4-9-19 Issue - 6 Volume XI Shore Sports Network

April 9, 2019 Volume-XI Issue-6

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. n

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

Kevin WILLIAMS

Shore Sports Network Director kevin.williams@townsquaremedia.com

Steve MEYER Shore Sports Network Director High School Division steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com

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

Senior Content Providers MATT Manley // mmanley21@gmail.com GREGG Lerner // glerner3@verizon.net

Shore Sports Network Journal

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6.

MANASQUAN (2-0, 2-0)

7.

Manalapan (4-0, 3-0)

8.

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH (3-0, 2-0)

HOWELL (2-2, 1-2)

JACKSON MEMORIAL (3-0, 2-0)

The Jaguars verified their No. 1 spot by opening the season outscoring two preseason top-10 teams by a combined 33-4 in three games. The 33 runs, 20 extra-base hits and six home runs overshadow the fact that Jackson Memorial has yet to commit an error in the field. While its pitching has been solid, it only has 13 strikeouts in 17 innings, so the Jackson defense has been getting plenty of working and is cleaning up.

Although Monmouth Regional is a bit of a wild card in Class A Central this season, Manasquan’s two wins over the Falcons to open the year were a notice to the rest of Monmouth County for two reasons. First, Spencer Bauer was sharp on the mound in his debut and secondly, the Warriors offense – a wild card in its own right heading into the season – smacked 18 hits in a 17-2 win in the second game vs. Monmouth.

Manalapan lost a handful of its biggest hitters from a year ago but is showing early in 2019 that it’s possible to get the job done with a some well-timed hitting as long as the pitching and defense show up every day. The Braves have won four close games to open the season, twice edging Freehold Township and its tough top-of-the-rotation and adding wins over Howell and Manchester.

In its last three wins, Manalapan scored the winning run in the sixth inning or later, including an extra-inning win over Freehold Township.

2.

WALL (3-0, 2-0)

3.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY (2-1, 1-1)

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4.

RED BANK CATHOLIC (2-1, 2-0)

10. OCEAN (3-0, 2-0)

5.

JACKSON LIBERTY (2-1, 2-0)

In the first week of the season, Wall showed it could win in multiple ways. The Crimson Knights rode ace Trey Dombroski to a 3-0 win over St. John Vianney on opening day despite being held to only two hits, scored 14 runs in a 14-8 win over Vianney on Thursday and outlasted St. Rose in extra innings on Saturday. Wall’s schedule gets harder this week with games against Red Bank ace Jack Povey, Ocean and Jackson Liberty, which will be a welcome challenge for a team that goes as deep in pitching as Wall does.

CBA’s offense has not caught fire yet but the opponents the Colts have played have a lot to do with that. The Colts earned a split against Howell and the Rebels’ impressive one-two pitching punch thanks to a walk-off home run by Tommy DiTullio on opening day. After dropping the second game against Howell on the road, the Colts bounced back behind a dominant outing from right-hander Pat Reilly, who struck out 16 against perennial Group III contender Allentown. With Reilly emerging as another potential No. 1 pitcher alongside Joe Escandon and Braedin Hunt, the Colts are looking serious.

It’s tempting to drop Red Bank Catholic a few spots after its loss to Middletown South with Vincent Bianchi on the mound. The Caseys’ only two wins are over Holmdel and losing to Middletown South with their best arm on the mound is cause for a slight drop, but it’s still a little early to bury a team that has four hard-throwing right-handers in its staff and enough hitting to cover for injured center fielder David Glancy (hand) for another three weeks or so.

Like Red Bank Catholic, Jackson Liberty won two division games during opening week that don’t really move the needle. Unlike Red Bank Catholic, the Lions had to play the best team at the Shore right now to end the week. After handling Donovan Catholic twice, Jackson Liberty got handled

by Jackson Memorial while starting its No. 2 pitcher. While the result was disappointing, it shouldn’t change Jackson Liberty’s outlook all that much.

After a rocky 11-13 2018 season, the Eagles are off to a very encouraging start in 2019 despite dealing with some troubling injuries. What Middletown South has lost in injured All-Shore shortstop and Seton Hall commit Aurelio Licata (shoulder), it has gained in a deeper, more capable pitching staff that was the team’s undoing last season. Two sophomores – Jack Shea and Mike Keenan – picked up wins in a sweep of Marlboro to open the year and seniors Jack Roesch and Jack Lisowski combined to beat Red Bank Catholic on Saturday in a win that announced to the Shore that Middletown South should be back in the top-10 picture.

After losing two heartbreakers to CBA and Manalapan to open the year, Howell showed both its talent and its resolve by beating CBA in the second meeting and taking care of business vs.

Holmdel over the weekend to even up its record. What is so encouraging about Howell’s seemingly-modest 2-2 start is the Rebels have had great pitching in all four games. While it’s not that surprising co-aces Bryan Bernard and Ryan Bearse performed exceedingly well vs. CBA, Howell’s younger arms also did the job when called upon during the first week.

There is no shortage of candidates for the No. 10 spot at this point in the season and it is Ocean that takes over at the bottom of the top 10 after an impressive first week. The Spartans battled for two wins against a tough Colts Neck team and then beat a Freehold Township squad that should eventually get going in Class A North. Ocean has a solid-enough pitching staff to back a potent lineup and quality defense that should keep the Spartans in this conversation going forward, especially if it can knock off Wall in a series that begins Thursday.

TOP 10 WATCH LIST Toms River East (3-0, 2-0) Manchester (3-1, 2-0) Barnegat (2-2, 2-1)

2. Manasquan 3. Red Bank Catholic

1. Rumson-Fair Haven The six-time defending Shore Conference Tournament champions have shown no signs of letting up early this season. The Bulldogs are off to a 5-0 start with several impressive wins, including an 11-3 victory over Mountain Lakes and an 11-9 win over Manasquan in a rematch of last season’s SCT final. Rumson has won 107 straight games against Shore Conference teams. Chase Boyle, Jordan Johnson, Cassie James and Sophia Passalaqua lead the offense while goalie Sophia Bocklage backstops the defense.

4. Wall 5. Trinity Hall 6. St. Rose 7. Shore 8. Red Bank 9. Ocean 10. Southern

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By Bob Badders Senior Managing Editor

T

wo weeks into the lacrosse season only one thing is certain: Manasquan is the No. 1 team in the Shore Conference.

Manasquan

(4-0)

Through four games this season - all against teams which were ranked in the SSN Top 10 Manasquan has been absolutely dominant. The Warriors outscored their first four opponents 70-10 in picking up wins over Ocean, Southern, Wall and CBA, the latter an emphatic 15-4 triumph. Senior attackman Canyon Birch continues to rewrite the record book and started the season by setting a new Shore Conference career goals record. He will soon break the Shore Conference career points record and will then put the state records for goals and points in his crosshairs. Manasquan faces No. 8 St. John Vianney, Holmdel and Jackson Memorial over the next seven day

CBA (3-3) The Colts were 1-2 last week but one of those losses was to No. 1 Manasquan and other was to Chatham, 9-7, in a nonconference game. CBA rebounded with a 13-1 win over Marlboro to even its record at 3-3. The record doesn’t jump out but given the Colts’ only conference loss is to Manasquan and they have lopsided wins over both No. 5 Howell and No. 9 Freehold Township, there’s no reason right now to drop CBA from the No. 2 spot. CBA will play Middletown North, No. 7 Middletown South and Robbinsville this week.

Rumson-Fair Haven (1-4) How can a 1-4 team be ranked third? Well, take a look at who Rumson has played so far. The Bulldogs have ventured outside the Shore for their first five games against stalwarts Chatham, Cherokee, St. Peter’s Prep, Westfield and Seton Hall Prep. Like last year, they have the most difficult schedule in the Shore, and while it won’t produce a gaudy win-loss number, it will have them ready for the postseason. Rumson opens its Shore schedule this week with games against Ocean and No. 6 Wall while continuing its impressive nonconference slate with matchups against Lawrenceville School and Justice High School (Va.).

Shore (4-0) The Blue Devils have been dominant thus far in outscoring their first four opponents, 58-15, behind a balanced offensive attack.

Shore posted a 15-1 win over Toms River South and a 14-2 triumph over Toms River North. The Blue Devils face Mater Dei Prep and Barnegat this week and should be undefeated heading into a nondivisional showdown with Ocean on April 20.

The two-time defending Shore Conference Tournament champion Warriors have been as good as advertised to start the season, including a statementmaking 15-4 win o ver rival Christian Brothers Academy. A tier below Manasquan are CBA and Rumson-Fair Haven, followed by a Shore Regional team that has plenty of talent but not as many chances to prove it now that it is in Class B South.

After that, it’s an ybody’s guess. Teams five through 10 and beyond have shown they can beat each other on any given day. Expect plenty of movement in that range throughout the season.

Here is the latest Shore Sports Network Top 10. All records and results are based on games played through April 8.

Howell (4-1) The Rebels are the big movers this week thanks to a 4-2 win over last week’s No. 5 team, district rival Freehold Township. They followed with a 10-4 win over Jackson Liberty and a 13-7 victory over Brick Memorial. Howell faces Marlboro and Middletown North in Class A North games this week before a nondivisional game at Toms River North.

Wall (4-1) The Crimson Knights ran into the buzzsaw that is Manasquan and lost, 19-1, to start the week but came back with a victory over Brick and then a thrilling 12-10 win over Freehold Township in a key top10 battle. Wall faces Red Bank and No. 3 Rumson-Fair Haven over the next seven days.

Middletown South (6-0) The Eagles remained undefeated with wins over Long Branch, Point Boro and St. Rose to stand pat in the No. 7 slot. The schedule ramps up this week with games against No. 9 Freehold Township and No. 2 CBA.

St. John Vianney (5-1) The Lancers have opened the season strong with a perfect start within the Shore and their only loss coming to Cranford in a nonconference game. SJV posted a thrilling overtime win over Holmdel on a goal by Mike D’Anzeri, beat Pennington School in a nonconference game and topped rival Red Bank Catholic, 20-12. Junior midfielder Anthony Brett has been great and senior C.J. Hanson has become an offensive force after moving from goalie to attack. The Lancers take their shot at No. 1 Manasquan this week and also have a game against Morristown-Beard.

Freehold Township (3-3) The Patriots tumble four spots after a 1-2 week that included losses to Howell and Wall and a win over Jackson Memorial. They have a chance to get back on track right away thanks to a game against No. 7 Middletown South this week. Freehold Township will also face Long Branch in a Class A North game.

Southern (3-2) The Rams went 2-0 with wins over Toms River South and Jackson Liberty, but since they have a head-to-head loss to Freehold Township, they stay behind the Patriots and drop to the No. 10 spot in the rankings. Southern will try to keep its momentum going with Class A South games against Brick and Toms River North this week.

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Manasquan’s Canyon Birch breaks Shore Conference goals record

By

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

C

anyon Birch is coming for all the offensive records, and on Saturday he surpassed another milestone to further his legacy as one of the greatest lacrosse players in Shore Conference history.

Birch is now the most prolific goal-scorer in the history of Shore Conference boys lacrosse after scoring eight goals to lead Manasquan, ranked No. 1 in the Shore Sports Network Top 10, to an 18-3 Class B North win over No. 7 Ocean in its season-opener on Saturday morning at Carelli Field.

Birch entered the season with 274 career goals, which was tied with 2015 Southern Regional graduate Dylan Jinks for the most all-time. The recordbreaking goal came with 1:43 left in the first quarter when Birch dodged to his left, switched from a left-handed carry to a right-handed shot and beat Ocean goalie Garrett Schwab with a shot inside the right post.

“It definitely means a lot to me and my family,” Birch said. “Surpassing Dylan Jinks with that, who was a phenomenal player, it’s awesome to be up there with those kinds of guys.”

Birch had the entire offseason to think about breaking the record, which stood as one of his major individual goals. He admitted he was pressing early in the game.

“To start the game, I was a little antsy, took some wild shots and missed the cage on a few, so it definitely feels good to get it out of the way now,” Birch said.

Birch’s goal put Manasquan up 4-1 and senior long-stick midfielder Mike Page would add a goal less than a minute later to give the Warriors (1-0, 1-0) a 5-1 lead on their way to a thorough victory. The floodgates opened for both Birch and his teammates following his record-breaking goal as Birch scored six times in the second quarter and the Warriors took a 15-3 lead into halftime.

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“It’s been four years of it so you kind of forget sometimes while you’re in the middle of it how many points he does score and then you look at the numbers and you’re like, yeah, that seems about right given all that he does,” said Manasquan head coach Sean Cunningham. “But it goes beyond that in terms of him being a playmaker for us. Regardless of what the stat sheet says, he’s always making plays for us. As a senior now he’s even taken it to another level and you can see it every day.”

Birch scored once more in the third quarter before exiting the game. He also had three assists to total 11 points, which also helped him reach 400 points for his career. He now has 282 goals and 400 points with an entire season in front of him. The Shore Conference record for career points is 431 held by Christian Brothers Academy’s Tommy Duerr. Next on the points list is Jinks with 420.

The state records for goals and points are held by New Jersey legend Matt Poskay, an A.L. Johnson graduate, who went on to star at the University of Virginia and is currently the head coach at Montclair State University. Poskay finished his career with 362 goals and 468 points. Birch needs 69 points and 80 goals to break both marks.

“I’m very proud of him to hit that milestone,” Cunningham said. “He has a lot more to accomplish, and as long as he keeps doing what he does there’s no reason to think he won’t.”

Senior attackman Ryan Anderson added three goals and three assists for Manasquan while senior midfielder James Pendergist scored twice and Mike Cielecki tallied two goals and one assist. Page, Casey Campbell and Shane Ownes each scored once. Senior goalie Mike LaPoint made four saves in the first half before freshman Carter Grozinger entered

and made three saves in the second half.

Ocean was led by senior midfielder Mike Nies, who scored twice. Senior attackman Holden Lowe scored once and Schwab, a sophomore, made 16 saves.

“Overall I thought we had a pretty good showing for the first game,” Cunningham said. “There were a couple first-game mistakes that you usually run into and I thought we came out a little too fired up, which is fine.

It’s better than the flip-side where you come out lethargic. Ocean is a good team; well-coached. They have some players. Kevin (Preston) is a very good coach, obviously, so to come out and get a run early, we kind of built from there.”

Photos by:

Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com

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Players listed alphabetically

PETE ABBES, JR., MIDDLETOWN NORTH Abbes scored 35 goals and added 19 assists to total 54 points as a sophomore. He was a Second Team All-Class A North selection by the coaches.

RYAN ANDERSON, SR., MANASQUAN With linemate Canyon Birch garnering the lion’s share of defenses’ attention and headlines, Anderson quietly had an excellent season with 48 goals and 57 assists (tied for the Shore Conference high) and was one of just four players in the Shore to eclipse the 100-point plateau. He was a Second Team All-Shore pick last season and should again be one of the top point producers in the area.

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

ANDREW GOSSE, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY Gosse netted 41 goals last season to lead the attack for the Lancers.

CADE JOHNSON, JR., SOUTHERN Johnson scored 28 goals with seven assists and was a Second Team All-Class A South pick as a sophomore last season.

SEAN LAVERTY, JR., JACKSON MEMORIAL Laverty led the Jaguars in scoring as a sophomore with 29 goals and 12 assists for 41 points. At 6-foot-3 and 225 pounds, he brings a unique physical presence and will be a tough matchup for opposing defensemen.

CONOR ARD, JR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH Ard’s 36 goals as a sophomore were tops for Middletown South. He added seven assists and was a Second Team All-Class A North selection by the coaches.

ETHAN DOYLE, JR., WALL Doyle scored nine goals with three assists in limited action last season on a veteran Wall squad. He’ll step to the forefront this season and is expected to be a top playmaker for a high-high-scoring Crimson Knights offense.

LOGAN PETERS, SO., WALL Expectations are very high for Peters, who had six goals, six assists and 19 ground balls as a complementary player during his freshman year. He’ll play midfielder and attack for Wall and could be the breakout of the year in the Shore.

ANIELLO RUSSO, SR., SOUTHERN Russo was a First Team All-Class A South selection last season when he tallied 25 goals and 20 assists for 45 points.

The reigning Shore Sports Network Player of the Year and First Team All-State selection is ready to continue his assault on the record book and lead Manasquan’s quest for a Group 1 title.

Birch set a state record with 175 points last season, including a Shore Conference-record 123 goals plus 52 assists in a season for the ages. Birch, who is committed to Penn State, is tied with Southern’s Dylan Jinks for the most career goals in Shore Conference history and needs just 43 points to break the career points record of 431 held by CBA’s Tommy Duerr. He is also within striking distance of the state career records of 362 goals and 468 points held by legendary A.L. Johnson midfielder Matt Poskay.

After two years as an understudy, Doel takes over as the top attackman for the Patriots. He deposited 22 goals last season while adding a team-high 32 assists for 54 total points. He was a Second Team All-Class A North selection by the coaches.

CASEY MULLIGAN, SO., MANASQUAN Mulligan joined a loaded Warriors’ team as a freshman and contributed immediately with 37 goals and 23 assists for 60 points. He was a Second Team All-Class B South pick last season and along with seniors Canyon Birch and Ryan Anderson comprise one of New Jersey’s most explosive attack lines.

SANTO PORAZZO, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL A Second Team All-Class A South pick last season, Porazzo tallied 27 goals and nine assists

CANYON BIRCH, SR., MANASQUAN

BRENDAN DOEL, JR., FREEHOLD TWP.

DAN MARTIN, SO., CBA Martin was a second-line attackman for the Colts as a freshman but still found a way to post 27 goals and 14 assists. CBA lost 19 seniors to graduation so its incumbent on players like Martin to produce with increased playing time. A big season could be on the horizon.

RYAN SCHELLIN, SR., RED BANK CATHOLIC Schellin was top 20 in the Shore in scoring last season with 39 goals and 21 assists for 60 points.

DYLAN VITALE, SR., LACEY Vitale had a huge season for the Lions last year with 58 goals and 24 assists for 82 points, which was good for ninth in the Shore. The Second Team All-Class B South pick eclipsed the 100-goal mark last May and is committed to McDaniel College.

HOLDEN LOWE, SR., OCEAN Lowe was 13th in the Shore in points last season with 65 on 40 goals and 25 assists and returns to lead the Spartans’ offense under new head coach Kevin Preston. He was a Second Team All-Class B North pick last year.

CONNOR MACRAE, SR., CBA Although it seems like CBA lost its entire team to graduation, the cupboard is far from bare for head coach Dave Santos. Macrae leads the way after pacing the Colts with 39 goals last season while adding 15 assists. He was a Second Team All-Shore pick last season.

DOMINIC WALTONOWSKI, SR., LACEY Waltonowski was a top-20 scorer in the Shore last season with 23 goals and 37 assists for 60 points and teams with Dylan Vitale to form one of the top scoring duos in Class B South.

JACK ZENKERT, JR., RED BANK CATHOLIC Zenkert’s 64 goals were the fourth-most in the Shore Conference last season. He added 16 assists to finish with 80 points, which was 10th in the Shore.

Photos by:

Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com 7

By

Players listed alphabetically

KYLE ALDRIDGE, SO., CBA The Colts were led by their 19 seniors in 2018, but it was easy to notice the contributions Aldridge made as a freshman when he scored 36 goals and added 13 assists.

TREVOR BARBER, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC A Second Team Class B South selection last season, Barber notched 35 goals and seven assists, picked up 89 ground balls and won 73 percent of his face-offs.

ANTHONY BRETT, JR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY Brett had a breakout sophomore season with 30 goals, 24 assists and 144 ground balls en route to earning First Team AllShore status. The Lancers will lean on both his scoring and fielding ability to try to makes waves in Class B North this season.

KEVIN CLOHOSEY, SR., NEPTUNE The Scarlet Fliers' top offensive threat netted 28 goals with nine assists last season and as a sophomore had 50 goals.

KIEL FORLENZA, JR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Another member of Rumson’s dynamic 2020 class, Forlenza was the Bulldogs’ top goal-scorer in 2018 with 30 goals while adding eight assists. Forlenza was a Third Team All-Shore selection last season.

ROWAN GOLDIN, JR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Part of an outstanding junior class for the Bulldogs, Goldin led Rumson in scoring last season with 45 points on 27 goals and 18 assists to help the team win the Class B North division title and its second straight NJSIAA South Jersey Group 2 title. Goldin was a Second Team All-Shore selection last season.

GIL GOLDSMITH, SR., SHORE A returning First Team All-Shore selection, Goldsmith rarely came off the field for the Blue Devils during a monster junior season where he helped lead Shore to its best season in program history. Goldsmith was fourth in the Shore in scoring with 102 points on 42 goals and 57 assists, tying for the conference-high in assists. He was also third in the conference with 146 ground balls. Whether it’s on offense, defense, man-up or man-down, Goldsmith is the catalyst for a Blue Devils team looking to build on the success of last season.

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Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

MATT INGENITO, SR., BRICK MEMORIAL Ingenito tallied 21 goals with 10 assists and also picked up 76 ground balls last season to be named a Second Team Class A South pick by the coaches.

JUSTIN INNARONE, JR., BRICK Innarone was a Second Team Class A South selection as a faceoff specialist and has picked up right where he left off with a dominant preseason.

PATRICK JAMIN, SO., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN The Bulldogs may be young but they are very talented.

Jamin is another example and is coming off a freshman season where he had 17 goals and 25 assists to help RFH win division and state sectional titles.

MATT KONDRUP, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP Kondrup was a Second Team Class A North selection last season when he netted 12 goals and nine assists and picked up 46 ground balls.

CORMAC MCCABE, SR., POINT BORO McCabe was Point Boro’s leading scorer and fielder a season ago with 24 goals, 16 assists and 98 ground balls and was a Second Team Class B South selection.

JAMES PENDERGIST, SR., MANASQUAN A Swiss Army Knife for head coach Sean Cunningham, Pendergist’s twoway ability was a major reason Manasquan was able to repeat as Shore Conference Tournament champions and win a second state sectional title in the last three seasons. A First Team All-Shore selection last season, Pendergist scored 21 goals and added five assists and served as a steadying presence in leading the Warriors’ top midfield line.

MATT TARDY, SR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH Tardy tallied 24 goals and 11 assists last season and was a First Team Class A North selection by the coaches.

DAN TEMPONE, SR., HOLMDEL A standout face-off specialist for the Hornets, Tempone won 66 percent of his draws and picked up 114 ground balls to be named to the All-Class B North Second Team.

JAKE TURNER, SR., SHORE A Third Team All-Shore selection last season, Turner scored 40 goals and added 24 assists to help the Blue Devils win a program singleseason record 16 games.

VAUGHN MEEHAN, JR., HOWELL Meehan sank 13 goals, picked up 49 ground balls and won 64 percent of his face-offs last season to be named a Second Team Class A North selection as a face-off specialist.

ALEC ZENKER, SR., MIDDLETOWN NORTH Zenker is one of the top returning face-off middies in the Shore after winner over 77 percent of draws last season. He also picked up 84 ground balls, scored seven goals and dished out 13 assists. He was a Second Team Class A North selection.

MIKE NIES, SR., OCEAN Nies tallied 25 goals and 11 assists last season and was a Second Team Class B North selection.

Photos by:

Paula Lopez www.palimages.com Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com

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By

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

Players listed alphabetically

JAKE BRYSON, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL Bryson had 58 ground balls a season ago and was a Second Team Class A South selection by the coaches.

RYAN COLLINS, SR., LACEY Collins picked up 25 ground balls last season and was a Second Team Class B South selection by the coaches.

JACK FABEAN, SR., MANASQUAN Uncanny instincts are the trademark of Fabean, a Richmond signee who was a First Team All-Shore selection last season. A starter since his freshman year, Fabean took over as the Warriors’ No. 1 defenseman last season and had a breakout campaign with 87 group balls and 36 turnovers to help guide Manasquan to its fourth straight Class B South division title, a second straight Shore Conference Tournament crown and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 1 sectional trophy. Like teammate Mike Page, Fabean can also make a full-field run and finish at the other end, as evident by his eight goals and five assists last season.

TOMMY GRAY, SR., CBA A shutdown defenseman who helped the Colts allow just 4.38 goals last season, Gray will be relied on for both his play and experience this season after CBA graduated 19 seniors from a team that went 19-2 and reached the SCT final.

LUKE GUECI, JR., RED BANK CATHOLIC Gueci was a Second Team Class B North selection last season when he picked up a team-high 80 ground balls.

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CHRIS HALMI, JR., COLTS NECK Halmi picked up 42 ground balls last season and was a Second Team Class A North selection by the coaches.

KYLE HARRIS, JR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY Harris picked up 90 ground balls last season and was a First Team Class B North selection by the coaches.

MIKE PAGE, SR., MANASQUAN A versatile long-stick midfielder who was a First Team All-Shore selection last season, Page had 25 caused turnovers and 57 ground balls in 13 games last season (he had to sit out the first 10 after transferring from The Hun School) to help Manasquan win the Shore Conference Tournament title and claim the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 1 state sectional championship. Page, who is signed to Syracuse, also got involved on the offensive end with four goals and three assists.

SHANE MEYLER, SR., WALL The Crimson Knights’ top defenseman returns after garnering All-Class B South honors last season when he picked up 38 ground balls to help Wall win a school-record 14 games, reach the SCT quarterfinals and advance to the state sectional semifinals for the first time.

EVAN NASTAROWICZ, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP A First Team Class A North selection last season, Nastarowicz picked up 50 ground balls and added a goal and an assist for a defense that allowed 5.7 goals per game.

Photos by:

Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com

Paula Lopez www.palimages.com

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By

Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

Players listed alphabetically

TYBER BUDROW, SR., TOMS RIVER EAST Budrow had a .655 save percentage and 173 saves last season when Toms River East had its first winning season since 2012.

BRANDON CIFONE, SR., COLTS NECK Cifone made 199 saves with a .590 save percentage last season.

SEAN DEMOTT, SR., WALL DeMott, who is committed to Moravian College, made 167 saves with a .607 save percentage last season when Wall turned in the best season in program history by winning a single-season school record 14 games, advancing to the NJSIAA sectional semifinals for the first time in program history and also reaching the Shore Conference Tournament quarterfinals.

MATT GIBSON, SR., RED BANK Gibson was second in the Shore last season with 229 saves and posted a .571 save percentage.

C.J. HANSON, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY Who would think getting the ball past a 6-foot-5, 300-pound goalie would be difficult?

Hanson, who is signed to Rutgers University for football, is certainly a mountain of a presence in goal, but his athleticism between the pipes makes him more than just a big body. He was third in the Shore with 224 saves last season while posting a .603 save percentage. He made doubledigit saves in 13 of 17 games and was an SSN Second Team All-Shore selection.

MIKE LAPOINT, SR., MANASQUAN An SSN First Team All-Shore selection last season, LaPoint, who is committed to Siena College, posted a .631 save percentage and made 135 saves to backstop Manasquan to its fourth straight Class B South division title, its second straight Shore Conference Tournament championship and the NJSIAA South Jersey Group 1 crown - Manasquan’s second sectional title in three seasons. He’ll man the cage again for a loaded Warriors team with a sensational senior class that is looking to end their careers in style.

LUKE MAUL, SR., SOUTHERN Maul led the Shore with a .738 save percentage to go along with 200 saves and made double-digit saves in 11 of the Rams’ 18 games, helping the Rams win a sixth straight Class A South division title and advance to the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals for the sixth time in seven years.

SHANE MURPHY, JR., MIDDLETOWN SOUTH Murphy made 124 saves with a .623 save percentage last season during Middletown South’s breakout year when the Eagles went 15-4 to set a program record for wins in a season.

AIDAN PURCELL, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP A Third Team All-Shore selection last season, Purcell made 175 saves and was second in the Shore with a .657 save percentage to lead a Patriots defense that held opponents to 5.7 goals per game. Freehold Township’s strength in 2019 looks to be its defense, and PARKER RONCIN, SR, POINT BORO Roncin was fifth in the Shore with 201 saves to go along with a .572 save percentage last season.having Purcell back in goal is a major reason why.

SCOTT SIRIANNI, JR., SHORE The Blue Devils won a school single-season record 16 games last season and Sirianni was a big reason why. He posted a .601 save percentage and made 196 saves during a superb sophomore season.

NICK TUCCILLO, SR., HOLMDEL Tuccillo had a .602 save percentage and 162 saves last season to help the Hornets go 12-7 and reach both the conference and state tournaments.

Photos by:

Paula Lopez www.palimages.com Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com

JAKE WHITE, JR., BRICK MEMORIAL White led the Shore with 251 saves last season while also posting a .615 save percentage.

KAJELL WHYTE, SR., MATER DEI PREP Whyte had a .583 save percentage and made 178 saves last season.

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 12

13

By

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

I

n any given year, you can pretty much take it to the back: Class A North will be good and it will be competitive. Sure, CBA went 13-1 and coasted to a division title last year according to the records, but the Colts wont a whole slew of close games on the way to winning the outright title.

It’s no surprise that CBA enters as the favorite once again but the Colts likely won’t have a stranglehold on the division, meaning a handful of public school teams in the division are geared up to leave their mark on the 2019 season. Class A North is always near the top when it comes to the Shore’s most competitive divisions one-through-eight and while the top two teams are likely to run away from the bottom two, the middle of the pack is likely to be a free-for-all that spills into the race for the top spot.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY HEAD COACH: Marty Kenney, 47th season 2018 RECORD: 19-5 (13-1, first in Class A North) KEY RETURNERS: Tommy DiTullio (Sr., SS), Braedin Hunt (Jr., RHP/1B), Anthony Celestre (Sr., OF/2B), Connor Baksh (Sr., OF/RHP), Joe Escandon (Sr., LHP), Mason Wolf (Jr., C/OF), Evan Mahns (Sr., LHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Jason Arnott (Jr., 2B/3B), Pat Reilly (Jr., RHP/3B), C.J. Shekian (Sr., RHP/1B), Anthony Pillari (Sr., C/RHP), Declan Hoverter (Jr., RHP/OF), Ben Settino (Jr., OF), Riley Ramins (Jr., OF), Joe Tutrone (Jr., C), Ethan Diamond (Jr., C), Matt Murray (Jr., 2B), Rob Beam (Jr., P), Dan Chun (Jr., P), Duncan Hathaway (Jr., P/OF), Peter Falconite (Jr., 2B)

Any team that coasts through the Class A North schedule with only one loss has to be a scary team come tournament time but that didn’t turn out to be the case with last year’s CBA club. The Colts won 13 straight games before getting beat by Red Bank Catholic in the Monmouth County Tournament semifinals and finished the season with three straight losses – including one to Point Boro in the Shore Conference Tournament round of 16 and to Notre Dame in the South Jersey Non-Public A quarterfinals. The disappointing finish can be traced back to three injuries – one to ace Nick Hohenstein, one to shortstop Tommy DiTullio and another to second baseman Jack Harnisch. Hohenstein and DiTullio tried to play through their ailments but were not the same in May and neither were the Colts.

Hope springs eternal for CBA this spring and DiTullio will get another shot to leave his mark on the program as a senior leader. He is two years removed from an AllShore season and committed to play at Bryant University, but first would like to erase the bad taste from last year.

He will have some help in the form of two returning AllShore players – both of whom will head up CBA’s rotation. Senior left-hander Joe Escandon went 50 and struck out 39 while walking only five in 33 innings en route to earning a coaches’ All-Shore selection. Junior Braedin Hunt, meanwhile, posted a 1.17 ERA in 18 innings and was one of the Shore’s most imposing hitters – which eventually led to him committing to Rutgers as one of the Scarlet Knights’ prized recruits.

That trio will lead what coach veteran coach Marty Kenney expects to be a versatile CBA team with plenty of help rising through the ranks to play supporting roles and even a few starring ones. Senior outfielder Connor Baksh made only 15 trips to the plate last season but popped two home runs while going 4-for-13 with a pair of walks. Junior Mason Wolf went 9-for-30 with nine RBI while spending time

CBA junior Braedin Hunt

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behind the plate and could see some time in the outfield this year as well. Senior Anthony Celestre will take on center field after going 4-for-19 with a triple and six walks in a part-time role last year.

Junior dual threat ad Northeastern commit Pat Reilly leads a group of newcomers that will fill in a number of spots around the diamond and on the pitching staff. Jason Arnott is lined up to play second base, senior Anthony Pillari is in the mix at catcher, junior Ben Settino will get a shot in the outfield and both Declan Hoverter and C.J. Shekian will toe the rubber for the Colts in 2019. Inexperience could be a factor at times for CBA but the Colts have a talented group that could do some real damage over the course of the season, including on the tail end.

MANALAPAN

For once, the primary questions in Howell’s camp surround their offense and defensive alignment. Bearse is also among the team’s best position players as well, returning to play shortstop when he is not on the mound and hitting in the middle of the order after a productive junior season with the bat (.263, 2 HR, 18 RBI). Senior Kyle Brex also returns after playing third base last year and will shift to second base alongside Bearse and to shortstop when Bearse is on the mound. Senior Tommy Talbot is back in the outfield and senior Ryan Gonzalez is back to play first base. Juniors Chris Acampora and Jack Bearse shared the catching duties last year and should both find a spot in a lineup that will be good because it always is. The key for Howel will be the two aces at the top and the rotation depth behind them.

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Brian Boyce, 13th season

HEAD COACH: Ryan Spillane, 11th season

2018 RECORD: 22-7 (10-4, second in Class A North)

2018 RECORD: 11-13 (6-8, tied fourth in Class B North)

KEY RETURNERS: Jake Pellecchia (Sr., SS), Ben Levine (Sr., LHP/1B), Billy Watters (Sr., 2B), Aaron Ayers (Sr., RHP), Michael Kuver (Sr., OF), Nick Serrentino (Sr., C), Nick DiPiertrantonio (Jr., 3B), Hunter Serrano (Jr., RHP/2B)

KEY RETURNERS: Aurelio Licata (Sr., SS/1B), Robby Zega (Sr., INF), Trevor Brey (Sr., C/2B), Chris O’Connor (Jr., 3B/SS/RHP), Danny Minze (Jr., RHP/OF/2B), Jack Kinsella (Sr., OF), Jack Sheridan (Jr., OF/INF/RHP), Jack Roesch (Sr., RHP), Jack Lisowski (Sr., LHP), Chris Lotito (Jr., CF/P/1B), Anthony Esposito (Jr., 1B/C/RHP), Ryan Truscio (Sr., RHP), Matt Pontari (So., RHP/INF), Mike Rauso (Jr., OF/LHP), Joe Stanizone (So., 1B/RF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Louis Marzo (Sr., OF), Matt Panzica (Sr., OF), Andrew Lore (Sr., 1B), Robert Belovin (Sr., C/1B), Rico Spinelli (Sr., RHP), Jake Melman (Sr., RHP), Dylan Hode (Jr., C), Chris Nicol (Jr., LHP), Kyle Sciallo (Jr., 3B), Frank Daddato (Jr., OF), Matt Terraciano (Jr., OF), Joseph Mazza (So., LHP/OF), Ethan Rodriguez (So., OF/LHP), Anthony Matteis (So., 1B), Thomas Guidice (So., 3B/C)

At first glance, Manalapan has a lot to replace from its 22-win team from a year ago and that is probably true of second and third glances as well. The Braves bid farewell to quite a bit of offensive production, particularly in two-time All-Shore outfielder Giovanni Ciaccio. Last year’s senior class was the driving force in Manalapan’s 2018 season, which ended with a 2-1 loss at Hunterdon Central in the Central Group IV final. Upon closer inspection, Manalapan returns some key players in key spots that should keep the Braves among the contenders in Class A North, Monmouth County and CJ IV. Among the group of players back for this season, Manalapan has a double-play combination, a catcher, a third baseman, a power-hitting outfielder and, most importantly, an ace. Senior left-hander Ben Levine emerged as the Braves ace in 2018, posting the best ERA of any pitcher in Class A North while allowing fewer than one baserunner per inning (not including errors) over 48 innings. Junior right-hander Hunter Serrano will back Levine up in the rotation and although he threw only six innings last season, Serrano did not give up an earned run. Senior Aaron Ayers will also try to build on a handful of innings as a junior and be part of an imposing pitching rotation led by a dominant lefty.

Second baseman Billy Watters and shortstop Jake Pellecchia will lead both the lineup and the defense after strong seasons as juniors last year. The Braves also return starters at third base and catcher, with junior Nick DiPiertrantonio manning the hot corner and senior Nick Serrantino behind the plate. Senior Mike Kuver is back in the outfielder after hammering out 10 extra-base hits in only 60 plate appearances last season, giving Manalapan some punch in the middle of the order around its lineup of contact-oriented bats. Sophomores Joe Mazza and Ethan Rodriguez lead an incoming group of young talent that should make an impact, with Mazza lining up in the pitching rotation from the left side and Rodriguez vying for one of the open spots in the outfield. If the Braves can find some length to the lineup and production in the outfield, the foundation of pitching and defense should carry them a long way.

HOWELL HEAD COACH: Eric Johnson, 10th season 2018 RECORD: 13-12 (6-8, tied fifth in Class A North) KEY RETURNERS: Ryan Bearse (Sr., SS/RHP), Kyle Brex (Sr., SS/2B), Bryan Bernard (Sr., LHP), Tommy Talbot (Jr., OF), Ryan Gonzalez (Sr., 1B), Jake Kutcher (Sr., OF), Chris Acampora (Jr., C/OF/3B), Jack Bearse (Jr., C/1B), Max Friedman (Jr., LHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Jake Lenardo (Jr., LHP), Logan Marmer (Sr., RHP), John Morgan (Sr., LHP), Colin Loch (Sr., OF/RHP), A.J. Furlong (Jr., OF/RHP), Nick Guerrino (Jr., INF), Antonio Gatti (So., OF), Vin Impresa (So., INF/RHP), Chris Ellison (So., 3B/OF/RHP)

Howell has developed a reputation as the Colorado Rockies of the Shore Conference – a team heavy on bats that puts up big numbers in its hitter-friendly park. Part of the analogy, unfortunately for the Rebels, is they have also struggled to find enough pitching to complement that offense and push the team over the top in the postseason. There have been some exceptions over the years but coach Eric Johnson’s recent focus has been piecing together a rotation and lining up a defense that can back them up. In the end, the offense always shows up at Howell.

If you follow Major League Baseball, you know the Rockies have begun to turn the tide behind some reliable young arms and Howell appears it could continue following the analogy for the better as well. Seniors Ryan Bearse and Bryan Bernard were Howell’s top two pitchers last year and the duo gives the Rebels a potential No. 1 starter from either side of the rubber – Bearse from the right and Bernard from the left. Both hurlers struck out better than a batter per inning with ERA’s under 3.60 – no small feat while pitching home games in one of the best home-run-hitting parks at the Shore.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tommy Schuster (Jr., 1B/C), Pat Marinich (Jr., OF/P), Mike Keenan (So., RHP), Jack Shea (So., RHP), Pat Eagone (So., INF/OF), Brendan Bigos (So., INF), Michael Barbara (Jr., OF), Jack Shangold (Jr., RHP/INF)

If the old adage is true that pitching and defense win championships, then it is easier to understand why Middletown South went just 11-13 last season. The Eagles finished second in the Shore Conference in runs-per-game (7.8) and outscored their opponents by 32 runs over the course of the season but their 157 runs allowed were tied for second-most in Non-B-Central Monmouth County and their 6.5 runs-allowed-per-game was the fourth-highest among that same group. Scoring was not at all a problem for Middletown South last year but it also wasn’t a problem for its opponents.

This year’s Middletown South lineup should be every bit as good as last year’s which means the Eagles will once again have one of the Shore’s most dangerous offenses. Shortstop and Seton Hall commit Aurelio Licata had one of the best offensive seasons in the Shore Conference last season, leading the Shore in on-base percentage (.635) while finishing second in batting average (.514) and doubles (15). Junior Chris O’Connor rejoins Licata on the left side of the infield after O’Connor burst onto the Shore scene with a big sophomore year at the plate. Senior James Madison commit Rob Zega will be back at second base and senior catcher Trevor Brey is back for his fourth year, giving the Eagles lots of production and experience at key positions on the infield. Factor in junior outfielders Danny Minze, Jack Sheridan and Chris Lotito and junior first baseman Anthony Esposito – all of whom return with experience – and Middletown South has a deep, dangerous offense once again.

As for the pitching, the Eagles remain unproven but are hopeful they can improve on last year’s rough go of it. Minze turned in a number of strong outings despite taking some lumps as well and now that he is a junior, the right-hander should be a steady option. Sheridan and fellow senior Jack Loesch ate up some innings last year as well, with Loesch spinning 21 innings and Sheridan turning in a respectable 3.75 ERA over 9 1/3. The Eagles will also work in sophomore right-handers Jack Shea and Mike Keenan as well as junior Jack Shangold – three newcomers who could help turn Middletown South’s pitching fortunes just enough to make the Eagles an A North favorite again.

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP HEAD COACH: Todd Smith, 10th season 2018 RECORD: 14-11 (7-7, fourth in Class A North) KEY RETURNERS: Brandon Smith (Sr., SS), Cristian Corcione (Sr., 2B), Liam Simon (Sr., RHP), Ryan Kurczeski (Sr., RHP), Zach Gorman (So., RHP), Chris Corchado (So., 1B), Nick Portaleos (Jr., C), Mike Woods (Sr., CF), Patrick Burns (So., 3B), Andrew Reidy (Jr., C), Griffin Murphy (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Brian Lee (Sr., LF), Sean Fiolek (Sr., RF), Jarrett Urban (Jr., OF), Vladimir Scriptunas (Sr., RHP), Alec Schwartz (Jr., RHP), Alex Ginter (Jr., RHP), Mason Weeks (Jr., LHP), Matt Villapiano (So., LHP)

While Howell and Middletown South are offense-heavy teams hoping for their pitching to catch up this season, Freehold Township is the inverse. The Patriots were one of the Shore’s better run-prevention outfits last year, giving up the 12th-best runs-per-game average (4.6) in the conference while playing in what is traditionally its most competitive division. The Patriots, however, only scored 5.1 per game, which was the No. 6 mark in Class A North and better than only eight other teams in Monmouth County. They also graduated their best offensive player by a wide margin in Ryan Ford, who also emerged as the team’s top pitcher as well.

Despite graduating its best all-around player and entering without a lot of proven hitters, Freehold Township has a positive outlook this season because of its deep stable of arms and an athletic lineup that should form one of the Shore’s top defenses. Senior right-hander Ryan Kurczeski stepped up as a No. 2 option behind Ford and was consistent throughout the year both as a reliever and starter. Senior Liam Simon is committed to Notre Dame and started to show his potential during the second half of his junior season. Right-hander Zach Gorman is the third Freehold Township starter after impressing as a freshman last season with a 0.71 ERA and a 0.71 WHIP in 19 2/3 innings.

Although the offense will have to figure out how to score without Ford or fellow graduate Chris Goodman, Freehold Township has some potential to grow as an offensive team. Shortstop

Brandon Smith and second baseman Cristian Corcione are standout defenders and capable table-setters who should be on base enough to set the offense in motion. Sophomores Chris Corchado and Patrick Burnes got time last year and will man the two corner infield spots, with Corchado hitting in the middle of the order. Center fielder Mike Woods is another speedy defender who will try to apply those attributes to the offense, while seniors Brian Lee and Sean Folek look to add some production at the corner outfield spots. Sorting out the catching situation is another key for Freehold Township, with Nick Portaleos, Andrew Reidy and sophomore Griffin Murphy in the picture. As long as the pitching lives up to the expectations, Freehold Township will be one of Monmouth County’s more competitive teams. If the offense comes around, the Patriots could be much more.

was also a key contributor on the infield and gave Freehold Boro some quality innings as well.

MARLBORO

HEAD COACH: Ben Woolley, 1st season

HEAD COACH: Craig Helfgott, first season 2018 RECORD: 9-11 (6-8, tied 5th in Class A North) KEY RETURNERS: Anthony Brienza (Sr., SS), Justin Kapuscinski (Sr., C), Ramon Fontanes (Jr., CF), Vin Ferrigno (Sr., 1B), Ian Li (Sr., RHP), Joe Lomangino (So., RHP/OF), Josh Schleifman (Jr., RHP), David Vignapiano (Jr., RHP), Matt Spinelli (Sr., RF), Mark Capell (So., 3B/LF), Nick Zicchinolfi (Sr., 3B/2B), Sean Donaghue (Sr., C), Jack McNiff (Jr., RHP), Josh Gruber (Sr., LHP), Matt Gomolka (Sr., RHP), Joe Iacabello (Sr., RHP)Murphy (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Wright (So., CF), Tyler Villa (Fr., RHP), Julian Buchman (Fr., OF), John Zarneski (Sr., LHP), Jeremy Mack (Sr., LF), Connor Benas (Sr., RHP), Anthony DiMaiuta (Sr., RHP)

In recent years, Marlboro has been known for three things: dazzling infield defense, fast starts and slow finishes to the season. Under firstyear head coach Craig Helfgott, the Mustangs will look to shed one of those bullet points off the reputation by returning another strong defensive club with a roster that is ready to finish in May what it starts in early April. Last year, it was an early-season win over CBA that jumpstarted Marlboro’s season, only for the Mustangs to finish below .500 in both Class A North and overall.

This year’s team will have to replace All-Shore shortstop Justin Levito and will do so by shifting senior Anthony Brienza over from second base. Brienza was a plus defender at second base and should be able to handle the transition while providing solid offensive contribution again this season. Speaking of offensive contribution, Marlboro expects plenty of it from senior catcher Justin Kapuscinski and junior center fielder Ramon Fontanes. Kapuscinski is a Marist commit with big power who has been pitched-around since he started as an imposing freshman in the middle of the Mustangs order.

Fontanes, meanwhile, broke out as a sophomore all-division performer who hit .386, showed some pop (seven extra-base hits including a homer) and speed (nine stolen bases) and hit in the clutch (team-high 16 RBI). Seniors Vin Ferrigno and Matt Spinelli also return to the starting lineup at corner spots – Ferrigno at first base and Spinelli in right field.

Marlboro’s pitching never quite materialized after a promising start to last year. Senior Ian Li, juniors Vignapiano and Justin Schleifman and sophomore Joe Lomangiano all had their moments over the course of the season and will try to form a more consistent unit in which the four returning pitchers compliment one another and rely on the solid defense behind them. Joe Iacabello and Jack McNiff will also figure into the pitching picture while freshman Tyler Villa looks to make an immediate impact as well. There is a potential foundation in place for the next couple seasons and with big years from Kapuscinski and Brienza, Marlboro could be ready to arrive this season.

FREEHOLD BORO HEAD COACH: Jon Block, 28th season 2018 RECORD: 12-10 (8-6, 3rd in Class A North)

Senior Henry Nonnamacher will take over for Phil Marcantonio at catcher and should keep the Colonials strong behind the plate. Seniors Steven Gee and Luke Crivelli also return with some varsity experience and Gee will help out on the mound as well. Most of Freehold Boro’s incoming varsity talent will be seniors, so the urgency and seasoning will be there from the beginning. If the pitching rotation takes shape and this group of mostly new starters doesn’t need too much time to get its sea legs, Freehold Boro will find itself in the postseason hunt again.

LONG BRANCH 2018 RECORD: 7-16 (3-11, 8th in Class B North) KEY RETURNERS: Evan Yerman (Sr., RHP/SS), Ivan Navarro (Sr., 3B/RHP), Joseph Mazza (Sr., OF), Brendan Cuddy (Sr., 1B), R.J. Hurd (Sr., 2B/SS), Jaheire Smith-Moore (Sr., RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Wolf (Jr., RHP/3B), Julian Moreno (Sr., RHP/OF), Andrew Conklin (So., C), Robert Baez (So., CF), Tyler Abbot (So., 2B/SS), Dave Rodriguez (So., 3B/RHP), Thomas Brewer (Fr., RHP), Xavier Camacho (Fr., RHP)

While last year’s 7-16 record might not look like much, Long Branch was much better than that mark would indicate. The Green Wave had a senior-heavy squad led by All-Shore triple-threat Matt Mancini, who was the team’s best hitter, pitcher and defender at shortstop. Mancini and Co. won only seven games but reached the quarterfinals of the Monmouth County Tournament by beating St. John Vianney and Marlboro on the road and competed in an unforgiving Class B North division – all while doing so as a program without a lot of recent success on its resume.

The division will once again be unforgiving only this time, Long Branch will not have the same top-level talent and experience to handle it. Senior Evan Yerman was one of the Green Wave’s top players last year and has already proven he can hang against a schedule like the one Long Branch will face in A North. The rest of the team will have to prove itself, with a couple of returning starters moving up in the order and a number of new starters joining them. Senior Ivan Navarro returns to third base and will hit at the top of the order. Senior Brendan Cuddy is back at first base, senior Joseph Mazza will play right field after splitting time out there last year and senior R.J. Hurd becomes a regular in the middle infield.

Navarro and senior Julian Moreno are in line to fill rotation spots behind Yerman, with senior Jaheire Smith-Moore and junior Ryan Wolf also vying for innings. First-year head coach and former Green Wave assistant Ben Woolley will have some sophomores to potentially work in as well, including catcher Andrew Conklin.

Developing the next group will be one of the objectives for Long Branch against a very deep, talented A North field and on days Yerman pitches, the Green Wave could be pesky for a top Monmouth County team.Brienza, Marlboro could be ready to arrive this season.

DIVISION LINEUP (WITH 2018 STATS) C – TREVOR BREY, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH (.366/.464/.507, 8 2B, 1 3B, 21 R, 13 RBI) C – JUSTIN KAPUSCINSKI, MARLBORO (.281/.468/.456, 4 2B, 2 HR, 8 R, 9 RBI) 2B

BILLY WATTERS, MANALAPAN (.382/.447/.500, 9 2B, 16 R, 16 RBI, 6 SB)

2B/SS – KYLE BREX, HOWELL (.370/.505/.481, 6 2B, 1 HR, 23 R, 12 RBI) SS – AURELIO LICATA, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH (.516/.635/.797, 15 2B, 1 HR, 32 R, 19 RBI, 14 SB)

KEY RETURNERS: Henry Nonnenmacher. (Sr., C), Dominic Nonnenmacher. (Sr., RHP), Cam Eslager (Sr., 2B/OF), Luke Crivelli (Sr., OF), Steven Gee (Sr., RHP/OF), Dan Molina (Jr., RHP/1B), Shaun Piotrowski (Jr., 3B/C), Sean Wodell (Jr., RHP/OF)

SS – JAKE PELLECCHIA, MANALAPAN (.369/.487/.400, 2 2B, 14 R, 16 RBI)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Kacey MacCutcheon (Sr., 2B), Frank Santarsiero (Sr., 3B), Adam Schwerthoffer (Sr., RHP/1B), Matt Donlon (Sr., 1B), Mike Lombardi (Sr., LHP/OF), Ben Okun (Sr., C), Justin Quiles (Sr., OF), Jackson Baillargeon (Jr., SS), Kyle Wenrich (Jr., RHP/1B)

OF – RAMON FONTANES, MARLBORO (.386/.470/.561, 5 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 8 R, 16 RBI, 9 SB)

The vast majority of public-school teams in N.J. would sign for the the success that Freehold Boro has had since moving from B North to A North in 2015. Over the past four seasons, the Colonials have posted winning records while playing a brutal division schedule, defeated some of the best talent the Shore and state have to offer, and came within inches of winning the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV title two years ago. Last year, the Colonials overcome some key losses in their pitching staff to put up another winning season that was good enough to finish third in a tough A North division.

With four more key position players and another left-handed ace graduating, coach Jon Block and the Colonials will face their toughest challenge since moving to Class A North. They will have new starters at catcher, shortstop and third base while seeking to replace three key pitchers. Two of the players who will be back in more-or-less the same roles will be senior right-hander Dominic Nonnamacher and senior second baseman Cam Elslager. Nonnamacher stepped up and became one of Freehold Boro’s most reliable starters as a junior, while Elslager carved out a spot near the top of the batting order. Junior Dan Molina

3B – CHRIS O’CONNOR, MIDDLETOWN SOUTH (.361/.500/.542, 7 2B, 2 HR, 25 R, 14 RBI, 7 SB)

1B/RHP – BRAEDIN HUNT, CBA (.453/.554/.717, 5 2B, 3 HR, 12 R, 19 RBI)

DIVISION ROTATION (WITH 2018 STATS) BEN LEVINE, LHP, MANALAPAN (6-2, 48 IP, 32 H, 14 BB, 45 SO, 1.17 ERA) JOE ESCANDON, LHP, CBA (5-0, 33 IP, 34 H, 5 BB, 39 SO, 1.70 ERA) RYAN BEARSE, RHP, HOWELL (4-2, 35 IP, 38 H, 15 BB, 36 SO, 3.53 ERA) LIAM SIMON, RHP, FREEHOLD TWP. (2-5, 30 2/3 IP, 25 BB, 34 SO, 4.11 ERA) RYAN KURCZESKI, RHP, FREEHOLD TWP. (3-1, 27 1/3 IP, 12 BB, 16 SO, 1.79 ERA)

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish

C

lass A Central gets a new look this season with a powerhouse Red Bank Catholic program joining the fold along with three programs in Manasquan, Monmouth Regional and St. Rose that have enjoyed a significant amount of success of the past two seasons. Two-time defending division champion Raritan will have a tall order winning a third straight division title despite bringing back some premium talent, particularly in its lineup.

Pitching will be the name of the game for the favorites in A Central, both of which have a army of hard-throwing hurlers that should be tough to been over an extended division schedule, as well as within a tournament schedule.

RED BANK CATHOLIC HEAD COACH: Buddy Hausmann, 12th season 2018 RECORD: 20-8 (10-4, second in Class B North) KEY RETURNERS: Vincent Bianchi (Sr., SS/RHP), Ryan O’Hara (Sr., RF/RHP), Alex Gonzalez (Sr., 2B), Chris Sparber (Jr., C), John Nimeth (Jr., RHP), Jack Scrivanic (Jr., 1B), Robert Gonzalez (Jr., SS), Shane Panzini (So., RHP), David Glancy (Sr., CF), Steve Claggett (Sr., RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Sean Ettore (So., SS), Ray Martini (Sr., OF/1B), Anthony Borriello (So., LF), Matt Cloutier (Sr., RHP), Tyler Birnbaum (Jr., RHP), Brayden Kiel (Jr., RHP), Mark Lurie (Jr., OF), Mario Flego (Sr., OF), Jared Terefenko (Jr., 3B/1B), Joe Russo (Sr., 2B), Dylan Wanagiel (So., RHP)

Coming off another 20-win season and a Monmouth County Tournament championship, Red Bank Catholic returns the kind of depth and experience necessary to contend in a loaded Non-Public A state tournament bracket and to win county and conference championships. Unfortunately for the Caseys, they will have to tap into that depth right away. Senior center fielder David Glancy will miss the first several weeks of the season with a broken hamate bone in his hand, according to coach Buddy Hausmann. Glancy was an First Team Shore Sports Network All-Shore outfielder as a junior after he clubbed seven homers, including three in one game vs. Monmouth.

Even with Glancy on the shelf, RBC will have a deep lineup. St. John’s commit Vincent Bianchi is a standout defender at shortstop and will be the Caseys’ big hitter with Glancy out. Seniors Ryan O’Hara and Alex Gonzalez both established themselves as productive players in the top six in the lineup as juniors and will be among the players who need to step up the most with Glancy out.

Juniors Robert Gonzalez, Chris Sparber and Jack Scrivanic were productive in the bottom third of the order as sophomores and Sparber was especially impressive at he plate and behind it once he shook off an early-season injury. Newcomers Anthony Borriello and Ray Martini will see time in the outfield, with Borriello lined up for the open spot in the left field even before the Glancy injury.

Even if RBC’s scoring takes a hit without its best power threat, the Caseys’ strength is their pitching and that remains intact. Junior John Nimeth was a steady source of quality innings as a sophomore and had the most complete year of any returning RBC pitcher. Sophomore Shane Panzini, meanwhile, was impressive late in the season after ramping up his innings in the middle of his freshman year. Bianchi’s arm was not 100percent ready to pitch last year but he dazzled on the mound as a sophomore in 2017. O’Hara, meanwhile, will get his first regular action on the mound, where he features a powerful fastball. RBC has the pitching to roll through A Central and to be a serious postseason threat, but they will need to get healthy by sometime in early May in order to break through in the SCT and South Jersey NonPublic A. RBC Senior David Glancy

16

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

MANASQUAN

MONMOUTH REGIONAL

HEAD COACH: Brenan Gordon, 2nd season

HEAD COACH: Paul Crivello, 6th season

2018 RECORD: 9-12 (5-9, sixth in Class B North)

2018 RECORD: 18-10 (9-5, third in Class B North)

KEY RETURNERS: James Harmstead (Sr., 3B/RHP), Michael Anthony (Sr., RHP/OF), Alex Galvan (Jr., RHP/1B), Will Hopkinson (Jr., SS), Alec Wells (Sr., C/RHP), Tim McEneny (Jr., LHP), Hayden Kunz (Jr., OF/P), Ryan O’Keefe (Jr., P/OF), Sam Del Guercio (Jr., 2B)

KEY RETURNERS: Dante Ciaramella (Sr., RHP/2B/SS), Chris Anfuso (Sr., OF/RHP), Eli Rife (Sr., INF/OF), Andrew Faccone (Sr., C), Jake Cushing (Sr., INF), Alex Alonso (Jr., INF/RHP), Nick Bogan (Jr., RHP/INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Spencer Bauer (Sr., RHP/INF), Pat Billelo (Jr., OF), John Foreman (Jr., OF), Cam Tezza (Jr., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Kevin Lynch (Sr., INF/P), Nick Alfano (Sr., OF), Trevor Horn (Sr., C), Matt McKincley (Sr., C), Luke Kvederas (Sr., INF), Mike Bateman (Jr., OF/P), Brett Delutis (Jr., INF), Mike Cavalluzzi (So., INF/P), Jake Marcincak (So., OF/P), Dominick Santaniello (So., INF/P), Brian Yadlon (So., LHP/OF)

After winning the overall Group II championship in 2017, Manasquan took a step back last year while restocking their pitching staff with some young talent. This year, the Warriors are primed to return to the ranks of Group II contenders with a pitching staff that could rival the 2017 staff – if not at the top then with its depth. Three of the pitchers – Spencer Bauer, Alex Galvan and Tim McEneny - boast impressive raw stuff and while senior Mike Anthony wouldn’t be considered on par with those three on his stuff alone, he was the most reliable of the group last year. Anthony went 4-1 with a 2.12 ERA in 33 innings to lead a rebuilding pitching staff and will be a bedrock player this season as well.

What makes Manasquan so imposing is the upside of Bauer, Galvan and McEneny on the mound. Bauer missed all of last season due to a combination of injury and NJSIAA rules, the latter of which forced him out of the first 30 games after he transferred from CBA. The Elon commit burst onto the scene as a sophomore at CBA, where he earned his way into the Colts rotation and delivered some big hits as well. Galvan, meanwhile, broke a bone in his hand during the 2017-18 basketball season and threw only one inning last baseball season, only to bust out during the summer and land a verbal commitment to Louisville. At an athletic 6-foot-6, Galvan has some similarities to 6-8 right-hander Alex Degen, who broke out as a junior at Hunterdon Central and is now a freshman at Kentucky.

McEneny stands 6-7 and has had a full year to polish his mechanics and refine a breaking ball that could be a real weapon for him as a junior. Throw in senior right-hander and Monmouth commit James Harmstead, who has been a dominant relief pitcher for the last two years, and Manasquan has a loaded army of arms. Harmstead will also lead the offense after an All-Shore season with the bat, with Bauer and Galvan also primed for good seasons at the plate. Junior Will Hopkinson is a third-year starter at shortstop and Alec Wells returns to handle the pitching staff behind the plate as well as hit high in the order.

The offense might come and go at times, but Manasquan’s pitching makes the Warriors a tough match-up on any day of the week.

RARITAN

There have been several instances over the years in which Monmouth has had to reload and the Falcons have been pretty good at it, whether it was with longtime coach Ted Jarmusz or under sixth-year skipper Paul Crivello. There is some reloading to be done for Monmouth this season, with the Falcons graduating six starters and three of their four regulars on the mound. One of the starters back on the mound is Monmouth University commit and senior right-hander Dante Ciaramella, who established himself as the Falcons’ best pitcher by season’s end in 2018. With Ciaramella also playing up the middle at either second base or shortstop, Monmouth will be relying a lot on their ace and captain on the infield.

Monmouth has just as much work to do replacing its top hitters from last year, namely center fielder Justin Scotto, first baseman Ricky Voss and third baseman Anthony Guarino – who occupied three of the top four spots in the order. Ciaramella figures to be back near the top of the lineup for the length of the season while seniors Chris Anfuso (.344, 3 doubles, 21 runs) and Eli Rife (.322, 4 doubles, 1 homer and 17 RBI) return after strong seasons as first-year starters in 2018. The rest of the lineup will be relatively unproven, although junior Alex Alonso, senior Andrew Faccone and senior Jake Kushing all got some at-bats as part-timers. Faccone is back behind the plate after starting during the first part of the season, so the Falcons will have some experience at a critical defensive spot.

Behind Ciaramella, Alonso will be a key cog in the pitching rotation – one of several two-way players who will have to emerge for Monmouth to again challenge for a division title. Sophomores Jake Marcincak, Dominic Santaniello and Brian Yadlon also fall into that two-way category. With some help from its youth movement to go with strong follow-up seasons by players like Ciaramella, Rife and Anfuso, Monmouth should again be a contender throughout the A Central season and into the Group II Tournament.

HEAD COACH: Jeff Struble, 7th season

SHORE REGIONAL

2018 RECORD: 21-6 (10-2, first in Class A Central)

HEAD COACH: Jay Kuhlthau, 2nd season

KEY RETURNERS: Tyler Bruno (Sr., CF), Jake Tennant (Sr., 3B/RHP), Ryan Kasmer (Sr., OF), Dan Fiore (Jr., OF), Chris Gonzalez (So., SS/RHP), Hunter Neville (Sr., RHP), Shawn Ohea (Sr., INF/OF), D.J. Dekis (Jr., 1B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Cameron Rafalko (Sr., RHP/INF), Justin Rivers (Fr., INF/RHP), Jason Lind (Jr., C/1B), Justin Kilyk (So., C), Luke Ohea (So., OF)

Raritan was just one run away from not only winning the Group II championship but beating the team that finished No. 1 in the state to do it. The Rockets rode two locked-in pitchers to within a run of a group title and the first order of business for the Rockets this year with be to replace that duo. Zack Johnston and Dan Vanmeerbeke made up two thirds of Raritan’s starting rotation and now-graduated Alex Lamattina was a leader at catcher – three key spots the Rockets will miss from last year’s championship team.

2018 RECORD: 9-11 (3-9, sixth in Class A Central) KEY RETURNERS: Mike Deusch (Sr., LHP/1B), Christian Bauman (Jr., RHP/OF), Cody Fleischer (Jr., C/RHP), Brett Young (Sr., OF), Max Cameron (Sr., RHP/1B), Gabe Zwerin (Sr., LHP/OF), Shane McLaughlin (So., SS/RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Ippolito (Jr., 3B), Danny Shirvanian (Sr., 3B), Kyle O’Scanlon (Sr., OF/C), Chris Panduri (Sr., 3B/RHP), Sam Martucci (Jr., 3B/RHP)

The Class A Central schedule wasn’t so kind to the Blue Devils last season, when Shore went 3-9 within its own league while going 6-2 outside of it. The pitching was not a problem either, at least not at the top of the rotation. Mike Shirvanian and Mike Deusch both posted an ERA under 3.00 but the two combined to go a modest 6-6.

Deusch is back this year and was the left-hander and power arm of the two, racking up 61 strikeouts in 35 2/3 innings and finishing the season strong.

On the bright side, every other starter returns for Raritan, which could be an even better team on offense. Senior center fielder Tyler Bruno is a two-time All-Shore selection at the top of the order and senior third baseman Jake Tennant was the team’s other top power bat in 2018. Senior right fielder Ryan Kasmer hit .400 as a junior and those three – Bruno, Kasmer and Tennant – will once again be the top three in the batting order this season. Junior Dan Fiore is ready to step up in the lineup after a solid junior season while senior Shawn Ohea and junior D.J. Dekis are also back in the batting order after coming through on a number of occasions for the Rockets.

With Deusch at the top of the rotation, Shore has a No. 1 pitcher who will help it compete with any division opponents. Junior Christian Bauman, junior Cody Fleischer and sophomore Shane McLaughlin will be tasked with backing up their ace in the rotation, with Fleischer also making a run at the starting catcher job. Fleischer missed most of his sophomore season due to injury but before going down, he struck out four in two innings and doubled twice while going 5-for-14 at the plate. Senior Gabe Zwerin also got a handful of innings and will be among the group that tries to add some depth behind Deusch.

Raritan’s pitching starts with Tennant, who was 5-2 with a 1.64 ERA in 42 2/3 innings last year as part of the three-headed monster with Johnston and Vanmeerbeke.

Sophomore Chris Gonzalez and senior Hunter Neville are two of the leading candidates to pick up big innings for Raritan, with Gonzalez also starting at shortstop again. Although Gonzalez started in the field last year, he saw limited at-bats and will have a lot more responsibility this year now that he is in the lineup and Raritan has innings to fill. Although pitching depth will be a question to answer, Raritan’s offense and the return of Tennant to the top of the pitching pecking order will keep the Rockets relevant in the postseason.

Offensively, Bauman is the top returning bat after a breakout sophomore season that included a .370 average with eight extra-base hits while playing center field.

Deusch has also proven he can swing the lumber as well over the course of his career and will be a middle-of-the-order threat for the Blue Devils. Fleischer, McLaughlin, senior Brett Young and senior Max Cameron all got some varsity at-bats as well last year, with Young hitting .263 in 32 at-bats to lead that group. If this group can string some hits together and, more importantly, catch the ball behind Deusch and the pitching staff, the Blue Devils will have a better season inside the division.

HOLMDEL HEAD COACH: Chris Arecchi, 3rd season 2018 RECORD: 4-14 (2-10, seventh in Class A Central) KEY RETURNERS: Jason Lyons (Sr., SS/CF/RHP), Robbie Shangle (Sr., RHP), Ezra Caspi (Sr., OF), Mike Iulo (Sr., 1B), Brendan Crowley (Sr., UTIL), Aidan Flanagan (Sr., OF), Alec Licato (Sr., RHP), Nick Fanzini (Sr., UTIL), Evan Smith (Sr., INF), Justin Lautenberg (Sr., OF), Jake Umas (So., LHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Louie Curcio (So., INF), Brett Hilsheimer (So., INF), Jason Sparkes (So., C), Christian Gravier (So., RHP), Victor Wladika (Jr., RHP)

Expectations heading into 2018 were high at Holmdel after the Hornets had a strong showing in 2017 and returned some impact talent in Sal Monticciolo and Alex DiBona. Unfortunately for the Hornets, their good fortune turned to rotten luck in 2018. Holmdel could not build on 2017’s success and they graduated Monticciolo, DiBona and catcher Brandon Saghafi – three productive hitters for their careers, with Monticciolo making an All-Shore Team as a junior.

Holmdel is hoping last season was the fluke and the Hornets can get back to the trajectory they set in 2017, when a few of this year’s key players were sophomores.

Senior Jason Lyons slumped at the plate for much of last season after a strong sophomore year and is poised to get his hitting back on track as a multi-dimensional threat for Holmdel. Senior center fielder Ezra Caspi was one of the Holmdel players who did turn in a strong season, hitting .327 with a triple and a homer. Seniors Aidan Flanagan, Nick Fanzini, Mike Iulo and Brendan Crowley will also be key bats in the lineup behind Caspi and Lyons, with sophomores Brett Hilsheimer, Jason Sparkes and Louie Curcio adding some youth and talent to the mix as well.

Pitching will be a wild card for Holmdel this season, with Lyons and fellow senior Rob Shangle bringing some experience and past success to the rubber. Senior Alec Licato will also contribute innings and sophomore Jake Umas will try to build on the nine innings he got as a freshman. If Lyons and Shangle are sharp, Umas progresses into a reliable varsity starter and the Hornets can get contributions from some of the new varsity talent, they could get back to around the .500 mark.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN HEAD COACH: Kevin James, 17th season 2018 RECORD: 10-9 (8-4, tied second in Class A Central) KEY RETURNERS: Ryan Dupree (Sr., OF), Andrew Schmid (So., SS), Thomas Elgrim (So., OF), Kevin Shanes (Jr., LHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Ferrara (So., RHP), Dylan Sakele (So., RHP/3B), Collin, Coles (Jr., C), Matt Rigby (Fr., 1B), Charlie Tallman (Fr., 2B), Jonny Bruno (Fr., OF), Charlie Jones (Fr., OF), Brian Doherty (Fr., INF/RHP), J.C. Carolan (Sr., LHP), Ryan Acacia (Sr., OF), Tim Carey (Jr., OF), Hank Hyduke (So., C), Michael Amendola (Fr., LHP.

The 2018 season was a unique one for Rumson, which balanced a little bit of a youth movement while simultaneously leaning on a pair of dynamite seniors who turned in All-Shore seasons. Right-hander Alex Burnett and catcher Robby Smith both had big senior years for a Rumson squad that competed for the A Central title and replacing them was always going to be the greatest challenge Rumson faced this season. Junior left-hander and slugger Gordon Forsyth and senior infielder Sean Mikolajczyk were two key returning players who would help ease that transition, but the Bulldogs lost both for the season due to injury, according to coach Kevin James.

With two crucial players out of the picture, this year’s team looks like even more of a rebuilding project and that is reflected in the projected five freshman starters James plans to write into the lineup card – Matt Rigby, Charles Tallman, Johnny Bruno, Brian Doherty and pitcher Charlie Jones. Junior Collin Coles, meanwhile, will replace Smith behind the plate, while junior left-hander Kevin Shanes and sophomores Nick Ferrara and Dylan Sakele look to step up on the mound.

catcher Nolan Dacey, sophomore pitchers Dave Frost and Jack Crawford and freshmen Matt Gowen and Ryan Rogers. Class A Central is loaded at the top with two dominant pitching staffs and two sectional championship teams from the past two seasons, but there is enough volatility past the fourth-place position to give St. Rose a chance to finish in the middle of the pack, perhaps even in the top half of their new divisional home.

DIVISION LINEUP (WITH 2018 STATS) C –

CHRIS SPARBER, RED BANK CATHOLIC (.348/.456/.543, 3 3B, 1 HR, 11 R, 9 RBI, 4 SB)

3B/RHP – JAMES HARMSTEAD, MANASQUAN (.419/.519/.597, 5 2B, 2 HR, 17 R, 13 RBI)

One known commodity for Rumson should be sophomore shortstop Andrew Schmid, who seized the starting second base job as a freshman and hit .292. Fellow sophomore Thomas Elgrim returns with outfield experience and senior Ryan Dupree is back as a three-year starter in the outfield as well. The freshman class will be the x-factor this season and that will be more within the context of Rumson becoming a contender over the next couple of years. For now, the Bulldogs are in developmental mode.postseason hunt again.

2B –

ST. ROSE

OF –

TYLER BRUNO, RARITAN (.440/.505/.648, 12 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 33 R, 25 RBI, 15 SB)

HEAD COACH: Rich Lanko, 3rd season

OF –

DAVID GLANCY, RED BANK CATHOLIC (.360/.495/.779, 11 2B, 2 3B, 7 HR, 32 R, 26 RBI, 8 SB)

KEY RETURNERS: Evan Peeke (Sr., 3B/RHP), Jeff DeFazio (Sr., OF/RHP), Joey Blaes (Sr., OF/P), Pat Ferrante (Sr., OF), Frank Bellezza (Sr., 2B/RHP)

OF –

CHRISTIAN BAUMAN, SHORE (.370/.387/.520, 5 2B, 3 3B, 20 R, 16 RBI, 5 SB)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tommy Turnbach (So., 1B/P), Rob Rothery (Sr., SS), Nolan Dacey (Jr., C), Dave Frost (So., P), Matt Gowen (Fr., 2B/C), Ryan Rogers (Fr., OF/P), Anthony Bombacie (Sr., OF), Jack Crawford (So., RHP/3B/OF), Dylan Decker (Sr., P), Matt Tiernan (Sr., P)

OF/RHP – RYAN O’HARA, RED BANK CATHOLIC (.250/.376/.393, 3 2B, 3 HR, 17 R, 16 RBI)

ALEX GONZALES, RED BANK CATHOLIC (.337/.410/.349, 1 2B, 18 R, 12 RBI, 6 SB)

SS/RHP – VINCENT BIANCHI, RED BANK CATHOLIC (.333/.417/.517, 9 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 19 R, 14 RBI, 11 SB) 3B/RHP – JAKE TENNANT, RARITAN (.329/.421/.477, 6 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 20 R, 29 RBI)

2018 RECORD: 20-7 (13-1, first in Class B Central)

DIVISION ROTATION

St. Rose finally got realigned out of Class B Central, which the Purple Roses owned for multiple decades by overwhelming the competition. This realignment is something so many baseball people around the Shore – including with St. Rose – have wanted to see for a long time now and now that it finally happened, it appears as though this is the worst possible time for the move. St. Rose had some serious talent in each of the past two seasons but the last of their All-Shore, impact Division I players graduated after last season following another B Central title and a run to the Monmouth County Tournament final.

SPENCER BAUER, RHP, MANASQUAN (Did not play – Injured)

A few role players from last year are back and one bonus of playing in Class B Central is that coach Rich Lanko has a chance to play his bench in lopsided games.

Seniors Evan Peeke, Jeff DeFazio, Joey Blaes and Pat Ferrante all got chances to play in big innings for the Purple Roses and Peeke and DeFazio have some innings under their belt as well. Peeke, in particular, threw some important innings and figures to get the ball early in the season with a chance to lead the pitching staff.

SHANE PANZINI, RHP, RED BANK CATHOLIC (3-0, 27 IP, 18 H, 11 BB, 30 SO, 2.07 ERA)

JOHN NIMETH, RHP, RED BANK CATHOLIC (4-2, 33 IP, 29 H, 15 BB, 25 SO, 1.70 ERA) DANTE CIARAMELLA, RHP, MONMOUTH (4-2, 43 2/3 IP, 39 H, 12 BB, 38 SO, 2.89 ERA)

MIKE DEUSCH, LHP, SHORE (4-2, 35 2/3 IP, 25 H, 25 BB, 61 SO, 2.94 ERA)

The new wave of St. Rose players includes sophomore Tommy Turnbach, junior

17

By

Matt Manley Senior Staff Editor

he No. 1 team in the Shore Sports Network Baseball Top 10 was put to the test right out of the gate in 2019 with three games against opponents from elsewhere in the Top 10 and if those first three games are any indication, the No. 1 spot might as well be an impenetrable fortress.

J ackson Memorial continued its early-season dominance Saturday in the seventh annual Strike Out Autism Challenge by hammering crosstown-rival and No. 4 ranked Jackson Liberty, 10-0, in five innings to run its record to 3-0 after one week.

In two wins over preseason No. 8 Toms River South and another over Jackson Liberty, the No. 1 Jaguars racked up 33 runs on 38 hits while allowing only four runs on 16 hits and committing no errors in 17 innings.

They still hit on opposite ends of the order, only now it is Pellone at the top and Lasko at No. 8, a near-mirror-image of last year during a 25-win campaign for Jackson Memorial.

Whether at the top or at the bottom, Lasko, Pellone and everybody else in Jackson Memorial's lineup can break the game open and during the three impressive wins to open the 2019 season, the two juniors served as bookends to a retooled and relentless Jackson Memorial hitting attack.

"It doesn't matter where anybody is hitting (in the order)," Lasko said. "The job is still the same: go up there and get a hit. Do your job."

Lasko served as the leadoff hitter for most of the season before trading spots with Pellone for Jackson Memorial's final eight games. The center fielder had an up-and-down sophomore season at the plate that ended with a .245/.308/.319 line that included seven doubles.

If the first three games of the season are any indication, Lasko is primed for a breakthrough campaign, as are most of Jackson Memorial's hitters. Facing a perennial Class A South contender led by the state's all-time winningest head coach, Ken Frank, Lasko went 5-for-7 with three doubles, four RBI and his first career home run.

Through its first three games, Jackson Memorial has pounded out 38 hits and 20 of them have gone for extra bases. The Jaguars sport a three-game team triple-slash line (batting average/on-base percentage/slugging percentage) of .463/.548/.878, which is comparable to Jackson Liberty catcher David Melfi during his First Team All-Shore junior season in 2018 (.457/.542/.889).

He followed the big series against Toms River South by going 1-for-3 with another double and three RBI against Jackson Liberty in the Strike Out Autism Challenge game to give the junior center fielder a 6-for-10 start to the year at the plate with a team-leading eight RBI and four doubles, which was tied with teammate Ahmir Cournier for the most in the Shore Conference through one week.

The core of Jackson Memorial’s roster going back to last year is mostly made up of members from its current junior class, but its leader in the dugout and at the plate has been senior right fielder Alex Iadisernia. The left-handed swinging Elon University commit is off to a torrid start to 2019: through three games, Iadisernia was 7-for-8 with three doubles, a home run and five RBI. With his second double in Saturday’s win over Jackson Liberty, Iadisernia notched the 100th career hit of his four-year varsity career. His third-inning flyout in the same game ended a 6-for-6 start to the season.

"We have better plans at the plate," said Iadisernia, who has been an All-Shore outfielder each of the past two seasons. "We're not swinging for the fences; we are staying simple. Our lineup is putting a lot of pressure on guys. Nobody can really pitch around us.”

As great as Jackson’s best hitter has been, nothing better illustrates the depth of the Jaguars

lineup better than the performance of the two juniors at either end of it. As sophomores last season, Ryan Lasko and Christian Pellone hit at opposite ends of Jackson Memorial's batting order, with Lasko hitting leadoff and Pellone hitting No. 9 for the first 24 games last season.

Senior Ahmir Cournier

"I think it's just maturity," Lasko said. "For a lot of us who are juniors, everybody is just maturing a little bit. We're growing into our bodies and we're really just starting to find ourselves as hitters and players and pitchers."

Cournier transferred to Jackson Memorial from Toms River East and slid into the open starting shortstop job.

After an all-division season with the Raiders as a junior, Cournier has come out of the gate scorching with his new team. Through three games, the senior shortstop 7-for-10 those four doubles, including a three-hit game at Toms River South in his Jaguars debut.

Then there is Pellone, who scuffled with a 0-for-5 performance at the plate in the opener vs. Toms River South only to bounce back in a big way over the next two games. Pellone hit the first pitch he saw in his team’s second game over the left-field fence to tie the game at 1-1 in the top of the first to jump-start a 2-for-3 game with a double, homer and two runs scored.

Senior Alex Iadisernia See

18

Jackson Bats

page 20

all head coach Todd Schmitt is one of only two Shore Conference coaches ever to guide his team to a division, county, conference and NJSIAA Group championships in the same season.

Schmitt sees a quality about this team that he thinks will give it as much of a chance as any he has had, and it's not one you might guess when you consider all the talent Wall returns from its 22-6 team from a year ago.

"The team chemistry," Schmitt said. "That's the stuff you wish you could bottle because you are going to have teams in the future and have had teams in the past who don't have that chemistry. We have had teams as talented as this one that didn't have the chemistry these guys have."

It also doesn't hurt to have a pitching staff led by the guy who took the mound to open Wall's season last week against St. John Vianney.

Senior left-hander and Monmouth University recruit Trey Dombroski struck out a career-high 14 in six one-hit, shutout innings to kick off an anticipated senior season for him and his many teammates returning from last year’s starting lineup.

"It's a great feeling to open up the season with a win," Dombroski said. "If anything, this shows we have a target on our backs every single win and it's only going to get bigger and bigger every game.

We just have to give our A-game every single day."

Senior Trey Dombroski

Dombroski is the reigning Shore Sports Network Pitcher of the Year after posting a 0.54 ERA during his 8-1 2018 season for Wall.

Dombroski’s dominance did not, however, result in a tournament championship for the Crimson Knights, who were eliminated from the Monmouth County, Shore Conference and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Tournaments with Dombroski watching from the dugout.

"There is a little bit of pressure with the rankings and all that other stuff," Schmitt said. "I just tell the guys none of that other stuff matters until June. We have gotten to sectional finals twice and lost by one run and from a coaching end of it, those are the games you want to be ready to play. That's when it really counts."

Last year, Dombroski pitched seven innings in eight of his nine starts and the only game he failed to complete was his one loss - a non-division defeat against Howell after the Crimson Knights had already wrapped up a Class B North championship.

Although Dombroski could not get through seven in his 2019 opener, his strikeout prowess was better than it has ever been. He struck out seven straight from the end of the fourth to the middle of the sixth and the last 10 batters he retired he did so via the strikeout.

Dombroski will headline a pitching staff with two All-Shore pitchers in senior Grant Shulman and senior Ryan Napolitano behind him. Junior Teddy Sharkey, a Florida State University commit who has mostly pitched in a relief role during his first two varsity seasons but will start more in 2019, according to Schmitt.

Starting first baseman Tanner Powers also has big-game experience on the mound, giving Wall five reliable arms with which to navigate their schedule.

In the first week of the season, no player did more to help Wall start 3-0 than Shulman, who was Wall’s top hitter in 2018, as well as its No. 2 pitcher behind Dombroski. To start this season, Shulman pitched in each of Wall’s first three games, recording two saves and a win in relief. He pitched a perfect

Senior Grant Shulman

See

Wall Arms

page 22

19

Jackson Bats

Continued from page 18

"The first game, he didn't do as well as he wanted but he has been saying he wanted to hit that first pitch and he finally got it," Iadisernia said. "It's awesome to answer back right away, especially against Toms River South."

Pellone carried his approach over to the weekend vs. Jackson Liberty. The Jaguars second baseman went 2-for-4 with his second home run – another solo blast.

Only one player at the Shore other than Pellone hit two home runs in the first week of the season and wouldn’t you know it, he plays for Jackson Memorial. Junior first baseman Carmine Petosa, who is committed to play at Wake Forest University, belted two home runs and drove in five runs in the 15-3 win over Toms River South in the second game of the season and was 6-for-10 with two home runs, two doubles and seven RBI through three games.

Potok will see an increased role this season after pitching 15 innings as a freshman. He got the ball on opening night in Toms River and held the Indians to an earned run on seven hits and one walk while striking out six - including three straight to end the game.

Princiotta pitched as both a reliever and starter last season and has already done both in 2019.

The senior left-hander pitched the last 1 2/3 innings of the second game, then fired five shutout innings vs. Jackson Liberty.

In 17 innings so far this season, Jackson Memorial has yet to commit an error and the defense has had plenty of work to do with its pitchers striking out 13 batters in those 17 innings.

"We had a good approach and we stuck with it," Petosa said after his two-homer game. "We stayed to the big part of the field - left field for the lefties, right field for the righties. We just focused on making hard contact, finding big meatballs and crushing them."

Pellone, Petosa and Lasko are three of six juniors in the Jackson Memorial starting lineup.

Catchers Tom Cartnick and Nick Sefick - who share catcher and designated hitter duties - and third baseman Jake Wendell are the others.

With two thirds of their lineup maturing from sophomores to juniors over the offseason, it's no wonder the Jaguars have come back in 2018 with an even more menacing offense than they had a year ago.

"A lot of our thought over the winter and in the spring was about getting a better approach at the plate," Jackson Memorial coach Frank Malta said.

"The work they put in in the weight room, we thought that was going to help - bigger, stronger, more maturity going into sophomore year. We thought that was going to be big and, so far, that seems to be the case.

"We're hitting a lot of balls hard. Even a lot of our outs, we are hitting the ball hard.

That's been the case throughout March and it's been what we have mapped out.

Brandon Vega, our assistant coach who works with our hitters, has done an excellent job giving these guys a plan and they have bought into what he is doing."

The three resounding wins over a two of the best teams in Ocean County made for an ideal start to the season but Jackson Memorial’s ultimate goal is a long way off. After losing to two-time defending Group IV champion Hunterdon Central to end last season one win short of reaching the Group IV final with a team loaded with sophomores, the Jaguars are keeping their eyes focused forward.

"I think last year just made us hungrier," Lasko said. "We saw how close we got when a lot of us were sophomores and now that we're juniors, I think we realize what we're capable of. We're not satisfied. We feel like we are ready to take that next step."

Sophomore Matt Potok pitched a complete game in a season-opening, 8-1 win over Toms River South and left-handers Nick Beetel and Joe Princiotta were solid enough over the next two wins. Beetel, who was an All-Shore pitcher as a sophomore in 2018, was not at his sharpest in game No. 2, but his target will be to pitch the way he did in May of last season, when he emerged as Jackson Memorial’s go-to postseason pitcher.

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Senior Carmine Petosa

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get ahead with and pound the zone and it's a lot easier to get them to do that when they have confidence in the guys behind them," Malta said. "Defense is a big focus of ours and we have seen it a few times so far where we get a first-pitch swing and a guy makes the play on the infield to get us a quick out. It makes you more efficient because you're not throwing as many pitches and it encourages you to go after hitters."

"I like it because we are seeing good arms right away and getting into that competitive mindset," Iadisernia said. "We want to be at that level all year. Every team on our schedule can play so we're going to go out and try to beat whoever we are playing that day."

Jackson Memorial's 33 runs in two games is likely to overshadow its pitching and defense, which were instrumental in the Jaguars' run to a South Jersey Group IV championship last season.

Junior Christian Pellone

"We preach to our pitchers to

21

Wall Arms

Continued from page 19

seventh inning in the opener, recorded a two-inning save in a 14-8 win at St. John Vianney, and fire three innings of scoreless relief in a 5-2 win over local rival St. Rose in nine innings. In his six scoreless innings during the season’s first week, Shulman allowed two hits and two walks and struck out 10.

"I know for me, I have to be ready for anything," Shulman said. "Playing third and pitching, I don't know when I am going to start or come in in relief, but whatever they need me to do, I'm going to do. We've got four other starters and we're confident with all of them. We can win any game with any of them on the mound, so I'm okay to start or relieve - whatever gets the job done."

Shulman also came through at the plate in the win over St. Rose with a two-run single in a three-run ninth inning that put the game away. In Wall’s first three games, Shulman was 2-for-7 with four walks and five RBI, including at least one RBI in each of the three wins.

"We didn't see using Grant as a starter this week, so he becomes the guy on the back end," Schmitt said. "We are going to have weeks when we can do that with one of our guys. That's the nice thing about having five guys you trust - it gives you a lot of options and a lot of flexibility."

Wall's 2018 season ended on its home field in the Central Jersey Group III final when Sharkey's line drive to left field ended up in an Allentown glove with the potential tying run in scoring position.

ended with teams splitting the two games and no series was more dramatic than the one between No. 5 Christian Brothers Academy and No. 10 Howell.

On opening day, senior left-handers Joe Escandon and Bryan Bernard traded scoreless frames for five innings before Howell finally broke through against Escandon with a run in the top of the sixth. Bernard, for his part, took a one-hitter into the seventh inning and was one out away from closing out a one-hit shutout against CBA to open his season in style.

CBA senior shortstop Tommy DiTullio, however, had other plans. With a runner on and two out in the seventh, DiTullio squared up a 1-0 offering from Bernard and belted it over the left-field fence for a game-winning, walk-off, tworun home run and a 2-1 CBA victory.

DiTullio’s moment was a welcome one for the Bryant University commit and his team after playing through a debilitating foot injury for a large part of his junior season. He also went 2-for-3 with an RBI in CBA’s 4-0 win over Allentown in the Strike Out Autism Challenge.

Howell followed that loss to CBA with a 5-3 loss to Manalapan the next day in which the Rebels surrendered four runs in the bottom of the sixth inning to squander a two-run lead. Their third game in three days would be the home opener vs. CBA and the Rebels made the most of their chance at redemption by beating the Colts, 4-2.

Senior right-hander and Monmouth University commit Ryan Bearse struck out 11 and walked none over six dominant innings and also went 2-for-2 with an RBI to lead the way. Before Howell could go home with a winning feeling, they had to sweat out another seventh-inning plate appearance from DiTullio.

With one run in already in the seventh, DiTullio again came to the plate as the goahead run, this time against sophomore right-hander Chris Ellison. After Ellison jumped ahead, 1-2, DiTullio stayed back on a breaking ball long enough to line it to left field, which is home to one of the Shore’s shortest fences. This one, however, did not have home run distance and it hung up long enough for senior Justin Kutcher to secure the catch and end the game.

After an offseason to live with that loss, the Crimson Knights finally got to move on and begin their pursuit and ending this season with a win.

"We can't take anyone lightly," Dombroski said. "We have high expectations and if we don't meet those expectations, it's going to be a lost season."

Barnegat also picked up a big split with No. 7 Point Pleasant Boro by beating AllShore dual threat Sam Collins. Southern and Brick Memorial split their series in Class A South, while Rumson-Fair Haven salvaged a split with Shore Regional after Blue Devils senior ace Mike Deusch one-hit them in the opener.

Let’s Play Two The newest wrinkle to the Shore Conference baseball season is the homea n d - h o m e scheduling against

Class B North already saw a pair of splits, with Red Bank and Matawan each winning on the road and Middletown North bouncing back from a tough opener against senior right-hander and University of Kentucky commit Ron Cole to beat Neptune and give firstyear coach Ryan McCabe his first win.

There is still plenty of season left, there are sure to be more wild series thanks to the new wrinkle in the Shore Conference scheduling. divisional opponents. Instead of cycling through the division schedule one time and then playing the second turn through the schedule at the opposite home field, the schedule now calls for divisional opponents to play one another in back-to-back divisional games, with some exceptions. the

In the first week of season, six series

Senior David Howarth

22

Senior Grant Shulman

Photos by:

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By

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

L

ast year’s high school baseball season at the Shore ended with two teams from the Shore Conference Class A South topping the Shore Sports Network Final Top 10.

The No. 1 team was Jackson Memorial, which catapulted to No. 1 despite running out a team with two senior starters in the everyday lineup. That means the Jaguars will be back to collect even more hardware this year and with its primary competition facing some challenges in replacing last year’s production, the favorite heading into the 2018 season is clear.

At the same time, this is Class A South. Funny things happen, especially when a talented Toms River South team led by legendary coach Ken Frank comes into the season as an underdog to win the division title. It’s also worth nothing that there is a season beyond the A South race and the competition during the season should produce some legitimate postseason contenders from the top of the division all the way to the bottom.

JACKSON MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Frank Malta, 15th season (20th overall) 2018 RECORD: 25-7 (11-3, tied first in Class A South) KEY RETURNERS: Alex Iadisernia (Sr., RF), Ryan Lasko (Jr., CF), Troy Bathmann (Sr., LF), Carmine Petosa (Jr., 1B), Christian Pellone (Jr., 2B), Jake Wendell (Jr., 3B), Andrew Sefick (Jr., C), Nick Beetel (Jr., LHP), Matt Potok (So., RHP), Joe Princiotta (Sr., LHP), Tom Cartnick (Jr., C), Ty Beck (So., SS) KEY NEWCOMERS: Ahmir Cournier (Sr., SS) – transfer from Toms River East; Dan Greenwood (Jr., RHP), Zach Crotchfelt (Fr., LHP/OF/1B), Rocco LaVista (Jr., RHP), Connor Fern (Sr., LHP), Preston Kunz (Sr., RHP), Rich Schreiner (Sr., C), Bob Arent (Sr., INF), Matt Feld (Jr., OF), Joe Santoriello (Jr., RHP), John Puccio (Sr., LHP)

Jackson Memorial entered last season unranked in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 and ended the season No. 1. The Jaguars boasted a young roster with some unprovenbut-talented players taking up starting spots. After posting 25 wins and capturing the South Jersey Group IV championship, that young roster is mostly intact again this year while continuing to pump more up-andcoming players into what appears to be a winning formula in Jackson. The Jaguars did graduate five pitchers from a deep staff and a clean-up hitter and shortstop from their lineup, but three proven arms return to the pitching staff and another accomplished shortstop transferred in to fill the only vacated position in the lineup.

What makes this team even more remarkable is even with almost an entire lineup back, the Jaguars will only start three seniors in the lineup and one in the rotation. Two of them are in the corner outfield spots, with two-time All-Shore pick and Elon commit Alex Iadisernia in right field. Troy Bathmann returns to right field for his senior season and Toms River East transfer Ahmier Cournier – who hit .306 with 10 doubles as a junior – will take over shortstop after Mike Dimino graduated. Jackson Memorial’s loaded junior class accounts for the rest of the lineup, with Carmine Petosa, Christian Pellone and Jake Wendell manning the infield around Cournier from right to left and Ryan Lasko playing in center field. Junior Andrew Sefick rounds out the lineup on the field at catcher and junior Tom Cartnick is in line to DH after producing in parttime duty last season. Sophomore Ty Beck remains a capable utility-man around the infield following a season playing meaningful innings as a freshman.

Despite losing five pitchers and 77 quality innings from Nick Sefick, Mike Dimino and Matt D’Amore, the Jaguars remain strong on the mound. Junior left-hander Nick Beetel emerged as Jackson Memorial’s big-game pitcher in his first varsity season and current sophomore right-hander Matt Potok could do the same after tossing 15 impressive innings last year. Senior Joe Princiotta was a versatile left-hander who started and pitched in relief as needed and figures to pitch out of a similar role this season. Junior right-hander Dan Greenwood and freshman southpaw Zach Crotchfelt will add some depth to the rotation as newcomers. The talent keeps coming at Jackson Memorial and with a junior-heavy roster already in place, the Jaguars aren’t going anywhere anytime soon.

Jackson Mem. sr. Alex

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Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

BRICK MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Ken Frank, 41st season

HEAD COACH: Evan Rizzitello, 10th season

2018 RECORD: 12-12 (7-7, tied fourth in Class A South)

2018 RECORD: 9-14 (4-10, seventh in Class A South)

KEY RETURNERS: Colin Mackle (Sr., OF/RHP), Jordan Erbe (Jr., 2B, RHP), Max Rivas (Jr., SS), Mike Lazzaro (Sr., 3B), Sam Conover (Sr., CF), Matt Hartshorn (Sr., RHP/1B), Gabe Driscoll (Sr., 1B/RHP), Mike Montenegro (Jr., C), Damian Scott (Sr., C/3B), Erik Narvaez (Jr., RHP), Kiefer Samul (Jr., P), Logan Spakowski (Jr., INF)

KEY RETURNERS: T.J. Rosace (Sr., SS/RHP), Mike Murphy (Sr., C), Tristan Savoia (Sr., RHP/1B), Greg Hanlon (Sr., 2B/SS), Graham Harrigan (Sr., OF/RHP), Nick Gillen (Jr., RHP/UTIL), Sean Beck (Jr., UTIL), Torrey Savoia (Sr., RHP/OF), Joe Casselli (Sr., C), Mark DeFelice (Sr., 3B), Max Cala (So., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Tyler Madeo (So., OF), Brandon Leatherman (Sr., OF), Brandon Rios (Sr., OF), Trevor Sansone (Sr., INF), Joe Ferreri (Jr., P/1B), Nick Iaderosa (Jr., OF), Christian Blaska (Jr., OF), Connor Cavanaugh (Jr., INF), Austin Beard (So., 3B/OF), Ty Gibson (So., OF), Ben Longo (So.), Ryan Mackle (So., INF), Eli McEwan (So., C), Robert Meissner (So.), Sean O’Neill (So.), Joe Schifilliti (So., INF), Chris Yuro (So., OF), Nick Manning (Jr.), Josh Odebode (Jr.), Evan Thomas (Jr.), Anthony Alexander (Jr.) Brandon Condon (Jr.), Jacob Decker (Jr.), Nate Brown (So.), Jacob Bryceland (So.), Kyle Cirz (So.)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Lucas McLaughlin (Sr., OF/RHP), Mike Guzman (Sr., OF), Collin Turner (Jr., P/1B), Nick Doubt (Jr., C), Kyle Cline (Jr., P), Joe Terkildsen (Jr., 3B), Matt Terkildsen (Jr., 1B), Andrew White (Jr., 1B/3B), Cole Manfro (So., RHP/3B), Aiden Patella (So., P/OF), Joe Gioia (So., INF), Jack Flood (Fr., INF)

Five-hundred (.500) seasons at Toms River South happen about as often as a solar eclipse and just like the sun in an eclipse, if you try to get a good look at the wrong time, Toms River South can burn you. Even in a down year, Toms River South finished tied for fourth in a deep Class A South division and did so without a lot of seniors making an impact. That means the Indians will have a team loaded with experience in a division that has a lot of teams looking to replace impact talent – a recipe for a vintage Toms River South season.

On top of being young last season, Toms River South was also injured. Right-hander Matt Hartshorn missed his entire junior season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery to repair a torn UCL in his elbow and is back looking to claim the spot atop the rotation that he likely would have inherited had he stayed healthy. Classmates Sam Conover and Gabe Driscoll also missed significant time and junior second baseman and pitcher Jordan Erbe had a potential All-Shore season halted due to injury. Just getting those four players back in the fold will make a big difference for Toms River South.

Hartshorn, Erbe and Driscoll will join senior Colin Mackle in the rotation, which consists of four players who should be contributors at the plate as well. Mackle and Erbe were two of Toms River South’s top hitters last season while Driscoll and Hartshorn can both handle first base when not on the mound. Junior Max Rivas returns on the infield coming off .290 season at the plate as a sophomore and will flip spots with Erbe - with Rivas playing second and Erbe shortstop. Senior third baseman Mike Lazzaro and catcher Mike Montenegro are also back in Toms River South's experienced infield. With a deeper, healthier pitching staff, good defense up the middle with Rivas and Erbe and some big numbers back in the batting order, Toms River South looks like the primary challenger to Jackson Memorial this season.

Two years removed from a second-place finish in Class A South, Brick Memorial is looking to make a serious push up the standings, similar to the one they made back in 2016. That Mustangs team was also coming off a 4-10 season in Class A South and while it was far heavier on seniors than this year’s group, the 2019 installment of Brick Memorial has plenty of varsity experience returning to try to make a play for another top-two finish.

Just as in 2017, the strength of this year’s Brick Memorial team its offense, led by All-Shore shortstop T.J. Rosace. After belting five home runs during his junior season, Rosace will be the main concern for Brick Memorial’s opponents at the plate. Junior second baseman Greg Hanlon is the top returning Mustang in the batting average category (.377) and junior outfielder Nick Gillen also hit above .300 with seven doubles in 60 plate appearances. Catcher Mike Murphy is a seasoned backstop with some offensive upside as well, while senior center fielder Graham Harrigan is in his second year as a starter. Sophomore Max Cala is lined up to make a significant jump in contribution after getting a taste of the varsity life as a freshman while senior Mark DeFelice takes over at third base and senior Torrey Savoia patrols left field.

Gillen will head up the pitching staff along with senior Tristan Savoia, who will also play first base when not on the mound. Rosace will also be a factor on the mound while Torrey Savoia and Harrigan provide depth. While the Mustangs have some help off the bench, they will be relying, primarily, on nine players to carry the day – a similar blueprint to the one that was so successful for Central Regional during its 189 2018 season. With good health and good fortune, Brick Memorial’s talent could be enough to once again push the Mustangs back into the top two spots as Ocean County’s surprise team in 2019.

TOMS RIVER NORTH

TOMS RIVER EAST

HEAD COACH: Andrew Pagano, 6th season

HEAD COACH: Keith Smicklo, 2nd season

2018 RECORD: 22-8 (11-3, tied second in Class A South)

2018 RECORD: 13-11 (7-7, tied fourth in Class A South)

KEY RETURNERS: Jonathan Giordano (Sr., OF/RHP), Dylan Feigin (Sr., SS), Sam Angelo (Sr., 1B/LHP), Nick DeRose (Jr., 3B/RHP), Robert Jeans (Jr., OF/RHP), Christian Wood (Sr., RHP)

KEY RETURNERS: Aidan Meola (So., INF), Ryan Goodall (Jr., C/OF), Matt Santos (Jr., RHP/INF), Brandon Coyle (Sr., LHP)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Phil Antoniotti (Jr., 2B/RHP) – transfer from Point Beach; Jacob Dawson (Jr., C), Sean Aguiar (Sr., OF/LHP), Mike Colella (Sr., OF/2B/RHP), Aaron Craig (Sr., OF), Lucas Malave (So., C), Mike Richardson (Sr., 2B), Alex Civitello (Sr., OF), Brandon Feigin (So., INF/RHP), Jake Kazanowsky (So., 3B/1B), Nick Mortellito (So., 2B), Sal Baracco (Sr., LHP), Matt Ostroman (Jr., LHP), Brandon Ruiz (Sr., DH), Kyle Dietz (Sr., 3B/RHP), Brandon Valles (So., LHP), Russell Thistle (So., 1B/LHP)

Other teams around the Shore lost more starting players than Toms River North did but you won’t find many teams around the state that lost the kind of impact players that the Mariners did.

Craig Larsen, Jared Bellissimo and Brendan Mullins were key members of Toms River North’s last three teams and Justin Schaff and Alex Klalo became important cogs in each of the last two. Bellissimo, Larsen and Mullins were all top hitters and pitchers for Toms River North and in the case of Larsen, he was also top-notch defender at shortstop and the 2018 Shore Sports Network Player of the Year.

If there is reason to believe in Toms River North this season, it is due to the numbers the Mariners still return despite losing the five prominent starters. Five starters come back from last season, led by senior Jonathan Giordano – a two-way talent who was a middleof-the-order hitter and Toms River North’s No. 3 starter once Larsen’s workload was scaled back. Senior Dylan Feigin will take over at shortstop for Larsen and junior Nick DeRose is back at third base in his second year as a starter to complete an experienced left side of the infield. Senior first baseman Sam Angelo put up big offensive numbers after taking over a starting spot last season, as did junior outfielder Robert Jeans.

Toms River North adds Point Pleasant Beach transfer Phil Antoniotti to the roster this season and the junior will play second base and join the rotation behind Giordano, with whom Antoniotti was a teammate on Toms River Little League’s state championship team in 2014. The Mariners have developed a reputation for taking over the Ocean County and Shore Conference Tournaments with their pitching and this staff has plenty to prove to live up to that reputation. With some time to gel and get its footing, Toms River North could eventually get there.

Iadisernia

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mark Murtha (Sr., OF), Logan Sommerer (Sr., OF), Tyler Toth (Sr., OF), Anthony Danzi (Sr., P/OF), Damon Clayton (Sr., INF), Ryan Cicardo (Jr., INF), Robert Pero (Jr., INF), Reece Miller (Jr., P), Mason Tampuu (Jr., P), Daniel Facchiano (Jr., RHP), Joe Ussery (So., C/INF), Sal Gioia (So., OF), Anthony Mezza (So., INF)

The 2018 season seemed to get off on the wrong foot for Toms River East when ace Nick DeGennaro came down with appendicitis right before the season, but the Raiders persevered without him. Once he returned, Toms River East became an instant postseason threat, taking down Point Boro and Jackson Liberty in the Ocean County Tournament and Red Bank Catholic in the Shore Conference Tournament behind DeGennaro’s powerful right arm. Toms River East doesn’t quite have a dynamic arm like the one DeGennaro unleashed on the Shore Conference for the better part of a month but the Raiders already showed they can band together without him last year.

Of course, DeGennaro is not the only player second-year coach Keith Smicklo is looking to replace. The Raiders also graduated No. 2 starter and center fielder Brad Brush, two more starting outfielders, and lost their double-play combination with the graduation of Shaun Sullivan and the transfer or Ahmier Cournier. Toms River East does, however, bring back three starters who were productive last year and none of the three are seniors. Junior Ryan Goodall hit .365 with six doubles, a home run and 17 RBI while splitting time between catcher and outfield. Junior right-hander Matt Santos was the team’s most consistent pitcher outside of DeGennaro and held his own at the plate as will. Sophomore Aidan Meola was one of the five best hitters on the team as a freshman and also showed off a great glove at third base as well.

Senior left-hander Brandon Coyle will be a key piece for Toms River East this year as the next option on the mound after Santos. Coyle pitched 16 innings last season, giving the Raiders 57 2/3 innings back from last year. Juniors Dan Facchiano, Reece Miller and Mason Tampuu will look to pick up some more of those missing innings and the collective performance of that group is where Toms River East’s fate lies. If the pitching staff delivers, there is enough hitting ability on hand to get by in the always-rugged Class A South.

SOUTHERN HEAD COACH: Keith Cocuzza, 5th season 2018 RECORD: 7-12 (5-9, sixth in Class A South) KEY RETURNERS: Cole Markley (Sr., SS/RHP), Mike Schiatarella (Sr., RHP), Frankie Pellegrino (Sr., OF), A.J. Mandell (Sr., 1B), Aiden Hosszu (Jr., OF/3B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Dan Rinaldi (Sr., C/OF), Jack Plesniarski (So., 2B/SS/RHP), Ricky Glascock (Jr., 3B), Mike Gallaro (So., C),Xavier Hendricks (So., OF), Kevin Cooney (So., OF), Dustin Howarth (So., RHP)

It should not have come as a surprise that Southern could not come close to replicating its charmed 2017 season that ended in the Group IV semifinal game and made a stop in the Ocean County Tournament championship. The Rams lost most of the starters from that squad and had to retool last year with a lot of new contributors. After a few more graduations after last season, only one 2017 starter remains on the team.

Senior shortstop and pitcher Cole Markley is the last link to Southern’s South Jersey Group IV championship team and will be the leader of a 2019 team that has some production back in there and is gearing up to incorporate a sophomore class it hopes wins some championships along the way. Senior first baseman A.J. Mandell hit .365 at the plate and junior Aiden Hosszu is coming off a breakout campaign as an outfielder and designated hitter who kicked down the door to the starting lineup early in his sophomore season. Senior Frank Pellegrino also returns with experience in the outfield and senior right-hander Mike Schiatarella pitched big innings last season.

Schiatarella and Markley project as the two leaders of the pitching staff, but the sophomores could come into play on that front. Jack Plesniarski will play up the middle in the infield and work some innings on the mound and classmate Dustin Howarth is primed to contribute innings as well.

Plesniarski, sophomore catcher Mike Gallaro, sophomore outfielders Xavier Hendricks and Kevin Cooney and junior third baseman Ricky Glascock are projected for significant playing time and senior Dan Rinaldi offers enough versatility to play behind the plate or in the outfield. There is a foundation for a solid lineup, but Southern made noise two years ago with three dominant pitchers.

That will have to be the case again if the Rams are to make another leap in Class A South.

BRICK HEAD COACH: Jason Groschel, 14th season 2018 RECORD: 6-16 (2-12, eighth in Class A South) KEY RETURNERS: Cole Groschel (Sr., CF), Jimmy Leblo (Sr., RF/LHP), Joe Carchio (Sr., LF/3B/RHP), Anthony Prato (Jr., SS/2B), Ethan Gonzalez (So., LHP), Rob Page (Jr., RHP), Christian Malta (Sr., 1B), Tyler Skurat (Sr., 3B/RHP), KEY NEWCOMERS: Tom Powell (Sr., RHP/2B), Jake Thrunk (Sr., C), Dave Candiloro (Sr., C), Tyler Knowsley (Sr., P), Dan Scheri (Jr., C/2B), John Costanza (Jr., 1B), Nick Guiro (Jr., P/SS), Mike Salvato (Jr., P/3B), Jared Caposello (Jr., OF), Kyle Chirichello (Jr., P/1B), Ryan Duffy (So., UTIL), Jesse Evensen (So., SS/P), John McFadden (So., P), John Wade (So., P/1B/3B), Jake Bilheimer (So., P), Rob Blair (So., C)

Being the best last-place team in the Shore Conference is not a distinction that any team is looking to earn but it’s fair to say Brick was the Shore’s best team to finish in last place in 2018,

with the Green Dragons owning a slight edge over Long Branch out of Class B North. Brick was competitive throughout its Class A South schedule and the players who are back from that team should be adjusted to the grind that is ahead of them.

Unfortunately, the best producers from last year’s team graduated. Only two of the returning position players hit above .200 last year and neither Joe Carchio (.212 in 33 at-bats) nor Tyler Skurat (.250 in 24 at-bats) picked up more than 33 at-bats. Senior center fielder Cole Groschel – son of head coach Jay Groschel – accounted for three of the six extra-base hits that Brick returns to the lineup, one of which was a triple. The other three came on a double by senior outfielder Jimmy Leblo and a double and a triple from junior shortstop Anthony Prato. Prato appears to be a strong bet to emerge as Brick’s top all-around threat outside the pitching staff, with Groschel, Leblo and Carchio all looking at breakout years at the plate as well.

Brick’s returning one-two punch of Ethan Gonzalez and Rob Page on the mound should keep the Green Dragons competitive. Both were underclassmen last season and are set up to be even better in 2019 after the two had nearly-identical seasons in 2018. Gonzalez, a sophomore left-hander, struck out 19 in 29 1/3 innings with a 3.10 ERA while the junior Page struck out 19 in 31 2/3 with a 3.09 ERA. If those two continue to progress, the offense will not have to go above and beyond for Brick to improve this season.

CENTRAL HEAD COACH: Jerry Frulio, 9th season 2018 RECORD: 18-9 (9-5, third in Class A South) KEY RETURNERS: Mike Masino (Jr., RHP/SS), Nick Altieri (Sr., CF), Dan Greene (Jr., RHP/1B), Ryan Black (Jr., OF)) KEY NEWCOMERS: Gavin Whalen (Jr., 2B/RHP), Jack Santora (Sr., SS), Andrew Forrester (Sr., P), Mike Ottomanelli (Jr., 3B), Sean Mullaney (Jr., P/1B), Nick Firetto (Jr., C), Rob Schneider (So., C), Fischer Senatore (Sr., P/OF), Scott Truhan (Sr., OF), Evan Agrapides (So., OF), Trevor Coltenback (So., 3B/C)

Coaches of most public school programs are at the mercy of the waves of talent that come and go and last year’s senior class at Central was one most coaches hope to get as often as possible. Central made the most of its opportunity with the talented Class of 2018, which led the Golden Eagles to an 18-win season and a trip to the Shore Conference Tournament championship game. In order to get there, Central had to take down a Wall team that was still in the running for the No. 1 spot in the Shore Conference and enters this year as one of the best public-school teams in N.J. with most of last year’s team intact.

While Wall’s team looks the same as last year, the same cannot be said for Central.

Former coach Jerry Frulio is back at the helm after Mike Casale stepped down following the program’s best year in more than a decade. As for the players, seven starters graduated from last year’s team, which got through the season mostly relying on 10 players. Among those gone are Shore home run leader Tom Ruscitti and top pitchers A.J. Smith, Colin Stacy and Ryan Galati – the latter of whom also formed the double-play combination up the middle. Tyler Aires was also a talented outfielder who battled injury throughout his senior season after an All-Shore junior year but stepped up with the tiebreaking home run in the extra-inning win over Wall.

Senior Nick Altieri, junior Mike Massino and junior Daniel Greene are the three returnees with significant experience and junior Ryan Black is ready for a greater role after a small dose of varsity time last year. Altieri will patrol center field flanked by Black,

Massino will play up the middle on the infield and Green will man first base. Massino and Greene will be among the top pitchers, with Green throwing 16 1/3 innings with a 2.10 ERA and only 15 base-runners allowed. Those four will shoulder a lot of the leadership load the incoming group of newcomers, particularly junior Nick Firreto, will have huge shoes to fill. With Altieri, Jack Santora and Andrew Forrester the only seniors on his team, Frulio can afford to be patient as everyone learns their new roles.

DIVISION LINEUP (WITH 2018 STATS) C –

ANDREW SEFICK, JACKSON MEMORIAL (.341/.371/.429, 5 2B, 1 HR, 14 RBI)

1B –

CARMINE PETOSA, JACKSON MEMORIAL (.289/.429/.433, 7 2B, 2 HR, 17 R, 25 RBI)

2B –

JORDAN ERBE, TOMS RIVER SOUTH (.386/.491/.545, 7 2B, 8 R, 8 RBI)

SS –

T.J. ROSACE, BRICK MEMORIAL (.373/.416/.614, 3 2B, 1 3B, 5 HR, 14 R, 11 RBI, 9 SB)

3B –

AIDAN MEOLA, TOMS RIVER EAST (.361/.405/.458, 5 2B, 1 3B, 16 R, 12 RBI)

OF –

ALEX IADISERNIA, JACKSON MEMORIAL (.398/.444/.519, 8 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 30 R, 21 RBI, 13 SB)

OF –

COLIN MACKLE, TOMS RIVER SOUTH (.384/.500/.616, 7 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 21 R, 23 RBI, 9 SB)

OF –

AIDEN HOZZSU, SOUTHERN (.468/.537/.638, 5 2B, 1 HR, 9 R, 10 RBI)

1B/DH –

SAM ANGELO, TOMS RIVER NORTH (.385/.529/.615, 7 2B, 1 3B, 1 HR, 17 R, 15 RBI)

DIVISION ROTATION (WITH 2018 STATS) NICK BEETEL, LHP, JACKSON MEMORIAL (6-0, 49 IP, 36 H, 21 BB, 49 SO, 1.29 ERA) JONATHAN GIORDANO, RHP/OF, TOMS RIVER NORTH (5-1, 31 2/3 IP, 25 H, 18 BB, 33 SO, 1.33 ERA) MATT SANTOS, RHP/1B, TOMS RIVER EAST (3-3, 41 1/3 IP, 40 H, 9 BB, 34 SO, 2.54 ERA) MATT POTOK, RHP, JACKSON MEMORIAL (2-0, 15 IP, 16 H, 1 BB, 16 SO, 0.93 ERA) MATT HARTSHORN, RHP, TOMS RIVER SOUTH (INJURED – DID NOT PLAY)

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish ven with a perennial non-public power like Red Bank Catholic in the running last year and a deep stable of competitive teams, Wall blew away the competition in the B North race and was not far off from doing the same to the rest of the Shore Conference. The Crimson Knights return as much talent as any public school team in the state and a repeat as the Class B North champion only scratches the surface of what the Crimson Knights expect to accomplish.

E

Realignment has chanced the look of Class B North and a couple of teams from last season that were set up to have big seasons are gone. Despite that, there are six teams after Wall that all look poised to challenge for the No. 2 spot in the division based on what they bring back and while there appears to be an overwhelming favorite in the division, the race for No. 2 should be intense and could very well involve a team or two knocking off Wall in the process.

WALL

HEAD COACH: Todd Schmitt, 22nd season 2018 RECORD: 22-6 (13-1, first in Class B North) KEY RETURNERS: Trey Dombroski (Sr., LHP), Grant Shulman (Sr., 3B/RHP), Ryan Napolitano (Sr., RHP), Teddy Sharkey (Jr., OF/RHP), Johnny Volpe (Sr., 2B/RHP), Dylan Richey (Sr., SS), Tanner Powers (Sr., 1B/LHP), David Howarth (Sr., C), Doug Wetzel (Sr., OF), Sean Nocera (Jr., C), John Iradi (Sr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Tyler Winkowski (Sr., P/OF), Drew Tidwell (Sr., 1B), Jason Bant (So., 3B/RHP), Sean Brannon (Jr., INF), Gus Setteducato (Jr., OF), Alfredo Dipaola (Jr., OF), Matt Cronson (Jr., UTIL)

For most of 2018, Wall barreled through the season as the No. 1 team at the Shore but despite being one of the Shore’s most consistent squads, the Crimson Knights once again could not find a way to turn their dominant pitching staff and balanced lineup into tournament success. Wall suffered stunning defeats in the Monmouth County Tournament (to Colts Neck in the round of 16) and in the Shore Conference Tournament (to Central in extra innings in the semifinals) and then fell to Allentown in the Central Jersey Group III championship game after spotting the two-time champion four runs in the first two innings. It was a missed chance to win a sectional championship and perhaps even an overall Group III title for a team loaded with juniors who would have had a chance to defend that title this year.

Instead, Wall’s experienced roster returns seeking redemption rather than a repeat. The Crimson Knights return their entire starting pitching staff and all but one hitter in the lineup, with only closer Jason Horowitz graduating from the pitching staff and left fielder Andy Lenneper in the lineup. Senior left-hander Trey Dombroski was last year’s star, going 8-1 with a 0.54 ERA en route to winning the Shore Sports Network Pitcher of the Year Award. Senior Grant Shulman was not far behind, not only putting up ace-like numbers on the mound but also producing an All-Shore season at the plate as well.

Senior Ryan Napolitano was another standout righthander for the Crimson Knights and junior Teddy Sharkey returns with a track-record of dominance over a smaller sample size of innings. Sharkey, who recently committed to play at Florida State, is also Wall’s center fielder and a top power threat in the conference.

OCEAN

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

HEAD COACH: Cip Apicelli, 10th season

HEAD COACH: Mike Morgan, 13th season

2018 RECORD: 13-13 (6-8, tied fourth in Class B North)

2018 RECORD: 11-8 (8-4, tied second in Class A Central)

KEY RETURNERS: Max Winters (Sr., C/RHP), Ryan Toomey (Sr., SS), Nick Callano (So., CF/RHP), Kevin D’Auria (Jr., OF), Cole Kelly (Jr., 1B), Scuba Hagerman (Sr., 3B/RHP), Kevin Schoenberger (Jr., RHP), Ian Greenspan (Jr., RHP), Michael Cascaes (Sr., LHP), Brian Yatcilla (Jr., 2B)

KEY RETURNERS: Spencer Margulis (Sr., OF/C), Luciano Fabrizzi (Sr., C), Robert Skinner (Sr., INF), Brendan Martin (Sr., RHP), Ryan Sekman (So., INF/RHP), Ryan Chin (Jr., RHP/OF), Anthony Altomonte (Sr., C/INF), Domenic Cerniglia (Jr., INF/OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Dylan Thomas (Sr., RHP), Mark Schell (Jr., LHP), Kevin Novobilsky (So., INF), Jack Fisher (Jr., OF), Nick Schneider (Jr., OF), Nick Vaughn (So., C), Matt Munoz (Sr., INF), Lucky Perrotto (So., LHP), Tyler Talbot (Sr., RHP)

Ocean was right in the middle of the Class B North pack last year and the Spartans had a season that reflected a fourth-place team in a stacked division – they won some, lost some and had a memorable win or two mixed in. The most memorable of the season was a 5-3 win over Red Bank Catholic and considering Ocean has some impact talent coming back this season, the Spartans have to feel as well-positioned as any B North team to challenge Wall for the top spot in the division.

What makes challenging Wall so difficult is the Crimson Knights have a whole team back after a 22-win season, so it stands to reason that any team that wants to beat them will have to have some established talent on hand ready to challenge the division champs. Ocean has a good deal of that with the returns of Max Winters and Ryan Toomey – two all-division players who play key spots on the diamond. Winters is an All-Shore catcher headed to play at William & Mary and also took over as Ocean’s top pitcher last year as well. Toomey is the regular shortstop who led the team with 27 RBI. The Spartans also return sophomore center fielder Nick Callano, junior first baseman Cole Kelly, senior third baseman Scuba Hagerman and junior outfielder Kevin D’Auria to a lineup looking to improve on its 129 runs in 26 games.

After Winters, Ocean brings back some more experience on the mound. Callano is one to watch as a sophomore after posting a 2.59 ERA and 22 strikeouts in 27 innings last year as a freshman. Junior right-handers Kevin Schoenberger and Isaac Greenspan will look to take the next step on the mound and senior left-hander Michael Cascaes will also look to build off a solid showing on the mound in 2018. There exist the makings of a deep, effective pitching staff as well as a core of dangerous hitters that should make the Spartans a lock to finish in the top half of the division and a credible threat to knock off the division favorite.

COLTS NECK HEAD COACH: Mike Yorke, 20th season 2018 RECORD: 8-17 (5-9, seventh in Class A North) KEY RETURNERS: Reece Horneck (Sr., OF), Rob Mannino (Jr., C), Adrian Jimenez (Sr., 3B/RHP), Dan Cowles (Jr., 1B), Brooks Condon (Sr., RHP/SS), Nick Torres (Sr., OF/LHP), Chase Masterson (Jr., LHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Coppola (Jr., RHP/INF), Logan Boag (So., OF/C), Colin Kratcher (Fr., INF/P), George Zemlanicky (Sr., OF/C), Walter Jordan (Sr., INF/RHP)

For a program with a lot of winning seasons under its belt with coach Mike Yorke at the helm and some talented players in its ranks, an 8-17 showing in 2018 was nothing short of a disappointment for Colts Neck. Even on the way to a down season, however, the Cougars still delivered some high points. After coming up just short of upsets of Manalapan and CBA, Colts Neck finished the job in an 11-8 win over Wall in the Monmouth County Tournament round of 16. After that MCT upset, Colts Neck’s season fell apart as the Cougars lost 10 of 11 games to close out 2018. The first order of business this season will be for the returning players to wash that bad taste out of their collective mouth.

Seniors Johnny Volpe and Dylan Richey are back as the double-play combination and top two hitters in the Wall lineup, setting the table for Shulman and Sharkey. Senior first baseman Tanner Powers and catcher David Howarth are back in the middle of the order as well, with Powers also poised to provide some more innings. Senior right fielder Doug Wetzel was a hidden gem at the bottom of the order and a clutch hitter as a junior while seniors John Iradi and Sean Nocera also contributed to the offense along the way.

One key member of last year’s team who might not be back is coach Todd Schmitt, who is recovering from an injury that put him on disability from work. Longtime assistant Jim Rochford has been running the team while Schmitt clears the last few hurdles before his return. Regardless of who is coaching the team, these seniors are starving for a title and have the firepower and the motivation to win every tournament they enter this season.

Wall senior Trey Dombroski

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Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

Colts Neck returns a handful of starters from one of the five Shore Conference teams to beat Wall last season and will naturally lean on that group. Senior outfielder Reece Horneck is the top returning hitter of the bunch and junior and fellow Rutgers commit Rob Mannino is entering his third season as the starting catcher. The two future Scarlet Knights will attempt to drive and offense that will miss All-Shore slugger Anthony Galason and four other starters from last year’s lineup. Senior Adrian Jimenez is back at third base and junior Dan Cowles is coming off a solid varsity debut as the Cougars first baseman.

The pitching never really materialized for Colts Neck last year and patching that up will be essential for the Cougars to flip their record. Jimenez returns with the most experience of any Colts Neck pitcher after posting a 3.06 ERA in 27 2/3 innings last season. Horneck, Cowles, junior left-hander Chase Masterson and senior right-hander Brooks Condon – who will also play shortstop – got a helping of innings last year as well and will fill out the pitching staff, along with junior Justin Coppola. Last year’s overall record doesn’t totally convey how close Colts Neck was to making major noise and if the Cougars can close out some close wins that slipped away last year and keep their foot on the gas, a bounceback season could be in order.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Dellea (Sr., P), Tristen Delaney (Jr., INF/P), Robert Lehan (Jr., P), Robert Smith (So., P), Joe Todaro (Sr., INF), Thomas Wistuba (Sr., INF), Ryan DiPede (Jr., OF), John Higgins (Jr., OF/RHP), Brian Stuart (Jr., RHP), Thomas Wright (So., P), John Furch (So., 1B), Evan Pollack (So., RHP), Jacob Ramirez (So., C/INF), Dominic McCaffery (So., P), Rocko Brzezniak (Fr., INF/RHP)

Before Raritan went on to win the Central Jersey Group II championship and nearly knock off the state’s No. 1 team in the Group II final, the Rockets had to go through St. John Vianney in the Class A Central race. The Lancers beat Raritan the first time through the division schedule and finished 8-4 in league play with a roster that got plenty of contributions from players who are back on this year’s team. Throw in a promising collection of up-and-coming talent and the Lancers have a lot to look forward to now that they are in Class B North following a long stretch in A Central.

Senior center fielder Spencer Margulis is coming off a big offensive season in which he crushed four home runs, including a stretch in which he hit one in three straight games. Margulis and classmate Luciano Fabrizzi return as the two heavy hitters from a year ago, with Fabrizzi hitting .425 while splitting time between catcher and first base. Senior Robert Skinner played all over the infield as a junior and sophomore Ryan Sekeman showed he belonged at the varsity level as a freshman and part-time player last year. Sekeman will play on the infield with Skinner, while senior Anthony Altomonte and junior Domenic Cerniglia also contribute again this year. A newcomer to watch at the plate will be freshman Rocko Brzezniak, who will play a corner infield spot and highlights a talented incoming group of newcomers.

On the mound, St. John Vianney returns senior Brendan Martin and junior righthander Ryan Chin, who will hope to make up for the graduation of two-way talent Logan Marter. Martin has enjoyed success during his last two seasons as a big-game pitcher for the Lancers while Chin looks to build on the handful of innings he got last year. Sekeman also got some experience on the mound and will be joined in the pitching staff by junior right-handers Brian Stuart and John Higgins and sophomores Robert Smith, Evan Pollack, Thomas Wright and Dominic McCaffery. The Lancers have a chance to put up some runs and if the pitching can develop quickly in front of a solid defense, they could find themselves with an edge over Colts Neck and Ocean.

MATAWAN HEAD COACH: Bobby Carnovsky, 7th season 2018 RECORD: 10-10 (6-6, fourth in Class A Central) KEY RETURNERS: Chris Gendi (Sr., RHP/SS), Jay Kalieta (Jr., OF), Griffin Falco (Jr., C), Jackson Hercek (Sr., OF/RHP), Danny Hirujo (Sr., RHP/1B), Tim Egan (So., P/OF), Ben Palumbo (Sr., UTIL), Nick Trapani (Jr., INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Ben Porricello (Jr., INF)

A 10-10 season in Class A Central might not seem like all that much but from Matawan’s perspective, it was an encouraging performance turned in by a young team missing a key contributor. Matawan’s two best performers last season were current senior Chris Gendi and junior Jay Kalieta and the two Huskies stepped up with teammate Jackson Hercek battling injury for most of the season. Hercek was limited to 18 plate appearances and two innings on the mound after performing at an all-division level as a sophomore at Matawan. Getting Hercek back healthy is the first step to a bounceback season for Matawan and consindering the Huskies were already pretty solid, that makes them a real sleeper in this division.

Gendi stepped up in more ways than one last year, building on a successful sophomore campaign on the mound by improving as a pitcher, taking over the shortstop job when he was not on the mound and turning in a solid season at the plate as well (.270, 4 doubles, 15 RBI). Kalieta, meanwhile, enjoyed a stellar season in his first varsity experience. During an all-division campaign as a sophomore, Kalieta hit .431, which was the fourth-highest mark in the A Central division and better than all but one returning player in B North – Wall’s Grant Shulman (.443).

Matawan’s pitching rotation should be strong as the top three innings-eaters from last year are back. Senior Danny Hirujo returns to the rotation after putting up a 2.72 ERA in 38 2/3 innings last year and sophomore Tim Egan tossed 16 1/3 as a freshman.

Hercek will join the trio of Gendi, Hirujo and Egan to form a formidable four-man staff that should make Matawan one of the division’s more consistent teams. On top of that, junior Griffin Falco will handle the pitching staff for the second straight year, giving Matawan experience at multiple key spots. It’s enough to make the Huskies an under-the-radar team to watch in the Shore and a strong candidate to rise to the top two or three teams in their new division.

NEPTUNE HEAD COACH: Kevin Frederick, 5th season 2018 RECORD: 3-16 (1-13, 8th in Class A North) KEY RETURNERS: Ron Cole (Sr., RHP/1B), Sebastian Jno-Baptiste (Sr., CF), John Gannon (Jr., C), Rocco Richard (Jr., SS), Jett Tinik (Jr., OF), Jack Smith (Jr., 2B), Brian Young (So., LHP/OF), Kyle Bailey (Sr., 3B/RHP), Arden Underwood (Sr., P/1B).

diamond. With a reliable one-two punch on the mound and some potential for growth in the lineup, the Bucs have the makings of a team that could make an impact in B North and in the Central Jersey Group III section.

MIDDLETOWN NORTH HEAD COACH: Ryan McCabe, 1st season 2018 RECORD: 7-14 (4-10, 7th in Class B North)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Connor Moloughney (Jr., 1B/C), Andre Harris (So., OF), Tommy Gamba-Ellis (Jr., P), Danny Moran (Fr., INF).

KEY RETURNERS: Sean Gardiner (Sr., RHP), Michael Roditis (Jr., 2B/RHP), Ryan Rozinski (Jr., RHP/OF/1B)

The Neptune program experienced two totally different feelings from the end of 2017 to the 2018 season. After the Scarlet Fliers shocked the Shore with its run to the Central Jersey Group III final and lost to powerhouse Allentown in an extra-inning classic, it seemed like a given that Neptune would be contenders for at least the next two seasons with so much young talent complementing the seniors from that 2017 squad.

Instead, Neptune endured a nightmare 2018 season in which the Scarlet Fliers went 1-13 against a brutal Class A North schedule but also managed to win only two games outside the division – which came in Neptune’s last two games following a 1-16 start. As a result, Neptune did not even qualify for the NJSIAA Tournament and did not get a chance to replicate the feel-good run of 2018.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Andrew Lombardi (Fr., C), Colin Dowlen (So., RHP/3B/1B), Tony Sansone (So., LHP/OF/1B), Dom Scerbo (So., OF/RHP), Tyler Sharkey (So., RHP/UTIL), Kernan Alba (Jr., SS/RHP), Jack Costigan (Jr., OF/C), Anthony Alfano (Jr., OF/INF), Shane Doyle (Jr., 1B), Tyler Kondratiuk (Jr., C/1B), Matt Maguire (Jr., RHP/UTIL), Jantony Rosario (Jr., C/3B/OF), J.J. Schaller (Jr., RHP/UTIL), Richie Wall (Jr., OF/2B), Khaniel Alba (Sr., LHP/OF)

While the Scarlet Fliers have a few key players to replace from last year, they still have a number of players who played important roles as sophomores and freshmen during the 2017 postseason. Chief among those is senior right-hander Ron Cole, who is committed to pitch at the University of Kentucky.

Although Cole’s performance last year was a mixed bag, he had to overcome some defensive miscues and the general malaise that comes with losing as often as Neptune did. He is still armed with a fastball that sits in the low-90-mile-per-hour range and has the big-game experience from 2017 on his resume. Fellow senior and center fielder Sebastian JnoBaptiste was also a key contributor as a sophomore in 2017 and, along with Cole, will be the key to the offense.

Juniors John Gannon and Rocco Richard also played as freshman two years ago and will be stepping up to more prominent positions this season – Gannon at catcher and Richard at shortstop. Juniors Jack Smith and Jett Tinik also return from last year’s lineup, with Smith returning to second base and Tinik flanking Jno-Baptiste in a corner outfield spot.

Neptune lost 52 innings with the graduation of Sam Draper and Greg Millaway but sophomore Brian Young and seniors Kyle Bailey and Arden Underwood each posted better ERA’s while combining for 34 innings. If that pitching trio can perform similarly in a larger sample of innings, Cole can remain healthy and the defense plays more like it did in 2017, Neptune will again be a team no one will want to see come May.

RED BANK

It’s hard to classify the 2018 season for Middletown North as anything other than a disappointment. The Lions entered the season with sky-high expectations stemming from the return of Tyler Ras, who is currently shining as a freshman at the University of Alabama after being selected by the Chicago Cubs in the 33rd round of the Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft in June of 2018. Other notable pitchers at the Shore in recent years, including several last year, have put up more eye-popping numbers than what Ras did on the mound but they were still befitting of an ace: 1.56 ERA with 68 strikeouts in 40 innings. Despite those numbers, Ras ended the season with an 05 record. Part of that could be due to a cautious approach to managing his innings leading up to the draft and the other was a Middletown North offense that scored a total of four runs during the 40 innings Ras was in the game as a pitcher.

Improving that offense will be among the goals for first-year coach Ryan McCabe, but it is one item on a long to-do list. Most of Middletown North’s lineup and starting pitching staff graduated, leaving a number of holes to fill for McCabe in year one. One of those holes is left by sophomore Danny Frontera, who was a bright spot last year as a freshman pitcher and shortstop, but will miss the season after undergoing Tommy John Surgery on his right elbow. With Frontera out of the mix this year, Middletown North will rely on senior Sean Gardiner, who is the only player on this year’s Middletown North roster who pitched at the varsity level last year, for innings. Junior Ryan Rozinski, who made a strong impression at the plate as a freshman two years ago, will also get a look on the mound.

A wave of incoming sophomores and juniors will eat up some innings as well and account for a lot of the starting spots on the field in hopes of laying the foundation for winning seasons in 2020 and 2021. One returning junior is second baseman Michael Roditis, the lone starting position player back from last year. With only Gardiner heading into his final high school season, Middletown North looks to do a lot of developing this year in hopes of jumping back into contention as soon as possible.

HEAD COACH: Nick Tucker, 6th season

DIVISION LINEUP

2018 RECORD: 9-11 (5-7, fifth in Class A Central)

C/RHP – MAX WINTERS, OCEAN (.373/.436/.542, 6 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 7 R, 15 RBI) C/1B – LUCIANO FABRIZZI, ST. JOHN VIANNEY (.425/.547/.553, 6 2B, 13 R, 13 RBI, 7 RBI) 2B – JOHNNY VOLPE, WALL (.333/.459/.402, 6 2B, 19 R, 11 RBI, 14 SB) SS – RYAN TOOMEY, OCEAN (.362/.469/.450, 7 2B, 15 R, 27 RBI, 4 SB) 3B/RHP – GRANT SHULMAN, WALL (.449/.490/.674, 7 2B, 2 3B, 3 HR, 17 R, 26 RBI, 5 SB) OF/C – SPENCER MARGULIS, ST. JOHN VIANNEY (.276/.382/.603, 5 2B, 1 3B, 4 HR, 19 R, 14 RBI, 9 SB) OF – JAY KALIETA, MATAWAN (.431/.532/.508, 3 2B, 1 3B, 23 R, 13 RBI, 15 SB) OF – REECE HORNECK, COLTS NECK (.261/.375/.435, 4 2B, 1 3B, 2 HR, 19 R, 16 RBI, 15 SB) OF/RHP – TEDDY SHARKEY, WALL (.296/.426/.494, 7 2B, 3 HR, 21 R, 24 RBI, 5 SB)

KEY RETURNERS: Jack Povey (Sr., RHP/INF), Aidan Kelly (Sr., SS), Luke Jurek (Sr., OF), Colin Chatto (Sr., C/3B), Max Stamer (Jr., LHP/OF), Andrew Glauber (So., RHP/INF), C.J. Paolino (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Sean O’Mara (So., INF), Jack McCabe (Jr., RHP), Joe Pallante (Jr., OF/RHP), Ryan Lahey (Jr., RHP/C/INF), Doug Scales (Jr., RHP), Nick Ferrogine (So., RHP), Kyle Weisman (Jr., RHP/INF), Mike Gilson (Sr., OF), Gavin Mahoney (Sr., OF)

On paper, Red Bank’s roster has a lot of similarities to Neptune.

The Bucs turned in a memorable postseason performance two years ago when they reached the North Jersey Section 2 Group III semifinals as a No. 15 seed after beating Middletown North in a 15-inning marathon. Last year, while their 9-11 record was much better than Neptune’s 3-16, the Bucs also missed qualifying for the NJSIAA Tournament one year after a memorable run as a double-digit seed. The last, and likely most important, of the prominent similarities is Red Bank’s considerable list of returning starters, including a legitimate No. 1 pitcher.

Senior right-hander and Villanova commit Jack Povey was one of the stars of the state tournament run as a sophomore and followed that postseason performance up with a strong effort during his junior year. Povey’s ERA was a respectable 3.50, but higher that one might expect considering the power right-hander punched out 54 batters while walking only 12 in 34 innings. The underlying performance suggests with another year under his belt and a more seasoned defense behind him, Povey could be primed for a huge year. If he delivers, returning junior starter Max Stamer will be a suitable No. 2 pitcher after posting a 2.23 ERA in 31 innings from the left side last season.

While the pitching should remain a strength with Povey and Stamer, the offense is looking to improve after it produced only 83 runs in 20 games last season. Red Bank will miss graduates Michael Eulner and Luke Yates in the rotation and especially in the lineup after the they were two of the team’s top-three RBI men.

Senior shortstop Aidan Kelly is the team’s best defender and its most consistent hitter from a year ago, while third baseman Colin Chatto and junior catcher C.J. Paolino both posted some encouraging stats – Chatto a .406 on-base percentage and Paolino a team-high 12 RBI as a sophomore. Stamer also chipped in a .300 average and played the outfield last year, so Red Bank has some potential to take a step forward in the lineup and around the

(WITH 2018 STATS)

DIVISION ROTATION

(WITH 2018 STATS)

TREY DOMBROSKI, LHP, WALL (8-1, 64 2/3 IP, 29 H, 10 BB, 71 SO, 0.54 ERA) RYAN NAPOLITANO, RHP, WALL (7-1, 46 IP, 44 H, 25 BB, 54 SO, 2.89 ERA) RON COLE, RHP/1B, NEPTUNE (1-3, 27 1/3 IP, 30 H, 12 BB, 26 SO, 4.87 ERA) JACK POVEY, RHP, RED BANK (2-3, 34 IP, 30 H, 12 BB, 54 SO, 3.50 ERA) CHRIS GENDI, RHP/SS, MATAWAN (4-3, 42 2/3, 41 H, 16 BB, 33 SO, 2.13 ERA) Photo by: Richard O’Donnell www.richardodonnellphotography.com

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish or decades, St. Rose tormented the rest of the Class B Central division by winning championship after champions, save for a few noteworthy seasons in which some team stepped up to overtake the Purple Roses. Although graduation might have brought an end to St. Rose’s dominance in B Central, realignment got to the Purple Roses first. St. Rose was bumped up to Class A Central in the latest realignment, leaving a free-for-all for the B Central title that has a chance to get pretty wild.

F

MATER DEI PREP

Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

each against Point Pleasant Beach and Mater Dei Prep before April 15. Every team in B Central is eager to take a shot at the top spot with St. Rose gone and Meyer gives his team a real shot to become the first public school to win the outright B Central title since Point Beach in 2010.

Senior Liam Riecks and sophomore Ryan Rivera give Keansburg two more capable pitchers and solid all-around players who add to the everyday lineup as well. Senior Gabe Torres was Keansburg’s top RBI man in 2018 with 22, edging out Riecks (19). If there is one question surrounding Keansburg, it regards replacing two key spots on the defense with shortstop Justin Alessi and catcher Joe Osterbye graduating. Sophomores Connor Graf, Louis Chalmers and Waylon Manoes will be part of that mix as will senior Frank Sautner. However the pieces come together, Meyer’s presence in center field and on the mound at least once per week give Keansburg a very promising outlook in Class B Central and looking ahead to the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group I Playoffs.

HEAD COACH: Pat Riddell, 15th season

PT. PLEASANT BEACH

2018 RECORD: 12-10 (10-4, third in Class B Central)

HEAD COACH: Angelo Fiore, 6th season

KEY RETURNERS: Sean Turner (Jr., SS/RHP), Brandon Sansone (Sr., RHP/3B), Patrick Mastro (Jr., CF/RHP), Chase Hardy (Sr., 2B/RHP), Rob Cassin (Sr., C), Johnny Eckert (Jr., 3B/RHP), Mike Folk (Jr., OF/RHP)

2018 RECORD: 16-9 (12-2, second in Class B Central)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Pete Gorman (Jr., OF/SS/RHP), Jimmy Cody (Sr., 1B), Jake Jacobsen (Fr., OF), Jack Olausen (So., 1B), Ashton Mejias (Fr., 1B/RHP), R.J. O’Keefe (Jr., 2B/1B)

Mater Dei is the last team to win the Class B Central championship other than St. Rose, which the Seraphs did in 2015.

This year could bring a second championship in five seasons for Mater Dei, which like its fellow division mates, no longer has to overcome perennial favorite St. Rose now that the defending division champion resides in Class A Central.

To win a division, it helps to have some pitching and while the Seraphs will have their share of questions to answer over the course of the season, they will be experienced on the mound.

Senior right-handers Brandon Sansone and Sean Turner are back to head up the rotation after settling in as Mater Dei’s top two pitching options a year ago. Sansone and Turner both top the depth chart at third base and shortstop, respectively, so both will also be important players within Mater Dei’s defense and lineup.

They will help pick up the slack left by key graduates Ryan Turner, Mike Dunne, Greg Bender, Matt Carrigy and Tom Olausen.

Center fielder Patrick Mastro is positioned to take a step forward heading into his junior season, as are catcher Rob Cassin and second basemen Chase Hardy as seniors and returning starters. Juniors Johnny Eckert and Mike Folk will move into more prominent roles this season and will both provide some pitching depth as well. Junior Pete Gorman and freshman Jake Jacobsen appear poised to win significant at-bats while senior Jimmy Cody, sophomore Jack Olausen, freshman Ashton Mejias and junior R.J. O’Keefe battle for a vacant starting spot at first base. If the Seraphs can seal up some holes in the lineup and fill in with solid defense on the left side of the infield when one of their two standouts are on the mound, they appear the most balanced of any B Central team over a 12-game division schedule.

KEANSBURG HEAD COACH: Ryan Lillis, 3rd season (15th overall) 2018 RECORD: 11-10 (8-6, fourth in Class B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Liam Meyer (Sr., CF/RHP), Liam Riecks (Sr., INF/OF/RHP), Gabe Torres (Sr., 3B/RHP), Rian Rivera (So., RHP/OF), Frank Sautner (Sr., OF/C/1B), Thomas McKeon (Sr., OF), Connor Graf (So., INF/RHP)

KEY RETURNERS: Hunter Alia (So., OF/INF/RHP), David Terra-Nova (So., C), Matt VanBrunt (So., RHP/2B/SS), Alec Glen (So., 1B/RHP), Aiden Conway (Jr., OF), Luke Testa (So., OF/RHP), Jeff Wall (So., OF/RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Joey Favatto (Jr., OF), Mihalis Hrisafinis (Sr., 2B/C), Steven Hrisafinis (So., P/OF), Kieran Nagle (Jr., OF), Aiden Jones (Jr., OF), Joe Coakley (So., OF), Will Baranello (Jr., LHP/OF), Phil Trebour (So., SS/RHP), Hunter Roselli (Fr., OF/1B), Andrew Banick (Fr.,INF/OF/RHP), Colin Matuschat (Fr., 3B)

As the last public-school team to win the outright Class B Central championship and a team that has been St. Rose’s No. 1 B Central nemesis over the years, Point Beach will certainly be among the teams looking to win the wide-open B Central race. The timing, however, is not exactly perfect for the Garnet Gulls, who graduated their top two pitchers, six starters from the everyday lineup and lost its top potential returning player to a transfer.

Last year, the next wave of Point Beach starters began to force their way into varsity playing time and this is the year that group takes over in full force. Only one senior is likely to figure into the lineup in some capacity, which is infielder Mihalis Hrisafinis. Otherwise, Point Beach will be building up a core that should sustain the Garnet Gulls over the next three years, led by a wave of sophomores. Hunter Alia, Alec Glen, Matt VanBrunt and David Terra-Nova lead that class after cracking the lineup at different points last season. Alia will man the outfield, Glen will play first base, VanBrunt will play up the middle on the infield and Terra-Nova will do the catching.

VanBrunt is a leading candidate to head up the rotation with fellow sophomores Jeff Wall and Luke Testa also returning with some innings under their belts. Junior left-hander Will Baranello will also figure prominently into the pitching staff with a chance to ascend to the top.

Freshmen Hunter Roselli and Colin Matuschat will join the lineup at corner spots – Roselli in the outfield and Matuschat at third base. With the division wide open and Point Beach’s history of restocking on talent, the Garnet Gulls are a serious contender for the B Central crown this season and figure to get to the top of the standings in at least one of the next three seasons.

RANNEY SCHOOL HEAD COACH: Pat Geroni, 1st season (8th overall) 2018 RECORD: 11-13 (7-7, fifth in Class B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Ethan Gavin (Sr., RHP/INF), Jacob Field (Sr., LHP/1B), Ben Kraushaar (Sr., RHP/3B), Cole Redman (Sr., C/1B/3B), Ryan Batista (Sr., C/1B), Charlie Chropuvka (So., CF/1B/LHP), Deven Bhatnagar (So., INF/OF), Ryan Kraushaar (So., LHP/1B/OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Chris Desantis (Jr., RHP/1B), Justin Hicks (Sr., OF), Brandon Rizzi (Jr., OF), Derek Martinez (Sr., OF), Louis Chalmers (So., C/INF), James White (Sr., OF), Jesse Berecsky (So., 1B), Waylon Manoes (So., INF), Victor Matay (So., OF), Anthony Bello (Fr., OF), Matt Keelen (Fr., 1B), Glenn Pittius (Fr., C/OF), Andrew Valle (Fr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Fabio Tessiore (Sr., OF/RHP), Nathan Aquino (Jr., 1B), Tommy Jensen (Jr., RHP/1B), Gianni Feng (So., OF/1B), Brett Wehringer (Fr., INF/OF/RHP), Lou Spadafora (Fr., OF/3B/RHP)

It had been a long time since Keansburg defeated St. Rose before last year’s Shore Conference Tournament opening round. It was then that the Titans stunned the Purple Roses behind Liam Meyer’s strong outing on the mound – a No. 27 seed beating No. 6. Now a senior, Meyer returns as arguably the top player in Class B Central and while he was not able to pitch until late April last year, the two-way senior will be ready from the get-go in 2019.

One of the reasons Keansburg will want Meyer at his best early is because the Titans have division title aspirations and two games

Since joining the Shore Conference in 2013, Ranney has had six head coaches in seven seasons. Heading into season seven as part of the Shore, the Panthers welcome in coach No. 6 and he is one with a track record of success. Pat Geroni spent the previous seven seasons as the skipper at Monroe and led the Group IV Falcons to a 104-62 record during that span, including a trip to the Central Group IV championship game in 2014, which they lost to eventual Group IV champion Jackson Memorial. Geroni hopes to help quickly move Ranney up the Class B Central standings and with most of its team back from a year ago, some more young talent entering the program and the division seemingly ripe for the taking, it may not take long for the newest Panthers coach to leave his mark.

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Offensively, Ranney brings back plenty of production from a team that came up just short of a .500 season overall and made it to .500 within the division. Seniors Jacob Field, Ben Kraushaar, Cole Redman, Ethan Gavin and Ryan Batista have all had individual success at the varsity level and that senior core got a jolt from a freshman trio that burst onto the varsity scene. Center fielder Charles Chropuvka led the trio by posting the fourth-best OPS (1.253) in the division and doing so in his first season of high school baseball. Deven Bhatnagar and Ryan Kraushaar also made an impact as freshmen, which will be the same goal for incoming rookies Brett Wehringer and Lou Spadafora – both of whom look to play right away.

Gavin leads a pitching staff that will have to improve for Ranney to make a serious play for the division title but with an extra year of experience and a coach in place who has experience leading a high-level public-school program, there is reason to think Ranney is on the fast track in B Central. How high the Panthers climb is probably a long way from being settled but at least for the moment, another season close to .500 with some improvements in the run-prevention department would be a significant step in Geroni’s first season.

HENRY HUDSON HEAD COACH: Matt Mancini, 3rd season 2018 RECORD: 4-16 (2-12, seventh in Class B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Liam Hagan (Sr., C/3B/RHP), Timmy Farrell (Sr., SS/RHP), Matt Payne (Sr., OF/LHP/1B), Casey Haupt (Sr., OF/LHP/1B), Mike Hoey (Jr., OF), Tom Doherty (Jr., OF/RHP), Mike Mohr (Jr., C/3B/RHP), Grady Hendrickson (Jr., 2B/3B/RHP), Josh Winters (Jr., 1B/RHP/C), Trevor Hendrickson (So., 2B/OF/RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Aaron Lynch (So., 2B), Garrett Shine (Jr., OF), Nick Brown (Jr., OF), Jack Crowley (Fr., OF)

With one of the Shore’s youngest rosters last season, Henry Hudson took its lumps and made its share of strides with a group that currently boasts far more experience than it did a year ago. Even with four seniors – Liam Hagan, Timmy Farrell, Matt Payne and Casey Haupt – likely to provide a large contribution at the plate, on the mound and in the field, the Admirals are still a junior-heavy team with a few sophomores and a freshman in the mix as 2019 opens up.

Hagan and Farrell are coming off solid seasons for Henry Hudson and Hagan could see time behind the plate after spending most of last season at second and third base. Farrell returns at shortstop and will be one of Henry Hudson’s top pitching options as the Admirals try to improve on a pitching staff that was still figuring out what works last year. While Farrell and Hagan helped lead a promising offense, junior Mike Mohr was a legitimate power threat and one of B Central’s top hitters as a sophomore in 2018. Mohr can also catch and will be an option on the mound as well.

Grady Hendrickson, Tom Doherty and Josh Winters are three more junior returnees for Henry Hudson, with classmates Garrett Shine and Nick Brown joining them this year. Trevor Hendrickson and Aaron Lynch lead the sophomore class and Jack Crowley will help the cause as a freshman as the Admirals look to convert some of last year’s experience into a lot more winning this season – a real possibility with the division in a state of transition.

11 extra-base hits as a team, including its only to home runs. The rest of the core of returnees will have to improve for Keyport to contend and that should be an attainable goal with Dant heading into his junior year and Hospital and catcher Sean Lachky hitting their sophomore seasons. Senior Tyler Ely also showed some savvy in the batter’s box last year and should be a top contributor.

Freshmen Anthony Longo and Jack DiPolo will help continue to move the program forward as Keyport tries to get back to the level it reached back in 2016, when it beat St. Rose and made its deep state tournament run. With some other young rosters in the division, Keyport has a lot to prove over the next several years and this season will be an indicator of how close a return to glory might or might not be.

ASBURY PARK HEAD COACH: Johnny Grasso, 13th season 2018 RECORD: 1-13 (1-13, eighth in Class B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Alex Peavy (Sr., RHP/2B), Jansi MedezGarcia (Jr., OF/P), Jamier Cancel (Sr., 2B/RHP), Jarred Chathuant (So., 3B/RHP), Jasir Walker (So., P/INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Darwin Gutierrez (Sr., RHP/SS), Exiever Chathuant (Fr., C/P)

After a rough go of it for most of 2018, Asbury Park salvaged its season by beating Keyport at the tail end of the schedule for its first and only win of the year. With some of its top producers from last season graduated, the Blue Bishops might struggle early again with some new pieces in place but hope to build up their experience and depth over the course of the season.

Senior Alex Peavy will head up the rotation this season as Asbury Park looks to find the right mix on the mound. Junior Jansi Mendez-Garcia is likely to be another top innings man for the Blue Bishops after throwing a handful of innings as a sophomore. Mendez-Garcia also led the team with three doubles at the plate last year and his two-way talent could make him Asbury Park’s best all-around player over the next couple of seasons if he continues his trajectory.

Senior Jamier Cancel and sophomores Jarred Chathuant and Jasir Walker all return with experience at the plate and in the field with some potential to absorb some innings. Darwin Gutierrez is a varsity baseball newcomer but is positioned to join Peavy and Mendez-Garcia as prominent pitchers. Exiever Chathaunt leads the program’s freshman class and will get a chance to make an immediate impact for an Asbury Park team that will again hope to surprise a team or two or three during the course of the B Central season.

DIVISION LINEUP C/3B – 1B – 2B/SS/RHP –

KEYPORT

SS/RHP –

HEAD COACH: Kyle Keelen, 8th season

3B –

2018 RECORD: 3-12 (3-11, sixth in Class B Central) KEY RETURNERS: Lucas Dant (Jr., INF/RHP), Tyler Ely (Sr., C/OF), Justin Young (Sr., OF/P), Michael Vargas (Sr., OF/P), Ean Hospital (So., 2B/SS/RHP), John Lachky (Jr., 1B), Sean Lachky (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Sayvion Campbell (Sr., OF/P), Chris Johnson (Jr., UTIL), Anthony Longo (Fr., 2B/SS/RHP), Bryan Mattos (Jr., 3B), Adrian Sabatino (Jr., OF), Jack DiPaolo (Fr., 1B/P)

Three seasons removed from a trip to the Central Jersey Group I final, the Red Raiders are heading into year two of a rebuilding project. After a disappointing 2017, Keyport had a lot to replace last year and went to work getting its future leaders some in-game experience. Junior Lucas Dant led the way with a respectable showing on the mound as a sophomore last year, when he struck out 29 batters in 29 innings while ascending to the position of staff ace. Dant, sophomore Ean Hospital and seniors Justin Young and Michael Vargas will try to lead when the Red Raiders hope is an improved pitching staff that learns from the lumps it took last year.

Keyport’s offense was also a mixed bag last season, but Young turned out to be a bright spot. The senior outfielder hit .273 with four of Keyport’s

OF/RHP – OF/LHP – OF – OF/RHP –

(WITH 2018 STATS)

LIAM HAGAN, HENRY HUDSON (.412/.673/.471, 2 2B, 12 R, 6 RBI, 16 SB) MIKE MOHR, HENRY HUDSON (.458/.559/.875, 6 2B, 4 3B, 2 HR, 16 R, 25 RBI, 15 SB) MATT VANBRUNT, POINT BEACH (.296/.424/.333, 1 2B, 5 R, 3 RBI SEAN TURNER, MATER DEI PREP (.338/.436/.476, 6 2B, 1 HR, 23 R, 9 RBI, 7 SB) GABE TORRES, KEYPORT (.323/.432/.402, 5 2B, 11 R, 22 RBI) LIAM MEYER, KEANSBURG (.390/.532/.576, 5 2B, 3 3B, 21 R, 12 RBI, 14 SB) CHARLES CHROPUVKA, RANNEY (.462/.561/.692, 7 2B, 4 3B, 23 R, 15 RBI) PATRICK MASTRO, MATER DEI PREP (.274/.367/.313, 2 2B, 13 R, 8 RBI) LIAM RIECKS, KEANSBURG (.373/.397/.508, 2 2B, 3 3B, 12 R, 19 RBI, 7 SB)

DIVISION ROTATION BRANDON SANSONE, RHP, MATER DEI PREP RIAN RIVERA, RHP, KEANSBURG LUCAS DANT, RHP, KEYPORT ETHAN GAVIN, RHP, RANNEY

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By

Teams listed by predicted order of finish lass B South may be Ocean County’s small-school division but this division should take a back seat to none other in the Shore Conference in 2019. Jackson Liberty returns one of the highest-scoring offenses in the state and has enough senior presence to make a serious challenge for every championship on the board, while Point Pleasant Boro is coming off a state tournament run that left them just a run short of winning a sectional championship as part of what wound up being an 18-win season. Both teams return just about everyone from those teams, plus Manchester and Pinelands return significant portions of their talent as well.

C

The bottom of the division might appear forgiving but both teams appear poised for improvement, making Class B South a collection of promising teams for the 2019 campaign.

JACKSON LIBERTY

HEAD COACH: Jim Rankin, 12th season 2018 RECORD: 20-5 (first in Class B South) KEY RETURNERS: David Melfi (Sr., C), Connor Keenan (Sr., CF), Alex Torres (Sr., SS), Kevin Ritz (Sr., 1B/RHP), Nick DeCarlo (Sr., RHP/1B), Scott Wierciszewski (Sr., OF), Charlie Rudderow (Sr., OF), Shane Hickey (Jr., 3B), Brandon Kinsman (Jr., UTIL) KEY NEWCOMERS: Cole Watanabe (Sr., INF), Tim Duffy (Jr., P), Ryan Gallacher (Jr., P), Gavin Maarberg (Jr., OF/C), Daniel Keenan (So., OF/RHP), Jake Hickman (So., INF), Carl Barth (So., OF/1B/LHP)

The 2019 Class has been one of the best in the short history of the Jackson Liberty program and the group of current seniors has their collective eye on what they hope will be the best season the Lions have had since 2008. Jackson Liberty reached the Central Jersey Group III semifinals each of the past two seasons and enters this year with a roster once again good enough to play deep into any of the three tournaments – Ocean County, Shore Conference and Group III. While the Lions have a deep lineup that can give opposing pitchers fits one-throughnine, senior catcher David Melfi is the clear standout. His seven home runs were tied for second in the Shore Conference and his .889 slugging percentage was third while leading all catchers. Junior third baseman Shane Hickey is not far behind after posting two outstanding offensive seasons to begin his varsity career, the latest of which produced six home runs, 27 RBI and a batting average over .400 for the second straight year. Center fielder Connor Keenan, shortstop Alex Torres and corner outfielders Scott Wierciszewski and Charlie Rudderow all return as seniors after contributing on offense last year, with Keenan producing a .423 average and 10 extra-base hits and Wierciszewski knocking in a team high 31 RBI. Junior Brandon Kinsman was also a revelation for Jackson Liberty last year, slugging .657 in 46 plate appearances and, at one point, homering in t h r e e straight games.

I f there is one area in which Jackson Liberty enters the season with some uncertainty it is in its pitching staff, which graduated workhorse right-hander Matt Pickus. The Lions relied heavily on three starters last year and will push forward with two of them back this season. Senior right-hander Nick DeCarlo is headed to Wagner with Melfi next year and with a fastball that creeps into the 90-mile-per-hour range and a hammer breaking ball, he figures to be the headliner.

Senior Kevin Ritz also had a strong junior season with a 2.33 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 36 innings. Dan Keenan and Carl Barth could make an impact as sophomores while Tim Duffy and Ryan Gallacher look to step up as juniors. If one of those four can solidify a spot in the rotation behind DeCarlo and Ritz, Jackson Liberty will be positioned to challenge for multiple titles and even if they have to lean heavily on the top two, the Lions have an offense that will win them plenty of games as well.

PT. PLEASANT BORO

MANCHESTER

HEAD COACH: Dave Drew, 9th season

HEAD COACH: Dave Beauchemin,4th season

2018 RECORD: 18-9 (10-4, second in Class B South)

2018 RECORD: 9-11 (9-5, third in Class B South)

KEY RETURNERS: Sam Collins (Sr., SS/RHP), Nick Guzzi (Jr., RHP/3B), Christian Aurin (Sr., OF/RHP), Paul Franceschini (Sr., OF/C/RHP), Sam Young (Jr., OF/RHP), Dylan Kleinfeldt (Sr., OF/P), Ryan Jasaitis (Jr., C), Nick Zbikowski (Jr., 2B/SS/RHP), Connor Kennedy (Jr., INF), Cole Young (Jr., OF/RHP)

KEY RETURNERS: Evan Scala (Jr., RF), Jack Felipe (Sr., C), James Johns (Jr., CF), Mike Conger (Sr., UTIL), Markel Hourigan (Sr., 1B), Ryan Costello (So., LF), Nick Chippisi (Jr., 3B)

KEY NEWCOMERS: John Alfonso (Sr., 1B/P), Jack Bycsek (Sr., 2B/3B/RHP), Luke Severio (Jr., OF/P), Frankie Dominici (So., INF), Nick Tuzzolino (So., OF/P), Joey Picolli (So., OF/2B/RHP)

Ninth-year Point Boro coach Dave Drew could not have drawn up 2018 much better. The Panthers opened the season with a young team with inexperience in a number of spots and just kept getting better as the season wore on. Point Boro finished second in Class B South, upset CBA to reach the quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament and made it all the way to the South Jersey Group II final. They came up just short of beating Toms River North in the SCT quarterfinal and Haddonfield in the championship but with almost an entire team back, those losses should serve the Panthers well.

Repeating success is never a guarantee but Point Boro’s one-two punch on the mound is an indicator that last year was no fluke. Junior right-hander Nick Guzzi committed to St. John’s earlier in the school year and is coming off a season in which he emerged as one of the Shore’s dominant pitchers in just his sophomore season. Senior right-hander Sam Collins does not have the eye-catching fastball of his junior teammate but his performance – seven walks, 49 strikeouts and a 1.35 ERA in 51 2/3 innings – put him in the same caliber. Senior right-hander Christian Aurin is also back after tossing 29 innings a year ago and junior Sam Young figures to take on a bigger role in the staff after solid work in spot duty.

Point Boro’s offense could get a boost this year with more of a senior presence, which could be what pushes Point Boro over the top against Jackson Liberty in the B South race.

Senior outfielder Paul Franceschini is Point Boro’s top returning bat after hitting .380 with five doubles and two triples, while Collins and Guzzi both produced at the top of the lineup and played strong defense on the left side of the infield. Aurin, Young and junior Nick Zbikowski all got significant at-bats last year and junior catcher Ryan Jasaitis and senior Dylan Kleinfelt each performed well in more limited roles that are sure to expand this year. With Guzzi and Collins returning off All-Shore seasons, it won’t take a dramatic offensive improvement for Point Boro to be even better than it was during an 18-win 2018.

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jacob Roberts (Sr., RHP), Brandon Kiddie (Jr., UTIL), Conner Ferino (Jr., C), Chris Grille (So., UTIL), Jacob Tafrow (So., INF), Blake Warren (So., INF), Ryan Riccio (Sr., INF), Dominick Racioppi (Sr., OF), Jarek Vargas (So., 1B/LHP) – transfer from Donovan Catholic

As far as scoring runs goes, Manchester should keep pace with every team in Ocean County in 2019. The Hawks return a plethora of proven hitters from a year ago, when they scored 7.1 runs per game – good for fourth in the Shore Conference behind Jackson Liberty (9.5), Middletown South (7.8) and St. Rose (7.5). While the Hawks lost a pair of capable hitters to graduation in John Simonini and Derek Schmidt, they return their heavy-hitters. Senior Jack Felipe and juniors Evan Scala and James Johns all had big offensive seasons, with Felipe and Scala each hitting over .400 and slugging better than .600.

Sophomore Ryan Costello enjoyed a strong debut last year and should settle in as another regular producer for Manchester after hitting .286 with eight doubles last year. Junior Nick Chippisi is back in the starting lineup at third base, senior Markel Hourigan will be the starting first baseman and senior Mike Conger and junior Brandon Kiddie will reprise their roles as a utility players who can start at multiple positions.

For Manchester to make the leap to the top of the division, its pitching will have to develop enough to support the dangerous offense. Manchester graduated its two most reliable pitchers from a year ago but the Hawks welcome in some help in the form of sophomore Jarek Vargas.

The left-hander was one of Donovan Catholic’s best pitchers as a freshman last season and he will be leaned on right away to pitch big innings, with Johns and Conger also chipping in on the mound. Manchester is not as imposing on the mound as the three teams ranked ahead of the Hawks but with a high-powered lineup, a marked improvement in the pitching would make Manchester a real contender in B South and beyond.

LACEY HEAD COACH: Adam Taha, 1st season

PINELANDS HEAD COACH: Justin Loomis, 1st season 2018 RECORD: 10-11 (8-6, tied fourth in Class B South) KEY RETURNERS: Joey Ventresca (Sr., SS/RHP), Noah Dean (Sr., LHP/OF), Anthony Diaz (Sr., 3B/C), Pete Hammond (Sr., RHP/1B), Billy Crawford (Sr., 2B), Bobby LeFevre (Sr., OF), Bryce O’Rourke (Jr., INF/P), Pat Apgar (Jr., P/1B), Jake Sorbara (Sr., OF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Michael Schaffer (So., P/INF), Matt Cox (Jr., INF/P), Cade Farmer (Jr., INF/P), Jack Lawrie (So., OF), Jon Levy (So., OF), Michael LoPiccolo (Sr., 2B), Ricky O’Brien (Sr., P/OF), Rian O’Rourke (Fr., INF/P), Robert Plant (So., OF), Alex Ulrich (So., C), Anthony Weedo (So., 1B)

If almost everything went right for Point Boro in 2018, the opposite can be said for Pinelands, which endured some close losses and a key injury out of the gate. Senior two-way standout and Monmouth commit Joey Ventresca injured his knee in the first week of the 2018 season, which derailed his follow-up to an All-Shore season as a sophomore. The good news is Ventresca and his talented classmates will get a shot at redemption under first-year head coach Justin Loomis.

Ventresca’s bat did not suffer after returning from injury, with the Wildcats shortstop hitting .485 in 40 plate appearances, but his pitching was not as sharp as it was during his sophomore year. A healthy Ventresca will pair with Old Dominion commit and senior left-hander Noah Dean to form a top-two that could emerge as the Shore’s best if everything clicks. Dean is also looking to improve off an up-and-down season that included 52 strikeouts in only 30 innings but came with 27 walks and a 3.73 ERA as well. One bright spot for Pinelands was the emergence of Peter Hammond as another top starting pitcher, which means the Wildcats enter the season with three proven options.

Ventresca and senior teammate Anthony Diaz will lead the offense, with Diaz returning as Pinelands’ most consistent hitter from a year ago. The other two starters will also be factors in the offense - Hammond hit above .300 for the Wildcats and Dean will patrol center field and hit in the top six of the order again this season. Second baseman Billy Crawford also had some good moments at the plate and will be an asset at the top of the order for the Wildcats. A deep group of sophomores will join the varsity group along with freshman Rian O’Rourke, which should fortify the depth behind the strong pitching staff. With a more potent lineup, a sharper team in the field and better luck on the injury front, Pinelands should be in line for a bounceback season.

Jackson Liberty senior David Melfi

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Matt Manley - Senior Staff Writer

2018 RECORD: 11-12 (8-6, tied fourth in Class B South) KEY RETURNERS: Jorden Jurkiewicz (Sr., C/INF), Miles Feaster (Sr., SS), Jimmy Roselli (Sr., OF), Sam Sramaty (Sr., RHP), Colin Trembly (Sr., OF/P), Garrett Reilly (Sr., 1B/3B), Nick Zarycki (So., RHP) KEY NEWCOMERS: Kevin Hayes (Sr., OF/P), Luke Mohr (Jr., 2B), Quint Kearns (Sr., OF), Matt Kaliske (So., C/1B), Brandon DeAngelo (So., C/OF), Jacob Bowles (So., RHP/1B/3B), Jahseh Fracasso (So., RHP/3B), Donnie Kirk (So., OF), Zach Zimmerman (Jr., OF)

While an 11-12 season might not seem all that noteworthy, it was a solid showing by a Lacey team that had to replace an entire pitching staff from a 21-win team in 2017.

This year’s squad will also have some important pieces to replace but nothing like last year’s challenge. The Lions will build around returning all-division talents Jorden Jurkiewicz and Miles Feaster, with Jurkiewicz returning behind the plate and Feaster eyeing a move from second base to shortstop with the graduation of three-year starter Keith Apostolos. Jurkiewicz is a Maryland commit and one of the Shore’s top returning hitters after scorching nine doubles, five triples and a pair of homers last season.

Seniors Jimmy Roselli and Colin Trembly return in corner outfield spots from a year ago, with Roselli bringing some legitimate power to the middle of the order and Trembly also due to help on out the mound. Senior Garrett Reilly is also back at a corner infield post, playing either first base or third base. Lacey has to replace steady right-hander Evan Wallis on the mound but returns another reliable senior in Sam Sramaty and sophomore right-hander Nick Zarycki off a solid varsity debuts. Fellow sophomores Jacob Bowles and Jahseh Fracasso will also be key cogs in the young Lions pitching rotation.

In addition to supplying the pitching staff, the sophomore class also has some potential impact offensive players as well. Brandon DeAngelo has the makings of a dangerous hitter who can spell Jurkiewicz behind the plate or man the outfield. Matt Kaliske can also catch and swing the bat while Bowles figures to help on the infield when he is not pitching. With two all-division performers already in place, Lacey has the foundation for a strong season if those sophomores are ready to step up as varsity regulars, the Lions could force their way into the division race.

BARNEGAT HEAD COACH: Dan McCoy, 8th season 2018 RECORD: 8-16 (6-8, sixth in Class B South) KEY RETURNERS: Tyler Suydam (Sr., RHP/INF), Lukas Torres (Jr., LHP/OF/1B), David MacGillvray (Sr., 3B), Matt Scott (Jr., OF), Brian Finucan (Sr., OF), Nick Danbrowney (So., RHP/INF), Colin Zarenkiewicz (Jr., LHP), Dexter Dambroski (Sr., LHP), Kyle Moore (So., C), Luke Bush (Jr., C), Max DeGennaro (Sr., 1B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Vernieri (Jr., RHP), Sean Lucas (Jr., INF), Trevor Fox (Jr., INF), Steven Meier (Jr., OF), Kenny McKeon (Sr., INF)

Over the last seven years or so, Barnegat has established a reputation for producing top-notch pitching under coach Dan McCoy. The Bengals boasted a deep staff last year but no one really emerged as the go-to starter or starters despite plenty of candidates. Two of those pitchers graduated but the two most effective starters from a year ago are back. Left-handers Lukas Torres and Dexter Dambroski were both serviceable on the mound and will help lead what McCoy and Co. hope is an improved staff that proves last year to be an aberration.

While Torres and Dambroski were the top pitching performers for Barnegat last season, Barnegat’s potential ace is, more likely than not, senior right-hander Tyler Suydam. The 6-foot-5 righthander is two years removed from an strong sophomore campaign (3.47 ERA in 36 innings) and is looking to return to that form after some struggles last year (5.71 ERA in 30 1/3 innings). Juniors Colin Zarenkiewicz and Matt Vernieri will add some depth to the rotation and sophomore Nick Danbrowney is another arm to watch on the mound.

Torres and Suydam will also lead the lineup, with Suydam making up for his pitching struggles with a big offensive season (.458 average). Torres also turned in a strong hitting season with a .354 average, six extra-base hits and a team-high 23 runs scored. The other key returning cog in the lineup is senior third baseman David MacGillvray, who led the Bengals with five doubles, two home runs, 16 RBI and a .521 slugging percentage during his

breakout junior season. Danbrowney and outfielders Matt Scott and Brian Finucan also return with starting experience and will again contribute to an offense that remains mostly intact and should help complement a pitching staff that, much like the Bengals as a whole, is looking to bounce back.

DONOVAN CATHOLIC HEAD COACH: Corey Hamman, 1st season (7th overall) 2018 RECORD: 2-18 (1-13, tied seventh in Class B South) KEY RETURNERS: Matt Morro (Sr., OF), Sam Gates (So., OF), Christian McElroy (Jr., UTIL), Andrew Connallon (Sr., P), Brandon Dupont (Sr., C), Liam Leonard (Jr., OF/P), Lawrence Zingi (Sr., SS/RHP), Eion Gilroy (Sr., 1B), Joe Payne (So., C), Bob Nosti (So., 2B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Andrew Castro (So., P), Matt Colucci (So., P), Mike Faranaccio (Jr., INF), Damian Johnson (Jr., OF)

The Donovan Catholic program has fallen on hard times and last year was about as bad as it has gotten for the Griffins. There were a lot of close, low-scoring losses throughout the season but the overall body of work – a 2-18 campaign – was one to forget. Corey Hamman now takes over the program after building up Lacey into a Class B South contender and will hope to replicate similar success. The Lacey turnaround took time and Hamman is hoping with the ability to draw a wider array of talent as a non-public program, the Griffins can get things turned around more quickly.

Despite last year’s ugly win-loss record, there is reason for optimism. The Griffins have done a fair job keeping opponents off the scoreboard in recent years and Hamman has a reputation as a pitching guru, stemming from his days as a pitcher in the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates organizations. Senior Andrew Connallon and junior Liam Leonard were regular contributors on the mound and senior Lawrence Zingi also provides time upside for Hamman and his staff to help cultivate.

The Griffins were not without their hitting highlights either.

Senior Matt Morro swung an all-division bat after hitting .469 with seven doubles. Almost inexplicably, Donovan Catholic had more success against Cubs draft pick and current University of Alabama freshman standout Tyler Ras than any other team that faced Ras and Middletown North. Brandon Dupont, Christian McElroy, Sam Gates, Eion Gilroy and Leonard all return with close to a season’s worth of at-bats in a tough B South. As long as Donovan Catholic can get back to pounding the strike zone as a staff, the Griffins should improve upon last year’s struggles and begin a climb toward the upper ranks of the division.

LAKEWOOD HEAD COACH: Gene Drumright, 15th season 2018 RECORD: 2-16 (1-13, tied 7th in Class B South) KEY RETURNERS: Justin Vega (Sr., INF/RHP), Juadae Rosario (Sr., OF/INF), Julian Guzman (Sr., OF/P), Eric Rice (Sr., INF), Jonathan Santiago (Sr., OF/INF), Miguel Torres (Sr., C/RHP), Cristian Conde (Sr., INF), Marcos Ramos (So., OF/INF), Tye Pierce (Sr., INF) KEY NEWCOMERS: Fernando Luna (Sr., OF/P), Felipe Luna (So., OF/P), Alexander Lopez (Sr., INF)

Without a lot of depth, Lakewood has still been able to compete in B South, although last season ended with far fewer wins than the Piners have produced most years. Lakewood returns one half of its one-two pitching punch from a year ago, with senior right-hander Justin Vega back atop the pitching rotation. Vega will also play up the middle at shortstop when not on the mound and hit near the top of the lineup, so he will play a large role in whatever success Lakewood has this season.

One thing Lakewood has going for it has a lot of seniors on the roster. In addition to Vega, Julian Guzman, Eric Rice, Jonathan Santiago, Miguel Torres and Cristian Conde return with starting experience and Judae Rosario, Tye Pierce, Fernando Lun and Alexander Lopes will contribute as seniors as well. Torres and Guzman will also be among the pitchers to line up behind Vega.

Sophomore Marcos Ramos returns as a starter who can plug

a spot in the outfield or on the infield and classmate Fernando Luna is in line to step up as a first-year varsity player both in the outfield and on the mound. With a fair amount of experience back, Lakewood will enter the season with designs on doing a lot more winning in 2019.

DIVISION LINEUP C– C– SS – SS – 3B – OF – OF – OF – C/1B

(WITH 2018 STATS)

DAVID MELFI, JACKSON LIBERTY (.457/.542/.889, 12 2B, 1 3B, 7 HR, 32 R, 28 RBI, 6 SB) JORDEN JURKIEWICZ, LACEY (.424 Avg., 9 2B, 5 3B, 2 HR, 30 R, 24 RBI) MILES FEASTER, LACEY (.441 Avg., 8 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 18 R, 19 RBI) ALEX TORRES, JACKSON LIBERTY (.329/.437/.521, 5 2B, 3 HR, 18 R, 15 RBI) SHANE HICKEY, JACKSON LIBERTY (.409/.480/.682, 6 2B, 6 HR, 31 R, 27 RBI) CONNOR KEENAN, JACKSON LIBERTY (.423/.528/.648, 6 2B, 2 3B, 2 HR, 26 R, 18 RBI, 7 SB) EVAN SCALA, MANCHESTER (.418/.536/.681, 8 2B, 2 3B, 1 HR, 21 R, 11 RBI, 6 SB) SCOTT WIERCISZEWSKI, JACKSON LIBERTY (.390/.484/.584, 6 2B, 3 HR, 26 R, 31 RBI) – JACK FELIPE, MANCHESTER (.417/.520/.617, 5 2B, 1 HR, 8 R, 15 RBI)

DIVISION ROTATION

(WITH 2018 STATS)

NICK GUZZI, RHP/3B, POINT BORO (7-3, 62 2/3 IP, 54 H, 19 BB, 83 SO, 1.68 ERA) NICK DECARLO, RHP, JACKSON LIBERTY (5-0, 31 2/3 IP, 13 H, 14 BB, 39 SO, 1.99 ERA) SAM COLLINS, RHP/SS, POINT BORO (5-2, 51 2/3 IP, 48 H, 7 BB, 49 SO, 1.35 ERA)) JOEY VENTRESCA, RHP/SS, PINELANDS (0-4, 19 1/3 IP, 26 H, 9 BB, 33 SO, 3.62 ERA) NOAH DEAN, LHP/OF, PINELANDS (2-2, 30 IP, 26 H, 27 BB, 52 SO, 3.73 ERA)

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATION

Contact: Steven Meyer 732-233-4460 steve.meyer@townsquaremedia.com 31

RUNNING TO HONOR OTHERS

By

Kevin Williams – Shore Sports Network Director & Kelli Hudson

T

he 9 th Annual TITAN 5K will take place on Saturday, May 11 at Keansburg High School and it’s one of the best executed 5K’s in the area with all funds directly benefitting our veterans.

R a c e o f f i c i a l s a n d o r g a n i z e r s a r e ex t r e m e l y proud of this event because the veterans who will benefit are most deserving of our appreciation as the invisible wounds of combat continue to plague those returning to the United States. The T I TA N 5 K n o t o n l y i n s t i l l s t h e importance of servitude to our countr y but also honors our veterans and teaches Keansburg studentathletes about the sacrifice others have made to protect our freedoms and way of life. The race also allows the community to come together and celebrate

those achievements while taking part in a wellness event that culminates with crossing the finish line.

Keansburg High School Athletic D i r e c t o r To m S t a r k b e l i e v e s s t r o n g l y t h a t a l l o f t h e Ti t a n athletic programs should be completing a community service project. “It doesn’t take much to give back to your community, it takes effort and a desire to do so. The lessons learned on the p l a y i n g f i e l d s w i l l t r u m p t h o s e i n a cl a s s r o o m every time and i t ’s our responsibility to make sure our student-athletes are receiving that message.”

T h e T I TA N 5 K i s a n ex t e n s i o n o f those ideals Stark and the event committee try to instill on the playing fields and in the cl a s s r o o m .

With help from s c h o o l

administrators, teachers and staff in all departments and in all buildings this small community is hitting the mark.

Keansburg alumni, current student-athletes, business owners and local residents show their support through volunteering, corporate sponsorships, donations and active participation in the event.

Together they all make a difference.

R e g i s t r a t i o n i s a va i l a b l e a t w w w. a c t i v e . d o m a n d f o r m s a r e a l s o a va i l a b l e o n t h e K e a n s b u r g High School webpage. Those pre-registered by May 5 are guaranteed to receive a commemorative t-shirt. On race day (May 11) on-site registration will begin at 7:30 with the 5 K t o s t a r t a t 9 a m a t t h e h i g h s c h o o l ( 1 4 0 Po r t Monmouth Road, Keansburg, NJ, 07734).

Those seeking additional information or interested in helping should email Kelli Hudson at khudson@keansburg.k12.nj.us. or call 732-787-2007, x4240.

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

GREAT PHOTOS seen throughout this Issue as well as our website:

shoresportsnetwork.com 32

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Scottie Lewis with Coaches Association President Mike Pourro

SCOTTIE LEWIS DUNKS HIS WAY TO A FOURTH TITLE AT ANNUAL ALL-STAR DUNK CONTEST This year's format pit five challengers against one he Ranney boys basketball team already has more hardware than any another with the top dunker earning the right to face Shore Conference boys basketball Lewis in the final. Wall junior Quinn Calabrese beat out Manasquan senior Brad McCabe, Raritan junior program ever during a single season.

T

On March 21 in Toms River, two of its top players earned a little bit more to close out the season.

Scottie Lewis won his fourth straight I'm Possible Slam Dunk Contest and senior teammate Ahmadu Sarnor was named game MVP in his West All-Star's 136-110 win over the East in the Shore Coaches Senior All-Star Game Thursday night at RWJ Barnabas Health Arena.

"A lot of us out here are friends so getting to play with each other is just a good time," Sarnor said of the All-Star experience. "At Ranney, when we go out on the court, it's a war every time. Out here, we have a good time playing with everybody. It's a lot of fun."

Lewis said he flew home from Miami - where he was working out with Indiana Pacers guard Victor Oladipo - and made it to the arena in time to successfully defend the slam dunk title he has held since his freshman year.

After winning another slam dunk title, Lewis and teammate Bryan Antoine will play in the McDonald's All-American Game in Atlanta on March 27.

"From here on out, everything is a business," Lewis said. "McDonald's practices, (Nike) Hoop Summit in April - I'm just getting prepared to knock down open shots and make winning plays in front of those NBA scouts and GM's to make sure my stock keeps rising."

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Jaylen Smith, Lacey senior Carl Swensen and Ranney senior Alex Klatsky to get a shot at Lewis.

With three chances to complete two dunks, Calabrese and Lewis each missed their first two attempts and Calabrese could not convert his third either. That meant Lewis just had to complete one dunk to win and he capped his fourth title with a soaring, one-handed windmill that earned him a perfect score of 40.

Lewis also served as a prop for his younger brother, Smith, who attempted to dunk over his older brother and Raritan teammate Tim Hayes. Smith completed a reverse dunk on his first try but could not put down the dunk after leaping over his brother and teammate.

Last season, Lewis clinched his third title by leaping over Smith for a reverse dunk, so Lewis returned the favor in an effort to help his brother reach the final.

Calabrese advanced with a pair of dunks off the bounce, one a windmill and the other a reverse dunk - the second of which earned a 37.

After Lewis finished defending his title, Sarnor helped his West All-Stars take the game over in the second half. The 6-2 Ranney senior scored 20 points during his MVP effort, teaming up with Christian Brothers Academy guard Stephen Braunstein to lead the game-breaking run that stretched the lead from 10 to 26.

I

A Memorable Day of Basketball

t was another great send-off for the seniors to cap the Shore Conference basketball season at this year’s Shore Basketball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Games on March 21st at the RWJ Barnabas Arena Toms River.

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