Shore Sports Network Journal 2015 Spring Preview by Shore Sports Network Journal

April 7 2015 Volume-VII Issue-7

The first thing fans, players, coaches and parents want to know after the big game is always, ” ” 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

Shore Sports Network Director High School Division steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

ScottSTUMP

Managing Editor

stump@allshoremedia.com

Senior Content Providers MattManley // Mmanley21@gmail.com BobBadders // Badders@allshoremedia.com

Shore Sports Network Journal

is published by: T o w n sq u a r e M e d i a 8 Robbins Street Toms River, NJ 08753

Shore Sports Network Website Features n Get Video Highlights 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 23,000 followers) & Facebook, we keep fans posted on the latest scores and news n Established leading portal for local high school coverage.

Table of Contents SSN Divisional

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

Divisional Previews.....................Pages 6 thru13 2015 Shore Conference Baseball:

What to Watch For..........................Page 14-15 Baseball

Divisional Previews................Pages 16 thru 26

2015 Basketball All-Star

Review....................................................Page 28

BASEBALL

1. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

With Luca Dalatri on the mound, CBA was quite literally unbeatable last year. If the junior right-hander picks up where he left off in 2014, it will likely mean more of the same considering CBA has many of its top hitters back last year’s Shore Conference and Monmouth County Tournament championship teams. Keep an eye on CBA in the game following the game that Dalatri’s name appears in the box score. That will indicate if this is going to be a special year.

2. JACKSON MEMORIAL

The hype for TR North is warranted and any objection to the Jaguars going ahead of the Mariners is perfectly reasonable, but part of the reward for bringing a bunch of key players back from a state championship team is getting to sit in the big chair to open the year. Yes, technically CBA has the top spot, but the Jaguars should at least start the season as the top-ranked Group IV school in the Shore.

3. TOMS RIVER NORTH

The gap between the Mariners and the next team is fairly wide considering there is not body of work yet. Teams ranked in the top three rarely run away and hide, but as far as pure talent goes, it’s hard to argue with TR North being the top team if everything breaks right. They can hit one-through-nine and they are likely to run out at least five quality pitchers over the course of the season. Over the long haul, this will be a tough team to take down.

4. COLTS NECK

At this point in the top 10, track record is still important, especially since nothing is clear from here on out. Colts Neck got the most out of its roster last year and the Cougars might actually be a little better in some areas this year. How coach Mike Yorke and his staff use left-hander Chris Murphy will be one of the more interesting sub-plots of the first two weeks, only because using him in relief worked so well last season. Yorke said Murphy will get a chance to start this year, so it could simply be that Colts Neck will have a lock-down starter going six or seven innings every five or six days.

5. BARNEGAT

Despite losing one of the best players in the country to IMG Academy, Barnegat should still feel pretty good about its chances to build on last year’s 20-win season. The Bengals still have three proven pitchers, with another wave of arms coming up, and the lineup has a chance to be even better now that Jared Kacso, Ed Rogan, Nik Fraim and Aaron McLaughin are all a year older. And if you’re bummed you won’t get your fix of an imposing pitcher at Barnegat games, fear not: the Bengals went from a 6-foot-6 No. 1 starter with Jason Groome to a 6-9 No. 1 starter in Seamus Brazill.

6. Wall

7. TR South 8. Manasquan 9. Marlboro 10. Middletown South

Teams to Watch: Manalapan, SJV, RBC, St. Rose & Central

Class A North

Class A South

Class B Central

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

Christian Brothers Academy Marlboro Middletown South Manalapan Howell Freehold Middletown North Freehold Township

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

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

Class A Central

Class B North

Class B South

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

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

Manasquan St. John Vianney Rumson-Fair Haven Monmouth Shore Holmdel Raritan

Southern’s

Dylan Jinks

Colts Neck Wall Red Bank Catholic Ocean Matawan Red Bank Neptune

BOYS LACROSSE 1. Southern 2. Rumson-Fair Haven 3 CBA 4. St. John Vianney 5. Howell 6. Manasquan 7. Freehold Twp. 8. Colts Neck 9. Barnegat 10. Wall

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

GIRLS LACROSSE 1. Rumson-Fair Haven 2. Shore Regional 3. Red Bank Catholic 4. Freehold Twp. 5. Manasquan 6. Ocean 7. Wall 8. Red Bank 9. St. John Vianney 10. Toms River South

Rumson’s

Maggie Jennings

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Photo courtesy of:

Julie Gilbertson

No. 1 Southern Rallies For a Dramatic Victory Over No. 2 Rumson By Bob Badders – Staff Writer

Southern Regional senior Chris

Smith was extraordinary in the face-off circle, but it was his play in a more familiar role that ultimately delivered the Rams one of the biggest wins in program history.

Smith picked up a ground ball, turned and fired a shot that bounced in for the go-ahead goal with 1:43 left in regulation to complete a furious comeback and lift Southern, ranked No. 1 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10, to a 16-14 Shore Conference nondivisional victory over No. 2 Rumson on Saturday at Borden Stadium. Southern trailed 14-11 with 5:42 left in the game before scoring three times in a span of 1:42 to tie the score. Smith’s tally put the Rams up for good, and Dylan Jinks added an insurance goal with 1:07 to play to give the Rams a bit of redemption after falling to the Bulldogs in the Shore Conference Tournament final each of the last two seasons and four straight times overall. “I’ve played four varsity years and this is by far the best feeling after a win I’ve ever had,” Smith said. “It beats championships, everything. It just feels so good to finally come out on top against them.” “It’s an awesome feeling that for the first time in our careers we beat Rumson,” Jinks said. “We’re sky-high right now.” The loss is the first against a Shore Conference opponent for Rumson since an 8-6 defeat to Jackson Memorial on April 8, 2013. Entering Saturday’s game, Rumson was 57-1 against Shore Conference competition since 2011. The Bulldogs were 0-3 before Saturday, albeit with losses to Caldwell, Summit and Bridgewater-Raritan. “We still felt like we were the underdog,” Southern head coach John Pampalone said. “I know they graduated people and what their record is, but they are also playing the best teams in the state, and (their record) is not evident of how g o o d they are. They’re a powerhouse. We came in here with something to prove.” Jinks finished with a team-high six goals and one assist, while Smith had a hat trick and two assists. Nick Simonelli, Will Johnson and Kyle Mulrane each scored twice and Shawn McManus had a goal and two assists. Robbie Garavente led Rumson (0-4) with six goals, including all five of the Bulldogs’ second-half points. Griffin Schultz had a hat trick and Bryan Hess scored twice. Smith recorded 63 points as a junior, but entering this year had never been a face-off man. Last season the Rams had Billy Dowd on draws, and he won 75 percent of them en route to being selected as the SSN first team AllShore specialist. How the Rams would fare on face-offs was a question mark coming into the season. Smith proved he is the man for the job with an incredible 19-for-21 performance that included a whopping 21 ground balls. He gave the Rams a consistent possession advantage throughout the game and also scored twice directly off draws, each time spurring a Southern scoring run. “Chris Smith did an outstanding job,” Pampalone said. “He never facedoff going into this year and he worked all summer, fall and winter on his game. It’s a tremendous edge to have. That’s how games are swung. We were able to go on a long run to finish this game because he kept winning face-offs.” “We have one of the best face-off guys in the Shore right now,” Jinks Southern senior attack Dylan Jinks

said. “He’s stepping up in a huge way.” Saturday’s game was all about scoring runs for each team. Not once did the teams alternate goals, which made for some excellent drama. The Bulldogs struck first when Schultz scored at 10:53 and pushed their lead to 2-0 on Hess’s goal at 6:22. The Rams fired back to take a lead on goals by Jinks, Simonelli and McManus in a span of just over three minutes, but Seamus Walsh netted the equalizer with 1:47 left in the first quarter, leading to a 3-3 tie after one. Southern would go up 5-3 in the first two minutes of the second quarter. Smith won the opening draw and raced down the field to score just seven seconds in. At 10:04, Jinks found some room and unleashed a left-handed laser that beat Rumson goalie Kyle Knapp up high. The Bulldogs responded with goals by Schultz and Henry Sillen, the latter off a pass from Ryan Tuorto, to knot the score at five. On the ensuring face-off, however, Smith won the draw clean and scored immediately to start a three-goal run for Southern. Smith’s goal came at 5:39, and another face-off win by him led to Simonelli setting up Mulrane on the crease at 5:24. Johnson’s goal off a rebound at 2:43 put the Rams up 8-5, and it looked like they were starting to take control. Rumson wouldn’t go away that easily, though. The Bulldogs scored four times in the final 2:08 of the second quarter to grab a 9-8 lead at halftime. Garavente fed Schultz for a goal to start the comeback, and Hess sank a goal at 1:49 to make it 8-7. Garavente set up Lucas Seckler with 37.2 seconds left to tie the score, then scored himself with just 2.1 seconds left. The scoring pace slowed considerably in the third quarter, playing into Rumson’s style. Garavente scored unassisted at 7:55 and again at 5:44 to give the Bulldogs an 11-8 lead. Now it was Rumson that appeared to be ready to pull away. “It almost seemed like we didn’t pay attention to the score,” Smith said. “We didn’t really look that we were down. We just kept grinding it out.” Southern scored the next three goals to tie the score at 11 heading to the fourth quarter. Johnson took a pass from McManus and scored with 4:20 left before McManus assisted on Jinks’ goal at 3 : 0 5 .

that it was down by three, but that just under six m i n u t e s remained against a Rumson

Simonelli then put back a rebound at 2:56 for the tying goal. Garavente continued to carry Rumson by scoring the next three goals to put the Bulldogs up 14-11. He scored unassisted at 8:44, off a pass from Walsh at 7:02 and again unassisted at 5:42. The tough scenario for Southern wasn’t

Southern’s Chris Smith guarded by Rumson’s Bryce Clark

program that knows how to use the clock to its advantage. The Rams needed a goal quickly, and got one when Jinks scored at 4:17. It was Jinks’ fourth goal of the game, but he wasn’t done yet. “It’s hard to slow him down and when he starts feeling it he’s one of those players that’s going to find the back of the net,” Pampalone said. Just 12 seconds later and again off a face-off win, Smith fed Mulrane to pull the Rams to within one. Smith kept the momentum going by winning yet another draw, and Jinks netted the equalizer by picking up a ground ball and scoring up high while just outside the crease. “We had a nice little rotation going and their defense slid nicely,” Jinks said. “Chris Smith popped open on the wing and he went to shoot but dropped it out the back. I picked it up and hit it top corner.” Smith’s eventual game-winning goal came off a mad scramble after both teams seemed to have secured possession. Once he picked up the ground ball, he was basically one-on-one with Knapp. “The ball was loose and I got it, picked up my head and realized it was just me and the goalie,” Smith said. “I saw that bottom corner open and I let it rip.” Southern was now up 15-14 with 1:43 left, the comeback now complete. Smith won the next face-off and Jinks put the finishing touches on the Rams’ monumental victory by cutting inside and scoring with 1:07 to go. “This senior class has played together so long they are determined not to give in,” Pampalone said. “We were going to fight until the final horn sounds. I can’t say enough about them. They earned this today.” “We have tough kids who are grinders,” he continued. “We knew we could come back, we just have to keep fighting and get one goal at a time. We may not win every game, but I know these kids will never quit on us.” The challenge now is for Southern to keep the momentum going. Its biggest goals still lie ahead, namely becoming the first Ocean County team to win the Shore Conference Tournament. Saturday’s win was huge, no doubt, but there’s a game in mid-May they want more.

“It was a big game and there’s no denying it,” Pampalone said. “If we reach our goals we’ll probably see them again, and it’s going to be another war.”

“I think we are gong to get back to practice, fix any mistakes we had and come back even better,” Smith said. If that’s the case, Saturday’s win will be just the start of a historic season in Manahawkin.

by:

Bob Badders

www.shoresportsnetwork.com

Photos by:

Ray Rich Photography

www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

By Bob Badders – Staff Writer

Team listed in alphabetical order

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY HEAD COACH: Dave Santos, 17th season (214-82)

McGowan anchor the defense along with junior Nick Gargiulo. Senior Lucas Becce and junior Thijs Smit lead the returning attackmen.

2014 RECORD: 14-4

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

TOP RETURNERS: Sophomore Nick Casner leads the offense after scoring 30 goals and adding nine assists during his freshman campaign. Senior Nick Gazzillo and junior John Salcedo each had 11 goals and five assists last season and provide experience in the midfield. Senior Joe Ventura anchors the defense in front of senior goalie Evan Bynoe.

2015 OUTLOOK: The Patriots graduated some scoring but return the versatile Sasso, who upped his scoring as a junior while continuing to be one of the Shore’s top FOGOs. He could be in a line for a big season. Nunez also could be in store for a big scoring season, and Dunn should approach 20 goals or more after seeing time as a freshman. The defense looks solid with O’Brien, Bitsko, senior Mike DeBaere and junior Ty Sebor along with Pine at LSM. Billy Patten and Matt Schroepfer are the goalies with the starter yet to be determined. The Patriots again look like a team that will be competitive with the top teams in A North and should be in the mix for runs in both the conference and state tournaments.

2015 OUTLOOK: The Colts graduated 15 seniors from last season’s squad, so they are young and inexperienced, especially on the attack lines and defensively. Four of the top scorers graduated, including dynamic seniors Matt McGuinness and Thomas Deiner, along with face-off ace Tom Palisi. The development of the first-time starters will be key to the Colts repeating as A North champs and making deep runs in the Shore Conference and state tournaments. Casner was able to find room last year with teams focusing on McGuinness and Deiner, but he’ll garner much more attention this season.

COLTS NECK

HEAD COACH: Jeff Rosenberg, 11th season (94-75)

2014 RECORD: 9-8

2015 OUTLOOK: The Cougars made a Cinderella run to the SCT final four last season before losing to eventual c h a m p i o n Rumson-Fair H a v e n . Their top two leading s c o r e s , Andrew

HEAD COACH: Mike Ferrando, 3rd season (22-10) 2014 RECORD: 10-6

TOP RETURNERS: Senior midfielder Billy Sasso, a York College recruit and third-team SSN All-Shore selection last season, returns as the team’s leading scorer after netting 21 goals and adding 27 assists while winning 74 percent of face-offs. Senior attackman Brandon Nunez pumped in 18 goals with 21 assists last season and senior middie John Poole also scored 18 goals. Junior Matt Lach (13 goals) and sophomore Drew Dunn (six goals)

join Nunez on the first attack line. Senior defenseman Mike O’Brien, an all-division pick, leads the defense along with senior Collin Bitsko and senior defensive midfielder Matt Pine.

reehold Twp's Billy Sasso

Colts Neck’s Andrew Halmi

Anzalone and Rob Halmi, along with bruising defenseman Anthony Gargiulo (now at Navy for football) have graduated, along with 12 other seniors. How quickly a young team comes together will be key to contend in a division that includes Shore power CBA along with Howell and Freehold Township. TOP RETURNERS: Junior goalie Andrew Halmi returns after a stellar season that included leading the Cougars to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals as the No. 12 seed. The Cougars are deep at goalie with senior Dan Callery, one of the team’s captains, also an option between the pipes. Senior Alex Peltzman leads the returning midfielders while senior captains Derek Price and Connor

HOWELL

HEAD COACH: Anthony Bonjavanni, 3rd season (20-17)

2014 RECORD: 9-9

2015 OUTLOOK: The Rebels return eight starters and are poised to make a run at the A North title while pushing deep into the Shore Conference and state tournaments. Howell has a whopping 15 seniors, with Rossi as the only non-senior starter, so this is a team built to win now. Buannic and Sherman along with senior Matt Marsh comprise the starting attack line with Ornstein, Verdoni and Rossi in the middle. Senior Cameron Perrotto is the defensive midfielder with Pozsonyi, senior Colin Mastowski and senior Frank Lamela leading a fast and athletic defense. Senior Ian Colmorgan steps in as the starting goalie.

TOP RETURNERS: Senior attackmen Mark Buannic and Jake Sherman, both of whom were second team all-division picks by the

coaches last season, lead the offense. Sherman scored a team-leading 45 goals last season while Buannic led the Rebels with 66 points. Senior Zack Ornstein, a Merrimack College recruit and another second team all-division selection, banked 38 goals and won 75 percent of face-offs last year patrolling the midfield. Senior Ryder Verdoni and junior Nick Rossi complete a solid first line of middies. Senior Anthony Pozsonyi anchors the defense.

MARLBORO

HEAD COACH: Alex Sinkovich, 2nd season (7-11)

2014 RECORD: 7-11

2015 OUTLOOK: The Mustangs graduated leading scorer Chris Coyle, now at Delaware Valley, along with specialist Brian Prestigiacomo. Both were second team all-division selections last season. Overall, the Mustangs will need to find consistency and someone to step up and fill the scoring gap left by Coyle to contend in Class A North and chase a berth in the SCT. TOP RETURNERS: Senior Ben Metzger anchors the team from his midfield position while senior Brandon Hanley is back in goal after emerging as the Mustangs’ No. 1 netminder last season. Sophomores Chris Kelly and Tim Dwyer should be in for bigger contributions after playing on the attack line as freshmen.

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

HEAD COACH: Ryan Hilla, 2nd season (5-14)

2014 RECORD: 5-14

2015 OUTLOOK: It’s all about making progress in the Lions’ second year as a varsity program, and with a roster comprised mostly of juniors and seniors they’re in position to do so. They play in a tough division with potentially four teams that could be ranked in the top 10, but if they can get to the postseason those games should serve them well.

TOP RETURNERS: The Lions return three 20-goal scorers led by senior attackman Justin Russo, who sank 37 goals last year along with 12 assists. Junior attackman Bryan Flannigan scored 28 goals as a sophomore. Senior midfielder Chris Fisher contributed 20 goals and a 13 assists last season while senior middie Tom Terranova finished with 20 points. Junior Hayden Fairhurst had 88 ground balls last season and returns to anchor the Lions’ defense.

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Frank Finochio, 2nd season (5-11) 2014 RECORD: 5-11

2015 OUTLOOK: Like their crosstown rivals, the Eagles will look to make progress in their second season at the varsity level. Lacrosse has exploded in Middletown with great numbers in the youth levels, so it seems like a matter of when, not if, the Eagles will field a successful squad. The Eagles and Lions split games last season with South winning 5-4 on April 8 and falling 12-7 on May 10. This year’s game on April 22 is no doubt circled on the calendar.

NEPTUNE

HEAD COACH: Robert Schulte, 2nd season (1-12) 2014 RECORD: 1-12

2015 OUTLOOK: The Scarlet Fliers look to rebound in the second season under Robert Schulte, but have a tough division in which to do it in. They have several teams on the schedule similar to them in terms of experience, so an improvement in wins could be in the cards this season.

Freehold Photo by:

Ray Rich Photography

www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

By Bob Badders – Staff Writer

Team listed in alphabetical order

BRICK MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Brent Middlemiss, 9th season (48-71) 2014 RECORD: 8-8

2015 OUTLOOK: The Mustangs return their entire starting attack line with Visser, Sharpe and Porter, so the offense should be productive once it can set up. Having Vescovi back as FOGO after he split time with Griffin Carney is big as well. The key will be staying sturdy on defense after the graduation of second team all-division defenseman Jake Lombardo and starting goalie C.J. Guarino.

TOP RETURNERS: Dylan Visser, Sr., A/M (15g, 28a, 45gb); Bailey Sharpe, Sr., A/M (34g, 16a, 32gb); Matt Murphy, Sr., D (26gb, 13 takeaways) Bill Porter, Jr., A/M (11g, 8a, 55gb) Luke Vescovi, Jr., M (34gb, 57% F/O).

BRICK

HEAD COACH: Len Zdanowicz, 4th season (29-24) 2014 RECORD: 8-11

2015 OUTLOOK: “We have a lot of experience back in our defense and that should be the strong point of our team. We need to replace some very good offensive players. The offense should be led by seniors Hunter Palmer and Pat Adamitis. We are counting on some of our younger players from last year to take a big step up on varsity this year.” – head coach Len Zdanowicz.

TOP RETURNERS: Hunter Palmer, Sr., A, (18g, 26a, 28gb); Pat Adamitis, Sr., M/FO (14g, 8a, 61gb); Carter Smith, Sr., LSM (54gb); Mike Woo, Sr., D (36gb); Kyle Leary, Sr., D (52gb); Josh Schieber, Sr., D; M.J. Fazio, Sr., M; Sean Ward, Sr., M; Phil Sammarco, Sr., M; Nick Dzugan, Sr., M/FO; Mickey Holland, So., M/FO (4g); Zion Powell, So., D; Nick Marra, So., A.

LACEY

season and get back into the thick of the Class A South division race.

TOP RETURNERS: Erick Johnson, Jr. M; Robert Lang, Sr., A; Jake Hyde, Jr., M/A; Colby Dineen, So., LSM/D; Mike Cutillo, Jr., LSM/D; Mike Grasso, Jr., M; Nick Price, So., M; Landon Zagacki, So., D; Christian Lynch, Jr., LSM/D; Brad Correia, Jr., D/LSM; Cody Joffe, Jr., M/A; Jake Dallago, Jr., G; Billy Buckler, Sr., D/LSM.

HEAD COACH: Shane Allen, 7th season (26-62)

TOMS RIVER NORTH

2015 OUTLOOK: The Lions graduated a ton of firepower in attackman Joe Long and midfielder Dan Cannon along with defenseman Casey Sullivan, all of whom were all-division selections, after the best season in program history. Mahon leads the cast of returners after a stellar sophomore campaign that included 30 points, 100 ground balls and a very good face-off record. He is one of seven returning starters who will look to keep Lacey’s program on the rise. Sullivan graduated, but the defense looks strong with Peaney, Zega and Sayre as returning starters. Seniors Tim Gleason (attack), Kiernan Quinn (attack), Dan McAvoy (midfield) and Bailey Dickinson (defense) will look to make an impact as key newcomers.

2014 RECORD: 6-7

2014 RECORD: 13-5

TOP RETURNERS: Ryan Mahon, Jr., M (20g, 10a, 100gb, 67% F/O); Connor Wilson, So., M; Lucas Sirotniak, Sr., A; James Peaney, Sr., D; Ian Gillen, Sr., LSM; Zach Zega, Sr., D; George Sayre, Sr., D.

HEAD COACH: Brett Smith, 11th season (81-71)

2015 OUTLOOK: Led by a Kean University recruit, senior midfielder Tyler Foss, the Mariners will look to build off last season in which they were

competitive in most games against top teams and qualified for the NJSIAA Tournament.

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

SOUTHERN

JACKSON MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Joe Pienkowski, 1st season

HEAD COACH: Matt Zuech, 11th season (70-86)

HEAD COACH: John Pampalone, 9th season (102-48)

2014 RECORD: 9-9

2015 OUTLOOK: The Jaguars have graduated a ton of talent over the last few seasons, so there’s plenty of work to do under first-year head coach Joe Pienkowski. Senior Troy Wolf, a University of Tampa commit, is the team’s top offensive player after scoring 48 goals with 26 assists last season. Sophomore Dylan Furnback played big down the stretch last season in goal, and a full season of that type of production will be crucial. One thing that stands out is the standouts from other sports who have joined the lacrosse team this year like football players Zack Tetro, Brad Greenway and Jared Calhoun along with wrestlers Fred Terranova and Nick

TOP RETURNERS: Troy Wolf, Sr., A (48g, 26a); Dylan Furnback, So., G (8-2, 70.1 save percentage, 6.0 GAA, 14.1 saves per game); Alex Aguilar, Sr., A; Justin Bliss, Sr., D; Dane Bodamer, Jr., D; Matt George, Sr., M; James Grimaldi, Sr., M; Billy Plungis, Sr., A; Eric Quaranta, Sr., M; Henry Smith, Jr., M; Marc Stevenson, Sr., A; Chip Straniero, Jr., LSM.

2014 RECORD: 20-3

2015 OUTLOOK: The Rams are loaded with a phenomenal senior class after another great season in which they won the Class A South title and South Jersey Group IV championship for the second season in a row while reaching the SCT and Group IV finals. Senior Dylan Jinks led the state and set a Shore Conference record with 93 goals last season, and the Hartford commit should be in for another big year. There’s plenty of scoring depth on the roster with Shawn McManus, Chris Smith and Nick Simonelli all capable of scoring at least 40 goals. The offense will be dynamic again. Senior Mike Adragna, a second-team SSN AllShore selection, leads an experienced defense in front of one of the best goalies in the Shore and state, senior Brendan Lefanto. The Rams will be in contention for division, conference, sectional and state titles this season as a top 20 team in the state.

TOP RETURNERS: Brendan Lefanto, Sr., G (251 saves, .750 save percentage); Dylan Jinks Sr., A (93g, 43a); Nick Simonelli, Jr., A (24g, 20a); Shawn McManus, Sr., M (51g, 40a); Chris Smith, Sr., M (33g, 30a); Mike Adragna, Sr., D (78gb, 45 takeaways); Evan Henken, Jr., D; Anthony Triola, Jr., LSM; Matt Boero, Sr., D; Gordon Von Schmidt, Jr., LSM; John Manzo, Jr., D-M.

TOMS RIVER EAST Shimonovich.

Jackson Memorial’s Troy Wolf

HEAD COACH: George Peters, 11th season (75-88)

2014 RECORD: 1-14

2015 OUTLOOK: The Raiders will try to rebound after a one-win

2014 RECORD: 5-9

2015 OUTLOOK: The Indians had some big wins last season despite a sub.500 record, such as a 6-5 win over Freehold Township, and they will look to build on that in the rugged A South division while booking a trip to the SCT as well as the NJSIAA Tournament.

Southern senior attack Dylan Jinks

Photo by:

Ray Rich Photography

www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 8

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By Bob Badders – Staff Writer

TOP RETURNERS: Steven Graziano, Sr., LSM (145gb, 1g); Erik Rant, Jr., M (48g, 14a, 70gb) Joey Appio, Jr., A (31g, 49a, 50gb); Chris Psomias, Sr., D; Haydn Matarazzo, Sr., D (42gb); Clayton Hauck, So., D; Connor Daly, Jr., M (23g, 54gb); Alex Bravo, Jr., M (70% face-offs); Sam Hanna, So., M (18g, 9a); Christian Goslin, Sr., A (8g, 30gb); David Walk, So., G.

Team listed in alphabetical order

HOLMDEL

HEAD COACH: Sal Guastella, 8th season (57-46)

2014 RECORD: 9-8

2015 OUTLOOK: The Hornets graduated a slew of talent including midfielder Mark Scherzer and All-Shore defenseman Tim Davis, but return first team All-Shore goalie Justin Ruiz as the backbone of what should remain a strong defense. Seniors Adam and Joe Ibrahim along with junior Chris Tascione and junior long-stick middie Shaine Norton will be relied on heavily as an inexperienced offense tries to find its way. Every year the Hornets always find a way to be competitive, and this year shouldn’t be any different, but there could be some growing pains early. TOP RETURNERS: Justin Ruiz, Sr., G (257 saves, .719 save percentage); Tom Rogan, Sr., M; Adam Ibrahim, Sr., D; Joe Ibrahim, Sr., D; Chris Tascione, Jr., D; Shaine Norton, Jr., LSM; Jack Cook, So., M; Frank Entwistle, Jr., M; Zack Marcigliano, Jr., M; Parker Aldredge, Jr., M; Billy DeMaio, So., A.

LONG BRANCH

HEAD COACH: Frank Pannullo, 2nd season (0-20) 2014 RECORD: 0-20

2015 OUTLOOK: The Green Wave picked up their first varsity win in program history with an 8-7 victory over Union City on opening day. They will try to build on that, and have top athletes from other sports all over the field such as football players Brandon Lane and Earl Mackason, football lineman/wrestler Joey Jasio, and wrestlers Christian Berrocal and T.J. Conlon. TOP RETURNERS: Christian Berrocal, Sr., G (.720 save percentage); Ishmael Best, D; Dax Davis, M; Ronald Guidetti, M; Joey Jasio, Jr., D; Raphael Lara, M; Brandon Lane, D; Earl Mackason, D; H u n t e r Marhan, D;

RANNEY

HEAD COACH: Denis Noonan, 1st season 2014 RECORD: 5-10

2015 OUTLOOK: Bucknell University-bound senior midfielder Peter Gerhard looks to lead the Panthers into the Shore Conference and NJSIAA Tournaments as they continue to improve in their first season under head coach Denis Noonan. TOP RETURNERS: Peter Gerhard, Sr., M.

2014 RECORD: 17-4

2015 OUTLOOK: The Bulldogs graduated 18 seniors, including first-team SSN All-Shore selections Colin Shea, Chris Hubler and J.T. Jennings, off a team that won a record fourth straight SCT title and reached the South Jersey Group I final. It’s still Rumson, however, and there’s no doubt there are talented players stepping in who have been waiting for their chance to shine. The feeder program in Rumson is tremendous, so there shouldn’t be a big drop-off. The Bulldogs aren’t the overwhelming favorites they’ve been over the last few seasons, but they are still a formidable bunch and the Shore’s best team u n t i l p r o v e n otherwise.

TOP RETURNERS: Cooper Cuje, Sr., D (24gb, 11 forced turnovers); Robbie Garavente, Jr., A (27g, 17a, 32gb); Matt Waters, Jr., M (18g, 22gb); Lucas Seckler, Sr., M (17g, 20gb); Jack Moore, Sr., LSM (23gb, 12 forced turnovers); Bryan Hess, So., M (5g, 3a, 13gb).

HEAD COACH: Dave Erdman, 1st season 2014 RECORD: 10-8

2015 OUTLOOK: The Caseys bring back two of their top three scorers in Barile, a VMI commit, and Habich, a Siena College commit. Also returning is standout defenseman Matt Pieringer, a first team SSN All-Shore selection last season, along with junior goalie Matt Benjamin. Look for a big year out of Habich, who is big and physical and should be a load to handle for opposing defenses. This team can certainly contend for the division title and make a deep run in the SCT.

TOP RETURNERS: Tim Barile, Sr., A (24g, 29a); Matt Pieringer, Sr., D (40gb); Brett Habich, Jr., M (28g, 22a, 35gb); Matt Benjamin, Jr., G (212 saves, .644 save percentage); Liam Kerekes, Sr., D; Alec Mintz, Jr., A (10g); Liam McArdle, Jr., M (7g, 33gb) HEAD COACH: Don Femminella, 5th season (48-34)

2014 RECORD: 14-7

Jefferson Ramirez, M; Andrew Tomas, M; Lazaro Valencia, M; David Van Lew, M.

2015 OUTLOOK: The Bucs graduated A Central Player of the Year and SSN first team All-Shore midfielder Jake Smolokoff, along with defensemen Zach Bradley and Ryan Seely, but return a solid core that should have them in contention all season long. Brian Fagan and Dan Vilardi were ground ball machines last season while junior Cole Smolokoff is the leading returning scorer. Goalie Jon Pierce should be among the best in the conference, and he’ll need to be in front of an inexperienced defense. Red Bank has a pair of CBA transfers in the fold in sophomore midfielder Kevin Paz and junior midfielder Ryan Gilmartin, the latter of whom should make a major impact after sitting out because of the NJSIAA transfer rule.

OCEAN

HEAD COACH: Warren Towns, 7th season (31-72) 2014 RECORD: 7-10

HEAD COACH: Andy Eastwood, second season (17-4)

RED BANK CATHOLIC

RED BANK REGIONAL

2015 OUTLOOK: The Spartans made real progress last season, especially toward the end of the season when they stunned Red Bank in the first round of the state tournament. They return their two top scorers, juniors Joey Appio and Erik Rant, along with outstanding senior LSM Steven Graziano, who had 145 ground balls last season, plus junior middie Connor Daly. The loss of goalie Bobby Graziano to graduation leaves sophomore David Walk between the pipes. B North is the deepest division in the Shore Conference, so each game will be a battle, but the Spartans have the goods to jump their record over .500, qualify for the SCT and make a run at a spot in the top 10.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

TOP RETURNERS: Brian Fagan, Jr., M (31pts, 111gb); John Pierce, Jr., G (251 saves, .630 save percentage); Cole Smolokoff, Jr., A (45pts, 32gb); Dan Vilardi, Sr., M (38pts, 118 gb); Ryan Martino, Sr., D (21gb); Brayden Seely, Jr., A (8pts, 32gb); Jack O’Connor, Jr., M (4pts, 29gb).

Rumson’s Stephen Edler

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

HEAD COACH: Gregg Malfa, fifth season (36-33) 2014 RECORD: 5-12

2015 OUTLOOK: In going 10-7 last season, the Lancers lost by three goals or more just once, and that was to St. Augustine Prep, a top 10 team in the state. Graduated are second team All-Shore midfielder T.J. Coleman and all-division attackman Dan Louriero, but the Lancers return standout goalie D.J. Soriano along with midfielders Ryan Gilfillan and Matt Adelfio, plus hulking defenseman Lou Iovine. Junior middie Tom Hanson had a big game in a season-opening, double-overtime win over Freehold Township with the game-tying and game-winning goals, as did senior long-stick middie Kyle Boyle. The offense is young in terms of chemistry, but the Lancers proved in their first game they can be a factor in the division race.

TOP RETURNERS: Lou Iovine, Sr., D; Kyle Boyle, Sr., LSM; Aiden Cole, Sr., D/LSM; D.J. Soriano, Jr., G; Ryan Gilfillan, So., M; Andrew Poretta, So., A; Matt Adelfio, Sr., M; Rich Mullarkey, Sr., M; Mike Gentile, Jr., D.

SHORE

HEAD COACH: Gregg Malfa, fifth season (36-33) 2014 RECORD: 5-12

2015 OUTLOOK: Coming off a year in which they graduated several top players, the Blue Devils suffered their first losing season since the program began in 2011. They return this season with key returners like senior attackman Chris Johnson, senior James Bedell, who will play both attack and defense, and junior midfielder Doug Goldsmith as they look to rebound and be competitive in the division.

TOP RETURNERS: Chris Johnson, Sr., A; James Bedell, Sr., A/D; Mitchell Candido, Sr., LSM; Paul Wedel, Sr., D; Billy Deerin, Sr., M; Michael Cooper, Sr., A/M; Max Sobrano, Sr., A/M; Doug Goldsmith, Jr., M; Jack Britton, Jr., M; Eric Graham, Jr., D; Casey Rogers, Jr., D; Matt Laytham, So., M; Ean Delehanty, So., LSM/M.

Rumson Photo by:

Red Bank’s John Pierce

Ray Rich Photography

www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

By Bob Badders – Staff Writer

Team listed in alphabetical order

BARNEGAT

HEAD COACH: Ryan Dalon, 8th season (41-82)

2014 RECORD: 13-3

2015 OUTLOOK: The Bengals lost all-division goalie Matt Grobelny and leading scorer Ethan Tonneson, but return a solid core after turning in their best season ever in 2014. Ricky Gerena, Ryan Reynolds, Matt Manno and J.J. McKenna give Barnegat an explosive group of scorers. The question is on defense where, along with Grobelny, sturdy defenseman Greg Moran graduated. Sophomore Kyle Kessinger takes over in goal behind defensemen Hunter Narozniak, Phil Wambach, Ryan Parker and LSM Joe Jinks. If the defense can come together the Bengals will be in the hunt for their first division title.

JACKSON LIBERTY

HEAD COACH: Anthony Dzienkiewicz, second season (4-13) 2014 RECORD: 4-13

2015 OUTLOOK: The Lions return the majority of their starting lineup and boast a veteran core as they try to climb the ladder in B South during the second year under head coach Anthony Dzienkiewicz. Cabrini College-bound junior LSM Christopher Stefanowicz anchors the defense in front of Mulholland.

TOP RETURNERS: Chris Mulholland, Jr., G; Patrick Gahagan, Sr., D; Austin Doel, Jr., D; Christopher Stefanowicz, Jr., LSM; Jack Trubiano, Sr., M; Andrew Ferullo, Sr., M; Shawn DeJesus, Sr., M; Christian Pongracz, Jr., M; Walter Matthies, Jr., M; Mike Roche, Sr., A; Matt Ferullo, Jr., A; Dylan O’Connor, So., A.

MANASQUAN

HEAD COACH: Sean Cunningham, 1st season 2014 RECORD: 11-6

TOP RETURNERS: Ricky Gerena, Sr., M (27g, 16a, 60gb); Ryan Reynolds, Jr. A (25g, 12a, 27gb); Matt Manno, Sr., A (19g, 7a, 21gb); J.J. McKenna, Jr., M (36g, 11a, 46gb); Zach Flaherty, Sr., M (8g, 36gb); Joe Jinks, Jr., LSM/D (21gb); Hunter Narozniak, So., D (29gb); Phil Wambach, Jr., D; Ryan Parker, Jr., D; (22gb).

2015 OUTLOOK: Led by returning leading scorer Jarrett Birch the Warriors look to continue their solid run under first-year head coach Sean Cunningham despite the graduation of standouts Blaine Birch and Joe Murphy.

DONOVAN CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Guy Lassen, 1st season

HEAD COACH: Dean Yack, 1st season.

2014 RECORD: 2-11

2015 OUTLOOK: The Griffins will look to rebound in their first season under new head coach Dean Yack and be a factor in the division race after four consecutive sub-.500 seasons.

POINT BORO 2014 RECORD:

2015 OUTLOOK: The Panthers will lean on their team-wide athleticism to grow the program in their first season at the varsity level. TOP RETURNERS: Darian Healey, Jr.; Tom Pickering, Sr.; Kyler Rossi, So.; Dylan Broussard, Sr.; Vincent Ceres, Sr.; Jake Woodring,

Sr.; Collin Ansbach, Jr.; Bill Buttino, Jr.; Courtland Hackel, Jr.; Schwartz, Jr.; Youmans, Jr.; Jesse Harris, Sr.; Ryan Bedle, Jr.; Nick Palazzo, So.; Liam McCarthy, So.

ST. ROSE

HEAD COACH: Kevin Preston, 2nd season (7-8) 2014 RECORD: 7-8

2015 OUTLOOK: Senior attackman Matt Frost, the team’s leading scorer the past two seasons, leads the Purple Roses in their second season under head coach Kevin Preston. The most encouraging factor has been the size of the roster, which has doubled over the last two seasons. Frost is in line to break the program records for career goals and points. TOP RETURNERS: Matt Frost, Sr., A; Scott Dimmit, Sr., A; Louis Melone, Sr., D; Andrew Sarre, Sr., D.

WALL

HEAD COACH: Chris Knight, 10th season (80-68) 2014 RECORD: 11-5

2015 OUTLOOK: The Crimson Knights graduated an excellent senior class that included their top three leading scorers and No. 1 defender, so they will enter 2015 with a young team looking to find its identity. Junior attackman Mike Steppe returns to led the offense while sophomore Joseph Belko, a Monmouth University recruit, anchors the defense. Even with having to fill the voids left by graduation, the Crimson Knights should remain contenders for the division crown.

TOP RETURNERS: Mike Steppe, Jr., A; Joseph Belko, So., D; Dylan Bosco, Sr., M; Casey Foley, Jr., Ma; Liam Ferguson, Sr., M; Evan Gacos, So., M; Zachary Harrell, Jr., G; Lucas Iarossi, Jr., M; Christopher Kellett, Jr., D.

By Scott Stump – Managing Editor

ith the 2015 baseball season underway, the Shore Conference is hoping for another banner season after having a conference-record three teams win NJSIAA Group titles to cap 2014, including a St. John Vianney squad that finished ranked No. 1 in the state. That is just one of many storylines across the Shore, as Shore Regional (Group I), St. John Vianney (Non-Public A) and Jackson Memorial (Group IV) all look to defend their state championships, while top-ranked Christian Brothers Academy is looking to repeat as Shore Conference and Monmouth County Tournament champions while making a run at the NonPublic A crown.

Here are some players and storylines to watch as the season unfolds:

A host of top talent returns in 2015

Jackson Memorial senior pitcher/infielder Brandon Janofsky, who was lightsout in leading the Jaguars to the Group IV title last season, is a first-team All-Shore pick who is back along with Toms River North shortstop Joey Rose, an Oklahoma State recruit who is one of the top juniors in New Jersey.

Christian Brothers Academy ace and North Carolina recruit Luca Dalatri, who had a season for the ages in going 11-0 with a 0.39 ERA to earn SSN Pitcher of the Year honors last season, is back as a junior to try to put his name in the CBA record books and help the Colts grab multiple tournament titles like they did last season. Rumson-Fair Haven senior Morgan Maguire, fresh off a strong basketball season, also returns after a huge season at the plate as a Jackson Memorial's Brandon Janofsky

junior. He also is a standout on the mound who is committed to Old Dominion.

Wall senior Dan Wondrack, a College of Charleston recruit, returns as one of the top backstops in the Shore along with CBA junior North Carolina recruit Brandon Martorano. Virginia recruit Jon Meola is back as a senior at shortstop for Toms River East, and Rutgers recruit Carmen Sclafani returns as a senior at shortstop for Brick in a Class A South division that is one again chocked full of talent. Another member of a loaded CBA squad, senior outfielder Will Morgan, another Old Dominion recruit, is back after pounding out 15 extra-base hits last season. Monmouth Regional senior Matt Vincenti also looks to be one of the Shore’s top outfielders after a second-team All-Shore season in which he hit .346 with a .474 on-base percentage. Wall also brings back do-it-all senior Ryan Orender, a pitcherthird baseman who looks to be key to the Crimson Knights’ Class B North title hopes. While losing superstar pitcher Jason Groome to IMG Academy was a blow to Barnegat, the Bengals do return second-team All-Shore pitcher John Corbett, who was 6-2 with a 1.49 ERA last season.

Colts Neck brings back third-team AllShore first baseman Tyler Kapuscinski, a Marist recruit who hit .406 and delivered several clutch hits last season. Matawan returns senior outfielder Joe Piscopo, who is also a basketball standout, after he hit a scorching .453 last season in earning thirdteam All-Shore honors from SSN. St. Rose senior outfielder Johnny Kussmaul looks to be one of Class B Central’s top players under new coach Chris Lemore after hitting a robust .509 last season. In B South, Central senior Anthony Arneth

returns to try to fill the shoes of Alabama freshman Andrew DiPiazza, the SSN Player of the Year for 2014, after Arneth went 5-3 with a 1.14 ERA last season.

Two other third-team selections from last season return in the pitching-rich Class A North – Middletown South junior Austin Markmann and Marlboro senior Andrew Nardi, both of whom had ERAs under 2.00 last season. Nardi is a Radford University recruit.

Who’s No. 1?

This could be dependent on who’s on the mound that day. When Luca Dalatri is pitching, anyone Christian Brothers Academy is facing is the underdog. The Colts start the season No. 1 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 and are also ranked in the top five in the state by several media outlets. There’s also Class A South powers like defending Group IV champion Jackson Memorial, one of the deepest and most complete teams in the Shore, although the Jaguars lost twice in the first week and need to work out some kinks and get some key players healthy. A loaded Toms River North team with good depth in the pitching department and some bigtime bats led by Oklahoma State recruit Joey Rose should also be right in the mix, and a Colts Neck team looking to make a run at back-to-back division titles in its new home in Class B North after winning Class A North last season is another to watch. CBA's

Shore Regional's James Kelly

Barnegat's John Corbett

Can any of last year’s state champs repeat?

After bringing home a conference-record three Group champions last season, the best bet for a repeat looks to be Jackson Memorial. The pitcher the Jaguars rode to glory last season, Brandon Janofsky, is back in the fold along with some key offensive parts, although Janofsky has battled shoulder tightness early in the season and may not pitch until late April or early May. Meanwhile, Shore Regional and St.

John Vianney have a lot of great players to replace from graduation. Shore seems to consistently make noise in Group I, so I think by the time the playoffs roll around and the new guys behind Monmouth University recruit James Kelly are acclimated, the Blue Devils should once again be a factor.

Luca Dalatri

As for St. John Vianney, the hope is that there were just other talented players stuck behind All-Shore-level starters last season and the wins will keep coming. The difference is that Non-Public A is the hardest bracket in the state. It’s not easy for any team to repeat in that bracket given the gauntlet that has to be run to take the title. St. John Vianney did it last season and ended up No. 1 in the state, so it shows the respect that is given to the champion of that Group. The Lancers are off

Is Barnegat more than a one-man team?

to a solid start in 2015 with a new group, so they certainly shouldn’t be counted out.

The last Shore team to win back-to-back Group titles was Manalapan, which brought home the Group IV crown in 2011-12.

Can CBA junior ace Luca Dalatri repeat an incredible season?

The numbers were straight PlayStation for the North Carolina recruit last season in earning SSN Pitcher of the Year honors: 11-0, 0.39 ERA, 90 Ks in 72.1 innings and only 37 hits. It’s hard to ask anyone to duplicate something like that, which goes down as one of the great pitching seasons of any player in Shore Conference history. I still think it’s going to be awfully hard for anyone to pin a loss on him this season. The best hope is to run his pitch count up and take your chances against CBA’s bullpen, but that’s much easier said than done because he pounds the strike zone.

CBA's Brandon Martorano

Potential first-round MLB draft pick Jason Groome is now at IMG Academy in Florida, and the Bengals are out to show that they will still be a factor in Class B South and the postseason without him. They won 14 games where he didn’t pitch last season, so they will play with confidence, and they have a good 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation with John Corbett and Seamus Brazill. The big X-factor for them is offense. Can they score runs when one of their big guns on the mound is dueling the other team’s ace? That will determine whether they can get back to a sectional final and finish the job after coming up one win short of school history last year.

Is Rumson’s Morgan Maguire the best all-around player in the Shore?

He earned first-team All-Shore honors last season with a monstrous year at the plate, leading the Shore with a .600 average and a .702 on-base percentage and was second with an .883 slugging percentage that is the best of any returning player in the Shore. The Old Dominion recruit also went 7-3 with a 1.45 ERA on the mound for the Bulldogs. I would put him right there as an early Player of the Year candidate depending on how the Bulldogs do as a team compared to the big guns at places like CBA, Toms River North, Jackson Memorial and others.

Photos by: Ray Rich Photography www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com Bill Normile www.billnormile.zenfolio.com Doug Bostwick www.SportShotsWLB.com

By Matt Manley – Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

t’s not often that a baseball team is successful thanks in large part to one player, but there is one instance in which that’s the case. It’s not a revelation that the pitcher has the most control over the outcome of a game, but the fact that he does not pitch every game limits his impact over the course of the season. High school baseball, however, is a sport that allows one player to dominate a season because not only are many pitchers good hitters, but they also have a chance to pitch in about a third of their team’s games.

What does this have to do with anything? The top projected teams in Class B South are built on pitching and in one case, a pitcher. The regular season will be a measure of pitching depth vs. one dominant starter, unless of course the team with the ace also has some secret weapons on the mound. There may be some divisions that have an edge in quantity of pitching talent, but no Shore Conference division has the toplevel arms that can be found in Class B South. JACKSON MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Frank Malta, 11th season

2014 RECORD: 20-7 (10-4, tied first in A South)

2014 RECORD: 15-10 (8-6, tied fourth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Ryan Shiffer (Sr. C), Spencer Kapp (Sr. 1B/OF), Jake Ryan (Sr. RF), Ray Liguori (Sr. 3B/P), Trevor Wagner (Jr. OF/INF/P), Austin Gonella (Sr. INF), Anthony Carfora (Jr. INF/P), Chandler Thompson (Sr. P), Tyler Mellott (Sr. P), Vinny Scrudato (Sr. P), Corey Nase (Sr. DH)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tyler Wisniewski (Jr., C), Michael Conover (Jr., OF), Ben Montenegro (So., 3B/OF/P), Matt Shiffer (So., INF/OF/P), Connor Feeney (Jr., 1B/3B), Justin Fall (So., P/1B), Anthony Genchi (Jr., INF), Nick Scrudato (Jr., OF/INF), Rich Thomas (Jr., INF), Stephen Altman (Sr., 1B/OF/DH), Jesse Liguori (Sr., INF), Joe Meyers (Sr., OF), Chris Famularo (Sr.), Jake Regan (So., INF), Dylan Danielson (Soph., OF), Joe Lodato (Jr., INF)

BRICK

HEAD COACH: Jason Groschel, 10th season

2014 RECORD: 12-12 (6-8, sixth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Carmen Sclafani (Sr., SS), Dan Berg (Sr. 2B), Matt Greenberg (Sr., 3B), Nick Moglia (Sr., P/1B), Dan Finelli (Jr., 1B), Steve Cole (Sr., P), Nick Chirichello (Jr., P), Trevor Rowe (Jr., C), Ron Parliament (Sr., OF/INF), Brandon Weber (Sr, P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: John Canterelli (Sr., DH), Dominick Nesser (Sr., P), Matt Rosace (Sr., OF), Joe Sclafani (Jr., OF), Hunter Rizzuto (Jr., OF/P), Tom Zbranak (Jr., OF), Matt Schleifer (Jr., OF), Tito Morales (Jr., P), John Prato (So., OF), Mike Soldo (So., P), Gerry Hutchison (So., C)

BRICK MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Evan Rizzitello, 5th season

2014 RECORD: 11-15 (8-6, tied fourth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Cathey (Sr., 2B), Brian Markoski (Jr., 1B/OF), Nick Matteo (Sr., OF), Tim Santiago (Jr., OF), Jake Voss (Sr., C), Matt Cuppari (Jr., SS/P), Ian Ambrose (Sr., P), Kyle McCabe (Sr.,P), J.T. Hazelet (Sr., P/INF), D.J. Wilson (Jr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Corey Cathey (Sr., OF), Cole Kachelhoffer (Sr., P/INF), Steve Schocket (Sr., P/3B), Shane Shekon (Sr., P/1B), Chris Sullivan (Sr., P), Drew Zytko (Sr., P), Justin Bates (Jr., C), David Clark (Jr, INF/P), James Donlon (Jr., OF/P), Dylan Evans (Jr., OF/P), Teddy Gonzalez (Jr., 3B), Andrew LaRosa (Jr., INF/P), Alec Merritt (Jr., P), Dylan Nolan (Jr., C)

TOMS RIVER EAST

HEAD COACH: Dan Dietrich, 1st season

2014 RECORD: 17-8 (10-4, tied first in A South) TOP RETURNERS: Brandon Janofsky (Sr., SS/P), Joe DeMaio (Sr., CF), Kyle Johnson (Jr. 3B/SS), Rich Rountree (Sr., OF), Matt Crispe (Sr. OF), Chris Hawryluk (Jr., P/1B), Ryan Takacs (Sr., P), Kyle Lona (Jr., OF/C), John Carello (Sr., INF), Nick Rocco (Sr., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Dylan Kanner (So., 1B/P), Dave Harlinski (Sr., P), Matt Castronuova (Sr., INF), Lorenzo Spinelli (Jr., INF/P)

TOMS RIVER NORTH

HEAD COACH: Andy Pagano, 2nd season

2014 RECORD: 15-9 (9-5, 3rd in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Joe Rose (Jr. 3B), Mike Tiplady (Sr. 1B/C), Kevin Blum (Sr. CF/P), Jeff Ciervo (Jr. OF), Joe Venditto (Sr. OF), Owen Sulfrain (Jr. C), Brett Hyers (Sr. P), Doug Molnar (Sr. P), Ryan Larsen (Sr. P), Brandon Fischer (Jr. INF), LeBar (Sr. P0), Anthony Deceglie (Jr. P/1B),

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Nyisztor (So., SS), Zach Burns (Jr., P), David Cordoma (Jr., OF), Jake Loffredo (Jr., 2B/1B)

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Ken Frank, 37th season

TOP RETURNERS: Jon Meola (Sr., SS), Josh Sommerer (Sr., OF), Will Johnson (Sr., 3B), Nick Cottone (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Corsi (Sr., INF), Bailey Engelhard (Jr., 1B), Tyler Idzinski (Jr., LF), Chad Leonard (Jr., CF), Kyle Catania (Sr., P), Kevin Brown (Sr., P), Jon LoBello (Sr., P), Randy Spillane (Sr., C), Jordan LaBoy (Sr., C), Nick D’Arcy (Sr., OF/C), Justin Arnold (Sr., DH/1B), Cole Robbins (Jr., INF)

SOUTHERN

HEAD COACH: Tom Natoli, 6th season

2014 RECORD: 7-15 (3-11, SEVENTH IN A SOUTH)

TOP RETURNERS: Ronnie Velardi (Jr., SS/P), Mike Lee (Sr., 2B), Antonio Dinis (So., OF), Zach Mason (Sr. P/1B), Jared Lubanski (Jr., P/OF/SS), Zach Fillmore (So., P), T.J. Ring (Sr., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Malatesta (Sr., OF), Joe Shine (Sr., P), Chris Leung (Sr., P), Anthony Mannarino (Sr., P), Mike Bruno (Sr., OF), Jared Haugland (Jr., 1B/P), Chris Darcy (Jr., 3B), Pat Barrett (So., P/3B), Joey Robertson (So., OF/DH), Nick Simone (So., P), Nolan Watson (So., C)

LACEY

HEAD COACH: Corey Hamman, 3rd season

2014 RECORD: 6-15 (2-12, eighth in A South))

TOP RETURNERS: Anthony Elefante (So., OF/SS/P), Anthony Ruggerio (Jr., UTIL), Justin Weigand (Sr., INF/P), George Peddie (Sr., 1B/P), Brett Kinsey (Sr., OF/P), Dan Greener (Sr., INF/OF), Rich Hurley (Sr., 3B/1B/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Donald Zellman (So., INF/P), Paul Carluccio (So., C), Brandon Haggerty (So., P)

Division Lineup

RYAN SHIFFER, CATCHER, TOMS RIVER SOUTH – Three-year varsity backstop is a proven hitter and showed last year he can help a young staff. BRIAN MARKOSKI, FIRST BASE, BRICK MEMORIAL – On-base machine (.480 OBP) also broke out the big lumber for nine extra-base hits and flashed the wheels with seven steals.

BRANDON JANOFSKY, SHORTSTOP, JACKSON MEMORIAL – The classic dilemma: Is Jackson Memorial a better team with its best pitcher on mound or with its best shortstop in the field? When Janofsky is as red-hot as he was in late May and early June, it’s a good problem to have. JON MEOLA, SHORTSTOP, TOMS RIVER EAST – The offense has been good over the last three years, but not enough people talk about Meola’s defense and athleticism at shortstop.

RUSS PETRANTO, 3B, MONSIGNOR DONOVAN – Injury derailed a breakout sophomore season, but Petranto still hit .367 with three doubles.

JOE ROSE, THIRD BASE, TOMS RIVER NORTH – Now at his natural position on the hot corner, the Oklahoma State recruit should be more comfortable. Then again, he went .425/.530/.687 as a sophomore last year, so either playing shortstop did not affect him or he is about to have a colossal season. JEFF CIERVO, OUTFIELD, TOM RIVER NORTH – Somewhat overshadowed by Rose, Ciervo was another sophomore standout for the Mariners and could end up leading the Shore in a bunch of categories.

JOE DEMAIO, CENTER FIELD, JACKSON MEMORIAL – A classic right fielder, Ryan threw out a whopping 11 baserunners from right to go with seven extra-base hits at the plate.

CARMEN SCLAFANI, SHORTSTOP, BRICK – Although he lost the end of the season to injury, the Rutgers recruit was an all-division player and still slugged 10 extra-base hits with 20 runs scored.

Division Rotation

CHANDLER THOMPSON, RHP, TOMS RIVER SOUTH – Thompson’s season went relatively overlooked because of all the great pitching in the Shore Conference, but his emergence has the Indians thinking about an A South crown again this season.

DOUG MOLNAR, RHP, TOMS RIVER NORTH – Steady strike-thrower posted an ERA under 2.00 and a WHIP under 1.00 thanks to a strikeout-towalk rate better than 5.00. CHRIS HAWRYLUK, RHP, JACKSON MEMORIAL – Although Hawryluk got hit a few times during his sophomore season, he showed exceptional control that bodes well for a player with a tall, athletic build and room to improve.

BRETT HYERS, RHP, TOMS RIVER NORTH – Despite not being 100 percent all season, Hyers still threw strikes and gave the Mariners a chance to win most times he was out there.

RYAN LARSEN, RHP, TOMS RIVER NORTH – The Mariners had one of the statistically underrated pitching staffs in the Shore Conference last year and Larsen is the underrated pitcher of the underrated bunch.

Breakout Players to Watch

ANTHONY ELEFANTE, OF/SS/P, LACEY – Showed flashes of promise as a freshman last year with a couple doubles and a homer. TIM SANTIAGO, OF, BRICK MEMORIAL – Slugged .400 as a sophomore last season and will get more at-bats this year. ZACH MASON, LHP, SOUTHERN – Big arm from the left side will be very tough with improved control.

MIKE NYISZTOR, SS, TOMS RIVER NORTH – Fresh off a breakout on the basketball court, Nyisztor now takes his act to the diamond. RAY LIGOURI, 3B/RHP, TOMS RIVER SOUTH – Threw 12 2/3 scoreless innings out of the bullpen thanks to a plus curveball. Somewhat ironically, he is a very good fastball hitter with home run power.

By Matt Manley – Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he 2014 Shore Conference baseball season will be remembered for the championship postseason runs of four teams: St. John Vianney, Jackson Memorial and Shore Regional in their respective NJSIAA Group Tournaments, and Christian Brothers Academy in both the Shore Conference and Monmouth County Tournaments. The Colts rode lights-out ace Luca Dalatri to both titles and proved themselves a tournamentready squad that also almost slugged their way past St. John Vianney in the South Jersey Non-Public A semifinals without much pitching left to lean on.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY HEAD COACH: Marty Kenney, 42nd season

2014 RECORD: 18-8 (8-6, third in A North)

MARLBORO

HEAD COACH: Jim Ferraro, 7th season

2014 RECORD: 11-12 (5-9, seventh in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Mike Santaromita (Sr., CF), Steve Santigate (Sr., 3B), Phil Saglietto (Sr., RF/P), Brian Reilly (Jr., 1B), Matt Discuillo (Jr., OF/P), Will Trochiano (So., SS), Andrew Nardi (Sr., P), Jeremy Dyzenhaus (Jr., P), Kyle Ondar (Sr., C), Steve Epstein (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Dylan Finn (Jr., OF), Andrew Gambardella (Jr., INF), Noah Thomas (So., OF), Chase Sandler (Jr., C), Justin Kaplan (Jr., P), Jeremy Bello (So., P), Donnie Alfano (Jr., P), Matt Dean (Jr., P), Gene Napolitano (So., C)

As great as CBA was last year, the Colts did not win 20 games and finished third in Class A North – three games behind division champion Colts Neck. Strangely enough, one of the conference’s best divisions does not have a defending division champion now that Colts Neck has moved to B North, but it does have a potential juggernaut in the Colts. With Dalatri returning to the top of the rotation and three other sluggers returning to the lineup, CBA has the foundation in place to exceed the season it put together last year.

As Colts Neck showed last year, though, it takes an entire roster to put together a steady enough 14 games to win a division like this one. CBA is the favorite, but Manalapan, Marlboro and Middletown South all return strong rosters with good pitching staffs that could give CBA a problem on the right day. Freehold Boro gives the division a new look and the Colonials return a young roster that held its own in B North last year, while Howell, Freehold Township and Middletown North remain dangerous despite some key losses. There is still a wealth of talent in A North, particularly on the mound, but one team has talent that stands above the rest.

P/INF), Luke Chece (Jr., P/OF), Joe Gargana (Jr., P), Austen Tieri (Sr., P), Mike Triandafellos (Jr., 1B), Ryan Nelson (Jr., P)

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Ryan Spillane, 7th season

2014 RECORD: 11-14 (6-8, tied fourth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Johnny Zega (Jr., SS/P), Zac deRocco (Sr., 1B/2B/P), Nolan Pereless (Sr., CF), Zach Schild (Jr., C), Austin Markmann (Jr., P/1B), Freddie Yahn (Jr., UTIL), Colin Bergen (Sr., P), George Putykiewicz (Sr., P)

CBA’s Luca Dalatri TOP RETURNERS: Brandon Martorano (Jr., C), Will Morgan (Sr., OF), John Moschella (Sr., 1B), Andrew Buccellatto (Sr., 2B), Luca Dalatri (Jr., P/1B), Mike Garvey (Sr., P), Griffin Arnott (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Trey Nelson (Sr., 3B), Matt D’Angelo (Sr., SS), James Miller (Sr., P), Shane Turk (Sr., P/OF), Brendan Shaw (Sr., 2B), Brendan Galvin (Jr., C), Cid Porter (Jr., OF), Kenny Campbell (Jr.,

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tom Frandsen (Jr., OF), Tom Gannon (Jr., OF/INF), Zach Grant (Jr., P), Bobby Gyurindak (Jr., P), David Mangarelli (Jr., OF), Joe McLaughlin (Jr., P), Ian Schuer (Jr., P/1B), Maxx Imsho (So., OF), Jeremy Joyce (So., INF), Jeff Lewandowski (So., OF/P), Jon Martin (So., P), Ben Popora (So., 3B)

MANALAPAN

HEAD COACH: Brian Boyce, 10th season

2014 RECORD: 11-14 (6-8, tied fourth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Jake Sadowitz (Jr., 1B/P), Chris Rodriguez (Jr., SS), Stephen Hansen (Jr., CF), Stephen Carbonara (Jr., C), Ryan

McGrane (Sr., 1B), Nick Serra (Sr., P), Nick Marotta (Sr., P), A.J. Kawa (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Klepper (Sr., 3B), Joe Ciaccio (Sr., OF), Jake Kupfer (Sr., OF), Nick Surhoff (Sr., 3B), Marc Benevento (Jr., OF), Tyler Stafflinger (Jr., P), Carmine Rainone (Jr., 2B), Chris Winters (Jr., 2B/C), Mike Mollica (Jr., OF), John Crockett (Jr., OF), Matt Rosenberg (Jr., OF)

HOWELL

HEAD COACH: Eric Johnson, 6th season

2014 RECORD: 9-12 (6-8, tied fourth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Rob Napolitano (Sr., C), Troy Miller (Jr., SS), Mike Parisi (Sr., 1B), Andrew Larsen (Sr., OF), Dan Matrisciano (Sr., 3B), Justin Steel (Jr., 2B/C), Brian Chaballa (Jr., OF/P), Chris Barone (Sr., OF), Connor Fey (Sr., P/2B), James Wynne (Jr., OF/P), Matt Fletcher (Sr., OF/P)

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Capo (Jr., 3B), Conor Youncofski (Sr., DH), Phil Pecherski (Jr., P/OF/1B), Ed Sena (Sr., SS), Anthony Pianoforte (Sr., 1B/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Walter Shopf (Jr., C), T.J. Vivian (Sr., P), Tyler Ras (Fr., INF/OF/P), Josh Brucato (Sr., P), Marc Cerbo (So., 2B/SS), Seth Ziegler (Jr., 1B/2B), Anthony Vetrano (Jr., C/1B/OF), Cole Fluta (Jr., 2B/SS), Hunter Rinn (Jr., P), Vince Pianoforte (Sr., 1B/C), Chuck Estelle (Sr., P/OF), Mike Cavallino (Sr., P)

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

HEAD COACH: Todd Smith, sixth season

2014 RECORD: 7-7 (10-4, second in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Joe Silvestrone (Sr., C), Rob Erikson (Sr., 2B), Kyle Fenton (Sr., UTIL) KEY NEWCOMERS: Kevin Gordon (Sr., C), Brandon Roth (Sr., OF), Austin Ramos (Sr., OF), Jason Spieler (Sr., OF), Tom Benedict (Sr., P), Jimmy Feingold (Sr., P), Pete Nielsen (Jr., P), Brian Oliver (Jr., INF), Lane Shapiro Jr., (INF/OF), John Carroll Jr., (1B/P), Matt Gorman (Jr., OF), Andrew Ventura (Jr., P), Jake Russo (Jr., 3B), Rob Nitti (Jr., C), Pete Gambino (Jr., P), Ralph Gambino (So., SS/P), Mike Pirrotta (So., P/1B)

Division Lineup

FREEHOLD

HEAD COACH: Jon Block, 24th season

2014 RECORD: 10-13 (7-5, fourth in Class B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Dante Cuzzolino (Sr., 2B/P), Nick Belka (Sr., 3B), Tommy Colon (Sr., OF), Chris Cassandra (So., SS), Nick LaMorte (Jr., C), Ryan Yee (Jr., OF), Dan Chiusano (So., P), Steve Rullo (Jr., P/OF), Frank Granato (Sr., OF), Dom Matteo (Sr., C), Anthony Matteo (Sr., 3B), Nick Murphy (Sr., P), Marco Meleo (Sr., P/1B), Todd Burger (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Zuppe (Jr., P/OF), James Manos (Jr., P/OF), Matt Cunha (Jr., OF), Tom Holdorf (So., P/1B), Mark Costanzo (Fr., P/SS)

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

HEAD COACH: Justin Nathanson, 1st season

2014 RECORD: 7-14 (4-10, eighth in A North)

BRANDON MARTORANO, CATCHER, CBA – The North Carolina commit showed off his wheels with five triples last year, matching a CBA singleseason record. JOHN MOSCHELLA, FIRST BASEMAN, CBA – On a team with some good hitters in the lineup, Moschella might have been the one opponents were most afraid to pitch to by the end of the year. ANDREW BUCCELLATTO, SECOND BASEMAN, CBA – Overlooked a bit on a talented team, but Buccellatto had good at-bats when CBA needed them and played a solid second base as well. JOHNNY ZEGA, SHORTSTOP, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH – The offense has not been there yet, but the defense and performance on the mound has college scouts checking in on the Eagles junior. CHRIS RODRIGUEZ, SHORTSTOP, MANALAPAN – One of the best athletes on the Shore Conference diamond, Rodriguez will man shortstop full time for Manalapan after playing more of a utility role last year as a sophomore. WILL MORGAN, OUTFIELDER, CBA – One of two Shore Conference players headed to Old Dominion, Morgan will look to follow up a big statistical junior season by anchoring a lineup the Colts hope can contend

for consecutive Monmouth County and Shore Conference tournaments, as well as a state title. MIKE SANTAROMITA, CENTER FIELDER, MARLBORO – Athletic, rangy center fielder with some pop in his left-handed bat to go with the good glove. STEPHEN HANSEN, CENTER FIELDER, MANALAPAN – Another of Manalapan’s talented juniors up the middle of the field, Hansen came up with a number of big hits as a junior and put up solid numbers in a pitching-rich division. ROB NAPOLITANO, CATCHER, HOWELL – An improved defensive catcher from his early high school years, Napolitano still makes his mark with the bat, as displayed by a junior-year slugging percentage approaching .700.

Division Rotation

LUCA DALATRI, RHP, CBA – The North Carolina commit is coming off one of the great pitching seasons in CBA and Shore Conference history and he is still only a junior. ANDREW NARDI, LHP, MARLBORO – Broke out as a sophomore in 2013 and did not miss a beat as a junior. One of the best aces in the Shore. AUSTIN MARKMANN, RHP, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH – As a sophomore, Markmann threw a pair of 1-0 shutouts in the Monmouth County Tournament, including one against Non-Public A champion St. John Vianney. JAKE SADOWITZ, LHP, MANALAPAN – Pitched to an ERA a tick above 2.00 and also put up a .400 on-base percentage at the plate as a sophomore. He is already committed to the University of Pennsylvania. DANTE CUZZOLINO, RHP, FREEHOLD – The Colonials have a good staff coming back, led by their right-handed senior.

Breakout Players to Watch

KYLE CAPO, THIRD BASEMAN, MIDDLETOWN NORTH – The numbers don’t jump out, but this is a difficult division in which to put up numbers and the tools are there on both sides of the ball. BRIAN REILLY, FIRST BASEMAN, MARLBORO – Emerged as a sophomore starter for the Mustangs and will be a big part of this year’s lineup. TROY MILLER, SHORTSTOP, HOWELL – Faced some bad luck on balls in play while also showing patience. With another year to develop, big numbers should be on the way. DAN CHIUSANO, LHP, FREEHOLD – A strong freshman year has to have people around the Colonials program thinking about another version of Jake Yanez, the lefty who helped lead Freehold to a Group III final in 2012. MATT D’ANGELO, SHORTSTOP, CBA – St. Peter’s commit will have his turn playing shortstop for a team with its eyes on every big prize out there.

By Matt Manley – Staff Writer

(Sr., C), Sean Van Lew (Sr., 1B), Eugene Loverde (Sr., OF), Clay Rourke (Sr., OF), Mike Quick (Sr., OF/P), Joe Zedalis (Sr., INF), Chris Kowalski (Jr., SS/OF), Matt Aires (Jr., OF), Joe Bassett (Jr., INF/P), Harry Eaton (Jr., OF)

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

ast year’s Class B South division race flew in the face of the old adage that pitching wins championships. Although division champion Jackson Liberty had the thirdbest pitching staff in the division, Barnegat and Central each ran out multiple Division I-caliber arms. Despite Barnegat boasting the likes of Vanderbilt commit Jason Groome and Hofstra signee Seamus Brazill and Central offering a 1-2 punch of Alabama right-hander Andrew DiPiazza and current senior Anthony Arneth, neither team finished better than 7-7 in the division.

On the flip side, both teams stood out during the tournament season and in that regard, both were constructed to win in some capacity. While all of these B South teams would like to click in time to make a postseason run, the first stop is the B South title. While it could be anyone’s game, there is one team that just seems due. BARNEGAT

HEAD COACH: Dan McCoy, 4th season

2014 RECORD: 20-10 (7-7, tied fourth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Nik Fraim (Sr., C), Jared Kacso (Jr., 3B/P), Ed

JACKSON LIBERTY

HEAD COACH: Jim Rankin, 8th season

2014 RECORD: 15-12 (10-4, first in B South)

Barnegat’s John Corbett

Rogan (Sr., 1B/P), Aaron McLaughlin (So., SS), Collin O’Conner (Jr., CF), Seamus Brazill (Sr., P), John Corbett (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Max Rittner (Jr., LF), Justin Diefenboch (So., INF/P), Christian Padilla (So., 2B), Anthony Lani (So., UTIL)

CENTRAL

HEAD COACH: John Scran, 8th season

2014 RECORD: 15-10 (7-7, tied fourth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Frank Rose (Sr., 3B), Jake Dominguez (Sr., 2B/P), John Forrester (Sr., 1B), Anthony Arneth (Sr., P/OF), Ryan Paul (Jr., P/1B), Joe Firetto (Sr., SS)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Pinto (Sr., OF), Kyle Tavaska (So., OF), Dylan Milleman (Sr., INF), Howard Taylor (Sr., P/INF), Ryan Van Wickle (Jr., INF/P), Sean Galvin (Sr., INF), Brandon Pallante (Jr., P/INF ), Mike Zak (Jr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jon Gonzalez (Sr., OF), Ken Pommerencke (Jr., OF), Jared Pommerencke (Jr., C/OF), Billy Hart (Fr., C)

PINELANDS

HEAD COACH: Rob Sanzari, 3rd season

2014 RECORD: 11-10 (7-7, tied fourth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Mitch Merrill (Sr., SS), Sage Sysol (Sr., 3B), Patrick Spagnola (Sr., 2B), David Lunn (Jr., CF), R.J. Rodriguez (Jr., OF/C), Austin Hartman (Sr., OF), Chad Astemborski (Sr., P), David DeFeo (Sr., P/1B), Darien Martinez (Jr., P), Jared Miller (Jr., P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Erik Steffens (Sr., P), Ray Jeffs (Sr., 1B), Brad O’Brien (Jr., C), Ryan Ross (Jr., OF), Jared Strang (Jr., OF), Chris Burke (So., INF/P), Joey McDonald (So., P), Tommy Allen (So., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Ernhardt (Sr., 2B), Anthony Colbert

POINT PLEASANT BORO

HEAD COACH: Dave Drew, 5th season

2014 RECORD: 9-11 (8-6, tied second in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Jack Fitzsimmons (Sr., 3B/OF), Sam Monaco (Jr., SS), Frank Graziano (Jr., OF/P), Mike Falconetti (Jr., 1B/P), Bill Feehan (Jr., 2B/OF), John Youmans (Sr., C/1B), Tim Rossi (Jr., P/OF), Mark Leyble (Jr., 3B/P), Sebastian Severio (Jr., C/1B), Sean Connor (Sr., 2B/SS) KEY NEWCOMERS: Dan Bellofatto (Sr., OF), Dan Cornish (Sr., OF/3B), Dan Cornish (Sr., OF), Anthony Kondas (Sr., 1B), Gabe Pesante (Sr., 2B), Ethan Cannon (Sr., P), Ryan Carne (Jr., UTIL), Pierce Dzrymkowski (Jr., OF), Gene Franceschini, (Jr., OF/1B/P), Frank Spano (Jr., P), Ryan Carr (So., OF), Patrick Feehan (So., SS), Josiah Gliddon (So., P/3B/1B), Thomas Paul (So., P/SS), Justin Rafi (So., C/UTIL)

DONOVAN CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Paul Murray, 12th season

2014 RECORD: 8-18 (5-9, seventh in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Drake (Sr., SS), Steve Lazicki (Sr., C/3B), Russ Petranto (Sr., 3B/2B), Charlie Dimino (Sr., 2B/OF), Kyle Malloy (Jr., OF/P), Zach Mann (So., P), Andrew Jarvis (Jr., P), Aaron Holowienka (Jr., OF), Mike Marron (So., INF/OF), Alex Loffredo (Sr., OF), Matt Puleo (Sr., P), R.J. Berardi (Sr., 1B), Bart Goble (So., 1B/P), Nick Povoa (Jr., P/OF), Ryan O’Sullivan (So., 2B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Dimino (Fr., 1B/P), P.J. Armstrong (Jr., C)

MANCHESTER

HEAD COACH: John Musolf, 19th season

2014 RECORD: 1-12 (8-6, tied second in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Jon Meaney (Jr., 2B/OF), Mark Wernoch (Jr., 1B), Darrius Garcia (Jr., C), Ryan Vanderham (Jr., SS), Ryan Bowker (Sr., 3B/P), Steven Rodriguez (So., 2B), Pat Williams (Sr., OF), Dan Mills (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Joe Felipe (So., P/1B), P.J. Martinez (Jr., INF/P), Dillon Barry (Jr., P), Matt Miggliaccio (So., OF)

LAKEWOOD

HEAD COACH: Gene Drumright, 11th season

2014 RECORD: 10-13 (4-10, eighth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Harry Brown (Sr., OF/INF), Eric Segui (Sr., C/INF), Juan Nunez (Sr., 2B), Alex Guzman (Jr., C/INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: John Vargas (Sr., P/INF), Nicholas Millheiser (Sr., P/OF), Hector Figueroa (Sr., P/OF), David Santiago (Sr., 3B), Jason Holguin (Jr., INF/OF), Javiel Figueroa (Jr., 1B), Raymond Alvarez (Jr., P/INF/OF), Tayon Conover-Hart (So., OF/P), Joel Hernandez (So., P/INF/C), Julian Zingler (Fr., P/1B)

Division Lineup

NIK FRAIM, CATCHER, BARNEGAT – Caught arguably the Shore’s best pitching staff while also slugging three homers, the third-most of any returning catcher behind Dan Wondrack of Wall and Rob Napolitano of Howell. ED ROGAN, FIRST BASE, BARNEGAT – The Bengals’ most reliable RBI guy knocked in 22 last year with a simple approach.

RUSS PETRANTO, 3B/2B, DONOVAN CATHOLIC – One of few players in the Shore Conference to post both an on-base percentage and slugging percentage above .500. MITCH MERRILL, SHORTSTOP, PINELANDS – Missed his sophomore season with an injury and came back as one of the best players in the division.

FRANK ROSE, THIRD BASE, CENTRAL – Injuries slowed his junior year a bit, but not that much. Rose clocked four doubles and two homers, which should be an appetizer compared to this season. JON MEANEY, OUTFIELD/2B, MANCHESTER – Meaney emerged as the Hawks’ best hitter as a sophomore and will play a bigger role in the field and as a leader this season. KYLE TAVASKA, OUTFIELD, JACKSON LIBERTY – Speedy player who showed a knack for getting on base and handling the outfield despite his relative inexperience. HARRY BROWN, OUTFIELD, LAKEWOOD – Combination of speed and

skill was on full display last year when Brown ripped eight doubles and stole 13 bags, all while maintaining a .333 average in a pitching-heavy division. JARED KACSO, THIRD BASE, BARNEGAT – A two-way threat who flexed his home run muscle three times last year, including a big one against Group IV champion Jackson Memorial in the Ocean County Tournament semifinals.

Division Rotation

ANTHONY ARNETH, RHP, CENTRAL – The 6-5 right-hander emerged as the second banana to Andrew DiPiazza last year, and now he looks to assume the mantle as the best pitcher in Ocean County.

SEAMUS BRAZILL, RHP, BARNEGAT – Groome’s monster season and Corbett’s postseason run overshadowed a very good campaign by the 6-9 righthander, who is headed to Hofstra next year. JOHN CORBETT, RHP, BARNEGAT – Pitched the Bengals to wins in three of the first four Shore Conference Tournament rounds, including a 2-0 shutout of Wall in the semifinals.

HOWARD TAYLOR, RHP, JACKSON LIBERTY – Taylor was quietly a driving force in Jackson Liberty’s division title run last year as the No. 2 pitcher behind current Seton Hall freshman Dan Serreino. JAKE DOMINGUEZ, RHP, CENTRAL – After a slow start to the year on the mound, the Ramapo recruit finished the season strong with a win each over Jackson Liberty and Toms River East.

Breakout Players to Watch

AARON MCLAUGHLIN, SHORTSTOP, BARNEGAT – The glove and bat already played as a freshman last year and the Rutgers commit is poised to take another step as a sophomore.

FRANK GRAZIANO, OF/P, POINT BORO – In two high school years, he has shown flashes on the mound with strikeouts and at the plate with extra-base power. Consistency comes with experience. CHAD ASTEMBORSKI, P, PINELANDS – If there were ever a year for Pinelands, this would need to be it, and if there is a pitcher to step up and lead the staff, it’s the senior Astemborski. ZACH MANN, RHP, DONOVAN CATHOLIC – Pitched against quality competition down the stretch and should have his confidence going into this season. MARK WERNOCH, 1B, MANCHESTER – The Hawks will lean on the offense a little more this season, and Wernoch is poised to build on his .260 average now that he is an established junior.

By Matt Manley – Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

COLTS NECK

HEAD COACH: Mike Yorke, 16th season

ou might have heard of a division with two defending co-champions. Now, meet the division with two defending outright champions. Colts Neck joins Class B North fresh off a Class A North championship in 2014 and will challenge a Wall team that went 14-0 in this division last year. Class B North was almost home to three division champions, as Red Bank Catholic moved in from A Central after finishing a game behind St. John Vianney in the standings last year.

2014 RECORD: 16-6 (11-3, first in Class A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Tyler Kapuscinski (Sr., 1B), Jordan Gonzalez (Sr., C), Tyler Kay (Sr., RF), Sam DeVitis (Sr., SS), Mike Antico (Jr., CF), Joe Varile (Sr., 3B), Chris Murphy (Sr., P), Mario Ferraioli (Jr., P), Lou Rondinella (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Hanewald (Jr., P), Tim Cavrak (Jr., INF), Andrew Conforti (Jr., OF), Jake McTigue (Jr., OF), Nick Umbro (Jr., INF), Jeremy Slad (Jr., C), Dante Caruso (Jr., OF), Henry Aufiero (Sr., P), Walter Kelso (Sr., P), Bryce Richardson (Sr., P), Mike D’Attavio (Jr., P), Chris Laresca (Jr., P), Jonathan Weitzman (So., P/1B)

In addition to the three perennial contenders at the top, the division of champions also has some depth to it, with Ocean returning a team that won 13 of 15 games prior to its NJSIAA Tournament loss and Matawan bringing back a significant part of a nucleus that tied Ocean for second in the division last year and advanced to the Central Jersey Group II semifinals. The Huskies are the unestablished name that could make some history by making a run to the top, and in a division where everyone could end up hammering one another, that outcome is just one of a number of realistic possibilities.

WALL

HEAD COACH: Todd Schmitt, 18th season

2014 RECORD: 21-6 (12-0, first in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Dan Wondrack (Sr., C), Ryan Orender (Sr., 3B/P), Nick Martinez (Sr., OF), Brendan Barcas (Sr., OF), Charlie Cosenza (Sr., P/INF), Nick Maciejewski (Jr., OF), Christian Carlson (Sr., OF), Regan Dombroski (Sr., P)

Colts Neck’s Chris Murphy

KEY NEWCOMERS: Noah Cloney (So., P/SS), James Loesch (Jr., C/1B), Mike Nocchi (Jr., P), Connor Metelski (Jr., P), Mike Yard (Jr., 3B/1B), Joe Castellucia (Jr., INF)

RED BANK CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Buddy Hausmann, 8th season

2014 RECORD: 20-7 (11-3, second in Class A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Chris Bender (Sr., LF), Tom Merl (Sr., RF), Evan Madigan (Jr., SS), Doug Facendo (Jr., C), Mike Spinelli (Jr., 2B), Mike Ianelli (Sr., 1B), John Poccia (Jr., P), Jack Ipsen (Jr., P), Tom Montano (Sr., P), Griffin Keller (Sr., 2B), Joe Montano (Sr., OF/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Liggett (Jr., P), Jack Smith (Jr., P), Aaron Ahn (So., 3B), Anthony DeRosa (So., 3B/1B/P), Dom Caraballo (So., OF), Nick Ianelli (Sr., P), Eric Klimowicz (Sr., P)

OCEAN

HEAD COACH: Cip Apicelli, 6th season

2014 RECORD: 19-8 (8-4, tied second in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Anthony Bartolomei (Sr., 1B/P), Brian Kochenash (Jr., SS), Sam Maxwell (Sr., CF/P), Frank Henry (Sr., 2B), Blake Demeter (Sr., P), Jake Talarico (Jr., P/OF), Marcus Blackmon (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Denny Galvin (Sr., C), Brian Olesen (Jr., 1B), Marc Chernin (Jr., C), Kenny Pickett (So., OF), Phil Demarco (So., OF/P), Bo Britton (Sr., OF), Anthony Tedesco (So., C), Tyler Rossback (Jr., 3B), Alec Keezer (So., INF/P), Jon Zimmerman (Sr., P), Robert Piantanida (Sr., 1B), Scott Keller (Sr., OF), Joe Aldarelli (So., OF), Travis Lillie (So., P), J.T. Toomey (Jr., P), Scott Bradley (Jr., P), Brad Schoenberger (Sr., P)

MATAWAN

HEAD COACH: Bobby Carnovsky, 3rd season

2014 RECORD: 14-10 (8-4, tied second in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Joe Piscopo (Sr., CF), Adam Elliott (Jr., SS/P), Billy Rodriguez (Sr., LF), Nick Smith (Sr., P/1B), Alex Cella (Sr., 3B/OF), Matt Esposito (Sr., 1B), Kyle Chapman (Sr., OF), Colin Thompson (Jr., P), Nick Villanueva (Sr., UTIL), Isaiah Phillip (Jr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Dylan Dobbin (Jr., INF), Anthony Hirojo (Jr., P), Chris Vetter (Jr., C), Jeff Fishetti (Sr., 2B), Jeff Graham (Sr., OF), Brandon Rivera (Jr., 2B/3B/P), Makel Caldwell (Jr., OF)

RED BANK REGIONAL

HEAD COACH: Nick Tucker, 2nd season

2014 RECORD: 7-17 (3-9, fifth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Connor Kelly (Sr., OF), Isaiah Sestito (Sr., OF/P), Leo DiGuilio (Sr., INF/OF), Ryan Santos (Sr., C), A.J.

Forgione (Sr., P), Nick Massa (Jr., P/INF), Matt Reardon P/INF), Matt Santos (So., P/INF), Drew Cook (Sr., INF)

(Jr.,

KEY NEWCOMERS: Marc DeRosa (Sr., P/INF), Jack McLoone (Sr., P/INF), Derrick Bradley (Jr., C), Claudio LoBracio (Jr., INF/P), Colin Young (Jr., P/INF), Will Grant (So., INF), Josh Horowitz (So., P), Will Weaver (So., P), Zeke Weston (So., OF)

NEPTUNE

HEAD COACH: Kevin Frederick, 1st season

2014 RECORD: 4-11 (2-10, tied sixth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: James Hand (Sr., C), Hunter Daly (Sr., 1B/P), Matt Jegou (Jr., SS/2B), Peter Marucca (So., 3B/SS), Thomas Hallgring (Sr., 1B), Mike Hand (Jr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Tucker (So., LF), Sean Maxcy (Jr., RF), George Barreto (Sr., 2B), Jake Giblin (Jr., CF), Keysan Johnson (Sr., OF), Ernesto Rodriguez (Jr., 1B), Tyler Schembri (Jr., 2B/3B), Zach Krause (Jr., C), Alon Height (Jr., OF), Kobe Poe (Jr., OF), Sean Shannon (Jr., OF)

LONG BRANCH

HEAD COACH: John Perri, 4th season

2014 RECORD: 5-17 (2-10, tied sixth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Travis Carroll (Sr., 3B), Nick Conklin (Sr., C), Anthony Brier (Sr., 1B), Zach Piatkowski (Sr., OF), Austin Cannon (So., CF), Sean Cuddy (Jr., OF/1B), Joe Montague (Sr., INF), Christian Sanchez (Sr., P), Louis Trezoglou (Sr., P/2B), Saione Washington (Sr., P/OF), Xavier Chatman (Sr., P/OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Carlos Pacheco (Jr., P), Matt Mincieli (Fr., INF), Alonzo Rawls (Jr., INF), T.J. Brewer (Fr., P/C/OF), Paul Bitterly (Sr., OF), Gaetano Jones (Sr., OF)

in some crucial spots as both a hitter and a pitcher.

JOE PISCOPO, CENTER FIELD, MATAWAN – Piscopo increased his batting average by more than any other Shore Conference player from 2013 to 2014 and will look to repeat his breakout season for a Matawan team with high hopes for 2015.

MIKE ANTICO, CENTER FIELD, COLTS NECK – The offensive numbers don’t jump off the page yet, but the speed and defense are special, which is why St. John’s scooped up the junior center fielder. NICK MARTINEZ, OUTFIELD, WALL – A gruesome wrist injury ended Martinez’s season in early May. If he is over the injury, a .400 average is well within the realm of expectation for the senior who led Wall in hitting as a sophomore in 2013. SAM MAXWELL, CENTER FIELD, OCEAN – Another speedy center fielder, Maxwell is a terrific defender that contributed to the offense from the bottom of the order.

Division Rotation

CHRIS MURPHY, LHP, COLTS NECK – Dominated out of the bullpen last year, and with most of Colts Neck’s rotation gone, it’s Murphy’s time to see if he can be even more dominant as a starter. ADAM ELLIOTT, RHP, MATAWAN – One of the division’s best all-around players as a sophomore, Elliott is simply one of the most productive two-way players in the Shore Conference as he enters his junior year. BLAKE DEMETER, RHP, OCEAN – Only two players – Liam Olausen of Mater Dei (27-to-2) and Luca Dalatria (90-to-12) – who threw 15 or more innings last year posted a better strikeout-to-walk ratio than the 49-to-10 ratio logged by Demeter. ANTHONY BARTOLOMEI, RHP, OCEAN – Ryan Lillie went into the season as the No. 1 pitcher, but by the end of the year, Bartolomei was just as reliable, as was every other starter for that matter.

A.J. FORGIONE, RHP, RED BANK – Walks were a little high (27), but Forgione was a workhorse last year who managed to strike out 42 batters in 41 innings as the Bucs’ ace.

Breakout Players to Watch

Division Lineup

DAN WONDRACK, CATCHER, WALL – If there were park-adjusted numbers in high school baseball, Wondrack would reap the benefits considering he has to (and does) hit a legitimate college home run to clear the fence at his home park. TYLER KAPUSCINSKI, FIRST BASE, COLTS NECK – Coaches love the term and the concept of “a professional at-bat,” and more than any player in the Shore Conference, that’s what Kapuscinski is all about. EVAN MADIGAN, SHORTSTOP, RED BANK CATHOLIC – Slides over from second to shortstop this season, where he is already comfortable after spelling Al Molina last year when Molina pitched.

BRIAN KOCHENASH, SHORTSTOP, OCEAN – On his way to being a fouryear starter and the offense is steadily catching up to a very nice glove. RYAN ORENDER, THIRD BASE, WALL – Last year was a breakout season in every respect for Orender, who not only put up the numbers, but came up big

SAM DEVITIS, SS, COLTS NECK – The Cougars just need his defense, but the College of New Jersey recruit likely has a solid all-around season in him as his senior year beings. AARON AHN, 3B, RED BANK CATHOLIC – Already committed to Navy, Ahn will get a chance to contribute right away and he could settle in as one the Caseys’ top hitters in his first varsity season. TRAVIS CARROLL, 3B, LONG BRANCH – After hitting .290 as a junior, Carroll is in line for his best season in his last season after contributing for all four of his high school years. JAKE TALARICO, RHP, OCEAN – It’s hard to argue with 10 scoreless innings, which is what Talarico produced last year with four starters ahead of him in the rotation.

LEO DIGUILIO, SS, RED BANK – A .262 batting average on balls in play is bound to get better for a senior who walked 13 times, struck out just eight and popped a couple of doubles as a junior.

By Matt Manley – Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he 2014 season was a wildly successful one for Class A Central on the whole. Two teams – St. John Vianney and Shore Regional – won NJSIAA Group championships, and Rumson-Fair Haven advanced to the Central Jersey Group II championship game. In light of the widespread success of the division, the race for this year’s title remains wide open, both because of the talent throughout the collection of teams and due to a significant list of graduations from the division’s success stories.

Two non-public juggernauts have ruled A Central over the last two years and with the most recent realignment, one of them – Red Bank Catholic – is gone to Class B North. St. John Vianney, meanwhile, graduated eight of the nine players in its starting lineup and two of its top three pitchers, while Shore lost four of its top five hitters and three of its top four pitchers. The exodus leaves the division race wide open for the public schools of the group to jump into the division race, although Vianney remains a real threat because of its depth.

The regular season is anybody’s game and regardless of how the division race plays out, there are a at least five teams in A Central that could make postseason noise in either the Shore Conference Tournament, the state tournament, or both.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

SHORE

2014 RECORD: 14-11 (7-7, tied fourth in A Central)

2014 RECORD: 19-9 (8-6, third in A Central)

HEAD COACH: Kevin James, 13th season

TOP RETURNERS: Morgan Maguire (Sr., P/1B/OF), Max Goione (Sr., SS/P), Kenny Ferrare (Sr., 1B), Shane McCabe (Sr., OF), Mickey Schluter (Jr., C), Matt Fahey (So., OF/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jackson Rissucci (Jr., 3B/P), Jake Caruso (Jr., 2B), Sam Chandler (Jr., SS), Teddy Sourlis (Jr., P/1B), Sid Farber (Jr., P), Max Pfrang (Jr., C/1B), Anthony Mazzucca (Jr., P), Mike Frissor (Jr., P), Connor Dupree (So., INF)

MONMOUTH

HEAD COACH: Paul Crivello, 2nd season

2014 RECORD: 13-13 (7-7, tied fourth in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Vincenti (Sr., OF), Marc Marcinak (Sr. OF), Christian Hoplock (Jr., OF/P), Joe Berner (Sr., INF/P), Jim Green (Sr., INF), Tim Reynolds (Sr., OF), Garrhet Rheedy (Jr., C), Christian DeFazio (Sr., P), Corey Shevlin (Sr., P/OF), Bill Herman (Sr., P/INF), Matt Hamilton (Sr., C), Andrew Slinger (Jr., INF/P), John Patti (Sr., INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Doucette (Sr., INF), Preston Mellaci (Jr., OF), Chris Raike (Jr., P), Christian Boujaoude (Jr., INF/OF), Skylar Marvin (Jr., INF), Josh Jackson (So., C/INF), Mark Abrams (So., OF), Paul Birzin (So., P/INF)

MANASQUAN

HEAD COACH: Patrick O’Neill, 4th season

TOP RETURNERS: James Kelly (Sr., 3B/P), Sam Parrino (Sr., OF/P), Matt McCarthy (Sr., 1B), Justin Halper (Sr., OF), Ryan Campi (Sr., OF/P), Kevin Donegan (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alex Mango (Sr., 2B), Matt Recchia (Sr., OF), Dhillon Barbetti (Sr., C/P), Chas Breithoff (Jr., INF/P), Devin McLaughlin (Jr., INF/P), Michael Mendillo (Jr., OF), Michael O’Halloran (Jr., SS), Marco Parrino (Jr., OF), Alex Patton (Jr., OF), Matt Pennell (So., INF/P)

HOLMDEL

HEAD COACH: Gene Crimoli, 2nd season

2014 RECORD: 6-15 (3-11, seventh in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Tyler Fischer (Jr., SS/P), D.J. Goins (Sr., DH), Tyler Kiss (Sr., 2B/P), Ashwin Jain (Sr., P/OF), Will Van Name (Jr., C/INF), Erik Alvino (Sr., INF/P), Corey Nuzzi (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Chris Ammirati (So., OF), Jordyn Brosemer (Jr., P), Mike Carranante (Jr., UTIL), Andrew DePinho (Jr., 1B), Matt Fanelli (So., 3B), Lukas Gudelis (Jr., OF), Sal Monticiollo (Fr., 1B), David Valentino (Sr., 2B)

RARITAN

HEAD COACH: Jeff Struble, 3rd season

HEAD COACH: Dennis Van Pelt, 6th season

2014 RECORD: 5-13 (2-12, eighth in A Central)

2014 RECORD: 10-12 (6-8, sixth in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Tom Pulcine (Sr., C), Jon Rodriguez (Jr., OF), Bo Bentley (Jr., 1B), Johnny Guccione (Jr., 3B), Mike Kelleher (Sr., P), Ryan Ruziecki (So., SS), Mason Sheehan (Jr., OF), Trevor Zelienski (Sr., C), Mike Lind (Jr., C)

TOP RETURNERS: Max Hawkins (Sr., CF), Ty Hawkins (Sr., DH), Tyler Bradley (Sr., C), Tanner Cowley (Sr., RF), Matt Edwards (Sr., SS), Jack Sheehan (Jr., 3B/P), Tommy Sheehan (So., P/1B), Matt Paturzo (Sr., 2B), Marc Galvan (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Joe Cavaluzzi (So., 2B), Matt Birdsall (So., OF/P), Nick Principe (Jr., OF), Frankie DeVirgilio (Sr., 1B/DH), Bill Hutchins (Jr., DH), Matt Wotojwicz (So., INF), Ken Friend (So., OF), Zac Johnston (Fr., INF/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Adam Schreck (So., 3B/OF), Liam McAllister (Sr., P), Austin Castellanos (Sr., P), Kevin Fay (Sr., P), John Masselli (Sr., P)

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

HEAD COACH: Mike Morgan, 9th season

Division Lineup

2014 RECORD: 20-7 (12-2, first in A Central)

TYLER BRADLEY, CATCHER, MANASQUAN – Division I catching prospect (Furman) with standout defensive tools and a chance to have a career year with the bat as the Warriors leadoff hitter.

TOP RETURNERS: Nick Gugliara (Sr., OF), Nick DeLuise (Sr., INF), Dan Schirmacher (Sr., P), Jeff McPeek (Sr., P), John Michael Broderick (Sr., P), Vince Durso (Sr., SS), Ciaran Devenney (Jr., C), Chris Perez (Sr., P), Dan Gesior (Sr., P), Brandon DeKovics (Jr., P/INF), Steve Adami (Sr., OF), Victor Jamandron (Jr., INF)

BO BENTLEY, FIRST BASE, RARITAN – Slugged .480 as a sophomore and part-time starter for a young Raritan team.

TYLER FISCHER, SHORTSTOP, HOLMDEL – After putting up one of the better offensive seasons by a sophomore, Fischer could also be an impact pitcher for the Hornets.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Zach Richards (Jr., OF), Sean Rutkiewicz (Jr., P), Chris Angolia (Sr., INF), Connor Byrne (Sr., P), Ryan Donovan (Sr., OF), Tyler Ford (Sr., INF), Kevin Callari (Jr., INF/P), Chris Cerniglia (Jr., INF/P), John Domino (Jr., OF), Nick Ficsor (Jr., INF), Joey Raia (Jr., P), Sebi Bellone (So., INF/C), Seamus Coyle (So., INF), Ryan DeMille (So., P)

MAX GOIONE, SHORTSTOP, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN – Siena College recruit is one of the Shore’s better returning shortstops after posting a .972 OPS as a junior. JACK SHEEHAN, THIRD BASE, MANASQUAN – Like Fischer, Sheehan was a top offensive player in the conference who has blossomed on the mound over the offseason.

Manasquan sophomore Tommy Sheehan

MATT VINCENTI, OUTFIELD, MONMOUTH – One of the best returning outfielders in the Shore Conference, Vincenti

enters the season eight doubles shy of Monmouth’s all-time career record.

MAX HAWKINS, CENTER FIELD, MANASQUAN – Monmouth University recruit offers speed, contact and defense and will likely tap into some more power during his senior season.

CHRISTIAN HOPLOCK, OUTFIELD, MONMOUTH – One of the breakout sophomores in the Shore Conference last year, Hoplock returns to anchor the lineup while looking to step up as a pitcher for the Falcons. TY HAWKINS, DESIGNATED HITTER, MANASQUAN – Smoothswinging left-hander hit .356 last year and will clean up for a deep Manasquan offense this season.

Division Rotation

MORGAN MAGUIRE, RHP, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN – An Old Dominion recruit on the mound, Maguire’s offense actually overshadowed his pitching last year when he posted a Shore Conference-best 1.585 OPS.

DAN SCHIRMACHER, RHP, ST. JOHN VIANNEY – While Justin Chin earned the headlines for his postseason pitching, Schirmacher was steady all year (2.51 ERA) and effective in postseason relief.

TOMMY SHEEHAN, LHP, MANASQUAN – Sheehan (Notre Dame) was the first major Shore Conference recruit from the Class of 2017 to commit and it’s easy to see why: He struck out 45 in 30 innings with a high-80’s fastball from the left side. JAMES KELLY, RHP, SHORE – Another Monmouth University recruit, Kelly pitched much better in 2014 than his 2-4 record would indicate, and he delivered a winning performance in the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I final against New Egypt. MARC GALVAN, RHP, MANASQUAN – Signed to pitch at Manhattan College, Galvan gives the Warriors one of the better No. 2 pitchers in the conference and could even end up the No. 1 after striking out 29 in 26 2/3 innings as a junior.

Breakout Players to Watch

RYAN CAMPI, OUTFIELD, SHORE – Two of his three hits last year went for extra bases, so expect some power numbers now that Campi is in a full-time role. RYAN RUZIECKI, SHORTSTOP, RARITAN – Offered a glimpse at his potential with a home run as a freshman last year and now has a full-time job at shortstop as a sophomore.

JACKSON RISSUCCI, 3B/P, RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN – One of a number of juniors who Rumson will look to for production to go with Morgan Maguire and Max Goione. JOHN MICHAEL BRODERICK, RHP, ST. JOHN VIANNEY – Struck out 12 and walked four in 14 innings last year and picked up three wins in the process. There are plenty of open innings to be had for Vianney and Broderick should pick up a lot of them if he performs like he did last year. MATT EDWARDS, SHORTSTOP, MANASQUAN – Led Manasquan with two home runs last year and a little more contact would make Edwards one of the Shore’s better offensive shortstops.

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By Matt Manley – Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he 2014 season was another year of the Roses in the Shore Conference Class B Central as St. Rose dominated to the tune of a 14-0 division record. St. Rose did not do as well outside the division, but the Roses did represent the division well in an extra-inning loss to Christian Brothers Academy in the Monmouth County Tournament and a regular-season win over St. John Vianney. Winning B Central is an expectation for St. Rose and this year is going to be no different, with the Purple Roses returning as much or talent than any other contender. ST. ROSE

HEAD COACH: Chris LeMore, 1st season

2014 RECORD: 17-7 (14-0, first in B Central)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Fanner (Sr., OF), Matt Bender (Sr., 1B), Nick Roditis (Jr., P/OF), Kyle Dowlen (So., 3B/P), Nick Massaro (Jr., C/1B)

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

HEAD COACH: Angelo Fiore, 2nd season

2014 RECORD: 9-13 (7-7, fourth in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Antonio Garcia (Sr., OF), Mike Frauenheim (Sr., OF), Geno Antognoli (Sr., OF/P), John VanSchoick (Jr., 3B/P), John Daly (Sr., OF/P), Kevin Donnelly (So., 1B/P), Tanner Smith (Jr., OF), Ryan Franzoni (Jr., C), Trevor Thomas (Sr., INF), Joe Delgrippo (Jr., INF), Ian Gaynor (Jr., OF), Ryan Craig (So., OF), Roddy Rupp (So., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Connor Prima (So., OF/P), John Nista (Fr., INF/P), Jason Bowers (So., INF/P), Zach Schaller (Sr., OF), Blake Taylor (Sr., 1B), Scott Smith (Sr., OF)

KEANSBURG

HEAD COACH: Brian Kmak, 17th season

2014 RECORD: 11-10 (10-4, third in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Jim McAteer (Sr., OF/P), Ian Terry (Jr. SS/P), Austin Blum (Jr., 1B/P), Gannon Meyer (Jr., CF/P) Matt Gibney (So., INF/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Joe Osterbye (Fr., C/P), Justin Alessi (Fr., 2B), Tyrell Wilson (Sr., OF/P)

KEYPORT

HEAD COACH: Kyle Keelen, 4th season

MATER DEI PREP

HEAD COACH: Pat Riddell, 11th season

2014 RECORD: 13-9 (12-2, second in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Vincenzo Mezzacappa (Sr., OF/C), Patric Donohue (Sr., 2B/OF), Joe Ruth (Jr., C/P), Liam Olausen (Sr., P/1B), Cole Hardy (Jr., 2B/OF), Ruben Rodriguez (Sr., SS), Vinny Stanziale (So., P/3B)

IAN TERRY, SHORTSTOP, KEANSBURG – A good athlete at shortstop, Terry showed some power last year and could be in line to take a step forward offensively this season. J.P. TRAYNOR, SHORTSTOP, ST. ROSE – Hit better than .400 as a freshman while playing a quality shortstop for the division’s top team.

KYLE MITCHELL, THIRD BASE, KEYPORT – Emerged as one of the Red Raiders’ most reliable hitters by the end of the season and will anchor the lineup this year. TRAVIS CLONEY, OUTFIELD, ST. ROSE – A versatile player who also played some shortstop, Cloney led St. Rose with 10 doubles and 26 runs scored. ANTONIO GARCIA, OUTFIELD, POINT BEACH – Set the table for the Garnet Gulls all season long and blasted a home run and four doubles as well. JOHNNY KUSSMAUL, OUTFIELD, ST. ROSE – Named an All-Shore outfielder by the coaches and Shore Sports Network thanks to gaudy overall numbers and standout performances against St. Rose’s toughest opponents.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Rob Hila (Sr., C/P), Ken Harrigan (Jr., OF/P), Jackson Aumack (So., 2B)

JASON CRISCUOLO, RHP, ST. ROSE – Went 3-0 with a 1.61 ERA as a junior and will get the ball in big games for the Purple Roses.

RANNEY

JOHN MEJIA, LHP, RANNEY – Although he gave up some runs (3.95 ERA), Mejia kept his walks down (nine) and struck out 27 in 28 1/3 innings.

2014 RECORD: 2-13 (1-13, eighth in B Central)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tim Pannuzzo (Sr., P), Ryan Sharfenberg (Sr., P), Tanner Long (Jr., 1B), Austin Dave (So., 1B), Nick DelRusso (So., C/2B), Joe Volpe (So., 3B/2B), John Crowley (Fr., P/OF), Riley Maypother (Fr., P/INF)

KYLE MISSRY, FIRST BASE/CATCHER, ST. ROSE – Finished third in the Shore Conference in slugging percentage (.796) and returns as part of a proven collection of hitters for the Purple Roses.

VINCENZO MEZZACAPPA, OUTFIELD/CATCHER, MATER DEI PREP Versatile athlete and sparkplug for the Seraphs hit .359 with two home runs last year.

HEAD COACH: Glenn Slocum, 1st season

TOP RETURNERS: Travis Cloney (Sr., OF/P), Johnny Kussmaul (Sr., OF/P), Kyle Missry (Sr., C/1B), J.P. Traynor (So., SS), Mike Gowen (Jr., OF/P), Jason Criscuolo (Sr., P), Patric Fullman S r . , P/UTIL), Brendan Hueth (So., OF/P), Brandon Mology (So., P/2B)

Division Lineup

JOE RUTH, CATCHER, MATER DEI PREP – Slugging catcher who went 6-for-18 with three doubles and pitched against Ocean, St. John Vianney and Monmouth after sitting 30 days following a transfer from Keyport.

2014 RECORD: 6-12 (6-8, fifth in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Jake Caverly (Sr., OF), Kyle Mitchell (Jr., 3B), Christian Smith (So., SS), Steven Chandler (Jr., UTIL), Kyle Johnson (So., 1B), Shane Chandler (So., OF/P)

St. Rose's Travis Cloney

Vujzuan Medler (So., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Anthony Fraser (Fr., OF), Henry McGee (So., 2B/P), Casey McGinnis (Jr., P/2B), Quaimere Mohammed (Fr., SS/3B), Kyrie Moore (Fr., OF/1B), Devin Nash-McGee (Fr., CF), Luis Rodriguez (Fr., C), Milton Simmons (Fr., OF), Tylil Tully (Fr., 2B), Kevin Reeves (Fr., UTIL)

TOP RETURNERS: John Mejia (Sr., P/1B), James Geraghty (Jr., SS/P), Max Godek (Jr., 3B/OF), Chris Weiland (Jr., 3B/P), Corey Natofsky (Jr., 3B/OF/P), Prakhar Nair (Sr., LF), Suraj Chaudhary (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Luke Price (Fr., C), Alex Godek (Fr., 2B), Kiran Shah (Fr., CF), Jerome Cohan (Jr., RF)

HENRY HUDSON

HEAD COACH: Vinnie Whitehead, 3rd season

2014 RECORD: 5-12 (4-10, sixth in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Rauen (Sr., INF/P), Alonso Olson (Sr., C), Brendan Carlstrom (So., P/INF/OF), Ryan Doelger (So., INF/P/OF), Steve Stockton (Jr., INF), Tom Colantino (So., OF/P), Tim Belicose (Sr., INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Jack Slocum (So., OF), Joe Vamvakidis (Sr., INF/OF)

ASBURY PARK

HEAD COACH: Johnny Grasso, 9th season

2014 RECORD: 3-13 (2-12, seventh in B Central)

Division Rotation

PATRIC FULLMAN, RHP, ST. ROSE – Threw a five-inning no-hitter last season and finished with a 2.91 ERA last season.

JOHN VANSCHOICK, RHP, POINT BEACH – The Garnet Gulls have leaned on VanSchoick for important innings since he was a freshman, and he has been through plenty of big games already.

BRENDAN CARLSTROM, RHP, HENRY HUDSON – Carlstrom took his lumps as a freshman, but he was a reliable source of innings and should only get better from here.

Breakout Players to Watch

VINNY STANZIALE, RHP, MATER DEI PREP – Tossed 10 impressive innings in which he posted an ERA and WHIP under 1.00 and struck out six batters while walking only one.

KEVIN DONNELLY, LHP/1B, POINT BEACH – Another sophomore arm, Donnelly was also solid in a small sample: 1.71 ERA and 14 strikeouts in 17 1/3 innings. STEVEN CHANDLER, UTIL, KEYPORT – A source of speed last season, Chandler will get a chance to add more offense to his game this year while also building on a solid showing on the mound. BRENDAN HUETH, OUTFIELD, MATER DEI – The younger brother of former All-Shore outfielder Chris Hueth, Brendan is a good athlete who, along with Traynor, is part of a solid sophomore group for the Roses.

JAHMEL DIXON, OUTFIELD, ASBURY PARK – Played well last season as a sophomore, and now Dixon will be the Blue Bishops player other teams have to worry about.

TOP RETURNERS: Jahmel Dixon (Jr., 1B/C). Jarrod Fletcher (Sr., OF), Keshaun Samuels (Sr., SS/3B), Calvin Simmons-Carter (So., OF/1B), Sal Swain (Sr., UTIL), Matt Hallman (Jr., P), Keith White (Jr., OF),

A Memorable Day of Basketball

By Scott Stump â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Managing Editor

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 25 th at Wall High School.

Photos by:

Ray Rich Photography