shore sports networks 2016 spring kickoff

April 5, 2016 Volume-VIII Issue-7

VOLUME -V I I I / I S SUE - 7 / 4 / 5 / 1 62

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

Shore Sports Network Website Features

Shore Sports Network has established itself as a leader in scholasticsports coverage in Monmouth and Ocean counties, providing morevideo highlight clips, in-depth reporting, feature stories and regularupdates than ANY OTHER OUTLET in the area.

S t e v e M E Y E RShore Sports NetworkDirector High School Divisionsteve.meye r@townsquaremedia .com7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

K e v i n W I L L I A M SShore Sports Network Directorkev in .wi l l i ams@townsquaremedia .com

Sen ior Content Prov idersBobBadders // [email protected] // [email protected]

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n Catch up on the action you might have missedn Watch video clips of everything from the

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Table of Contents

SSN Divisional

Predictions................................................Page 4

Boys Lacrosse:

Divisional Previews.....................Pages 7 thru13

Jason Groome

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

Baseball

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

2016 Basketball All-Star

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

BASEBALL1. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

9. FREEHOLD BORONot only did Freehold Boro beat CBA last year, but the Colonials beat them twice. And not only did Colonials beat CBAtwice, but they shut them out twice. Finally, not only did they shut them out twice, but they outscored them 12-0 in bothgames, including a 10-0 win in six innings. Freehold Boro returns most of its team from 2015, when the Colonials beat theNo. 1 team in the state twice and also Monroe ace and North Carolina recruit Robbie Peto on the way to a Central JerseyGroup IV semifinal appearance.

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

SPECIAL THANKSto the photographers whosupplied the photos seen

throughout this issue

M a r k B r o w nb 5 1 p h o t o g r a p h y . c o m

E r i c B r a u nericbraunphotography.smugmug.com

R a y R i c h P h o t o g r a p h yrayr i chphotography.smugmug.com

R o b S am u e l sb o o f a c e p h o t o g r a p h y . c om

B i l l N o rm i l eb i l l n o rm i l e . z e n f o l i o . c om


C l a ss A No r th 1 . Christian Brothers Academy2 . M i dd l e t own Sou th3 . Mana l apan4 . F r eeho l d Bo ro5 . F r eeho l d Twp .6 . Ma r l bo r o7 . Howe l l8 . M i dd l e t own No r th

C l a s s A C en t r a l 1 . S t . J ohn V i anney2 . Manasquan3 . Monmouth4 . Rumson5 . Ra r i t an6 . Sho re7 . Ho lmde l

C l a s s A Sou th 1 . J a ckson Memor i a l2 . T oms R i v e r No r th3 . T oms R i v e r Sou th4 . B r i c k Memor i a l5 . T oms R i v e r E as t6 . L a cey7 . B r i c k8 . S ou the rn

C l a s s B No r th 1 . Red Bank C a tho l i c2 . C o l t s Ne ck3 . Wa l l4 . O cean5 . Ma tawan6 . Red Bank7 . Nep tune8 . L ong B r an ch

C l a s s B C en t r a l 1 . S t . Rose2 . Ma te r De i P r ep3 . Keypo r t 4 . Po i n t Bea ch 5 . Ranney6 . Keansbu rg7 . Asbu ry Pa rk8 . Hen ry Hudson

C l a ss B Sou th 1 . Ba rnega t2 . Po i n t Bo r o 3 . J a ckson L i b e r t y4 . Manches te r5 . Donovan C a tho l i c6 . P i ne l ands7 . C en t r a l Reg i on l 8 . L akewood

BOYS LACROSSE1. Rumson-Fair Haven2. Manasquan3 Southern

4. CBA5. Ocean6. Red Bank Catholic7. Freehold Twp.8. Jackson Liberty9. Wall10. St. John Vianney

GIRLS LACROSSE1. Rumson-Fair Haven2. Shore Regional3. Wall 4. Red Bank Catholic 5. Manasquan6. Manalapan7. St. John Vianney8. Freehold Twp.9. Brick Memorial10. Howell

FOR ADVERTISING INFORMATIONC o n t a c t : S t e v e n M e y e r 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0s t e v e . m e y e r @ t o w n s q u a r e m e d i a . c o m

Rumson’sEmmett Jennings



Heading into the 2016 ShoreConference lacrosse season there isno question who the top team is.Rumson-Fair Haven made history last season when it won the NJSIAA Group I title with an

overtime victory over Mountain Lakes, becoming the first Shore Conference team to win a state grouptitle. The Bulldogs return most of their starters and are ready to reclaim the Shore ConferenceTournament title while aiming to get back to the state title game, this time in Group II.

The team on the rise is Manasquan, which reached the SCT semifinals last season and returns almostits entire team led by a standout junior class. The Warriors also have several promising freshman inthe fold and should be a fun team to watch.Southern graduated the senior class that put it on the map, including two-time Shore Sports Network

Player of the Year Dylan Jinks, but the Rams should still be one of the best in the conference.Longtime stalwart CBA is always in the mix, while teams like Ocean and Jackson Liberty are looking

to continue their climbs up the conference ladder.Rumson and Manasquan look to be in a class by themselves this season, but as the conference grows

so does the competition. Last season was wide open outside of Rumson and Southern, and this yearshould see more of the same from the teams ranked third and lower.

1. RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN18-6, B North champs,SCT runner-up, SJ-Ichamps, Group IchampsThe Bulldogs return the core of their team coming

off the program’s first NJSIAA Group I title asthey look to win another state championshipand make a run in the Tournament ofChampions. Senior Robbie Garavente(pictured right), a returning SSN first-team All-Shore selection who is signedto Lafayette College, leads the offenseon the attack line after scoring 80points (46 goals, 34 assists) lastseason. The entire attack line returnsfor Rumson with seniors GriffinSchultz (30g, 16a) and Henry Sillen(29g, 18a) also back to give theBulldogs arguably the Shore’s topgroup up front. Juniors CharlieCurran and Colin Pavluk should alsosee significant time. Curran scored 20goals with eight assists last season andPavluk had 16 goals and three assists.Sophomore Wyatt Feinberg rounds outthe second group of attackmen.

Juniors Bryan Hess and Matt Watersanchor the midfielders after playingcrucial roles as sophomores. Hess, who iscommitted to Lafayette, scored 23 goals andhad 45 ground balls last season while Watersscored 14 goals with six assists. Junior RyanTuorto (5g, 6a), senior Lachlan Hull (3g, 58ground balls) and junior Alex Werner comprisethe rest of the middies. Senior Butch Clarkreturns as the team’s face-off specialist.

Rumson graduated standout defenders CooperCuje and Jack Moore, but return a very goodgroup led by senior Ian Clarke (nine forcedturnovers, 23 ground balls) and junior Emmett Jennings(19 forced turnovers, 25 ground balls. Junior Dan Maloney and sophomore StephenEdler return after seeing time last season, and the group welcomes freshman TommyBavuso into the fold.

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

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

2. Manasquan5-4, B South champs, SCTsemifinalists, SJ-I quarterfinalists

The Warriors re-emerged as a Shore Conference power last season,and with almost their entire team returning plus a very promisingfreshman class Manasquan should be a championship contender atthe division, conference and state levels this season.Manasquan is led by a standout junior class that is headlined by

returning leading scorer Jarrett Birch. The attackman scored a team-high 50 goals and added 17 assists last season and is off to a fast startthis season. Junior Joe Tonkovich (23g, 17a) also returns, and the twoare joined by standout freshman Canyon Birch, who is alreadycommitted to Army. The younger Birch has already made hispresence felt with 11 goals in his first three games. Senior JoeIncorvati will also see playing time up front.The Warriors biggest strength appears to be in the midfield where they

have experience and depth. The first line of juniors Pat Felstedt (23g,14a), John Moran (27g, 22a) and Devan Carroll (19g, 12a) are allreturning starters, and another highly-touted freshman, JamesPendergist, will see major minutes. Seniors Paul Krueger, Peter DegnanIII and Conor Kinneally add depth with junior Matt Thermann servingas the face-off specialist. Freshman Riley Callahan could also seeplaying time. Senior Billy Wall is the long-tick midfielder and seniorMatthew McGrady IV will serve as a utility player.The defensive unit should also be a major strength for Manasquan

with lock-down junior Kyle LeBlanc, a second-team SSN All-Shoreselection, leading the way. Juniors Edmund Mallett, Chip Sarnasi and

Tom Meyer along with senior Jim LaPoint form a tough unit. Freshman Jack Fabean IIIfigures to be a cornerstone defender over his career and will also seeplaying time.The Warriors have one of the top goalies in the Shore returning

in junior Tom Pollock, who stopped 150 shots with a .610 savepercentage last season. Freshman Mike LaPoint is the goalie ofthe future and will see action during the season.The Shore got a glimpse of Manasquan’s potential when the

Warriors reached the SCT final four last season and gaveeventual champion Southern a stern test. With a so manyreturning starters and some potential superstars entering asfreshman, the time is now for the Warriors to make aserious run at an SCT title and go deep in the stateplayoffs.

3. Southern18-1, A South champs, SCTchamps, South Jersey Group IVquarterfinalistsThe Rams finally slayed the dragon that was Rumson-Fair Haven last

season, beating the Bulldogs twice including a 16-6 win to claim the ShoreConference Tournament title, the first for an Ocean County school. Southern hasreached three straight SCT championship games, won three consecutive Class ASouth division titles and won two state sectional titles over the past four years, butwith a program-defining senior class having graduated the Rams have plenty ofwork to do to remain in the upper echelon of the Shore Conference.The biggest loss was current University of Hartford freshman Dylan Jinks, a

two-time SSN Player of the Year who scored an astonishing 420 career pointsand was one of New Jersey’s best offensive players during his career. Alsogone are standout midfielders Chris Smith and Shawn McManus,defenseman Mike Adragna and goalie Brendan Lefanto. Smith, McManus

and Adragna were each first-team SSN All-Shore selections while Lefanto was on thesecond team. Those are some pretty big shoes to fill, but the cupboard isn’t bare inManahawkin. Several top players return and Southern has built a steady feeder programthat should inject new stars into the lineup.Senior attackman Nick Simonel l i (pictured bottom), is the Rams’ leading

returning scorer after tallying 33 goals and 47 assists last season. He’ll be joined on theattack line by junior Kyle Mulrane, who had 36 goals and nine assists last season.Sophomore Ryan McWhorter joins the starters after seeing limited time as a freshman.Junior Will Johnson is the top scoring midfielder after posting 26 goals with 10 assists,and brothers Jon and James Manzo team with him to form the first line of middies.Junior Giancarlo Disporto returns as a starter at defensive middie and senior KyleBrown should also see time.Despite graduating its top defenseman, Southern does return an experienced group

of defenders to help first-year starting goalie Tristan Farina. Senior Evan Henken, anEastern University recruit, senior defenseman/long-stick midfielder Anthony Triola andsenior LSM Gordon Von Schmidt are all returning starters. Triola is committed to HoodCollege and Von Schmidt is headed to Albright.The Rams remain the favorite in A South and are still one of the top teams in the

Shore. Their offense can’t possibly be as explosive as it was over the past four years,but their up-tempo style still has several capable scorers to keep them rolling. This isan important year for Southern’s program to prove it can sustain heavy losses tograduation and consistently compete for championships.

4. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY11-6, A North tri-champs, SCTquarterfinalistsThe Colts return their top four scorers from a season ago as they look to claim the

outright division title and make a run at the Shore Conference Tournamentchampionship.A powerful attack line will be CBA’s strength in 2016, as it features dynamicjunior Nick Casner, potent scorer Michael Carroll and solid all-around senior Shay

Walczak. Casner had 40 goals and 40 assists last season while Carroll, asophomore, had a great freshman campaign with 44goals and eight assists. Walczak netted 31 goals togo along with eight assists. Senior CologialoMuscara was a 20-point player with nine goals and12 assists last season, and will be the next man in upfront.Senior John Salcedo (17g, 13a) anchors the

midfield with fellow seniors Justin Shea-Katz andShane McGuiness. Seniors Chris Hayes and AndrewRooney, and juniors Ryan Madalone and Finn Straineround out the returning midfielders.The Colts will have to replace several key players in

the back end, and how well they come togetherdefensively will be a major key to their success. JuniorJack Koury and senior Trevor Einwechter lead the groupwith senior Gordon Paul and juniors Jack Croken andRichie Bartlewitz also in the mix. Junior Ryan McGuinesstakes over as the starting goalie.CBA should be a very good offensive team. The question

marks are on defense and in goal where they are unproven.If the Colts can be a consistent defensive unit they shouldtake the division title and challenge for the SCT title.

2016 Boys Lacrosse Preseason Top 10By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

See TOP TEN page 6



5. Ocean14-3, second placeB North, SCTquarterfinalists, SJ-IIquarterfinalistsAfter a breakout season last year, the

Spartans return their top three scorers as theylook to make deeper runs in both the ShoreConference and state tournaments.

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

Senior Alex Bravo returns as the face-off specialist after winning70 percent of draws last season while the defensive is led by junior ClaytonHauck and sophomore Richie Bianchi. Junior David Walk is back as the startinggoalie after making 145 saves with a .600 save percentage.

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

6. RED BANK CATHOLIC10-7, fourth place B North, SCTqualifiersFrank Finochio takes over as Caseys head coach after guiding Middletown South the

last two seasons, and on his staff as an assistant is Don Femminella, who was RedBank’s coach for the last few seasons. They inherit a talented team that includes SiennaCollege-bound midfielder Brett Habich along with senior attackman Alec Mintz, seniormidfielder Liam McArdle, senior goalie Matt Benjamin and sophomore midfielderJames Mele.Habich is a big, physical midfielder with a cannon of a shot, and is equally effective

shooting or passing. He was an SSN third-team All-Shore selection last season and afirst-team Class B North pick by the coaches. Mintz and McArdle had big games in aseason-opening win over Marlboro and Mele is one of the top sophomores in the ShoreConference. Benjamin gives them an experienced goalie in front of a defense that hasto account for the loss of SSN first-team All-Shore defenseman Matt Pieringer.The Caseys should be near the top of the Class B North standings and make a play

to reach the SCT final four.

7. FREEHOLD TWP.15-6, A North tri-champs, SCTsemifinalists, SJ-IV quarterfinalists

The Patriots enjoyed their best season in programhistory last season in claiming a share of the Class ANorth division title and reaching the ShoreConference Tournament semifinals with a thrillingwin over rival CBA. The challenge now is to sustain

the success after graduating several standout players.

Ryan Eichner moves up from assistant to head coach, and the former SCTchampionship winner while the head man at Red Bank Catholic has a handfulof returning starters looking to keep the Patriots among the Shore’s best. Amongthe players Freehold Township lost to graduation are Class A North Player ofthe Year Billy Sasso, SSN first-team All-Shore defenseman Mike O’Brien,attackman Brandon Nunez and goalie Matt Schroepfer.

Juniors Josh Nastarowicz and Drew Dunn, and sophomore Chris Novellareturn after playing reserve roles last season and will form the top attack line.Senior Matt Lach will also see major minutes as an attacker. Junior MikeFerdinandi is the top returning midfielder along with senior Jake Dudics andjunior Mike Colicchia. Seniors Ty Sebor and Tyler Von Nessen, along withjunior Shawn Poole, lead the defense.

The Patriots were blown out, 16-5 by Manasquan, in their season-opener,but it remains to be seen if that is a sign of growing pains for FreeholdTownship or if Manasquan is just that good.

8. JACKSON LIBERTY

11-7, third place B South, SCTquarterfinalists, SJ-III quarterfinalistsJackson Liberty’s program reached new heights in 2015 by advancing to the

quarterfinals of the Shore Conference Tournament, earning the program’s first stateplayoff victory and beating rival Jackson Memorial for the first time. With a large groupof returners at key positions the Lions look to build on that momentum and sustain a spotamong the top 10 teams in the Shore.

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

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

9. Wall Township9-7, second place Class B South,SCT qualifiersThe Crimson Knights took a bit of a step back last season after graduating its top

three scorers, but the emergence of a standout scorer and the growth of a previousreserve could have Wall enjoying a rebound season.As a sophomore Mike Steppe was a second-line attackman, but as a junior he needed

to assume more of a leadership role as the elder statesman up front. He flourished lastseason with 53 goals and 20 assists to finish top 15 in the Shore Conference in scoring.Finding secondary scoring was crucial, and that came from Michael McIntyre, whoturned in a phenomenal freshman season with 41 goals and nine assists. Steppe andMcIntyre will lead an offense that also includes senior midfielder Casey Foley, seniormidfielder Lucas Iarossi, sophomore attackman/middie Tim O’Hern, junior attackmanChris Stone, junior middie Sean Ferguson and sophomore middie Ryan Kellett. JuniorEvan Gacos is the face-off specialist.Junior Joseph Belko, who is committed to Monmouth University, leads the defense

with seniors Chris Kellett and Joe Fay and junior Jack Byrne. Senior Zach Harrell wasthe starting goalie last season but has moved to the midfield. He did play goalie in aseason-opening win over Red Bank, however. Freshmen Sean DeMott and RyanMurphy are listed as Wall’s other goalies.

10. ST. JOHN VIANNEY10-10, third place B North, SCTqualifierssSeveral teams have a legitimate claim for the final spot in the opening SSN Top 10,

and its the Lancers with their solid group of returners that get the early nod.Junior midfielder Ryan Gilfillan leads the way with seniors Tom Hanson, Conor

Zielasnicki, Joe Rice and Gary Frost, junior Tino D’Amore and sophomore JosiahWalker also in the midfield. Junior Andrew Porretta leads the group of attackmen withjunior Matt Swisher. D.J. Soriano is the top returning goalie in Class B North, and willplay behind a defense that includes second-team all-division selection Mike Stapert,seniors Mike Gentile, Andrew Solari and Andrew Falcone and sophomore Ed Sheridan.The key for St. John Vianney is consistency. The Lancers had wins over

Freehold Township, Wall and Red Bank Catholic last season but also had a fewdisappointing losses.

Teams to watch:Lacey (14-6, third place A South): Senior midfielder/face-off Ryan Mahonand junior midfielder Connor Wilson lead the way for the Lions with senior goalieMike Trezza and senior LSM Corey Spatz leading the defense.Howell (13-4, A North tri-champs): The Rebels graduated a ton and arevery young and inexperienced this season. Senior midfielder Nic Rossi leads the way.Toms River North (10-4, second place A South): Ryan Clancy, JoshFrancis, Andrew Lombardi and Tom Butz lead a Mariners team looking to build off asuccessful bounce-back season.Barnegat (10-5, fourth place B South, SCT quarterfinalists, SJ-Iquarterfinalists): Rutgers recruit and senior midfielder J.J. McKenna leads theway for the Bengals after scoring 47 goals with 12 assists last season.

To p TenContinued from page 5


CHRISTIAN BROTHERSACADEMYHEAD COACH: Dave Santos, 18th season (225-88) ASSISTANT COACH: Bill Ryan 2015 RECORD: 11-6 (6-1)NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Shay Walczak, Sr., A (31g, 12a); JohnSalcedo, Sr., M (17g, 13a); Nick Casner,Jr., A (40g, 40a); Michael Carroll, So., A(44g, 8a); Jack Koury, Jr., D; CologialoMuscara, Sr., A (9g, 12a); TrevorEinwechter, Sr., D; Justin Shea-Katz,Sr., M; Ryan McGuiness Jr., G;Shane McGuiness, Sr., M; GordonPaul, Sr., D; Chris Hayes, Sr., M;Andrew Rooney, Sr., M; JackCroken, Jr., D; Richie Bartlewitz, Jr., D; RyanMadalone, Jr., M; Finn Straine, Jr., M.

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

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 vs. Manasquan; 4/9 atFreehold Township; 4/12 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven; 4/23 vs.Don Bosco Prep.

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

2015 RECORD: 7-9 (4-3)NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IIIRETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Chris Bisignano, Sr., A; Dominic Conoshenti, Sr., D; Joseph Fifield,Sr. D; Andrew Halmi, Sr., G; Anthony Mauriello, Sr., M; Jack

Schaefer, Sr., M; Thijs Smith, Jr., A/M; Vinnie Gargiulo, Jr.,A; Patrick Gazzillo, Jr., D; Michael LoPresti, Jr., M; ColinScalea, Jr., M; Jack Becce, Jr., M; Sam Becce, Jr., M;Mike Franco, Jr., G; Danny O’Connor, Jr., D; ColinVill, Jr., D.

NEWCOMERS: Justin Cifone, Sr., M; James Lowell, Sr.,M; Nicolas San Fillippo, Jr., M; Logan Afonso, Jr., M;Matt Deissler, Jr., D; Zach Alagna, So., M; Nick DiBella,So., A; Richard Kemble, So., M; Nick Lago, So., A;Tyler Thomson, So., M; Jordan Drizen, Jr., M; MichaelFederico, J., D; Donald Friedrich, Jr., A; Mike Heck, Jr.,M; James Clarke, So., M; Dan San Fillippo, So., M.

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

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIPHEAD COACH: Ryan Eichner, 1stseason (11th overall)ASSISTANT COACHS: BobbyWagner, Mike Ferrando, Steve Gibb,Corey Rutberg2015 RECORD: 15-6 (6-1)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV.RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Chris Novella, So., A; Mike Colicchia, Jr., M; Drew Dunn, Jr., A;Mike Ferdinandi, Jr., A/M; Josh Nastarowicz, Jr., A; ShawnPoole, Jr., D; Jake Dudics, Sr., M; Matt Lach, Sr., A; Ty Sebor,

Sr., D; Tyler Von Nessen, Sr., D.

NEWCOMERS: Aidan Purcell, Fr., G; Billy Patten, So., G;Christian Elimanco, Jr., M; Bryan Kundrup, Jr., D; Kyle Keubler,Jr., D; Mike Martino, Jr., M; Keenan Murphy, Jr., D; AdrianRybaltowski, Jr., M; Kevin Hobbs, Sr., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/9 vs. CBA; 4/13 at Red Bank Catholic;4/18 vs. Colts Neck; 4/27 vs. Howell; 5/6 at Southern

HOWELLHEAD COACH: Anthony Bonjavanni, 4th season (33-21)2015 RECORD: 13-4 (6-1)NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV.RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Drew Bukowiec, Jr., A; Zach Halperin, Sr., A; Nic Rossi, Sr., M;Jason Kenny, Sr., M; Nico Lorenzo, Jr., M; Ryan Choffey, Jr., M;Cameron Ayesh, Sr., LSM; Kevin Bailey, Sr., D; Jack Noone, Jr., D;Nick Chianca, Sr., M; Chris Boncimino, Sr., D.

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

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

MARLBOROHEAD COACH: Alex Sinkovich, 3rd season (9-25)2015 RECORD: 2-14 (1-6)NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV.RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Tim Dwyer, Jr., A; Connor Leahy, Sr., M; Robert Semo, Jr., D;Blake Marabuto, Sr., D; Anthony Martino, Jr., G.

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

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

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

2015 RECORD: 10-10 (3-4)

NJSIAA SECTION: North Jersey Group III.RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Ryan Aker, Sr., A; Bryan Flannigan, Sr., A; Hayden Fairhurst, Sr.,M; Khristian Acosta, Sr., M; Brock Zenker, Jr., M.

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

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

MIDDLETOWN SOUTHHEAD COACH: Rob Grella, 1st season (18th overall)

2015 RECORD: 6-13 (2-5)

NJSIAA SECTION: North Jersey Group IIIRETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Tom Baccelieri, Sr., M; Daniel Burger, Sr., M; Dante DiGennaro,Sr., M; Jake Dorr, Sr., D; Nicholas Giodano, Sr., D; MatthewGruhler, Sr., D; Liam Honnen, Sr., A; Matt Kelty, Sr., DM; BrenanLoesch, Sr., D; Zach Nanney, Sr., M.

NEWCOMERS: Pat Walsh, Jr., A; Zach Albrecht, Jr., A; NoahDiodato, Jr., M; Mike Gallicchio, Jr., A; Jack Kaiser, Jr., D; PeterLawson, Jr., M; Matt Marino, Jr., G; Ryan Mitisiopoulis, Jr., M;John Pagliettini, Jr. M.

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

NEPTUNEHEAD COACH: Frank Palumbo2015 RECORD: 1-14 (0-7)NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III.RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Not ProvidedNEWCOMERS: Not provided

By Bob Badders – Senior Staff Writer

Team listed in alphabetical order

Colts Neck’s Andrew Halmi

CBA Jr., Attack Nick Casner


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

2015 RECORD: 7-10 (2-5)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III

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

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

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

BRICK TOWNSHIPHEAD COACH:Mark Wilsea, first season (0-0)

2015 RECORD: 11-8 (3-4)


RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Jonathan Ling, Brenen Baron, Dean Muzzio, ZacAbruzzese, Anthony DiCristina, Zion Powell, NickDeufemia, Rich Cosgrove, Zack Phillips, LiamRea, J.T. Carey, Tyler Palmer, Gavine Cole.

GAMES TOWATCH: 4/14 vs.Brick Memorial; 4/16at Toms River South;4/22 at Toms River North;5/5 at Toms River East.

JACKSON MEMORIALHEAD COACH: Joe Pienkowski, 2nd season (7-10)

ASSISTANT COACHS: Tyler DiStefano, BobWyskowski, Pat Conti

2015 RECORD: 7-10 (4-3)


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

NEWCOMERS: Dakota Neron, Jr., M; Spencer Swain,Jr., D; Anthony Gasser, Sr., A; Kyle Housey, Jr., A;

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 vs. Howell; 4/9 vs.

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

LACEYHEAD COACH: Shane Allen, 8th season

2015 RECORD: 14-6 (5-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group II

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

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

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

SOUTHERNHEAD COACH: John Pampalone, 10thseason. (120-49)

ASSISTANT COACH:Mike Jinks

2015 RECORD: 18-1 (7-0)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey GroupIV

RETURNINGSTARTERS/RESERVES:Nick Simonelli, Sr., A (33g, 47a);Kyle Mulrane, Jr., A (36g, 9a); WillJohnson, Jr., M (26g, 10a); EvanHenken, Sr., D; Anthony Triola, Sr.,

D/LSM; Gordon Von Schmidt, Sr., LSM;James Manzo, Sr., M (8g, 4a); Jon Manzo,Sr., M (5g, 11a); Giancarlo Disporto, Jr.,DM; Kyle Brown, Sr., M (2g, 2a)

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

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/5 vs. Rumson-Fair Haven; 4/7 vs. Jackson Liberty; 4/14 atJackson Memorial; 4/20 at Lacey; 4/29 vs.Toms River North; 5/6 vs. FreeholdTownship.

TOMS RIVER EASTHEAD COACH: Michael Alfieri, 2nd season (0-13)

2015 RECORD: 0-13 (0-7)


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

NEWCOMER: Tyler Budrow, Fr., G.

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

TOMS RIVER NORTHHEAD COACH: Howard Baranker, 2nd season (10-4)

ASSISTANT COACH: Bill Ryan

2015 RECORD: 10-4 (5-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group IV

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Ryan Clancy, Josh Francis, Andrew Lombardi, Tom Butz.

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

TOMS RIVER SOUTHHEAD COACH: Sean Hirtes, 1st season

2015 RECORD: 2-13


RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Tyler Sosa, Sr., M; Ethan Lucas, Jr., M; Cooper Guzzi, Jr.,M; Jacob Newton, Sr., M; Kyle Brooks, Sr., M; JustinSzomboran, Sr., M; A.J. Alvarez, Jr., A; Timothy Kaiser, Jr.,A; Dillon Simeon, Sr., D; Connor Ryan, Sr., D; DeclinMullin, So., D; Ray Camaraza, Sr., D; Johnny DeBuduo, Jr.,G; Alex Lopez, Sr., G.

NEWCOMERS: Sean Ryan, So. M; Mike Caulfield, Jr., M;Devon Murray, Sr., M; Robert Hull, So., M; Roberto Bonilla,Sr., M; Andrew Xiques, Fr., A; Justin Minneti, So., D.

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

Southern junior attack Kyle Mulrane



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

HOLMDELHEAD COACH: Dale Oehler, 1st season.2015 RECORD: 7-10 (2-5)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group I

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Chris Tascione, Sr., D; Frank Entwistle, Sr., A/M; ParkerAldridge, Sr., D; Shane Norton, Sr., LSM; ZachMarcigliano, Sr., M; Mike Lubrano, Sr., G; KevinBurmeister, Jr., M; Jack Cook, Jr., F/O; Billy DiMaio, Jr.,M; Zach Barrot, Jr., D.

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

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

LONG BRANCHHEAD COACH: Frank Pannullo, 3rd season (1-35)2015 RECORD: 1-17 (0-8)NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group III

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Thomas Kelly, Hunter Marhan, Harrison Stone, JaimeMartinez, Tyler Wolff, Lazaro Valencia, Giovanni Gagliardi.

NEWCOMERS: Troy Arentino, Ygor Da Silva, LeonardoDa Silva, Caique Souza.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/15 vs. BergenTech; 4/24 at NEW Egypt.

OCEANHEAD COACH: WarrenTowns, 8th season (45-75)2015 RECORD: 14-3 (7-1)

NJSIAA SECTION: SouthJersey Group II

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

NEWCOMERS: Kyle Cascaes, Sr., D;Trevor Hayes, Sr., D; Cole Conti, Jr.,M; Jesse Giannotti, Jr., M; GraysonHurley, Jr., M; Trevor Kraeutler, Jr.,D; Andre Worthington, So., D; HoldenLowe, Fr., A; Mike Niess, Fr., M; MikeKircher, Fr., M.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/22 vs. St.John Vianney; 4/27 at Shore; 4/30 vs.Rumson-Fair Haven; 5/6 vs. Red Bank

Catholic.

RANNEYHEAD COACH:Denis Noonan, 2nd season (2-10)2015 RECORD: 2-10 (1-7)

NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public B

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Jack Torpey, So., A; Eric Stavola, So., M; Max Bonavento,So., D; Noah Ayers, Jr., M; Matt Torpey, Jr., A; MylesFishcer, Jr., D.

NEWCOMERS: Ian Dobrynski, Jr., G; Marc Greenstein, So., M.

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

RED BANK CATHOLICHEAD COACH: Frank Finochio, 1stseason (3rd overall 11-23)ASSISTANT COACH: Don Femminella,Zack Cooper2015 RECORD: 10-7 (5-3)NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A

RETURNINGSTARTERS/RESERVES:Brett Habich, Sr., M; Matt Benjamin, Sr., G;Alec Mintz, Sr., A; Liam McArdle, Sr., M;James Mele, So., M.

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

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/13 vs. FreeholdTownship; 4/15 vs. Red Bank; 4/23 vs. Shore; 4/26 atRumson-Fair Haven; 5/4 at St. John Vianney; 5/6 atOcean.

RED BANK REGIONALHEAD COACH: Kevin Main, 1st season2015 RECORD: 10-12 (4-4)


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

NEWCOMERS: Seamus Cochrane, So., A; AnthonyBuonantuono, So., D., Will Spencer, So. M; Dean Hottmann,Fr., M, Richard Dane, So., D; Sam Goldzweig, So., D; DanBonanno, So., A; John Quinn, So., A; Matt Gibson, Fr., G.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 vs. Lacey; 4/11 vs. ColtsNeck; 4/13 vs. St. John Vianney; 4/15 at Red Bank Catholic;4/19 vs. Ocean; 4/25 vs. Freehold Township; 4/29 vs.Rumson-Fair Haven.

RUMSON-FAIR HAVENHEAD COACH: Andy Eastwood, 3rd season (35-11)ASSISTANT COACH: Kevin Pfister2015 RECORD: 18-7 (8-0)


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

Maloney, Jr., D (8 forcedturnovers, 12gb); Stephen Edler,So., D (3 forced turnovers, 14gb);

Kyle Knapp, Sr., G (60%, 113 saves);Conor Deverin, Jr., G (70%, 106 saves)

NEWCOMERS: Tommy Bavuso, Fr.,D; Alex Werner, Jr., M (1g, 5a, 3gb);Wyatt Feinberg, So., A (3g, 3a, 4gb);Daniel Browne, Sr., G (80%, 16saves)

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/5 atSouthern; 4/9 at St. John Vianney;4/12 at CBA; 4/21 vs. St.Augustine Prep; 4/23 vs. BergenCatholic; 4/26 vs. Red BankCatholic; 4/30 at Ocean; 5/5 vs. St.Peter’s Prep; 5/7 vs. Bridgwater-Raritan.



Ocean Sr. Mid Connor Daly Rumson Sr., Attackman Griffin Schultz

RBC Sr. Midfielder Brett Habich


SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM 1 1

ST. JOHN VIANNEYHEAD COACH: Mike Dowd, 7th season(27th overall 227-198)

ASSISTANT COACH: Mike Dowd Jr., Alex Legge

2015 RECORD: 10-0 (6-2)

NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A

RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:D.J. Soriano, Sr., G; Mike Gentile, Sr., D; Mike Stapert, Sr., d; Tom Hanson, Sr., M; ConorZielasnicki, Sr., M; Joe Rice, Sr., M; Gary Frost, Sr., M; Andrew Solari, Sr., D; AndrewFalcone, Sr., D; Ryan Gilfillan, Jr., M; Andrew Porretta, Jr., A; Tino D’Amore, Jr., M; MattSwisher, Jr., A; Ed Sheridan, So., D; Josiah Walker, So., M.

NEWCOMERS: Jacob White, Sr., D; Chris Kelly, Jr., A; Nick Peckyno, So., M; NickMoss, Jr., M; Dominick Spano, So., M; C.J. Hanson, Fr., D; Mike Noble, Fr., D.

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

SHOREHEAD COACH: Gregg Malfa, 5th season (42-45)ASSISTANT COACH: Mark Costantino2015 RECORD: 6-12 (2-6)

NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group I

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

NEWCOMERS: Jack Brignola, Jr., G; Angelo Marone, Sr., A; Duke Russo, Sr., M; JustinValerio, Sr., M; Trevor Houlis, Sr., M; Jared Graff, Sr., M; Josh Campi, Jr., M; GilGoldsmith, Fr., A/M; Jack McCrae, Fr., M; Tom Bocco, Fr., A/M; Jake Turner, Fr., M; NickCrochet, Fr., A.

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

BARNEGAT

HEAD COACH: Ryan Dalon, 11th season (54-106)2015 RECORD: 10-5 (4-2)


RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:J.J. McKenna, Sr., M (47g, 12a); Ryan Reynolds, Sr., A(22g, 13a); Joe Jinks, Sr., M; Tristan Potts, Sr., A; RyanParker, Sr., D; Phil Wambach, Sr., D; Kyle Kessinger, Jr., G(104 saves); Joe Monaco, Jr., M; Jake Nagy, Sr., D; BrandonDenigris, Jr., D.

NEWCOMERS: Frank Sweet, Jr., M; Ryan Flaherty, So.,M; Tyler Shearer, Jr., M; Brendan Murphy, Sr., A; DylanCorbett, So., A; Kyle Rodmell, Sr., D.

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

DONOVAN CATHOLICHEAD COACH:Michael Santos, 1st season2015 RECORD: 5-10 (1-5)NJSIAA SECTION: Non-Public A

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

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

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

JACKSON LIBERTYHEAD COACH: Anthony Dzienkiewicz, 3rd season (15-20)2015 RECORD: 11-7 (4-2)


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

NEWCOMERS: George Freuh, Jr.; StevenSchuster, Sr.

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7 at Southern;4/9 vs. Wall; 4/11 vs. Lacey; 4/15 vs.Manasquan; 4/18 at Jackson Memorial;4/27 at Barnegat.

MANASQUANHEAD COACH: Sean Cunningham, 2ndseason (15-4)ASSISTANT COACH: TomRussiniello2015 RECORD: 15-4 (6-0)

NJSIAA SECTION: South JerseyGroup II

RETURNINGSTARTERS/RESERVES:Jarrett Birch, Jr., A (50g, 17a);Kyle LeBlanc, Jr., D; TomPollock, Jr., G (61%, 150 saves);Pat Felstedt, Jr., M (23g, 14a); JoeTonkovich, Jr., A (23g, 17a); John Moran,Jr., M (27g, 22a); Devan Carroll, Jr., M(19g, 12a); Edmund Mallett, Jr., D; ChipSarnasi, Jr., D; Tom Meyer, Jr., D; JimLaPoint, Sr., D; Paul Krueger, Sr., M; PeterDegnan II, Sr., M; Billy Wall, Sr., LSM,Conor Kinneally, Sr., M; Joe Incorvati,Sr., A; Matt Thermann, Jr., M.

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

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/7at CBA; 4/15 at JacksonLiberty; 4/18 atMoorestown; 4/20 atSummit; 4/21 vs.Barnegat; 4/23 atWall; 5/6 atRidge.

POINT BOROHEAD COACH: Guy Lassen, 2nd season (3-15)2015 RECORD: 3-15 (0-6)NJSIAA SECTION: South Jersey Group I

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

Schwartz, Sr.; Nick Christakis, Jr.; Kyler Rossi, Jr.; NickDuda, Jr.; Cooper Klotz, Jr.; Nick Palazzo, Jr.;

Tanner Gordon, So.; Trevor McNamara, So.

NEWCOMERS: Sasha Dalton, ParkerRoncin.

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

ST. ROSEHEAD COACH: KevinPreston, 3rd season (14-18)ASSISTANT COACH:Ryan Heisler, JonyarAgheri2015 RECORD:7-10 (2-4)

NJSIAA SECTION:Non-Public B

RETURNINGSTARTERS/RESERVES:Griffin McDermott, Jr., A (20g,

5a); Robbie Brugnoli, Jr., G (156saves); Shane Reilly, So., A; (15g,8a); Billy Frost, Jr., M; Bobby Mahon,So., D; Hunter Harms, Jr., D.

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

GAMES TO WATCH: 4/11 at BrickMemorial; 4/16 at Barnegat; 4/20 at Wall;

4/27 at Point Boro; 5/9 vs. Donovan Catholic.

WALLHEAD COACH: Chris Knight, 11th season (89-75)ASSISTANT COACH: James Cowley,

Mike Juska, Frank Gunteski2015 RECORD: 9-7 (4-2)


RETURNING STARTERS/RESERVES:Jr., D; Evan Gacos, Jr., M/FO; Casey Foley, Sr., M; ZacharyHarrell, Sr., M; Lucas Iarossi, Sr., M; Christopher Kellett,Sr., D; Jack Byrne, Jr., D; Tim O’Hern, So., A/M; ChrisStone, Jr. A; Joe Fay, Sr., D; Sean Ferguson, Jr., M; RyanKellett, So., M.

NEWCOMERS: Will Forte, So., M; Shane Meyler, Fr.,LSM; Jack Textor, So., A; Jack Fay, Jr., M; Kyle Peters, So.,A; Connor Prindiville, So., M; Gavin Savage, Jr., D; DeanColatrella, So., M; Sean DeMott, Fr., G; Ryan Kellett, So., M.

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



Manasquan Jr., Attackman Jarrett Birch


n a picturesque, sunny, 70-plus degree afternoon in

South Jersey during thesecond week of March,Barnegat High Schoolsenior Jared Kacso hadevery reason to smile.Helmet on head andbatting gloves strapped,he slammed the knobof his bat on theground to dislodge itfrom the grasp of thedonut weight wrappedaround the barrel,which in baseball-gesture-speak means“I’m ready to hit.”For Kacso, this was his first live at-bat in

what could be a big year for the four-yearvarsity player on an individual level. He iscommitted to play Division I baseball nextyear at the New Jersey Institute ofTechnology and before that, he gets to be asenior captain for a Bengals baseball team thathas competed for division, county, conference andstate championships in each of the last two seasons inthe Shore Conference.

While players less accomplished than he is have grandvisions for the first at-bat of the season – a double to the right-centerfield gap, a line drive past the pitcher’s head, or maybeeven a no-doubt moonshot over the left-field fence – Kacsostepped to the plate ready to compete but knowing he had littlechance at all to even make contact.

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

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

Tuesday at home against Point Pleasant Borough.

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

“I want that ring,” Groome said,referring to an NJSIAA GroupII championship ring. “I amgoing to lead this team tovictory. They are ready,I’m ready. We look goodright now, so we’retaking it day-by-day,getting ready forthe first game andthen after that,just go day-by-

day until the championshipsstart coming.”

Barnegat was hardly helpless last year and mighthave entered this season with lofty expectationsanyway, but Groome’s return to his hometown highschool from IMG Academy in Bradenton Fla. –where he spent his junior high school season –transforms Barnegat this spring from a smalltown with a competitive NJSIAA Group II clubto a baseball destination. Traffic to the JerseyShore will begin to form a month or so earlythis year as scouts, coaches and fans alikeflock to Exit 67 off the Garden StateParkway to get a look at the Bengals’left-hander.

“It was a hard decision (togo to IMG) because myparents were kind of pushingme to stay,” Groome said. “But

I just felt like I really needed to go downthere to get my name out and they did a great job with me, butI made the right decision coming back. One hundred percent.”

“We’re going to have a lot of eyes on us,” said juniorshortstop Aaron McLaughlin, who is verbally committed to playat Rutgers University and says he began catching Groome whenhe was four years-old. “We’ve always had eyes on us, but notthis many eyes and not eyes this big. MLB Scouts, collegecoaches, media, and just people who want to see Jay pitch. It’smore opportunity for everybody and you can tell everyone’sexcited about it.”

If the hype that has built around Groome over the last twoyears proves to be warranted, Tuesday’s opener will be the lastopening day Groome pitches as an amateur. After a dominant2014 season as a sophomore in which he led the Bengals to thechampionship game of three different postseasontournaments, Groome made the move to IMG for his junior

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

Groome quickly became a must-see attraction for scouts and writersfrom prospect publications and as more and more scoutsconvened behind home plate, radar guns pointed inGroome’s direction, the faster and more precise the flame-throwing lefty fire his bullets right back.

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

That early-July performance wascertainly the best pitching line ofGroome’s career, but he hardly letup as the competition got tougherand the stage grew larger. He pitchedagainst a lineup of college hitters in aCape Cod League exhibition later inthe month for the New York YankeesArea Code team and later showedoff his 95-mile-per hour fastball andbiting curveball during the EastCoast Pro-Day.

Groome wrapped up his summerwith a sensational month of August,striking out six in four innings in anouting at the Area Code Games andthrowing a scoreless frame as the starter in the PerfectGame All-American Game at Petco Park in San Diego.Following that game, Groome finished the summer inthe same spot he landed on the national rankings in lateJune: No. 1.

Since the All-American game in San Diego, Groome’sprofile has only expanded. Both Baseball America andMLB.com not only named him the No. 1 high school prospectin the country, but both currently project the PhiladelphiaPhillies will tab him with the No. 1 overall pick in the MLBDraft on June 9 in Secaucus, N.J.

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

As becoming a top pick becomes more of a reality for Groome, itis becoming less likely that Vanderbilt University will ever see itsprized recruit. Groome committed to play for the Commodores inNovember of 2014 after the team made its run to its first ever CollegeWorld Series title. According to Groome, Vanderbilt head coach TimCorbin told him he was the first ever recruit who committed to coachin person, face-to-face.

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

By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor


15

his side the whole time,” said Groome, who said he spent time withcurrent Major League prospects Carson Fullmer, Walker Buehler and2014 No. 1 pick Dansby Swanson during the team’s Black and Goldintrasquad game. “I eventually went to my mom the night we got back tothe hotel and I told her, I want to be a Commodore.

“I was the first kid to commit toCoach Corbin face-the-face.That’s what he said,anyway. He wasextremely happy.”

That happiness willlikely be short-lived forCorbin as it pertains toGroome as the money

associated with the firstoverall or even a top-10 pick

will be a lot to pass up. Corbin willlikely have to settle for the No. 1 player

in the country singing the praises of hisprogram as he foregoes college baseball for a

chance to make it to the Big Leagues.

According to some who have watched Groomepitch, it may not be a long road to the Majors. Hishigh school coach, Dan McCoy, said he sees Groomeas capable of reaching the Big Leagues by age 20 anda number of more objective observers agree.

As the draft draws nearer, especially with Groomeyet to pitch in actual game action this spring, the hypeis only inflating to even more absurd levels. Just lastweek, CBS Sports and MLB Network Insider JonHeyman made waves when he cited an unidentifiedMajor League general manager who called Groomethe “best high school pitching since ClaytonKershaw,” referencing the three-time Cy YoungAward winner from the Dodgers.

When Groome and the Phillies began to line upas a potential match, baseball fans in the Shorearea had designs of catching Groome pitch for thenearby Lakewood BlueClaws, the Phillies’ Class-A affiliate. Now, it’s looking more and more likethat potential stint in Ocean County may be brief,if it is necessary at all.

“I’ve blockedeverything else out atthis point,” Groomesaid of the hype.“Right now, it’s just

me and the catcher outthere. It’s my plate, so if

you step up there, you’re introuble.”

COMING HOMEIn the middle of his dominant summer, Groome made a decision that

shifted focus to the Northeast for this high school baseball season. In lateJuly, Groome made it official: he planned on returning back to his hometown to spend his senior year at Barnegat and pitch for the same Bengalsteam that helped lead to its first ever 20-win season as a sophomore twoyears earlier.

“I got my money’s worth down at IMG and they did a great job withme physically and strength-wise, but the baseballwasn’t really that different,” Groome said. “Ifigured, ‘Why spend my senior year inFlorida when I could just come back toBarnegat?’ My dad always said,‘Remember where you came from.’It only felt right to come back herefor my senior year and graduate with allmy boys.”

A group of players who were stunned tohear of his departure a year ago are excited tohave him back, both on the field and in school.

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

“I stayed in touch with Jay,” McLaughlin said. “Italked to him every day, every time he got out of practice,he’d call me. I knew wherever he went, he would perform well –not just well, but dominate. On one hand, there was always thatthought that he might come back, but having him actually back herewith everything going on around him is a pretty surreal feeling.”

Now Barnegat finds itself bracing for a tidal wave of attentionthat appeared to subside when Groome first left for Florida inJanuary of 2015. Now that they have a Louisville Slugger,Baseball America and Rawlings Perfect Game First-TeamAll-American heading their rotation, the Bengals have anew swagger with which to pursue their usual goals forthe season.

“Everyone’s excited, from the freshmen and thenew guys to the seniors. It’s just a great thing to bea part of. To go out there and know you’re going tohave a great chance to win every single day is agreat feeling. Coming to practice, you could justtell the morale’s different.”

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

While the players are wrapping their heads around the mental challengeof playing in front of larger crowds that include Major League nationalcross-checkers and perhaps some scouting directors, the Barnegatcoaching staff is preparing for the tactical challenges associatedwith managing a pitcher who is both the team ace andlikely the future property of a Major Leagueorganization who will command a multi-million-dollar signing bonus if he is taken as earlyas is being projected.

Groome is currently being advised by Jeff Randazzo and the BallengeeGroup – which is also advising Christian Brothers Academy catcherBrandon Martorano and Gloucester Catholic two-way standout TylerMondile – and McCoy said he and Groome’s representation mapped outa tentative schedule for the ace. Among his projected starts will be in theStrike Out Autism Challenge April 16 at Red Bank Catholic and againstMondile and Gloucester Catholic on May 16 at Campbell Field inCamden.

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

It should also give the Phillies and Groome’s representation peace ofmind that his head coach knows what he has on his hands. McCoy was apitcher at Rutgers during his playing days and his son, Mark, is a left-handed hurler in the Kansas City Royals system after being selected out

of Rutgers last June. The elder McCoy has established a level oftrust with Groome to the point that McCoy can spot

slight discrepancies in his pitcher’s delivery,bark out a correction and Groome will

respond.

On the day of thef i r s t

intrasquad,McCoy is vigilantabout making sure Groomeis on top of his change-up, which iscurrently his third pitch and one thathas the potential to push him over thetop as a Major League pitcher if hecan fully harness the already-promising offering.

“Was that the change-up?,” McCoyasks Groome after the lefty tossing onein warm-ups. Groome nods.

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

SeeGROOME

page 17

SHORESPORTSNETWORK.COM


One reason Class A South has been one of thetoughest divisions in the state over the last couple of

decades is that whenever there is a loaded team at the top, it’snever easy for that team to run the table against a league oftalented Group IV and larger Group III schools. This year,there is no team that is head-and-shoulders above the rest onpaper, which could make for a particularly wild regular-season in a division that doesn’t have a bad roster.

Last year’s division champion, Toms River North, will haveto test its program depth on the mound right away, second-place Jackson Memorial and Toms River South each lost a lotof production at the plate, which should leave the door openfor a surprise team or two to break into the division race.Those three mainstays in A South certainly won’t fall out ofthe race, but the competition for the top spot should be fierceand it won’t be limited to just two or three teams.

JACKSON MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Frank Malta, 12th season

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

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

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

TOMS RIVER NORTHHEAD COACH: Andy Pagano, 3rd season

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

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

KEY NEWCOMERS: Pat Marinaccio (Sr., OF), Austin Feigin(Jr., Util), Ian Mindas (Jr., C), Jared Klecan (Sr., P), AnthonySasso (So., P/3B), Thomas Spiwak (So., P), Joe Bisogno (Jr., 1B),Garrett Rosenboom (Sr., OF), Brody Sprinkle (Jr., P)

TOMS RIVER SOUTHHEAD COACH: Ken Frank, 38th season

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

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

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

BRICK MEMORIALHEAD COACH: Evan Rizzitello, 6th season

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

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

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

TOMS RIVER EASTHEAD COACH: Dan Dietrich, 2nd season

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

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

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

LACEYHEAD COACH: Corey Hamman, 4th season

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

TOP RETURNERS: Anthony Elefante (Jr., P/INF/OF), Don Zelleman(Jr., P/INF/OF), Anthony Ruggerio (Sr., Util), Paul Carluccio (Jr., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jorden Jurkiewicz (Fr., 3B), Tom McFarland(Sr., P), Keith Apostolos (So., SS)

BRICKHEAD COACH: Jason Groschel, 11th season

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

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

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

SOUTHERNHEAD COACH: Keith Coccuza, 1st season

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

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

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

Division LineupPaul Carluccio, Catcher, LaceyBrian Markoski, First Base, Brick MemorialKyle Johnson, Shortstop, Jackson MemorialMatt Cuppari, Shortstop, Brick MemorialJoey Rose, Third Base, Toms River NorthJeff Ciervo, Outfield, Toms River NorthChad Leonard, Center Field, Toms River EastTim Santiago, Outfield, Brick MemorialTrevor Wagner, Outfield/Rhp, Toms River South

Division RotationChris Hawryluk, Rhp, Jackson MemorialAnthony Elefante, Rhp, LaceyJustin Fall, Lhp, Toms River SouthDon Zellman, Rhp, LaceyNick Degennaro, Rhp, Toms River East

Breakout Players to WatchConnor Takacs, OF/LHP, Jackson MemorialJohn Prato, CF, BrickTom Campo, INF, Toms River SouthCraig Larsen, 2B/P, Toms River NorthPat Marinaccio, OF, Toms River North

B y M a t t M a n l e y – S e n i o r S t a f f E d i t o r

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

Jackson Memorial senior Chris Hawryluk.


pulling back on it and it’s not getting that (diving) action.”

Groome digests the critique and turns loose a circle change-up thattumbles down and away off the plate, reminiscent of the pitch thatGroome’s mentor, Cole Hamels, mastered during his Major League careerwith the Phillies before being traded to the Texas Rangers during the 2015season.

“There it is,” McCoy exclaims before the ball can even pop thecatcher’s mitt.

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

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

There is one thing that IMG did not prepare Groome to do that he willbe trying his hand in this season: hitting. As a sophomore, Groome went1-for-22 at the plate with an RBI double and did not take a single at-batwith IMG last year. This season, McCoy’s plan is to bat Groome in theNo. 5 spot in the order, both in games he starts and as the designated hitterin his off days. While there isa very strong chance Groomewill have to hit at the nextlevel – the first five picks ofthe Draft and seven of thefirst eight all belong toNational League clubs –McCoy is not filling outGroome’s name in the lineupcard simply as job training.

“He puts on a show in(batting practice),” McCoysaid, gesturing towards ahousing development beyondthe right-field wall atBarnegat’s home field. “He’shits balls out to where thosehouses are. Not a lot ofpeople get it out there, but hecame back so much strongerthan he was when he left andit’s showing in everything.”

Unfinished BusinessOf all the reasons fueling Groome’s return to the Northeast – being

closer to family, representing his home town on draft day, andgraduating with his childhood friends – near the top of the list towiping out the last bad baseball memory of Groome’s career. In hislast game as a Bengal before departing for IMG, Groome walked offhis home mound as the losing pitcher in the NJSIAA South JerseyGroup II championship game against Buena.

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

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

With that loss and the ShoreConference Tournamentchampionship loss to ChristianBrothers Academy two days later,the Bengals and Groome finished

historic seasons on anuncharacteristic sour note.While the programexperienced a series of firsts inits 10-year existence – a first20-win season and first everappearances in each of the Ocean County, Shore Conference andNJSIAA sectional finals – Groome also enjoyed a breakoutseason. In 61 1/3 innings, he pitched to a 0.57 earned-runaverage, allowing just 25 hits and 14 walks while striking out107. He finished the season with a record of 6-2.

In addition to Groome and fellow Division I commits Kacsoand McLaughlin, Barnegat will trot out experience at second basein the form of junior Justin Diefenbach, center field with seniorColin O’Conner and behind the plate with senior Max Ritner.After playing in the outfield last year, Ritner is making the movebehind the plate and taking on the responsibility of catchingBarnegat’s pitching staff, which also includes Kacso andDiefenbach.

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

“I have three fastballs instead of two,” Groome said. “I have a four-seam, a two-seam and a running fastball. The running fastball isalmost like a cutter without a real sharp cut. It’s just something I canget in on the righties’ hands.

“I throw a lot harder now and my stuff is just a lot different. Mycontrol is on the money. I think people who saw me when I wasyounger will be impressed.”

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

level pitches.”

In addition to dominatingwhen it’s his turn in the rotation,Groome has embraced his role ascaptain and as someone whomyounger players in the programcan learn from and seek out foradvice.

“He wouldn’t be hangingaround with us after practice andkeeping our heads in the books ifhe wasn’t 100 percent sure aboutbeing here,” McLaughlin said.“He’d just be like, ‘Screw youguys, I’m here to do me,’ andthat’s not him at all. He’s alwayshad a strong family mentalityfrom the time we were little andthat’s all you can ask for in ateammate.”

Although Groome has plentyof people like his parents andrepresentatives looking out forhis future and is himself looking

forward to the day his name is called in Secaucus, his mind, like thatof his teammates, is on winning a first ever state title for the Barnegatprogram.

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

GROO MEContinued from page 15

Special Thanks for all the Photos:M a r k B r o w n

b 5 1 p h o t o g r a p h y . c o m

How good is this Class A North division? That couldbe a rhetorical question, but here are some

possible answers to that question: 1) The No. 1 team in thestate last year that went 27-5 with two third Team All-American players heading into this year did not even winthe division outright; 2) Between the three top teams inlast year’s loaded division, they return 12 DivisionI commits and seven players who were eitherAll-Shore, All-Division or both; 3) those topthree teams all look like seniors contenders towin NJSIAA sectional titles in three differentGroups – III, IV and Non-Public A.

Even outside the projected top three, there isa team that returns most of its roster thatreached the Central Jersey Group IV final andshut out the No. 1 team in the state twice, and fourmore teams capable of replicating that kind of success.Christian Brothers Academy enters this season as thedefending No. 1 team in the state with a good chance torepeat that feat, but the Colts are going to have a hard timegetting out of this division unscathed.

CHRISTIAN BROTHERSACADEMY

HEAD COACH: Marty Kenney,43rd season

2015 RECORD: 27-5(10-4, tied first in A North)

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

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

MIDDLETOWN SOUTHHEAD COACH: Ryan Spillane, 8thseason2015 RECORD: 21-9 (10-4, tied firstin A North)TOP RETURNERS: Johnny Zega (Sr.,SS/P), Zach Schild (Sr., C), Austin Markmann (Sr., P/INF), IanScheuer (Sr., 1B/P), Ben Porpora (Jr., 3B), Jeff Lewandowski (Jr.,OF), Dave Mangarelli (Jr., OF), Freddie Yah (Sr., C/1B/DH), JonMartin (Jr., P), Jeremy Joyce (Jr., INF), Bobby Gyurindak (Sr., P),Tom Gannon (Sr., OF/INF), Tom Frandsen (Sr., OF ), JoeMcLaughlin (Sr, SR),Transfer: Ryan Ruziecki (Jr., INF)

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

MANALAPANHEAD COACH: Brian Boyce, 11thseason2015 RECORD: 18-10 (8-6, third inA North)

TOP RETURNERS: JakeSadowitz (Sr., 1B/P), ChrisRodriguez (Sr., SS), StephenCarbonara (Sr., C), StephenHansen (Sr., CF), MikeMollica (Sr., OF), MattRosenberg (Sr., OF), TylerStafflinger (Sr., P/1B),Carmine Rainone (Sr., 2B),John Pudder (Jr., P)

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

FREEHOLDBORO

HEAD COACH: JonBlock, 25th season2015 RECORD: 16-13 (6-8, sixth in A North)TOP RETURNERS: NickLaMorte (Sr., C), Chris

Cassandra (Jr, SS), Nick Zuppe(Sr., CF), Marco Meleo (Sr., OF/P),

Tom Holdorf (Jr., 1B), Steve Rullo(Sr., P/OF), Ryan Yee (Sr., OF), Dan

Chiusano (Jr., P), James Manos (Sr.,P/INF), Todd Burger (Sr., P)

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

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIPHEAD COACH: Todd Smith, 7th season2015 RECORD: 13-14 (5-9, seventh in ANorth)TOP RETURNERS: John Carroll (Sr., 1B/P),Matt Gorman (Sr., CF), Ralph Gambino (Jr.,P/INF), Mike Pirrotta (Jr., P/1B), Brian Oliver(Sr., SS), Pete Nielsen (Sr., P), Rob Nitti (Sr.,C), Lane Shapiro (Sr., 2B)

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

MARLBOROHEAD COACH: Jim Ferraro, 8th season2015 RECORD: 12-9 (7-7, tied fourth in A North)TOP RETURNERS: Brian Reilly (Sr., 1B), Will Trochiano(Jr., SS), Matt DiSciullo (Sr., OF/P), Gene Napolitano (Jr., C),Jeremy Dyzenhaus (Sr., P), Andrew Gambardella (Sr., 3B/2B),Dylan Finn (Sr., OF), Noah Thomas (Jr., OF), Justin Kaplan(Sr., P), Jeremy Bello (Jr., P), Jared Wright (Jr., OF)

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

HOWELLHEAD COACH: Eric Johnson, 7th season2015 RECORD: 10-12 (7-7, tied fourth in A North)TOP RETURNERS: Justin Steel (Sr., C/INF), Troy Miller (Sr.,INF), James Wynne (Sr., OF/P), Connor Fey (Sr., 2B/P), BrianChaballa (Sr., P/OF), Donovan O’Malley (Sr., P/2B), MattFurlong (Sr., P), Tom Scanlon (Sr., OF), Christian Gedell (Sr.,OF),

KEY NEWCOMERS: Russell Quinlan (Sr., 1B), Grant Hackett(Jr., OF), Eddie Morales (So., INF), Mark Iacobino (Sr., 3B),Justin Jarosz (Sr., C)

MIDDLETOWN NORTHHEAD COACH: Justin Nathanson, 2nd season

2015 RECORD: 7-16 (3-11, eighth in A North)TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Capo (Sr., 3B), Tyler Ras (So.,CF/P), Walter Shopf (Sr., C), Cole Fluta (Sr., SS), Hunter Rinn(Sr., P), Phil Pecherski (Sr., P/OF), Mike Mercier (Jr., P/OF),Seth Ziegler (Sr., 1B), Garrett French (So., 2B)

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

Division LineupBrandon Martorano, Catcher, CBAJake Sadowitz, First Base, ManalapanConnor Fey, Second Base, HowellJohnny Zega, Shortstop, Middletown SouthChris Rodriguez, Shortstop, ManalapanKyle Capo, Third Base, Middletown NorthCid Porter, Center Field, CBAStephen Hansen, Center Field, ManalapanJustin Steel, Utility, Howell

Division RotationLuca Dalatri, RHP, CBARalph Gambino, RHP, Freehold Twp.Austin Markmann, RHP, Middletown SouthSteve Rullo, RHP, Freehold BoroTyler Stafflinger, RHP, Manalapan

Breakout Players to WatchTyler Ras, OF, Middletown NorthMatt DiSciullo, OF, MarlboroJames Wynne, OF/LHP, HowellNick Hohenstein, RHP/2B, CBACarmine Rainone, 2B, Manalapan

B y M a t t M a n l e y – S e n i o r S t a f f E d i t o r

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

CBA Sr. pitcher Luca Dalatri


The Class B South race was a fight to the finish in 2015and defending champion Barnegat just brought back a

hammer to bring to this year’s tussle. The return of Vanderbiltcommit and potential No. 1 pick Jason Groome from IMGAcademy in Florida makes the Bengals the prohibitivefavorite in a Class B South race that had all of the makings ofa wide-open race once again, were it not for his presence.

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

BARNEGATHEAD COACH: Dan McCoy, 5th season

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

TOP RETURNERS: Jason Groome (Sr., P), Jared Kacso (Sr.,3B/P), Aaron McLaughlin (Jr., SS/P), Max Ritner (Sr., C), CollinO’Conner (Sr., CF), Justin Diefenbach (Jr., P/INF), Anthony Lani(Jr., UTIL), Mimo Padilla (Jr., 2B), Eric Becker (Jr., RF), EvanAlbanese (Jr., OF/P), Ryan Bush (So., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nik Caputo (Jr., 1B)

POINT PLEASANT BOROHEAD COACH: Dave Drew, 6th season

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

TOP RETURNERS: Sam Monaco (Sr., SS), Frank Graziano (Sr.,OF/P), Sebastian Severio (Sr., C), Mark Leyble (Sr., 3B/P), WillFeehan (Sr., 2B/OF) Mike Falconetti (Sr., 1B/P), Tim Rossi (Sr.,P/OF), Josiah Gliddon (Jr., P), Thomas Paul (Jr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Carne (Sr., Util), Dan Daber (Sr.,P/1B), Ethan Cannon (Sr., P/Util), Mike Waddleton (Sr., OF),Damon DelPriore (Jr., 1B/DH), Justin Rafi (Jr., Util), Kyle Lauria(Jr., INF), Patrick Feehan (Jr., INF), John Duggan (Jr., OF), BenHerman (Jr., OF/P), John Sullivan (Jr., OF), Jack Brennan (So.,INF), John Duda (So., P/1B), Andrew Laspina (So., P/OF), RyanSansone (So., Util)

JACKSON LIBERTYHEAD COACH: Jim Rankin, 9th season

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

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

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

MANCHESTERHEAD COACH: David Beauchemin, 1st season

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

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

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

DONOVAN CATHOLICHEAD COACH: Bill Beining, 1st season

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

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

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

PINELANDSHEAD COACH: Rob Sanzari, 4th season

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

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

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

CENTRAL

HEAD COACH: Mike Casale, 1st season

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

TOP RETURNERS: Tom Ruscitti (So., C), Ryan Paul (Sr., P/1B),Matt Aires (Sr., CF), Joe Bassett (Sr., INF/P), Harry Eaton (Sr, O),Jared Morris (Jr., P/OF), Chris Kowalski (Sr., INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jordan Snyder (Sr., C/P), Terrence Walker(Sr., OF), Mike Bickford (Jr., INF), Mike Eak (Jr., INF), RyanGreene (Jr., INF/P), Mitch Greiner (Jr., INF), Zach Greiner (Jr.,OF), Connor Keehn (Jr., P/1B), Eric Rice (Jr., P), Jack Sudia (Jr.,OF), Colin Stacy (So., INF)

LAKEWOOD

HEAD COACH: Gene Drumright, 12th season

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

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

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

Division Lineup

Tom Ruscitti, Catcher, Central

Steven Rodriguez, Second Base, Manchester

Will Feehan, Second Base, Point Boro

Aaron McLaughlin, Shortstop, Barnegat

Sam Monaco, Shortstop, Point Boro

Jon Meaney, Third Base, Manchester

Jared Kacso, Third Base, Barnegat

Frank Graziano, Outfield, Point Boro

Kyle Malloy, Center Field, Donovan Catholic

Division Rotation

Jason Groome, LHP, Barnegat

Joe Felipe, LHP, Manchester

Zach Mann, RHP, Donovan Catholic

Tim Rossi, RHP, Point Boro

Brandon Pallante, RHP, Jackson Liberty

Breakout Players to Watch

Justin Diefenbach, RHP/2B, Barnegat

Josiah Gliddon, RHP, Point Boro

Nick Povoa, LHP, Donovan Catholic

Jason Holguin, SS, Lakewood

Jared Miller, RHP, Pinelands

B y M a t t M a n l e y – S e n i o r S t a f f E d i t o r Teams listed by predicted order of finish

Point Boro junior Josiah Gliddon



While Class A North and Class A South are typicallyconsidered the strongest division in the Shore

Conference, the top of B North was as good as the top of anydivision. The No. 2 team in the Shore Conference at the endof last year hailed from B North and it was not the one thatwent 14-0 in B North divisional play. Colts Neck went 14-0 inthe division and was not even the highest-ranked team fromthe division, a distinction that belonged to Red Bank Catholic.

Wall also acquitted itself by beating Middletown South – theA North co-champion – via the 10-run rule in the MonmouthCounty Tournament, ending the Eagles’ 14-game winningstreak. Even Ocean did its part, going 11-3 in non-divisiongames, while Matawan reached a sectional final for thesecond straight year. Class B North will bring it again in2016, with all five of those teams returning strong rosters withRed Bank, Neptune and Long Branch expecting to showimprovement.

RED BANK CATHOLICHEAD COACH: Buddy Hausmann, 9th season

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

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

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

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

COLTS NECK

HEAD COACH: Mike Yorke, 17th season

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

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

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

WALL

HEAD COACH: Todd Schmitt, 19th season

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

TOP RETURNERS: Nolan Cloney (Jr., SS/P), Regan DombroskiRBC senior SS Evan Madigan



(Sr., P/1B), Nick Maciejewski (Sr., OF), Mike Yard (Sr., 1B/3B),Sean Larkin (Jr., CF), Matt Yard (Jr., P), Mike Nocchi (Sr., P),Connor Metelski (Sr., P), James Loesch (Sr., C/1B), Jake Malone(Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Shane Richey (Jr., INF), Joe Castellucia(Sr., INF)

OCEAN

HEAD COACH: Cip Apicelli, 7th season

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

TOP RETURNERS: Brian Kochenash (Sr., SS), Marc Chernin(Sr., C), Brian Olesen (Sr., 1B), Tyler Rossback (Sr., 3B), KennyPickett (Jr., OF), Jake Talarico (Sr, CF/P), Travis Lillie (Jr., P), PhilDeMarco (Jr., P/OF/1B), Alec Keezer (Jr., 2B/P), Anthony Tedesco(Jr., C), J.T. Toomey (Sr., P), Scott Bradley (Sr., P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Brandon Stevens (Sr., OF), Tyler Rawding(Sr., OF), Yarelvin Pardilla (Sr., INF), Carver Martinez (Sr., C),Jack D’Auria (So., OF/INF/P), Max Winters (Fr., P/C/INF)

MATAWAN

HEAD COACH: Bobby Carnovsky, 4th season

2015 RECORD: 11-13 (6-8, fifth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Adam Elliott (Sr., INF/P), Chris Vetter (Sr.,C), Colin Thompson (Sr., P), Anthony Hirujo (Sr., P), Richard Joa(Sr., P), Isaiah Phillip (Sr., OF), Dylan Dobbin (Sr., OF), MakelCaldwell (Sr., OF), Brandon Rivera (Sr., 2B/3B/P)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jake Burlew (Jr., INF/OF/P), AlexCosentino (Sr., INF)

RED BANK REGIONAL

HEAD COACH: Nick Tucker, 3rd season

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

TOP RETURNERS: Nick Massa (Sr., P/DH), Matt Reardon (Sr.,P/SS), Matt Santos (Jr., P/1B), Claudio LoBraico (Sr., C/P), JohnJuco (Jr., 2B), Josh Horowitz (Jr., P), Will Weaver (Jr., P), BrandonAlvaro (Sr., 2B), Derrick Bradley (Sr., C), Sam Tekelch (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Michael Wolff (Sr., OF/P), Kevin Laughlin(Jr., C), Jack Mangold (Jr., P/SS), Jonah Rosen (Jr., OF/DH), JackStamer (Jr., OF), Danny Wagner (Jr., OF), Mike Eulner (So., 1B/P)

NEPTUNEHEAD COACH: Kevin Frederick, 2nd season

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

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

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

LONG BRANCHHEAD COACH: James Reilly, 1st season

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

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

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

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

Division LineupDoug Facendo, Catcher, Red Bank Catholic

Regan Dombroski, First Base/Pitcher, Wall

Aaron Ahn, Second Base, Red Bank Catholic

Tim Cavrak, Shortstop, Colts Neck

Evan Madigan, Shortstop, Red Bank Catholic

Anthony DeRosa, Third Base, Red Bank Catholic

Mike Antico, Center Field, Colts Neck

Sean Larkin, Center Field, Wall

Adam Elliott, Infield/Pitcher, Matawan

Division RotationMario Ferraioli, LHP, Colts Neck

John Poccia, RHP, Red Bank Catholic

Nick Massa, RHP, Red Bank

Mike D’Attavio, RHP, Colts Neck

Jake Talarico, RHP, Ocean

Breakout Players to WatchPhil DeMarco, LHP, Ocean

Richard Joa, RHP, Matawan

Nick Umbro, 2B, Colts Neck

John Juco, 2B, Red Bank

Justin Tucker, OF/P, Neptune

Arace doesn’t get much tighter than the one thatplayed out in the Shore Conference Class A Central

division last year. Six of the division’s seven teams finishedwithin two games of first place, with three teams (Manasquan,Monmouth Regional and Rumson-Fair Haven) tying forsecond place at 7-5 and two (Shore Regional and Raritan)tying for fifth at 6-6. Despite the jumbled mess, there was nosharing the outright division title, as St. John Vianneyprevailed with an 8-4 mark as a follow-up effort to its greatestseason in school history one year earlier.

This year promises more of the same in Class A Central, asthe six teams in the mix last year all return solid groups, whileHolmdel continues to build toward contention and could beready to pounce sooner rather than later. None of thesepreseason prognostications are scientific by any stretch of theimagination, but take this prediction with many, many grainsof salt. Class A Central can go in seven different directionsthis year, like it almost did last year.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

HEAD COACH: Mike Morgan, 10th season

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

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

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

MANASQUAN

HEAD COACH: Bob Waldeyer, 1st season

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

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

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

MONMOUTH

HEAD COACH: Paul Crivello, 3rd season


TOP RETURNERS: Christian Hoplock (Sr., OF/P), GarrhetReedy (Sr., C), Josh Jackson (Jr., 3B), Andrew Slinger (Sr., INF/P),Mark Abrams (Jr., OF), Preston Mellaci (Sr., OF), Joe Malfara (Jr.,P), Chris Raike (Sr., P), Paul Birzin (Jr., P/INF), James Seldner (Sr.,P), Chris Marcincak (Sr., INF), Christian Boujaoude (Sr., OF/INF),Skylar Marvin (Sr., INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alec Fruchter (Sr., C/OF), Trenton Sartor(Sr., OF), Noah Eggenschwiler (Jr., P/OF), Josh Rife (Jr., P/INF),Derek Radzik (Jr., P), Mike Valerio (Jr., INF), Alex Palmieri (Jr.,P), Trevor D’Meo (Jr., INF/P), Jay Eustace (Jr., P), Charlie Kelly(So., OF/P)

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

HEAD COACH: Kevin James, 14th season


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

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

RARITANHEAD COACH: Jeff Struble, 4th season2015 RECORD: 10-11 (6-6, tied fifth in A Central)TOP RETURNERS: Jon Rodriguez (Sr., OF/P), Bo Bentley (Sr.,DH), Johnny Guccione (Sr., INF/P), Mike Lind (Sr., C), Mason Sheehan(Sr., OF), Kenny Friend (Jr., OF), Matt Birdsall (Jr., P/OF), NickPrincipe (Jr., OF), Zack Johnston (So., INF/P), Joe Cavaluzzi (Jr., 2B)

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

SHOREHEAD COACH: Patrick O’Neill, 5th season2015 RECORD: 19-9 (8-6, third in A Central)TOP RETURNERS: Devin McLaughlin (Sr., 3B/P), DhillonBarbetti (Sr., C), Chas Breithoff (Sr., 1B/P), Michael O’Halloran(Sr., S), Marco Parrino (Sr., OF), Michael Jelliff (Jr., 2), MattPennell (Jr., OF/P), Transfer: Austin Cannon (Long Branch) (Jr., OF)

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

HOLMDELHEAD COACH: Gene Crimoli, 3rd season2015 RECORD: 6-15 (1-11, seventh in A Central)TOP RETURNERS: Tyler Fischer (Sr., SS/P), Will Van Name(Sr., C/INF), Sal Monticciolo (So., 1B/P), Lukas Gudelis (Sr.,OF), Chris Ammirati (Jr., OF), Matt Fanelli (Jr., 3B), MikeCarannante (Sr., UTIL), Jordyn Brosemer (Sr., P), Matt Metzger(Sr., INF), Mike Lupo (Sr., DH), Jake Henkin (Sr., OF)

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

Division LineupCiaran Devenney, Catcher, St. John VianneySal Monticciolo, First Base, HolmdelJohnny Guccione, 2B/SS, RaritanMichael O’Halloran, SS, ShoreJosh Jackson, Third Base, MonmouthChristian Hoplock, Outfield MonmouthJon Rodriguez, Outfield, RaritanMatt Fahey, Outfield, Rumson-Fair HavenWill Van Name, Catcher, Holmdel

Division RotationTom Sheehan, LHP, ManasquanJack Sheehan, RHP, ManasquanJoey Raia, LHP, St. John VianneyDevin McLaughlin, RHP, ShoreBrandon DeKovics, RHP, St. John Vianney

Breakout Players to WatchZack Johnston, INF/RHP, RaritanChris Cerniglia, SS, St. John VianneyConnor Dupree, 3B, RumsonMark Abrams, OF, MonmouthMichael Jelliff, 2B, Shore


Manasquan junior Tommy Sheehan


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


Say what you will about B Central – this division had themost exciting finish to its regular season of any of the

Shore Conference’s six divisions by a mile. Mater Deicaptured its first division title in 13 years by beating St. Roseon a two-out, walk-off single by senior Ryan Fanner to stunthe perennial power Purple Roses. Mater Dei still had to beatRanney in its next game, but that win effectively ended therace with Mater Dei securing an elusive championship.

Both the Seraphs and the Purple Roses will clash for thedivision title again once both figure out how to plug someholes in the roster left from departures from a year ago. Thoselosses could open the door for an upstart like Keyport oranother perennial contender like Point Beach. In a divisionthat St. Rose has thoroughly dominated, it means a lot foranother team to step up and win an outright title like MaterDei did last year. It also must make the St. Rose playersappreciate winning more, which should make for a hard-fought Class B Central race.

ST. ROSE

HEAD COACH: Chris LeMore, 2nd season2015 RECORD: 17-9 (12-2, second in B Central)TOP RETURNERS: Mike Gowen (Sr., OF/P), Brendan Hueth(Jr., CF/P), Brandon Mology (Jr., P/2B), Joe Volpe (Jr., 3B/P), RileyMaypother (So., P/INF), John Crowley (So., P/OF), Matt Harrison(Jr., INF/P)KEY NEWCOMERS: Andrew Baier (Jr. Util/P), Tom Blaes (Jr.,

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

MATER DEI PREP

HEAD COACH: Pat Riddell, 12th season

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

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

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Turner (So., OF)

KEYPORT

HEAD COACH: Kyle Keelen, 5th season

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

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

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

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

HEAD COACH: Angelo Fiore, 3rd season

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

TOP RETURNERS: John VanSchoick (Sr., 3B/P), Kevin Donnelly(Jr., 1B/P), Tanner Smith (Sr., OF), Ryan Franzoni (Sr., C), JoeDelgrippo (Sr., 1B), Connor Prima (Jr., OF/P), John Nista (So.,3B/P), Connor Prima (Jr., OF/P), Ryan Craig (Jr., OF), Chris Russo(So., P/INF), Josh Yates (So., 2B/P), Kenny MacPherson (So., P/SS),Vincent Storino (So., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ian Gaynor (Sr., OF), Roddy Rupp (Jr.,OF), Jude Lovegren (So., P/INF), Vincent Farrant (Fr., Util), RyanSheehan (Sr., OF)

RANNEY

HEAD COACH: Matt Hall, 1st season

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

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

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

KEANSBURG

HEAD COACH: Brian Kmak, 18th season

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

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

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

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

ASBURY PARK

HEAD COACH: Johnny Grasso, 10th season

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

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

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

HENRY HUDSON

HEAD COACH: Vinnie Whitehead, 4th season

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

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

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

Division LineupRyan Franzoni, Catcher, Point Beach

Joe Delgrippo, First Base, Point Beach

Cole Hardy, Second Base, Mater Dei Prep

James Geraghty, Shortstop, Ranney

Ian Terry, Third Base, Keansburg

Joe Volpe, Third Base, St. Rose

Mike Gowen, Outfield, St. Rose

Brendan Hueth, Center Field, St. Rose

Shane Chandler, Utility, Keyport

Division RotationJoe Ruth, RHP, Mater Dei Prep

Christian Smith, RHP, Keyport

Kevin Donnelly, LHP, Point Beach

John VanSchoick, RHP, Point Beach

Brendan Carlstrom, LHP, Henry Hudson

Breakout Players to WatchCalvin Simmons-Carter, OF/1B, Asbury Park

Devin Nash-McGee, CF, Asbury Park

Brendan Mology, RHP, St. Rose

Riley Maypother, INF, St. Rose

Josh Yates, 2B, Point Beach


St. Rose senior OF/P Mike Gowen


Ranney School freshman Scottie Lewis mighthave been the favorite as an eighth grader ifthere were a Shore Conference Slam DunkContest last year, so there was no question

who the favorite in the first ever competitionwas Wednesday night at Pine Belt Arena in Toms River.Just like he did in his first year of high school basketball with

the Panthers, Lewis lived up to the hype.The 6-foot-5 freshman hammered home four perfect dunks

on four attempts to capture to the first ever I’m PossibleTraining Shore Conference Slam Dunk title, beating out seniorand runner-up Jordan Torney from Manchester.Lewis sealed the contest with a 360-degree, one-handed

dunk off a bounce on his second dunk of the final round. Thatfollowed a double-pump reverse dunk reminiscent ofDominique Wilkins in the late 1980’s, which might have beenthe most conventional of his four dunks.In the second round of

the competition, Lewis notched a perfect score with a one-handed windmill dunk off one foot in which he took off a step-and-a-half inside the free-three line.The Ranney freshman made an early statement by taking

off a couple of feet inside the free-throw line for a one-handedslam.“I’ve done it (from the free-throw line) but it’s been a while

since I actually made it,” said Lewis, who is approaching his16th birthday and, along with Ranney classmate BryanAntoine, already has high-major Division I scholarship offers.Each of the six participants – Lewis, Torney, Harris,

Freehold Township junior Steve Staklinski, Rumson-FairHaven senior Brendan Barry and Toms River East senior TimCook made his first-round dunk attempt. Cook, Harris andBarry all ended up in a first-round dunk-off, with Harrisadvancing into the second round with Lewis, Torney andStaklinski.

Scottie Lewis WOWSShore Crowd In FirstEver All-Star Dunk Contest



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

t was another great send-off for the seniors to cap theShore Conference basketball season at this year’s ShoreBasketball Coaches Association Senior All-Star Gameson March 23th at the Pine Belt Arena Toms River.

All-Star Photos by:

Ray Rich Photography www.rayr i chphotography.smugmug.com

Photos & Slam Dunk Video Courtesy of:

Adam Tormollan, Stretch Originalsst retch922photos@gmai l . com

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A M e m o r a b l e D a yo f B a s k e t b a l l

shore sports networks 2016 spring kickoff

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