at CBA; 4/15 at Jackson Liberty; 4/18 at Moorestown; 4/20 at Summit; 4/21 vs. Barnegat; 4/23 at Wall; 5/6 at Ridge.

WALL

HEAD COACH: Chris Knight, 11th season (89-75)

ASSISTANT COACH: James Cowley, Mike Juska, Frank Gunteski

2015 RECORD: 9-7 (4-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group II

Manasquan Jr., Attackman Jarrett Birch

HEAD COACH: Anthony Dzienkiewicz, 3rd season (15-20)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III

HEAD COACH: Kevin Preston, 3rd season (14-18)

2015 RECORD: 15-4 (6-0)

JACKSON LIBERTY 2015 RECORD: 11-7 (4-2)

ST. ROSE

POINT BORO

HEAD COACH: Guy Lassen, 2nd season (3-15) 2015 RECORD: 3-15 (0-6)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group I

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Ryan Bedle, Sr.; Bill Buttino, Sr.; Darian Healy, Sr.; Ray Ruffini, Sr.; Courtland Hackel, Sr.; Devon Freer, Sr.; Matt

VOLUME-VIII

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RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES: Jr., D; Evan Gacos, Jr., M/FO; Casey Foley, Sr., M; Zachary Harrell, Sr., M; Lucas Iarossi, Sr., M; Christopher Kellett, Sr., D; Jack Byrne, Jr., D; Tim O’Hern, So., A/M; Chris Stone, Jr. A; Joe Fay, Sr., D; Sean Ferguson, Jr., M; Ryan Kellett, So., M. NEWCOMERS: Will Forte, So., M; Shane Meyler, Fr., LSM; Jack Textor, So., A; Jack Fay, Jr., M; Kyle Peters, So., A; Connor Prindiville, So., M; Gavin Savage, Jr., D; Dean Colatrella, So., M; Sean DeMott, Fr., G; Ryan Kellett, So., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 at Jackson Liberty; 4/20 at St. Rose; 4/23 vs. Manasquan; 4/25 vs. St. John Vianney; 4/30 vs. Barnegat.

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor

n a picturesque, sunny, 70plus degree afternoon in South Jersey during the second week of March, Barnegat High School senior Jared Kacso had every reason to smile. Helmet on head and batting gloves strapped, he slammed the knob of his bat on the ground to dislodge it from the grasp of the donut weight wrapped around the barrel, which in baseballgesture-speak means “I’m ready to hit.”

For Kacso, this was his first live at-bat in what could be a big year for the four-year varsity player on an individual level. He is committed to play Division I baseball next year at the New Jersey Institute of Technology and before that, he gets to be a senior captain for a Bengals baseball team that has competed for division, county, conference and state championships in each of the last two seasons in the Shore Conference.

While players less accomplished than he is have grand visions for the first at-bat of the season – a double to the rightcenterfield gap, a line drive past the pitcher’s head, or maybe even a no-doubt moonshot over the left-field fence – Kacso stepped to the plate ready to compete but knowing he had little chance at all to even make contact.

And on this team, this season, with this particular pitcher staring him down on the mound, Kacso could hardly complain. After all, when your first live at-bat of the spring is in an intrasquad game against the best high school pitcher in the country and the frontrunner to be the No. 1 pick in this June’s Major League Baseball Amateur Draft, you know it’s only a matter of time before your actual opponents face the same fate.

With a curveball that fell out of the sky for strike two (every atbat in this intrasquad started with a 2-1 count) and a paint job in the form of a 90-plus-mile-per-hour two-seam fastball on the outer black of the plate for strike three, Kacso was the unofficial first strikeout victim of the season for 6-foot-6 Barnegat left-hander and unanimous preseason All-American Jason Groome. It’s a dose of medicine Kacso and his Bengals teammates will gladly swallow for a few intrasquad at-bats since it means Groome will be back on their side and on the Barnegat mound for the first time in two years when the Bengals’ regular season starts

Tuesday at home against Point Pleasant Borough.

Groome was scheduled to pitch Barnegat’s originally-scheduled opener at home on Friday against Pinelands, but rain postponed the game.

“I want that ring,” Groome said, referring to an NJSIAA Group II championship ring. “I am going to lead this team to victory. They are ready, I’m ready. We look good right now, so we’re taking it day-by-day, getting ready for the first game and then after that, just go day-byday until the championships start coming.”

Barnegat was hardly helpless last year and might have entered this season with lofty expectations anyway, but Groome’s return to his hometown high school from IMG Academy in Bradenton Fla. – where he spent his junior high school season – transforms Barnegat this spring from a small town with a competitive NJSIAA Group II club to a baseball destination. Traffic to the Jersey Shore will begin to form a month or so early this year as scouts, coaches and fans alike flock to Exit 67 off the Garden State Parkway to get a look at the Bengals’ left-hander.

“It was a hard decision (to go to IMG) because my parents were kind of pushing me to stay,” Groome said. “But I just felt like I really needed to go down there to get my name out and they did a great job with me, but I made the right decision coming back. One hundred percent.”

“We’re going to have a lot of eyes on us,” said junior shortstop Aaron McLaughlin, who is verbally committed to play at Rutgers University and says he began catching Groome when he was four years-old. “We’ve always had eyes on us, but not this many eyes and not eyes this big. MLB Scouts, college coaches, media, and just people who want to see Jay pitch. It’s more opportunity for everybody and you can tell everyone’s excited about it.”

If the hype that has built around Groome over the last two years proves to be warranted, Tuesday’s opener will be the last opening day Groome pitches as an amateur. After a dominant 2014 season as a sophomore in which he led the Bengals to the championship game of three different postseason tournaments, Groome made the move to IMG for his junior

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season and has taken the baseball world by storm since. He entered the summer showcase circuit ranked No. 4 on Perfect Game’s list of top players in the Class of 2016 and by the end of his second appearance at the end of June, he catapulted to the top of that national list.

Groome quickly became a must-see attraction for scouts and writers from prospect publications and as more and more scouts convened behind home plate, radar guns pointed in Groome’s direction, the faster and more precise the flamethrowing lefty fire his bullets right back.

In his first start since being bumped to No. 1 in the rankings, in a Perfect Game WWBA U-17 Tournament start in North Carolina while pitching for Tri-State Arsenal, Groome hurled six perfect innings in front of scouts from more than 20 Major League clubs. Not only did he retire 18 straight hitters, but he did so with a level of dominance eye-popping even for a pro talent literally playing against a bunch of children. Of those 18 batters, Groome struck out 14 and needed only 66 pitches to tear through the lineup two full times.

That early-July performance was certainly the best pitching line of Groome’s career, but he hardly let up as the competition got tougher and the stage grew larger. He pitched against a lineup of college hitters in a Cape Cod League exhibition later in the month for the New York Yankees Area Code team and later showed off his 95-mile-per hour fastball and biting curveball during the East Coast Pro-Day.

Groome wrapped up his summer with a sensational month of August, striking out six in four innings in an outing at the Area Code Games and throwing a scoreless frame as the starter in the Perfect Game All-American Game at Petco Park in San Diego. Following that game, Groome finished the summer in the same spot he landed on the national rankings in late June: No. 1.

Since the All-American game in San Diego, Groome’s profile has only expanded. Both Baseball America and MLB.com not only named him the No. 1 high school prospect in the country, but both currently project the Philadelphia Phillies will tab him with the No. 1 overall pick in the MLB Draft on June 9 in Secaucus, N.J.

“It’s exciting, knowing that I’m actually that good,” Groome said. “It takes a lot of stress off my shoulders because I just go out there and pitch instead of trying to light up the radar gun in front of everyone. I’m trying to show people who I am and let my talent speak for itself. I don’t really have to do that much except go out there and pitch to win.”

As becoming a top pick becomes more of a reality for Groome, it is becoming less likely that Vanderbilt University will ever see its prized recruit. Groome committed to play for the Commodores in November of 2014 after the team made its run to its first ever College World Series title. According to Groome, Vanderbilt head coach Tim Corbin told him he was the first ever recruit who committed to coach in person, face-to-face.

“It was like I was part of the team and with Corbin, I was just by

his side the whole time,” said Groome, who said he spent time with current Major League prospects Carson Fullmer, Walker Buehler and 2014 No. 1 pick Dansby Swanson during the team’s Black and Gold intrasquad game. “I eventually went to my mom the night we got back to the hotel and I told her, I want to be a Commodore. “I was the first kid to commit to Coach Corbin face-the-face. That’s what he said, He was anyway. extremely happy.”

That happiness will likely be short-lived for Corbin as it pertains to Groome as the money associated with the first overall or even a top-10 pick will be a lot to pass up. Corbin will likely have to settle for the No. 1 player in the country singing the praises of his program as he foregoes college baseball for a chance to make it to the Big Leagues.

According to some who have watched Groome pitch, it may not be a long road to the Majors. His high school coach, Dan McCoy, said he sees Groome as capable of reaching the Big Leagues by age 20 and a number of more objective observers agree.

As the draft draws nearer, especially with Groome yet to pitch in actual game action this spring, the hype is only inflating to even more absurd levels. Just last week, CBS Sports and MLB Network Insider Jon Heyman made waves when he cited an unidentified Major League general manager who called Groome the “best high school pitching since Clayton Kershaw,” referencing the three-time Cy Young Award winner from the Dodgers. When Groome and the Phillies began to line up as a potential match, baseball fans in the Shore area had designs of catching Groome pitch for the nearby Lakewood BlueClaws, the Phillies’ ClassA affiliate. Now, it’s looking more and more like that potential stint in Ocean County may be brief, if it is necessary at all.

“I’ve blocked everything else out at this point,” Groome said of the hype. “Right now, it’s just me and the catcher out there. It’s my plate, so if you step up there, you’re in trouble.”

COMING HOME

In the middle of his dominant summer, Groome made a decision that shifted focus to the Northeast for this high school baseball season. In late July, Groome made it official: he planned on returning back to his home town to spend his senior year at Barnegat and pitch for the same Bengals team that helped lead to its first ever 20-win season as a sophomore two years earlier. “I got my money’s worth down at IMG and they did a great job with me physically and strength-wise, but the baseball wasn’t really that different,” Groome said. “I figured, ‘Why spend my senior year in Florida when I could just come back to Barnegat?’ My dad always said, ‘Remember where you came from.’ It only felt right to come back here for my senior year and graduate with all my boys.” A group of players who were stunned to hear of his departure a year ago are excited to have him back, both on the field and in school.

“He’s a really homegrown kid, so in the back of my mind, I kind of expected him to miss us,” Kacso said. “I mean, I hoped he missed us at least a little bit. I really did think he would come back. It’s a small town with a small town feel here and it’s hard not to miss something like this.”

Groome is currently being advised by Jeff Randazzo and the Ballengee Group – which is also advising Christian Brothers Academy catcher Brandon Martorano and Gloucester Catholic two-way standout Tyler Mondile – and McCoy said he and Groome’s representation mapped out a tentative schedule for the ace. Among his projected starts will be in the Strike Out Autism Challenge April 16 at Red Bank Catholic and against Mondile and Gloucester Catholic on May 16 at Campbell Field in Camden.

One dynamic that has worked in Barnegat’s favor, according to McCoy, is that the Phillies have indicated they would like to see Groome and any other prospective pitching target on draft day finish games that he starts.

It should also give the Phillies and Groome’s representation peace of mind that his head coach knows what he has on his hands. McCoy was a pitcher at Rutgers during his playing days and his son, Mark, is a lefthanded hurler in the Kansas City Royals system after being selected out of Rutgers last June. The elder McCoy has established a level of trust with Groome to the point that McCoy can spot slight discrepancies in his pitcher’s delivery, bark out a correction and Groome will respond. On the day of the first

“I stayed in touch with Jay,” McLaughlin said. “I talked to him every day, every time he got out of practice, he’d call me. I knew wherever he went, he would perform well – not just well, but dominate. On one hand, there was always that thought that he might come back, but having him actually back here with everything going on around him is a pretty surreal feeling.” Now Barnegat finds itself bracing for a tidal wave of attention that appeared to subside when Groome first left for Florida in January of 2015. Now that they have a Louisville Slugger, Baseball America and Rawlings Perfect Game First-Team All-American heading their rotation, the Bengals have a new swagger with which to pursue their usual goals for the season. “Everyone’s excited, from the freshmen and the new guys to the seniors. It’s just a great thing to be a part of. To go out there and know you’re going to have a great chance to win every single day is a great feeling. Coming to practice, you could just tell the morale’s different.”

“When he wasn’t here, it was like something was missing, not just with the talent but with our chemistry,” McLaughlin said. “He brings a swagger to our team. Having him back is just the last puzzle piece.”

While the players are wrapping their heads around the mental challenge of playing in front of larger crowds that include Major League national cross-checkers and perhaps some scouting directors, the Barnegat coaching staff is preparing for the tactical challenges associated with managing a pitcher who is both the team ace and likely the future property of a Major League organization who will command a multi-milliondollar signing bonus if he is taken as early as is being projected.

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intrasquad, McCoy is vigilant about making sure Groome is on top of his change-up, which is currently his third pitch and one that has the potential to push him over the top as a Major League pitcher if he can fully harness the alreadypromising offering.

“Was that the change-up?,” McCoy asks Groome after the lefty tossing one in warm-ups. Groome nods.

“Get it deeper in your hand and get it out in front. You’re

See

GROOME page 17

By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor Teams listed by predicted order of finish

ne reason Class A South has been one of the toughest divisions in the state over the last couple of decades is that whenever there is a loaded team at the top, it’s never easy for that team to run the table against a league of talented Group IV and larger Group III schools. This year, there is no team that is head-and-shoulders above the rest on paper, which could make for a particularly wild regularseason in a division that doesn’t have a bad roster. Last year’s division champion, Toms River North, will have to test its program depth on the mound right away, secondplace Jackson Memorial and Toms River South each lost a lot of production at the plate, which should leave the door open for a surprise team or two to break into the division race. Those three mainstays in A South certainly won’t fall out of the race, but the competition for the top spot should be fierce and it won’t be limited to just two or three teams. JACKSON MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Frank Malta, 12th season

2015 RECORD: 22-7 (10-4, tied second in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Joey Rose (Sr., 3B), Jeff Ciervo (Sr., OF), Mike Nyisztor (Jr., SS), Brandon Fischer (Sr., 2B/OF), David Cordoma (Sr. CF), Anthony Deceglie (Sr., P/1B), Craig Larsen (So., P/2B), Brendan Mullins (So., P/INF), Alex Klalo (So., OF/P), Jared Bellissimo (So., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Dallas Sheard (Sr., C/OF), Chris Peruggia (Jr., C/OF), Tim Halasnik (Jr., 1B/P), Krystian Potok (Jr., 1B), Jake Fox (Jr., INF), Aaron McCulligh (Jr., INF), Mike Koslowski (So., INF), Pat Byrnes (Sr.), Mike Christie (Sr.), Alex Iadisernia (Fr., OF), Colin McCulligh (Jr., P), Dave DeJesus (Jr., OF), Nick Cronce (Jr., P), Shawn Kelich (So., P/OF)

TOMS RIVER NORTH

HEAD COACH: Andy Pagano, 3rd season

TOP RETURNERS: Joey Rose (Sr., 3B), Jeff Ciervo (Sr., OF), Mike Nyisztor(Jr., SS), Brandon Fischer (Sr., 2B/OF), David Cordoma (Sr., CF), Anthony Deceglie (Sr., P/1B), Craig Larsen (So., P/2B), Brendan Mullins (So., P/INF), Alex Klalo (So. OF/P), Jared Bellissimo (So., P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Pat Marinaccio (Sr., OF), Austin Feigin (Jr., Util), Ian Mindas (Jr., C), Jared Klecan (Sr., P), Anthony Sasso (So., P/3B), Thomas Spiwak (So., P), Joe Bisogno (Jr., 1B), Garrett Rosenboom (Sr., OF), Brody Sprinkle (Jr., P)

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

2015 RECORD: 13-11 (7-7, fourth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Anthony Elefante (Jr., P/INF/OF), Don Zelleman (Jr., P/INF/OF), Anthony Ruggerio (Sr., Util), Paul Carluccio (Jr., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Jorden Jurkiewicz (Fr., 3B), Tom McFarland (Sr., P), Keith Apostolos (So., SS) HEAD COACH: Jason Groschel, 11th season

2015 RECORD: 12-12 (6-8, sixth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: John Prato (Jr., CF), Nick Chirichello (Sr., P), Hunter Rizzuto (Sr., OF/P), Mike Soldo (Jr., P), Gerry Hutchinson (Jr., C), Trevor Rowe (Sr., C), A.J. Serrino (Jr., C/OF/2B), Jake Scott (Sr., 3B), Jayden Tissenker (Jr., 2B/P), Matt Stadelberger (Jr., 2B/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tito Morales (Sr., P/1B), Marc Wissen (Sr., SS), Justin Santiago (Sr., OF), John Zurawski (Jr., P/SS), Pat McAlinden (Jr., OF/P), Kenny Bala (Jr., OF), Ed Zarzynski (Jr., OF/P), Vincent Gualdieri (So., SS), Cole Groschel (Fr., OF/P), Jim Leblo (Fr., OF/P)

HEAD COACH: Ken Frank, 38th season

SOUTHERN

TOP RETURNERS: Trevor Wagner (Sr., OF/P), Tyler Wisnewski (Sr. C), Michael Conover (Sr., CF), Ben Montenegro (Jr., 3B/P), Justin Fall (Jr., P/1B), Matt Shiffer (Jr., INF/P), Connor Feeney (Sr., 1B/P), Transfer: Tom Campo (Jr., INF )

TOP RETURNERS: Ronnie Velardi (Sr., 3B/P), Jared Lubanski (Sr. P/SS), Zach Fillmore (Jr., P), Noah Brown (Jr., OF), Joey Robertson (Jr., 2B), Nick Simone (Jr., P)

2015 RECORD: 19-9 (10-4, tied second in A South)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Scrudato (Sr., INF/P), Jake Regan (Jr., INF), Dylan Danelson (Jr., OF), Joe Lodato (Sr., INF), Mark Fitzpatrick (Jr., OF/1B), Anthony Genchi (Sr., INF), Rich Thomas (Sr., DH), T.J. Clarke (Sr., OF), T.J. Scuderi (So., OF/P), Jared Kwicinski (Jr., OF/P)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Cuppari (Sr., SS/P), Brian Markoski (Sr., 1B/OF), Tim Santiago (Sr., OF), Justin Bates (Sr., C), James Donlon (Sr., OF/P), Teddy Gonzalez (Sr., 3B), Alec Merritt (Sr., P), Dylan Evans (Sr., OF), D.J. Wilson (Sr., P), Dave Clark (Sr., 2B/P), Andrew LaRosa (Sr., INF/P), Dylan Nolan (Sr., C), Antonio Laborte (Jr. OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Noah DeAlmeida (Sr., P), Ryan Shornock (Sr., P), Nick Pipher (Sr., 1B/DH), Elie Lavarin (Sr., OF), Nick Reyes (Sr., 1B/DH), Mike Kraft (Sr., OF), Ray Lutick (Jr., 3B/P), Anthony Garcia (Jr., 2B), Joey Howell (Jr., 2B), Justin Hans (So., OF), Nick Stephan (So., INF/P), Mike Murphy (Fr., C)

Division Lineup

Paul Carluccio, Catcher, Lacey

Matt Cuppari, Shortstop, Brick Memorial Joey Rose, Third Base, Toms River North

Jeff Ciervo, Outfield, Toms River North

Chad Leonard, Center Field, Toms River East Tim Santiago, Outfield, Brick Memorial

Trevor Wagner, Outfield/Rhp, Toms River South

Division Rotation

Chris Hawryluk, Rhp, Jackson Memorial

Anthony Elefante, Rhp, Lacey

Justin Fall, Lhp, Toms River South

Don Zellman, Rhp, Lacey

HEAD COACH: Dan Dietrich, 2nd season

2015 RECORD: 9-12 (6-8, fifth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Chad Leonard (Sr., CF), Tyler Idzinski (Sr., OF), Connor Robbins (Sr., C), Cole Robbins (Sr., SS), Bailey Engelhard (Sr., 1B), Brandon Burdge (Sr., DH), James Papamakariou (Sr., 2B), Jarod Pollaro (Sr., P), Nick DeGennaro (So., P), Nick LaVecchia (Sr., RF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Brad Brush (So., P/INF), Mike Calabrese (Sr., C), Fletcher Gest (Jr., P), Darren Scholl (Jr., P), Rich Longo (Jr., 2B), Jay Longo (So., OF), Nick Silvia (So., OF), Ahmer Cournier (Fr., SS)

ISSUE-7

KEY NEWCOMERS: Pat Barrett (Jr., SS/P), Nolan Watson (Jr., C), Trent Markley (Jr., 1B), Marco Matias (So., OF), Vaughn Walker (Jr., OF), Garret Lange (Jr., OF)

Nick Degennaro, Rhp, Toms River East

TOMS RIVER EAST

2015 RECORD: 9-15 (4-10, TIED SIXTH IN A SOUTH)

Kyle Johnson, Shortstop, Jackson Memorial

2015 RECORD: 12-14 (4-10, tied sixth in A South)

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HEAD COACH: Keith Coccuza, 1st season

Brian Markoski, First Base, Brick Memorial

HEAD COACH: Evan Rizzitello, 6th season

HEAD COACH: Corey Hamman, 4th season

BRICK

2015 RECORD: 17-6 (12-2, first in A South)

BRICK MEMORIAL

Jackson Memorial senior Chris Hawryluk.

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Breakout Players to Watch

Connor Takacs, OF/LHP, Jackson Memorial

John Prato, CF, Brick

Tom Campo, INF, Toms River South

Craig Larsen, 2B/P, Toms River North

Pat Marinaccio, OF, Toms River North

Unfinished Business

GROOME

C o n t in u ed f rom p ag e 1 5 pulling back on it and it’s not getting that (diving) action.”

Groome digests the critique and turns loose a circle change-up that tumbles down and away off the plate, reminiscent of the pitch that Groome’s mentor, Cole Hamels, mastered during his Major League career with the Phillies before being traded to the Texas Rangers during the 2015 season. “There it is,” McCoy exclaims before the ball can even pop the catcher’s mitt.

The work on the changeup highlights that fact that although Groome has the inside track at a major payday come June, he is still refining most, if not all of his game. Groome flocked to IMG to work on his strength and returned to N.J. with 18 added pounds of muscle, mostly in the form of strength in the lower half of his body. Groome credits the spike in velocity from 88-to-93 miles-per-hour as a 15-year-old to 92-to-97 as a 16-yearold to the strength and conditioning program at IMG, as well as studying video of current left-handed aces in the Majors: Madison Bumgarner, fellow Vanderbilt commit David Price and the aforementioned Kershaw and Hamels.

“I was watching Cole Hamels throw and his stride is extremely long, so I tried to take that into consideration,” said Groome, who employed short stride as a sophomore to initiate his low-effort delivery. “It’s helped me out a lot with keeping the ball low in the zone and I’m getting my whole body into the ball instead of just not incorporating my lower half.”

There is one thing that IMG did not prepare Groome to do that he will be trying his hand in this season: hitting. As a sophomore, Groome went 1-for-22 at the plate with an RBI double and did not take a single at-bat with IMG last year. This season, McCoy’s plan is to bat Groome in the No. 5 spot in the order, both in games he starts and as the designated hitter in his off days. While there is a very strong chance Groome will have to hit at the next level – the first five picks of the Draft and seven of the first eight all belong to National League clubs – McCoy is not filling out Groome’s name in the lineup card simply as job training.

“He puts on a show in (batting practice),” McCoy said, gesturing towards a housing development beyond the right-field wall at Barnegat’s home field. “He’s hits balls out to where those houses are. Not a lot of people get it out there, but he came back so much stronger than he was when he left and it’s showing in everything.”

Of all the reasons fueling Groome’s return to the Northeast – being closer to family, representing his home town on draft day, and graduating with his childhood friends – near the top of the list to wiping out the last bad baseball memory of Groome’s career. In his last game as a Bengal before departing for IMG, Groome walked off his home mound as the losing pitcher in the NJSIAA South Jersey Group II championship game against Buena.

For his part, Groome was as spectacular as ever. He struck out a career-high 17 batters in a complete game and allowed just two hits – both in the first inning. During one stretch, he mowed down 14 consecutive Buena hitters, but his leadoff walk to opposing ace Denny Brady in the top of the seventh inning set the stage for the lone run of the game. With a twoout stolen base and an advance to third on a throwing error by the catcher, followed by a passed ball, the lone run of the game scored in what proved to be Groome’s second loss of the season.

“I have three fastballs instead of two,” Groome said. “I have a fourseam, a two-seam and a running fastball. The running fastball is almost like a cutter without a real sharp cut. It’s just something I can get in on the righties’ hands. “I throw a lot harder now and my stuff is just a lot different. My control is on the money. I think people who saw me when I was younger will be impressed.”

“The first thing you see when you walk in there is that his fastball is mid-90s, so first off, you have to cut down your step right off the bat,” Kacso said. “After that, his changeup is disgusting, his curveball is disgusting, so you’ve got three plus pitches you have to look out for when you’re at the plate and you don’t see that in high school. That’s something that is special about him. He’s really young and he already throws three pitchers that are arguably professionallevel pitches.”

In addition to dominating when it’s his turn in the rotation, Groome has embraced his role as captain and as someone whom younger players in the program can learn from and seek out for advice.

“I probably wouldn’t even have gone down (to IMG) if we had won states that year,” Groome said. “Winning states two years in a row would have been tough to pass up. This year, I’m just hungry for it. It’s bound to happen.”

With that loss and the Shore Conference Tournament championship loss to Christian Brothers Academy two days later, the Bengals and Groome finished historic seasons on an uncharacteristic sour note. While the program experienced a series of firsts in its 10-year existence – a first 20-win season and first ever appearances in each of the Ocean County, Shore Conference and NJSIAA sectional finals – Groome also enjoyed a breakout season. In 61 1/3 innings, he pitched to a 0.57 earned-run average, allowing just 25 hits and 14 walks while striking out 107. He finished the season with a record of 6-2. In addition to Groome and fellow Division I commits Kacso and McLaughlin, Barnegat will trot out experience at second base in the form of junior Justin Diefenbach, center field with senior Colin O’Conner and behind the plate with senior Max Ritner. After playing in the outfield last year, Ritner is making the move behind the plate and taking on the responsibility of catching Barnegat’s pitching staff, which also includes Kacso and Diefenbach.

Returning the 2014 version of Jason Groome would be a major addition to any roster, but this is an upgraded version of the pitcher that Ocean County teams faces and his teammates played behind when he was 15.

“He wouldn’t be hanging around with us after practice and keeping our heads in the books if he wasn’t 100 percent sure about being here,” McLaughlin said. “He’d just be like, ‘Screw you guys, I’m here to do me,’ and that’s not him at all. He’s always had a strong family mentality from the time we were little and that’s all you can ask for in a teammate.”

Although Groome has plenty of people like his parents and representatives looking out for his future and is himself looking forward to the day his name is called in Secaucus, his mind, like that of his teammates, is on winning a first ever state title for the Barnegat program.

“Coach has been saying that we want to be there in Toms River (for the Group II championship) on the last day of the season,” Kacso said. “That’s going to be Groome’s going-away party and we want to send him off with a dogpile on that mound.”

Special Thanks for all the Photos:

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

Mark Brown b51photography.com

By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Chiasano (Sr., 1B), Alex Beck (Jr., OF), Matt Salicco (Jr., P)

ow good is this Class A North division? That could be a rhetorical question, but here are some possible answers to that question: 1) The No. 1 team in the state last year that went 27-5 with two third Team AllAmerican players heading into this year did not even win the division outright; 2) Between the three top teams in last year’s loaded division, they return 12 Division I commits and seven players who were either All-Shore, All-Division or both; 3) those top three teams all look like seniors contenders to win NJSIAA sectional titles in three different Groups – III, IV and Non-Public A.

MANALAPAN

HEAD COACH: Brian Boyce, 11th season

2015 RECORD: 18-10 (8-6, third in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Jake Sadowitz (Sr., 1B/P), Chris Rodriguez (Sr., SS), Stephen Carbonara (Sr., C), Stephen Hansen (Sr., CF), Mike Mollica (Sr., OF), Matt Rosenberg (Sr., OF), Tyler Stafflinger (Sr., P/1B), Carmine Rainone (Sr., 2B), John Pudder (Jr., P)

Even outside the projected top three, there is a team that returns most of its roster that reached the Central Jersey Group IV final and shut out the No. 1 team in the state twice, and four more teams capable of replicating that kind of success. Christian Brothers Academy enters this season as the defending No. 1 team in the state with a good chance to repeat that feat, but the Colts are going to have a hard time getting out of this division unscathed.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Chris Winters (Sr., C/SS), Dan DeBlasio (So., 2B/SS), Robert Gargano (So., OF/P), John Michael Sabatino (Jr., P)

FREEHOLD BORO

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY HEAD COACH: Marty Kenney, 43rd season 2015 RECORD: 27-5 (10-4, tied first in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Brandon Martorano (Sr., C), Luca Dalatri (Sr., P/1B), Cid Porter (Sr., CF), Kenny Campbell (Sr., P/1B), Luke Chece (Sr., P/INF), Mason O’Mara (Jr., P), Nick Hohenstein (So., P/INF), Joe Gargana (Jr., P), Brendan Galvin (Sr., C/DH)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Anthony Falconite (Sr., INF/OF), Evan Menendez (Jr., OF/P), Ronnie Meehan (Jr., P), Sal Morreale (Jr., P), Jack Harnish (So., SS), Andrea Dalatri (So., 3B)

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Ryan Spillane, 8th season

2015 RECORD: 21-9 (10-4, tied first in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Johnny Zega (Sr., SS/P), Zach Schild (Sr., C), Austin Markmann (Sr., P/INF), Ian Scheuer (Sr., 1B/P), Ben Porpora (Jr., 3B), Jeff Lewandowski (Jr., OF), Dave Mangarelli (Jr., OF), Freddie Yah (Sr., C/1B/DH), Jon Martin (Jr., P), Jeremy Joyce (Jr., INF), Bobby Gyurindak (Sr., P), Tom Gannon (Sr., OF/INF), Tom Frandsen (Sr., OF ), Joe McLaughlin (Sr, SR), Transfer: Ryan Ruziecki (Jr., INF)

CBA Sr. pitcher Luca Dalatri

HEAD COACH: Jon Block, 25th season

2015 RECORD: 16-13 (68, sixth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Nick LaMorte (Sr., C), Chris Cassandra (Jr, SS), Nick Zuppe (Sr., CF), Marco Meleo (Sr., OF/P), Tom Holdorf (Jr., 1B), Steve Rullo (Sr., P/OF), Ryan Yee (Sr., OF), Dan Chiusano (Jr., P), James Manos (Sr., P/INF), Todd Burger (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Belka (Jr., 3B/P), Pat White (Jr., P/1B), Mark Costanzo (So., P/SS), Phil Marcantonio (So., C)

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

HEAD COACH: Todd Smith, 7th season

2015 RECORD: 13-14 (5-9, seventh in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: John Carroll (Sr., 1B/P), Matt Gorman (Sr., CF), Ralph Gambino (Jr., P/INF), Mike Pirrotta (Jr., P/1B), Brian Oliver (Sr., SS), Pete Nielsen (Sr., P), Rob Nitti (Sr., C), Lane Shapiro (Sr., 2B)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Coluccio (Jr., C), Andrew Beam (Jr., C), Bryan Reed (So., P), Ryan Ford (So., P/3B), Zack Pericone (Jr., 3B/P), Joe Romanowski (Sr., RF), Greg Najar (Jr., P/OF), Matt Beuka (Jr., OF), Ryan Cardone (Jr., LF), Rodney Paulino (Sr., OF)

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MARLBORO

HEAD COACH: Jim Ferraro, 8th season

2015 RECORD: 12-9 (7-7, tied fourth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Brian Reilly (Sr., 1B), Will Trochiano (Jr., SS), Matt DiSciullo (Sr., OF/P), Gene Napolitano (Jr., C), Jeremy Dyzenhaus (Sr., P), Andrew Gambardella (Sr., 3B/2B), Dylan Finn (Sr., OF), Noah Thomas (Jr., OF), Justin Kaplan (Sr., P), Jeremy Bello (Jr., P), Jared Wright (Jr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Anthony Petrosino (Jr., OF), Mark Ventre (Jr, OF), Will Kramer (Jr., P), Justin Kapuscinski (Fr., 3B/C), Riley Keating (Jr., P/1B), Casey Hernandez (Sr., INF), Noah Hutter (Jr., P), Justin Levito (So., 2B)

HOWELL

HEAD COACH: Eric Johnson, 7th season

2015 RECORD: 10-12 (7-7, tied fourth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Justin Steel (Sr., C/INF), Troy Miller (Sr., INF), James Wynne (Sr., OF/P), Connor Fey (Sr., 2B/P), Brian Chaballa (Sr., P/OF), Donovan O’Malley (Sr., P/2B), Matt Furlong (Sr., P), Tom Scanlon (Sr., OF), Christian Gedell (Sr., OF), KEY NEWCOMERS: Russell Quinlan (Sr., 1B), Grant Hackett (Jr., OF), Eddie Morales (So., INF), Mark Iacobino (Sr., 3B), Justin Jarosz (Sr., C)

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

HEAD COACH: Justin Nathanson, 2nd season

2015 RECORD: 7-16 (3-11, eighth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Capo (Sr., 3B), Tyler Ras (So., CF/P), Walter Shopf (Sr., C), Cole Fluta (Sr., SS), Hunter Rinn (Sr., P), Phil Pecherski (Sr., P/OF), Mike Mercier (Jr., P/OF), Seth Ziegler (Sr., 1B), Garrett French (So., 2B)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Marc Cerbo (Jr., 2B), Matt Jelinski (Sr., P/INF), Nick Liubicich (Jr., 1B), Thomas Loria (Jr., C), Frankie Wilton (Jr., C), Cody Sharkey (Jr., P/OF), Connor Welsh (So., OF)

Division Lineup

Brandon Martorano, Catcher, CBA

Jake Sadowitz, First Base, Manalapan Connor Fey, Second Base, Howell

Johnny Zega, Shortstop, Middletown South Chris Rodriguez, Shortstop, Manalapan

Kyle Capo, Third Base, Middletown North Cid Porter, Center Field, CBA

Stephen Hansen, Center Field, Manalapan Justin Steel, Utility, Howell

Division Rotation

Luca Dalatri, RHP, CBA Ralph Gambino, RHP, Freehold Twp. Austin Markmann, RHP, Middletown South Steve Rullo, RHP, Freehold Boro Tyler Stafflinger, RHP, Manalapan

Breakout Players to Watch

Tyler Ras, OF, Middletown North Matt DiSciullo, OF, Marlboro James Wynne, OF/LHP, Howell Nick Hohenstein, RHP/2B, CBA Carmine Rainone, 2B, Manalapan

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he Class B South race was a fight to the finish in 2015 and defending champion Barnegat just brought back a hammer to bring to this year’s tussle. The return of Vanderbilt commit and potential No. 1 pick Jason Groome from IMG Academy in Florida makes the Bengals the prohibitive favorite in a Class B South race that had all of the makings of a wide-open race once again, were it not for his presence.

Even with Groome in the picture, he can’t pitch every game, which gives every other team reason for hope over the long term. Point Boro and Manchester bring back lots of talent and the rest of the field as its strengths as well. The division on the whole looks better than it was a year ago, and even if Barnegat’s pitching is too much for the rest of the field, a lot of the B South teams will go into the postseason prepared to make a run. BARNEGAT

HEAD COACH: Dan McCoy, 5th season

2015 RECORD: 15-11 (10-4, first in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Jason Groome (Sr., P), Jared Kacso (Sr., 3B/P), Aaron McLaughlin (Jr., SS/P), Max Ritner (Sr., C), Collin O’Conner (Sr., CF), Justin Diefenbach (Jr., P/INF), Anthony Lani (Jr., UTIL), Mimo Padilla (Jr., 2B), Eric Becker (Jr., RF), Evan Albanese (Jr., OF/P), Ryan Bush (So., P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Nik Caputo (Jr., 1B)

POINT PLEASANT BORO

HEAD COACH: Dave Drew, 6th season

2015 RECORD: 12-13 (6-8, tied sixth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Sam Monaco (Sr., SS), Frank Graziano (Sr., OF/P), Sebastian Severio (Sr., C), Mark Leyble (Sr., 3B/P), Will Feehan (Sr., 2B/OF) Mike Falconetti (Sr., 1B/P), Tim Rossi (Sr., P/OF), Josiah Gliddon (Jr., P), Thomas Paul (Jr., P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Carne (Sr., Util), Dan Daber (Sr., P/1B), Ethan Cannon (Sr., P/Util), Mike Waddleton (Sr., OF), Damon DelPriore (Jr., 1B/DH), Justin Rafi (Jr., Util), Kyle Lauria (Jr., INF), Patrick Feehan (Jr., INF), John Duggan (Jr., OF), Ben Herman (Jr., OF/P), John Sullivan (Jr., OF), Jack Brennan (So., INF), John Duda (So., P/1B), Andrew Laspina (So., P/OF), Ryan Sansone (So., Util)

CENTRAL

HEAD COACH: Mike Casale, 1st season

2015 RECORD: 9-14 (8-6, fourth B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Tom Ruscitti (So., C), Ryan Paul (Sr., P/1B), Matt Aires (Sr., CF), Joe Bassett (Sr., INF/P), Harry Eaton (Sr, O), Jared Morris (Jr., P/OF), Chris Kowalski (Sr., INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Jordan Snyder (Sr., C/P), Terrence Walker (Sr., OF), Mike Bickford (Jr., INF), Mike Eak (Jr., INF), Ryan Greene (Jr., INF/P), Mitch Greiner (Jr., INF), Zach Greiner (Jr., OF), Connor Keehn (Jr., P/1B), Eric Rice (Jr., P), Jack Sudia (Jr., OF), Colin Stacy (So., INF)

JACKSON LIBERTY

HEAD COACH: Jim Rankin, 9th season

2015 RECORD: 10-12 (9-5, tied second in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Tavaska (Jr., CF), Ryan Van Wickle (Sr., INF/P), Brandon Pallante (Sr., P/1B), Ken Pommerencke (Sr., OF), Billy Hart (So., C), Mike Zak (Sr., P/1B), Jared Pommerencke (Sr., C), Andrew Ludovico (Jr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jeremy Bollard (Sr., INF), Justin Egbert (Sr., C), Scott Ricci (Sr., P/1B), Matt Piro (Jr., P), Alex Furlong (Jr., OF), Matt Hickman (Jr., 2B), Matt Pickus (So., P), John Wasdin (So., INF), David Melfi (Fr., C), Daniel Sofield (Fr., SS), Connor Keenan (Fr., OF), Charlie Rudderow (Fr., P/OF)

LAKEWOOD

HEAD COACH: Gene Drumright, 12th season

2015 RECORD: 4-17 (1-13, eighth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Alex Guzman (Sr., C/P), Jason Holguin (Sr., SS), Javiel Figueroa (Sr., INF), Tayon Conover-Hart (So., OF/DH), Raymond Alvarez (Sr., OF/P), Aurelio Mendez (So., P/INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Julian Zingler (So., P/INF), Ramon Mercedes (Sr., P/3B), Richard Uriarte (Sr., P), Yamil Toro (Jr., OF), Kevin Lopez (Jr., 1B), Hector Rodriguez (Jr., OF)

Division Lineup

Tom Ruscitti, Catcher, Central

MANCHESTER

HEAD COACH: David Beauchemin, 1st season

2015 RECORD: 8-15 (6-8, tied sixth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Jon Meaney (Sr., 3B), Mark Wernoch (Sr., 1B), Darrius Garcia (Sr., C), Ryan Vanderham (Sr., SS), Steven Rodriguez (Jr., 2B), Joe Felipe (Jr., P/1B), Matt Miggliaccio (Jr., CF), P.J. Martinez (Sr., INF/P), Gavin Pabst (Jr., P/DH), Dillon Barry (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Bryant (Sr., P), Kirk Montanye (Jr., LF)

DONOVAN CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Bill Beining, 1st season

Steven Rodriguez, Second Base, Manchester

Will Feehan, Second Base, Point Boro

Aaron McLaughlin, Shortstop, Barnegat Sam Monaco, Shortstop, Point Boro

Jon Meaney, Third Base, Manchester Jared Kacso, Third Base, Barnegat

Frank Graziano, Outfield, Point Boro

Kyle Malloy, Center Field, Donovan Catholic

Division Rotation

2015 RECORD: 14-13 (7-7, fifth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Malloy (Sr., CF/P), Zach Mann (Jr., P/LF), Nick Povoa (Jr., OF/P), Andrew Jarvis (Sr., P), Ryan O’Sullivan (Jr., SS), P.J. Armstrong (Sr., 1B), Ray Ray Drumright (Sr., 3B), Bubba Goble (Jr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick DeMaio (So., C), Alex Jansen (Jr., OF), Martin Olivo (Sr., 3B), Gerard Russo (Jr., 2B), Tommy Smith (So., C), Brandon Zanetti (Jr., SS)

Jason Groome, LHP, Barnegat

Joe Felipe, LHP, Manchester

Zach Mann, RHP, Donovan Catholic Tim Rossi, RHP, Point Boro

Brandon Pallante, RHP, Jackson Liberty

Breakout Players to Watch

PINELANDS

Justin Diefenbach, RHP/2B, Barnegat

2015 RECORD: 13-12 (9-5, tied second in B South)

Nick Povoa, LHP, Donovan Catholic

HEAD COACH: Rob Sanzari, 4th season

TOP RETURNERS: Jared Strang (Sr., OF), Chris Burke (Jr., INF/P), Brad O’Brien (Sr., C), Ryan Ross (Sr., OF), Dave Lunn (Sr., CF), Darien Martinez, (Sr., P), Jared Miller (Sr., P), Brandon Weedo (Jr., 1B)

Point Boro junior Josiah Gliddon

KEY NEWCOMERS: Joey Ventresca (Fr., 2B/SS/P), Anthony Diaz (Fr., 3B), Noah Dean (Fr., P/OF), Nick Cicalo (Sr., OF), Christian Marshall (Sr., INF), Thomas Allen (Jr., 1B), Sean Crowley (Jr., INF), Joey McDonald (Jr., RHP), Tommy Madge (Jr., OF/P), Riley Stephenson (Jr., Util), Peter Hammond (Fr., 1B/P)

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Josiah Gliddon, RHP, Point Boro Jason Holguin, SS, Lakewood Jared Miller, RHP, Pinelands

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor Teams listed by predicted order of finish

DeRosa (Jr. 3B), Dom Caraballo (Jr., CF), John Poccia (Sr., P), Jack Ipsen (Sr., P), Justin Liggett (Sr., P), Jack Smith (Sr., P), Mike Veit (Jr., 1B/OF), Suli Abas (Sr., OF), Steve Turk (Jr., 2B/3B)

hile Class A North and Class A South are typically considered the strongest division in the Shore Conference, the top of B North was as good as the top of any division. The No. 2 team in the Shore Conference at the end of last year hailed from B North and it was not the one that went 14-0 in B North divisional play. Colts Neck went 14-0 in the division and was not even the highest-ranked team from the division, a distinction that belonged to Red Bank Catholic.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Frank Buono (Sr., OF), Brian Sheehy (Jr., 1B), Connor Caizza (Sr., OF), Pat Leonard (Sr., OF), Kevin Freibott (Sr., OF), Aiden Supp (Jr., 2B/SS), Eddie Barnwell (Jr., C), Austin Nappi (So., P), Jake Birnbaum (So., P), Blaise Panzini (So., P)

COLTS NECK

HEAD COACH: Mike Yorke, 17th season

Wall also acquitted itself by beating Middletown South – the A North co-champion – via the 10-run rule in the Monmouth County Tournament, ending the Eagles’ 14-game winning streak. Even Ocean did its part, going 11-3 in non-division games, while Matawan reached a sectional final for the second straight year. Class B North will bring it again in 2016, with all five of those teams returning strong rosters with Red Bank, Neptune and Long Branch expecting to show improvement.

2015 RECORD: 21-4 (14-0, first in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Mike Antico (Sr., CF), Tim Cavrak (Sr., SS/P), Mario Ferraioli (Sr., P), Andrew Conforti (Sr., OF), Mike D’Ottavio (Sr., P), Jeremy Slad (Sr., C), Jake McTigue (Sr., OF), Nick Umbro (Sr., 2B), Brendan Clarke (Jr., INF), Dante Caruso (Sr., OF), Anthony Galason (So., P/OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jonathan Weitzman (Jr., 1B/P), Jack Tirrell (So., INF), Kevin Condon (Jr., P), Connor Schauer (Jr., C)

RED BANK CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Buddy Hausmann, 9th season

WALL

HEAD COACH: Todd Schmitt, 19th season

2015 RECORD: 20-9 (11-3, second in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Evan Madigan (Sr., SS), Doug Facendo (Sr., C), Mike Spinelli (Sr., 2B/OF), Aaron Ahn (Jr., 2B), Anthony

2015 RECORD: 20-8 (10-4, third in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Nolan Cloney (Jr., SS/P), Regan Dombroski

RBC senior SS Evan Madigan

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(Sr., P/1B), Nick Maciejewski (Sr., OF), Mike Yard (Sr., 1B/3B), Sean Larkin (Jr., CF), Matt Yard (Jr., P), Mike Nocchi (Sr., P), Connor Metelski (Sr., P), James Loesch (Sr., C/1B), Jake Malone (Sr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Shane Richey (Jr., INF), Joe Castellucia (Sr., INF)

OCEAN

HEAD COACH: Cip Apicelli, 7th season

2015 RECORD: 18-10 (7-7, fourth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Brian Kochenash (Sr., SS), Marc Chernin (Sr., C), Brian Olesen (Sr., 1B), Tyler Rossback (Sr., 3B), Kenny Pickett (Jr., OF), Jake Talarico (Sr, CF/P), Travis Lillie (Jr., P), Phil DeMarco (Jr., P/OF/1B), Alec Keezer (Jr., 2B/P), Anthony Tedesco (Jr., C), J.T. Toomey (Sr., P), Scott Bradley (Sr., P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Brandon Stevens (Sr., OF), Tyler Rawding (Sr., OF), Yarelvin Pardilla (Sr., INF), Carver Martinez (Sr., C), Jack D’Auria (So., OF/INF/P), Max Winters (Fr., P/C/INF)

MATAWAN

HEAD COACH: Bobby Carnovsky, 4th season 2015 RECORD: 11-13 (6-8, fifth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Adam Elliott (Sr., INF/P), Chris Vetter (Sr., C), Colin Thompson (Sr., P), Anthony Hirujo (Sr., P), Richard Joa (Sr., P), Isaiah Phillip (Sr., OF), Dylan Dobbin (Sr., OF), Makel Caldwell (Sr., OF), Brandon Rivera (Sr., 2B/3B/P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Jake Burlew (Jr., INF/OF/P), Alex Cosentino (Sr., INF)

RED BANK REGIONAL

HEAD COACH: Nick Tucker, 3rd season

2015 RECORD: 7-16 (5-9, sixth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Nick Massa (Sr., P/DH), Matt Reardon (Sr., P/SS), Matt Santos (Jr., P/1B), Claudio LoBraico (Sr., C/P), John Juco (Jr., 2B), Josh Horowitz (Jr., P), Will Weaver (Jr., P), Brandon Alvaro (Sr., 2B), Derrick Bradley (Sr., C), Sam Tekelch (Sr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Michael Wolff (Sr., OF/P), Kevin Laughlin (Jr., C), Jack Mangold (Jr., P/SS), Jonah Rosen (Jr., OF/DH), Jack Stamer (Jr., OF), Danny Wagner (Jr., OF), Mike Eulner (So., 1B/P)

NEPTUNE

HEAD COACH: Kevin Frederick, 2nd season

2015 RECORD: 3-15 (1-13, eighth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Jegou (Sr., SS), Mike Hand (Sr., 3B/OF), Justin Tucker (Jr., OF/P), Sean Maxcy (Sr., 1B/RF), Tyler Schembri (Sr., 2B), Jake Giblin (Sr., CF), Ernesto Rodriguez (Sr., OF), Zach Krause (Sr., C/P), Alon Height (Sr., OF)

(Jr., 3B), Jalen Walls (Jr., 1B), Justin Navarro (Jr., P/C), Ryan Lorme (Jr., 2B), James Horniacek (So., P), Juwan Wilkins (So., 3B/P), Pasa Fields (So., OF), Nick Lunn (So., INF), William Pagan (Sr., OF), Nick Soden (Sr., OF)

Division Lineup

Doug Facendo, Catcher, Red Bank Catholic

Regan Dombroski, First Base/Pitcher, Wall

Aaron Ahn, Second Base, Red Bank Catholic Tim Cavrak, Shortstop, Colts Neck

Evan Madigan, Shortstop, Red Bank Catholic

Anthony DeRosa, Third Base, Red Bank Catholic Mike Antico, Center Field, Colts Neck Sean Larkin, Center Field, Wall

Adam Elliott, Infield/Pitcher, Matawan

Division Rotation

Mario Ferraioli, LHP, Colts Neck

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ron Cole (Fr., SS/P), Sebastian Jean Baptiste (Fr., OF/P), Devin Furges (So., C), Chris Lambertson (Jr., 3B/1B), Aedan Martin (Jr., 2B/P), Dylan Taliaferro (Jr., 1B/P), Jeremy Sleifer (Jr., 3B/P)

John Poccia, RHP, Red Bank Catholic

LONG BRANCH

Breakout Players to Watch

Nick Massa, RHP, Red Bank

Mike D’Attavio, RHP, Colts Neck Jake Talarico, RHP, Ocean

HEAD COACH: James Reilly, 1st season

Phil DeMarco, LHP, Ocean

TOP RETURNERS: Sean Cuddy (Sr., OF), Alonzo Rawl (Sr., 2B), Carlos Pacheco (Sr., P), Matt Mincielli (So., SS), Terrance Brewer (So., C)

Nick Umbro, 2B, Colts Neck

2015 RECORD: 4-19 (2-12, seventh in B North)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justice Johnson (Jr., 1B/P), Leo Morabito

Richard Joa, RHP, Matawan John Juco, 2B, Red Bank

Justin Tucker, OF/P, Neptune

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor

RARITAN

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

HEAD COACH: Jeff Struble, 4th season

2015 RECORD: 10-11 (6-6, tied fifth in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Jon Rodriguez (Sr., OF/P), Bo Bentley (Sr., DH), Johnny Guccione (Sr., INF/P), Mike Lind (Sr., C), Mason Sheehan (Sr., OF), Kenny Friend (Jr., OF), Matt Birdsall (Jr., P/OF), Nick Principe (Jr., OF), Zack Johnston (So., INF/P), Joe Cavaluzzi (Jr., 2B)

race doesn’t get much tighter than the one that played out in the Shore Conference Class A Central division last year. Six of the division’s seven teams finished within two games of first place, with three teams (Manasquan, Monmouth Regional and Rumson-Fair Haven) tying for second place at 7-5 and two (Shore Regional and Raritan) tying for fifth at 6-6. Despite the jumbled mess, there was no sharing the outright division title, as St. John Vianney prevailed with an 8-4 mark as a follow-up effort to its greatest season in school history one year earlier.

This year promises more of the same in Class A Central, as the six teams in the mix last year all return solid groups, while Holmdel continues to build toward contention and could be ready to pounce sooner rather than later. None of these preseason prognostications are scientific by any stretch of the imagination, but take this prediction with many, many grains of salt. Class A Central can go in seven different directions this year, like it almost did last year. ST. JOHN VIANNEY

HEAD COACH: Mike Morgan, 10th season

2015 RECORD: 13-8 (8-4, first in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Ciaran Devenney (Sr., C), Victor Jamandron (Sr., 2B), Sebi Bellone (Jr., INF/C), Zack Richards (Sr., OF), Chris Cerniglia (Sr., SS/P), Brandon DeKovics (Sr., P/INF), Joey Raia (Sr., P), Ryan DeMille (Jr., P), Nick Ficsor (Sr., INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Michael Nolan (Sr., P), Robert Meli (Sr., INF/C), Nick Simone (Sr., OF), Matt Cerniglia (Jr., P/OF), Seamus Coyle (Jr., OF/INF), Gerardo Rivera-Colon (Jr., INF), Jack Whalen (Jr., OF), Patrick Caragliano (So., INF/C), Frank D’Alessio (So., OF), Michael DiPede (So., INF), Logan Marter (So., P/OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tim Hayes (Fr., 1B/P), Dan VanMeerbeke (So., OF), Tyler Bruno (Fr., OF)

SHORE

HEAD COACH: Patrick O’Neill, 5th season 2015 RECORD: 19-9 (8-6, third in A Central) TOP RETURNERS: Devin McLaughlin (Sr., 3B/P), Dhillon Barbetti (Sr., C), Chas Breithoff (Sr., 1B/P), Michael O’Halloran (Sr., S), Marco Parrino (Sr., OF), Michael Jelliff (Jr., 2), Matt Pennell (Jr., OF/P), Transfer: Austin Cannon (Long Branch) (Jr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jack Campbell (Sr., 1B), Josh DeFino (Sr., OF), Matt Engel (Sr., OF), Michael Mendillo (Sr., P/OF), Alex Patton (Sr., P/OF), Ryan Jones (Jr., 3B), Mick Zimmerman (Jr., P/Util), Mike Deusch (Fr., P)

Manasquan junior Tommy Sheehan

HOLMDEL

MONMOUTH

HEAD COACH: Paul Crivello, 3rd season

2015 RECORD: 9-13 (7-5, tied second in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Christian Hoplock (Sr., OF/P), Garrhet Reedy (Sr., C), Josh Jackson (Jr., 3B), Andrew Slinger (Sr., INF/P), Mark Abrams (Jr., OF), Preston Mellaci (Sr., OF), Joe Malfara (Jr., P), Chris Raike (Sr., P), Paul Birzin (Jr., P/INF), James Seldner (Sr., P), Chris Marcincak (Sr., INF), Christian Boujaoude (Sr., OF/INF), Skylar Marvin (Sr., INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Alec Fruchter (Sr., C/OF), Trenton Sartor (Sr., OF), Noah Eggenschwiler (Jr., P/OF), Josh Rife (Jr., P/INF), Derek Radzik (Jr., P), Mike Valerio (Jr., INF), Alex Palmieri (Jr., P), Trevor D’Meo (Jr., INF/P), Jay Eustace (Jr., P), Charlie Kelly (So., OF/P)

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN MANASQUAN

HEAD COACH: Bob Waldeyer, 1st season

2015 RECORD: 14-11 (7-5, tied second in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Jack Sheehan (Sr., INF/P), Tom Sheehan (Jr., P/1B), Adam Schreck (Jr., C/OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Pat Kinneally (Sr., P/OF), Mike Moran (Sr., P/INF), Parker Day (Jr., OF), Nick Jaime (Jr., OF), Connor Muly (Jr., P/INF), Joey Ostberg (Jr., C/INF), Nick Perone (Jr., P/OF), Tommy Antonucci (So., OF), Ethan Thompson (So., P/INF)

HEAD COACH: Kevin James, 14th season

HEAD COACH: Gene Crimoli, 3rd season 2015 RECORD: 6-15 (1-11, seventh in A Central) TOP RETURNERS: Tyler Fischer (Sr., SS/P), Will Van Name (Sr., C/INF), Sal Monticciolo (So., 1B/P), Lukas Gudelis (Sr., OF), Chris Ammirati (Jr., OF), Matt Fanelli (Jr., 3B), Mike Carannante (Sr., UTIL), Jordyn Brosemer (Sr., P), Matt Metzger (Sr., INF), Mike Lupo (Sr., DH), Jake Henkin (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alex Galarza (So., OF), Alex DiBona (So., 3B/P)

Division Lineup

Ciaran Devenney, Catcher, St. John Vianney Sal Monticciolo, First Base, Holmdel Johnny Guccione, 2B/SS, Raritan Michael O’Halloran, SS, Shore Josh Jackson, Third Base, Monmouth Christian Hoplock, Outfield Monmouth Jon Rodriguez, Outfield, Raritan Matt Fahey, Outfield, Rumson-Fair Haven Will Van Name, Catcher, Holmdel

Division Rotation

2015 RECORD: 9-9 (7-5, tied second in A Central)

Tom Sheehan, LHP, Manasquan Jack Sheehan, RHP, Manasquan Joey Raia, LHP, St. John Vianney Devin McLaughlin, RHP, Shore Brandon DeKovics, RHP, St. John Vianney

KEY NEWCOMERS: Danny Trochia (Sr., INF), Matt Maisto (Sr., OF), Chase Pfrang (So., INF), Robbie Smith (So., C), Alex Burnett (So., P), Jack Oberle (Jr., P), Jack Volker (Jr., P), Will Pillizzi (Sr., C), Tommy Lenskold (Sr., OF), Jack Mohen (Sr., P)

Zack Johnston, INF/RHP, Raritan Chris Cerniglia, SS, St. John Vianney Connor Dupree, 3B, Rumson Mark Abrams, OF, Monmouth Michael Jelliff, 2B, Shore

TOP RETURNERS: Mickey Schluter (Sr., C), Jackson Rissucci (Sr., OF/P), Jake Caruso (Sr., 2B), Teddy Sourlis (Sr., 1B/P), Sam Chandler (Sr., SS), Mike Frissora (Sr., P/O), Anthony Mazzuca (Sr., P), Matt Fahey (Jr., OF/P), Connor Dupree (Jr., INF/P), Max Phrang (Sr., 1B/C)

Breakout Players to Watch

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 24

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steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

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By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor Teams listed by predicted order of finish

ay what you will about B Central – this division had the most exciting finish to its regular season of any of the Shore Conference’s six divisions by a mile. Mater Dei captured its first division title in 13 years by beating St. Rose on a two-out, walk-off single by senior Ryan Fanner to stun the perennial power Purple Roses. Mater Dei still had to beat Ranney in its next game, but that win effectively ended the race with Mater Dei securing an elusive championship.

Both the Seraphs and the Purple Roses will clash for the division title again once both figure out how to plug some holes in the roster left from departures from a year ago. Those losses could open the door for an upstart like Keyport or another perennial contender like Point Beach. In a division that St. Rose has thoroughly dominated, it means a lot for another team to step up and win an outright title like Mater Dei did last year. It also must make the St. Rose players appreciate winning more, which should make for a hardfought Class B Central race. ST. ROSE

OF), Adam Cohrs (Jr., P/C), Brian DiPasquale (Jr., P/INF), Kevin Fay (Jr. Util/RHP), Mike Thompson (Jr., OF), Will Gannon (So., INF/P), Nick Marini (So., P/INF), Brody Maypother (So., C/INF), Phil Morelli (So., INF/P), Sam Sestito (So., P/INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Liam Meyer (Fr.), Miguel Crespo (So.), Paul Eckleberry (So.), Gabe Torres (Fr.)

MATER DEI PREP

ASBURY PARK

2015 RECORD: 17-8 (13-1, first in B Central)

2015 RECORD: 4-13 (2-12, tied seventh in B Central)

HEAD COACH: Pat Riddell, 12th season

TOP RETURNERS: Cole Hardy (Sr., 2B/OF), Joe Ruth (Sr., 3B/1B/P), Vinny Stanziale (So., P), Kyle Dowlen (Jr., 3B/OF/P), Matt Paciulli (Sr., P/1B), Nick Massaro* (Sr., C), Kevin Olausen (So., P/1B), Michael Dunne (So., C), *- Injured; Out indefinitely KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Turner (So., OF)

HEAD COACH: Kyle Keelen, 5th season

2015 RECORD: 7-13 (6-8, tied fourth in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Mitchell (Sr., C), Christian Smith (Jr., SS/P), Steven Chandler (Sr., SS/OF/P), Shane Chandler (Jr., OF/P), Kyle Johnson (Jr., 3B/1B), Jackson Aumack (Jr., 2B), Kenneth Harrigan (Sr., OF/P)

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

HEAD COACH: Angelo Fiore, 3rd season

2015 RECORD: 12-10 (11-3, third in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: John VanSchoick (Sr., 3B/P), Kevin Donnelly (Jr., 1B/P), Tanner Smith (Sr., OF), Ryan Franzoni (Sr., C), Joe Delgrippo (Sr., 1B), Connor Prima (Jr., OF/P), John Nista (So., 3B/P), Connor Prima (Jr., OF/P), Ryan Craig (Jr., OF), Chris Russo (So., P/INF), Josh Yates (So., 2B/P), Kenny MacPherson (So., P/SS), Vincent Storino (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Ian Gaynor (Sr., OF), Roddy Rupp (Jr., OF), Jude Lovegren (So., P/INF), Vincent Farrant (Fr., Util), Ryan Sheehan (Sr., OF)

RANNEY

TOP RETURNERS: Mike Gowen (Sr., OF/P), Brendan Hueth (Jr., CF/P), Brandon Mology (Jr., P/2B), Joe Volpe (Jr., 3B/P), Riley Maypother (So., P/INF), John Crowley (So., P/OF), Matt Harrison (Jr., INF/P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Andrew Baier (Jr. Util/P), Tom Blaes (Jr.,

KEY NEWCOMERS: Quaimere Mohammed (So., SS), Alex Peavey (Fr., P), Christian Bragg (Jr., OF/3B)

HENRY HUDSON

HEAD COACH: Vinnie Whitehead, 4th season

2015 RECORD: 2-13 (2-12, tied seventh in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Brendan Carlstrom (Jr., P/OF/1B), Tom Colantino (Jr., OF/P), Ryan Doelger (Jr., INF/P/OF), Steve Stockton (Sr., C), Kyle Santiago (So., OF), Jack Slocum (Jr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tim Farrell (Fr., INF), Liam Hagan (Fr., INF), Tiernan Kelly (Fr., INF), Matt Payne (Fr., OF/P)

Division Lineup

Ryan Franzoni, Catcher, Point Beach

Joe Delgrippo, First Base, Point Beach

Cole Hardy, Second Base, Mater Dei Prep

James Geraghty, Shortstop, Ranney Ian Terry, Third Base, Keansburg

Joe Volpe, Third Base, St. Rose

Mike Gowen, Outfield, St. Rose

Brendan Hueth, Center Field, St. Rose

Shane Chandler, Utility, Keyport

Division Rotation

Joe Ruth, RHP, Mater Dei Prep

TOP RETURNERS: James Geraghty (Sr., SS/P), Corey Natofsky (Sr., 3B/P), Max Godek (Sr., OF), Chris Weiland (Sr., 1B/P), Kiran Shah (So., CF/P), Jerome Cohen (Sr., OF)

Kevin Donnelly, LHP, Point Beach

KEY NEWCOMERS: Scott Zhu (Sr., P), Chris Autino (Fr., 1B/OF), Ryan Batista (Fr., C), Jacob Field (Fr., 1B), Ethan Gavin (Fr., INF/P), Ben Kraushaar (Fr., INF), Cole Redman (Fr., OF)

2015 RECORD: 17-9 (12-2, second in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: JxHenry McGee (Jr., LF/P), Casey McGinnis (Sr., P/2B), Jahmel Dixon (Sr., C/1B), Devin Nash-McGee (So., CF/P), Calvin Simmons-Carter (Jr., OF/1B), Keith White (Sr., OF), Luis Rodriguez (So., Util), Matt Hallman (Sr., Util/P), Tylil Tulley (So., 3B)

HEAD COACH: Matt Hall, 1st season

2015 RECORD: 4-13 (4-10, sixth in B Central)

HEAD COACH: Chris LeMore, 2nd season

HEAD COACH: Johnny Grasso, 10th season

KEYPORT

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Russo (Sr., 1B/3B), Evan Smutz (Sr., OF/P), Alex Staats (Jr., 1B), Colin Fernandez (So., OF/P )

St. Rose senior OF/P Mike Gowen

Osterbye (So., C/OF), Justin Alessi (So., 2B)

KEANSBURG

HEAD COACH: Brian Kmak, 18th season

2015 RECORD: 6-12 (6-8, tied fourth in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Ian Terry (Sr., 3B/P), Austin Blum (Sr., 1B/P), Gannon Meyer (Sr., SS), Matt Gibney (Jr., INF/P), Joe

Christian Smith, RHP, Keyport

John VanSchoick, RHP, Point Beach

Brendan Carlstrom, LHP, Henry Hudson

Breakout Players to Watch

Calvin Simmons-Carter, OF/1B, Asbury Park Devin Nash-McGee, CF, Asbury Park

Brendan Mology, RHP, St. Rose Riley Maypother, INF, St. Rose Josh Yates, 2B, Point Beach

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM

Scottie Lewis with Bryce Stanhope (left) from I'm Possible Training & Barnegat coach & Shore Coaches Association President Mike Puorro

Scottie Lewis WOWS Shore Crowd In First Ever All-Star Dunk Contest

Ranney School freshman Scottie Lewis might have been the favorite as an eighth grader if there were a Shore Conference Slam Dunk Contest last year, so there was no question who the favorite in the first ever competition was Wednesday night at Pine Belt Arena in Toms River. Just like he did in his first year of high school basketball with the Panthers, Lewis lived up to the hype. The 6-foot-5 freshman hammered home four perfect dunks on four attempts to capture to the first ever I’m Possible Training Shore Conference Slam Dunk title, beating out senior and runner-up Jordan Torney from Manchester. Lewis sealed the contest with a 360-degree, one-handed dunk off a bounce on his second dunk of the final round. That followed a double-pump reverse dunk reminiscent of Dominique Wilkins in the late 1980’s, which might have been the most conventional of his four dunks.In the second round of

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the competition, Lewis notched a perfect score with a onehanded windmill dunk off one foot in which he took off a stepand-a-half inside the free-three line. The Ranney freshman made an early statement by taking off a couple of feet inside the free-throw line for a one-handed slam. “I’ve done it (from the free-throw line) but it’s been a while since I actually made it,” said Lewis, who is approaching his 16th birthday and, along with Ranney classmate Bryan Antoine, already has high-major Division I scholarship offers. Each of the six participants – Lewis, Torney, Harris, Freehold Township junior Steve Staklinski, Rumson-Fair Haven senior Brendan Barry and Toms River East senior Tim Cook made his first-round dunk attempt. Cook, Harris and Barry all ended up in a first-round dunk-off, with Harris advancing into the second round with Lewis, Torney and Staklinski.

A Memorable Day of Basketball

t was another great send-off for the seniors to cap the Shore Conference basketball season at this yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Shore Basketball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Games on March 23th at the Pine Belt Arena Toms River.

All-Star Photos by:

Photos & Slam Dunk Video Courtesy of:

Ray Rich Photography

Adam Tormollan, Stretch Originals

www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

stretch922photos@gmail.com

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