4-4-17 Issue - 7 Volume IX Shore Sports Network Journal by Shore Sports Network Journal

April 4, 2017 Volume-IX Issue-7

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

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

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

SteveMEYER Shore Sports Network Director High School Division s t e v e. m ey e r@ t o wn s q u ar em e di a . co m 7 3 2 - 2 3 3 - 4 4 6 0

KevinWILLIAMS Shore Sports Network Director k ev i n . wi l l i am s @ t o wn s qu ar em e di a . co m

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

Shore Sports Network Journal is published by: T o w n s q u a r e M e d i a 8 Robbins Street Toms River, NJ 08753

Shore Sports Network Website Features n GET VIDEO HIGHLIGHTS

Class A North

Class A South

Class B Central

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

Marlboro Freehold Boro Christian Brothers Academy Manalapan Howell Colts Neck Freehold Township Neptune

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

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

Class A Central

Class B North

Class B South

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

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

St. John Vianney Red Bank Shore Raritan Rumson-Fair Haven Matawan Holmdel

Red Bank Catholic Middletown South Middletown North Manasquan Monmouth Ocean Wall Long Branch

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Lacey Jackson Liberty Manchester Point Pleasant Boro Pinelands Barnegat Donovan Catholic Lakewood

year’s team might be a little less established in the pitching department than some Marlboro teams of recent vintage, but it has a chance to be a deep, balanced staff to go with another strong defensive unit and a lineup that has the potential to be Marlboro’s best in the last decade or so – at least in the top half of the order.

BASEBALL

6. F R E E H O L D B O R O ( I 4 - I 2 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : N O T R A N K E D

i. T O M S R I V E R N O R T H ( I 7 - 9 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : 3

The Mariners return their entire pitching staff, which helped them win the Ocean County Tournament last year. Toms River North and Red Bank Catholic are the two leading candidates for the No. 1 spot and Toms River North has owned the head-to-head edge in recent years. That mastery plus the five returning pitchers make the Mariners the frontrunner, if only by a slight margin.

2. R E D B A N K C A T H O L I C ( 2 2 - 8 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : 4

The Caseys were inches away from beating Luca Dalatri and CBA in the Shore Conference Tournament semifinals, which could have changed a lot for the Caseys. Instead of playing Middletown South for a Shore Conference title, RBC had a letdown against Camden Catholic in the South Jersey Non-Public A semifinals and lost, 1-0, in extra innings. This year’s team will be on a mission and has the offensive firepower to win a championship or two this year, but the Caseys need a big year from a pitching staff filled with relatively unproven pitchers at the varsity level.

3. T O M S R I V E R S O U T H ( 2 2 - 9 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : 5

The defending Class A South champions should be considered on the level of the top two teams based on the return of Justin Fall and T.J. Scuderi to the rotation. The Indians also bring back an all-senior infield to go with Scuderi in right field, although the catcher position is up in the air. The Indians have a wealth of arms that will help them navigate the rough waters of A South and the bats should be potent as well to complete a balanced attack.

4. M I D D L E T O W N S O U T H ( 2 3 - 6 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : 2

After a shocking loss to Wall ended Middletown South’s stay in the Central Jersey Group III playoffs and a loss to CBA in the Shore Conference final ended the season, the Eagles return with a number of key pieces from a 2016 team that was probably the most complete team in the Shore Conference. Middletown South’s depth won’t be what it was last year and the pitching beyond ace John Martin is unproven, but the Eagles’ returning bats are among the best at the Shore.

5. M A R L B O R O ( I 3 - I 0 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : N O T R A N K E D

Marlboro has had some years in which the Mustangs start slow and finish strong and other in which they start fast and fade in May, but they have not quite been able to combine the two. This

BOYS LACROSSE

Although the Colonials lost some quantity from their 2016 lineup, they return some serious quality. No. 1 starter Dan Chiusano and dual threat Tom Holdorf joins him in the rotation. Chris Cassandra is also back at shortstop, giving Freehold Boro a trio that can carry them to another good showing. For the Colonials to be a more consistent team than they have been over the past two years, they’ll need a supporting group around those three to emerge.

7. M I D D L E T O W N N O R T H ( I 4 - I I ) 2 0 1 6 R A N K : I 0

The Lions finished the 2016 season in the top 10, which was the first time that happened in more than a decade. They’ll have a great chance to do it again this year, but Middletown North does have some offense to replace from last year’s club. The good news is the bulk of the pitching is back, including the three best performers on the club last year. Junior Tyler Ras is committed to Alabama after an AllShore season as a sophomore and will be one of the best two-way threats in the state.

8. B R I C K ( I 5 - I I ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : 9

Brick’s all-left-handed starting staff caught fire in May and helped the Green Dragons reach the semifinals of both the Ocean County Tournament and NJSIAA Central Jersey Group III Tournament, which included a win over top-seeded Steinert in the CJ III quarterfinals. Only one of those pitchers is back (senior Mike Soldo), but the Green Dragons return most of their starting lineup in the field and have some quality arms ready to step into the open rotation spots.

9. M A N A S Q U A N ( I 3 - 7 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : N O T R A N K E D

The Warriors won Class A Central with a very young, inexperienced group of position players around standout pitchers Tommy and Jack Sheehan last year and now Tommy Sheehan returns with a proven supporting cast around him. Moving to Class B North will be a challenge for a group that still consists of mostly juniors, but having the senior left-hander and Notre Dame recruit at the top of the rotation will give the Warriors a shot against any opponent.

1 0. S T . R O S E ( I 9 - 7 ) 2 0 I 6 R A N K : N O T R A N K E D

The Purple Roses won 19 games last year and began to re-establish themselves as a team that can beat quality opponents outside Class B Central, which St. Rose dominated last year. St. Rose returns all but one starter from a year ago as well as No. 1 starter Brandon Mology, so 20 wins and some more postseason success will be the goal for the Purple Roses this time around.

GIRLS LACROSSE

1. Manasquan

1. Rumson-Fair Haven

2. Rumson-Fair Haven

2. Red Bank Catholic

3. Freehold Twp.

3. Shore

4. CBA

4. Freehold Twp.

5. Howell

5. Manasquan

6. Southern

6. Holmdel

7. Brick Memorial

7. Wall

8. Wall

8. Middletown South

9. Ocean

9. Central

10. Brick Twp.

10. Red Bank

Photo courtesy of NJ Advance Media for NJ.com

By Bob Badders â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Senior Managing Editor

Class A North

Class A South

Class B North

Class B South

Favorite: Christian Brothers Academy

Favorite: Southern

Favorite: Rumson-Fair Haven

Favorite: Manasquan

The Rams have been the class of the division with four straight outright division titles to their credit. Senior attackman Kyle Mulrane (36g, 16a) and senior midfielder Will Johnson (39g, 11a) are the top offensive threats, and sophomore attackman Nick Fontana looks to have a much bigger role this season. Senior goalie Tristan Farina led the Shore Conference in save percentage (.703) last season.

The standard-bearer of the Shore Conference for the better part of the last decade, the Bulldogs are the heavy favorite to bring home another division crown. Senior midfielder Bryan Hess (25g, 9a , who missed time with an injury last season, is back and among the best middies in the Shore. Rumson has several players who had limited playing time last year but should step in and make a major impact this season. Charlie Curran and Colin Pavluk lead the attackers; Ryan Tuorto, Alex Werner, Garrett Sweeley, Oliver Heins and Peter Lucas give Rumson great depth in the midfield; defensemen Emmett Jennings and Dan Maloney are among the best in the Shore Conference. Senior Conor Deverin takes over in goal.

The Warriors are loaded from top to bottom and the overwhelming favorite to win a third straight division title. Senior attackman Jarrett Birch led the Shore in scoring last season with 75 goals and 28 assists for 103 points. His brother, sophomore Canyon Birch, had 61 goals and 12 assists. Manasquan has great depth in the midfield with Pat Felstedt, Devan Carroll, John Moran, James Pendergist, face-off ace Matt Thermann and James Mele, plus arguably the best defense in the Shore led by Kyle LeBlanc, Jack Mallett, Jack Fabean and Brian Meyer. Senior Tom Pollock and sophomore Mike Lapoint are a formidable goalie tandem.

Contenders: SJV & Ocean

Contender: Wall

Rest of the division: Holmdel Long Branch Ranney Red Bank Red Bank Catholic Shore

Rest of the division: Barnegat Donovan Catholic Jackson Liberty Point Boro St. Rose

The Colts have won at least a share of the division title every year since the Shore went to multiple divisions, so no matter who graduates CBA has to be considered the team to beat in Class A North. The attack tandem of senior Nick Casner (31g, 32a) and junior Michael Carroll (27g, 7a) lead the offense while senior Ryan Madalone (11g, 7a) leads the midfielders. Senior Jack Koury, a three-year starter, heads the defense corps in front of senior goalie Ryan McGuiness, who posted a .573 save percentage last year.

Contenders: Freehold Twp. & Howell Rest of the division: Middletown South Middletown North Neptune Marlboro

Contenders: Brick Mem. & Toms River North Rest of the division: Brick Jackson Memorial Lacey Toms River East Toms River South

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4/4/17

20i7 Boys Lacrosse Top i0

By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

he 2017 Shore Conference boys lacrosse season is underway, and with it comes the first Shore Sports Network Top 10.

We enter a new season with Rumson-Fair Haven as the reigning Shore Conference Tournament champion and Manasquan as the returning NJSIAA South Jersey Group II sectional champion. The defending division champions are: Christian Brothers Academy in Class A North, Southern in A South, Rumson in B North and Manasquan in B South.

Manasquan has a loaded group returning and, via its win over Rumson in last season’s sectional final, gets the top spot to start the season. The Bulldogs are right behind them and the pair are clearly the top two teams in the Shore. CBA is a known commodity and a consistent contender, but the Colts will be challenged for the A North throne by a veteran Freehold Township team. Howell earned a key season-opening win over Southern to put itself right in the middle of the rankings, while the Rams have put together a tremendous five-year run and look to continue to play as one of the Shore’s best programs. While Manasquan and Rumson appear to be in a class by themselves, it will all get settled between the lines in what is sure to be an exciting season at the Shore.

1 Manasquan .

4 CBHRISTIAN ROTHERS ACADEMY .

The reigning NJSIAA South Jersey Group II champions are off to an unbeaten start after holding off Freehold Township, 10-7, and dominating St. John Vianney, 17-6. Senior attackman Jarrett Birch has 10 goals in two games while sophomore Canyon Birch has nine goals. The Warriors are loaded from top to bottom and will score in bunches. With first-team All-Shore defenseman Kyle LeBlanc plus two standout goalies in Tom Pollock and Mike Lapoint leading a stout defense, Manasquan has the goods to win division, conference, sectional and group titles this season.

2 RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

manasquan sr. Jarrett birch (4)

After a seasonopening loss to national power IMG Academy, Rumson has come back with consecutive 9-1 victories over rivals Southern and CBA. The defense, led by senior Emmett Jennings in front of goalie Conor Deverin, has been outstanding. A healthy Bryan Hess in the midfield is a major boost, and talented players who have waited their turn to start are eager to shine. An aggressive style brought by new head coach Marc Moreau has the Bulldogs flying out of the gate.

The Colts are winless to start the season, but considering those two defeats came to Don Bosco Prep and No. 2 Rumson it’s way too early to drop the Colts too far. CBA has won at least a share of every Class A North division title since realignment, so they earn the right to start in the top five. Senior attackman Nick Casner and junior attackman Michael Carroll are the go-to players on the offensive end while three-year starter Jack Koury leads the defense in front of senior goalie Ryan McGuiness.

5 Howell .

RFH Sr. Conor Deverin

3 Freehold .

T wp.

With a deep cast of returning starters the Patriots are looking to 2017 as a possible banner year. They were impressive in a 10-7 loss to No. 1 Manasquan and have two blowout wins over Red Bank and Jackson Memorial to start the season. The veteran attack line of seniors Josh Nastarowicz and Drew Dunn along with junior Chris Novella is among the best in the Shore. Dunn is off to a blazing start with 19 points in three games.

CBA sr. Jack Koury

Howell s r . N i c o L o r e n z o See

The Rebels opened eyes with an 11-9 win over Southern on opening day, then followed it up by holding off Brick Memorial in an 8-7 road victory to improve to 2-0. Senior attackmen Ryan Damelio and Drew Bukowiec have been very good early, as has senior midfielder Nico Lorenzo. Senior Jack Noone leads the defense with junior LSM Sean Mylod patrolling the midfield and providing help in the defensive end. Junior goalie Nick Roberto has a year under his belt and has been solid early on.

TOP TEN

page 6

9 Ocean

Top Ten

C o n t in u ed f rom pa g e 5

6 Southern .

Southern Sr. Kyle Mulrane

7Brick .

The Rams already have as many losses as last season, but it’s not time to push the panic button in Manahawkin. Southern fell to No. 5 Howell, 11-9, on opening day and then lost to No. 2 Rumson, 9-1. Southern also has a 16-3 win over Holmdel and a 15-2 win over Jackson Liberty. Seniors Kyle Mulrane and Will Johnson are proven scorers who will continue to produce, and it looks like sophomore attackman Nick Fontana has emerged as a solid third option. Goalie Tristan Farina has picked up where he left off after a stellar junior season when he led the Shore in save percentage.

M emorial

The Mustangs have a large senior class looking to push them to the next level and challenge Southern for the Class A South division title. Seniors Gavin Murphy, Henry Moran, Mike Mowder and Zack Morton, plus junior Joey Ferrera lead the offense. Seniors Hunter Vojtko and Adam Plumacher are the leaders on the defensive end in front of first-year starting goalie Matt Wood. The Mustangs have lopsided wins over North Brunswick and Marlboro and an 8-7 loss to Howell where they were down 7-0 before scoring seven goals in the fourth quarter.

8 Wall .

Ocean was crushed by graduation, but the cupboard is far from bare with some veteran seniors and talented underclassman returning for the Spartans. Senior Sam Hanna and sophomores Mike Nies and Holden Lowe will guide the offense while standout junior Richie Bianchi spearheads the defense in front of senior goalie David Walk. Ocean has convincing wins over Marlboro, Toms River East and Middletown North to start the season and could very well be 6-0 before facing No. 2 Rumson on April 15.

10 Brick .

Teams to watch: St. John Vianney, Toms River North, Colts Neck, St. Rose, Lacey

SPECIAL THANKS

to the photographers who supplied the photos seen throughout this issue

Ray Rich Photography rayrichphotography.smug mug.com Rob Samuels boofacephotography.com Paula Lopez palimages.com Christopher Rice

Wall sr. Joe Belko

VOLUME-IX

Township

There were several candidates for the final spot in the rankings, and given the Dragons are undefeated we decided to give them the nod. A 7-6 win over Colts Neck sealed the decision, and Brick also has a 15-6 win over Middletown North. Mickey Holland leads the way with seven goals in two games.

Wall’s only game so far produced an 11-4 win over Colts Neck where junior attackman Mike McIntyre scored six goals. He and fellow junior Tim O’Hern lead the offense while Monmouth Universitybound senior Joe Belko heads the defense.

Ocean So. Holden lowe

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Players listed alphabetically

By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

DEVAN CARROLL, SR., MANASQUAN A physical player with a cannon of a shot, Carroll cored 24 goals and added 10 assists for 34 points last season. He was a second-team Class B South selection by the coaches last season and a third-team All-Shore pick.

RYAN GILFILLAN, SR., ST. JOHN VIANNEY

NICO LORENZO, SR., HOWELL

A balanced midfielder, Gilfillan scored 25 goals and dished out 22 assists last season to lead the Lancers in scoring. GIL GOLDSMITH, SO., SHORE

JACK COOK, SR., HOLMDEL A first-team All-Shore selection as a face-off specialist last season, Cook won 74 percent of dra ws and picked up 134 ground balls as a junior. He wasn’t strictly a FOGO, though, as he added 15 goals and 25 assists. He is committed to Mount St. Mar y’s.

Goldsmith had a d ynamite freshman campaign with 39 goals and 27 assists for 66 points, which was second among all Shore Conference freshman last season. SAM HANNA, SR., OCEAN

DeOliveira won 70 percent of face-offs last season while also scoring nine goals, adding eight assists and picking up 35 ground balls.

The fact that Manasquan has a player of Pe n d e r g i s t ’s l e v e l p l a y i n g o n i t s s e c o n d l i n e s h o w s how deep they are in the midfield. Highly touted coming into high school, Pendergist scored 27 goals and added eight assists as a freshman.

Schlendorf will enter this season with over 200 career points after scoring 38 goals and adding 11 assists last season. MATT THERMANN, SR., MANASQUAN “ T h e Wo r m ” w a s a s t a n d o u t o n draws last season, winning 72 percent of his face-offs and picking up a conference-leading 174 ground balls. He was a third-team All-Shore selection and a first-team Class B South pick.

BRYAN HESS, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

NICK DEOLIVEIRA, SR., LACEY

JAMES PENDERGIST, SO., MANASQUAN

PETER SCHLENDORF, SR., DONOVAN CATHOLIC

The versatile Hanna is one of the few leftovers from an Ocean team that s t e a d i l y cl i m b e d t h e r a n k s o f t h e S h o r e over the last few years. He was 10th in the Shore in scoring last season with 42 goals and 35 assists for 77 points, while also picking up 85 ground balls.

Photo courtesy of Jack Cook

Lorenzo scored 21 goals with 10 assists for 31 points while also picking up 27 ground balls last year.

Hess played in just 14 games and missed the Bulldogs’ final eight games to a season-ending injur y last year, but still finished with 25 goals and nine assists for 34 points, plus 39 ground balls, en route to being named first-team AllShore. He is committed to Lafayette College.

CONNOR WILSON, SR., LACEY Wilson scored 26 goals and added eight assists while also picking up 34 ground balls last season, and will be the Lions go-to offensive players this year.

PAT FELSTEDT, SR., MANASQUAN The glue of the Manasquan offense, Felstedt scored 22 goals and added 10 assists and 54 ground balls last season en route to being a second-team All-Shore selection and a first-team Class B South pick. MIKE FERDINANDI, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

WILL JOHNSON, SR., SOUTHERN Johnson scored 39 goals last season and added 11 assists for 50 points, and will be be heavily relied upon by the Rams as they look to remain among the top teams in the Shore Conference.

A third-team All-Shore pick and first-team Class A North selection last year, Ferdinandi tallied 29 goals with six assists for 35 points while also picking up 35 ground balls.

Photo by:

Rob Samuels

boofacephotography.com

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By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

Players listed alphabetically

JARRETT BIRCH, SR., MANASQUAN

KYLE MULRANE, SR., SOUTHERN

T h e r e i g n i n g C l a s s B S o u t h P l a y e r o f t h e Ye a r a n d a f i r s t team All-Shore selection last season, Birch is coming of a junior year where he scored 75 goals and added 28 assists to lead the Shore Conference in scoring with 103 points. The Furman University recruit will look to lead the Manasquan offense to more titles in 2017.

Mulrane returns as the Rams’ leading scorer after posting 52 points on 36 goals and 16 assists last season.

DREW BUKOWIEC, SR., HOWELL Buko wiec tied for the team lead in scoring last year with 31 goals and 32 assists for 63 points, and was an all-division selection in Class A North.

GAVIN MURPHY, SR., BRICK MEMORIAL Murphy returns as the fifth-highest scorer in the Shore Conference after a junior season where he scored 39 goals and added 31 assists. He’ll lead a Mustangs offense tha t hopes to lead the team into division title contention. JOSH NASTAROWICZ, SR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP A breakout junior senior sa w Nastaro wicz lead the Pa triots in scoring with 49 goals and 33 assists. He was a third-team All-Shore selection and a first-team Class A North pick by the coaches.

NICK CASNER, SR., CBA The Siena-bound Casner pumped in 37 goals and added 36 assists for 73 points last season to help CBA win the Class A North division title. A firstteam All-Shore selection last season, Casner figures to be among the top offensive players in the Shore Conference.

MICHAEL CARROLL, JR., CBA Multiple injuries limited Carroll last season, but he was still able to score 27 goals and add seven assists. He had 44 goals and eight a s s i s t s a s a f r e s h m a n , s o i f h e ’s h e a l t h y t h i s s e a s o n h e h a s t h e ca pability to put up monster numbers. MIKE MCINTYRE, JR., WALL McIntyre scored 45 goals and added 11 assists for 56 points during his breakout sophomore season. Now he’ll take the reigns of the Crimson Knights’ offense as a third-year starter. RYAN MORRIS, JR., SHORE Pa r t o f a s t r o n g c o r e o f u n d e r cl a s s m e n f o r t h e B l u e D e v i l s , M o r r i s scored 33 goals and added 16 assists for 49 points last season.

CHARLIE CURRAN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Curran scored 18 goals with six assists last season as a second-line a ttackman for the Bulldogs, but with the entire top line gradua ting Curran should move up and get plenty of chances to find the back of the net. RYAN DAMELIO, SR., HOWELL Damelio scored 41 goals last season to go along with four assists, and gives Ho well a solid 1-2 punch up top with fellow senior Drew Buko wiec.

CHRIS NOVELLA, JR., FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP Part of a veteran top attack line for the Patriots, Novella returns as a starter after posting 37 goals and 15 assists for 52 points as sophomore. SHANE REILLY, JR., ST. ROSE Reilly scored 33 goals and added 10 assists for 43 points as a sophomore CANYON BIRCH, SO.,

MANASQUAN

B i r c h , w h o i s a l r e a d y v e r b a l l y c o m m i t t e d t o A r m y, b u r s t o n t o t h e s c e n e l a s t season with 61 goals and 12 assists for 72 points. He was a first-team Class B South selection, a third-team All-Shore pick and the New Jersey Freshman of the Year. He’ll team with brother Jarrett and Joe Tonkovich to form the top a ttack line in the Shore Conference.

VINNY GARGIULO, SR., COLTS NECK A three-sport standout who excelled during football and wrestling seasons, Gargiulo returns to lead the Cougars’ offense after scoring 37 goals and eight assists last season.

Photos by:

Paula Lopez

www.palimages.com

Rob Samuels

www.boofacephotography.com

Players listed alphabetically

By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

JOE BELKO, SR., WALL

JACK FABEAN, SO., MANASQUAN

BOBBY MAHON, JR., ST. ROSE

C o m m i t t e d t o M o n m o u t h U n i v e r s i t y, Belko picked up a team-high 74 ground balls to lead the Crimson Knights’ defense in 2016. He was a first-team Class B South and second-team All-Shore selection.

Pa r t o f t h e Wa r r i o r s ’ s t a n d o u t s o p h o m o r e cl a s s , Fabean started as a freshman and helped Manasquan reach the SCT final and the NJSIAA Group II final.

A second-team Class B South pick last year, Mahon picked up 60 ground balls last year and will lead the Purple Roses’ defense in 2017.

RICHIE BIANCHI, JR., OCEAN A versa tile player for the Spartans who can play LSM or defense, while also being a weapon off the wing on face-offs, Bianchi picked up

85 ground balls and also tallied nine points on four goals and five assists last season. He was a first-team Class B North and third-team AllShore selection last season, and is committed to Siena College.

CHASE FAIRBANKS, JR., NEPTUNE A standout LSM for the Scarlet Fliers, Fa i r b a n k s t i e d f o r t h i r d i n t h e S h o r e Conference last season with 134 ground balls and also registered seven points on four goals and three assists. EMMETT JENNINGS, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Jennings had 38 takeaways and 29 ground balls last season for a Rumson team tha t allo wed just four goals per game and won the Shore Conference To u r n a m e n t w h i l e r e a c h i n g t h e NJSIAA South Jersey Group II sectional final. A returning firstteam All-Shore selection, Jennings is committed to Providence College.

JACK MALLETT, SR., MANASQUAN Mallett scooped up 42 ground balls and was a sturdy presence for the Warriors defense last season, helping them reach the SCT final and the NJSIAA Group II final. He was a first-team Class B South selection last season and was also a star linebacker for Manasquan’s sta te championship football team. DAN MALONEY, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Another standout in the back end for the Bulldogs, Maloney forced 23 turnovers and picked up 24 ground balls for a defense that yielded just four goals per game in 2016. He was a first-team Class B North selection and a second-team All-Shore pick. Maloney is committed Siena College. HUNTER NAROZNIAK, SR., BARNEGAT C o m m i t t e d t o N e w J e r s e y I n s t i t u t e o f Te c h n o l o g y, Narozniak is the Bengals top returning defender. JACK NOONE, SR., HOWELL A 6-foot-4, 220-pound standout for the Rebels, Noone had 21 ground balls and six takeaways while also scoring a goal last season. He was a first-team Class A North selection last year. KEVIN PAZ, SR., RED BANK A Wa g n e r C o l l e g e r e c r u i t , Pa z r e t u r n s t o l e d t h e Bucs defense after picking up 20 ground balls last season.

EAN DELEHANTY, SR., SHORE

SHAWN POOLE, SR., FREEHOLD TWP.

A ground ball ace for the Blue Devils, Delehanty picked up 90 loose balls last season and also contributed on the offensive end with 10 goals and 10 assists.

Poole was second on the team with 48 ground balls last season while also scoring a goal. He is a standout LSM and also plays as a true defenseman for the Pa triots. He was a first-team Class A North selection last season.

SEAN DUGGAN, JR., JACKSON MEMORIAL

HUNTER VOJTKO, SR., BRICK MEMORIAL

A first-team Class A South selection last season, Duggan had 32 ground balls and 15 takeaways as a sophomore and looks to be one of the division’s best defenders.

JACK KOURY, SR., CBA

STEPHEN EDLER, JR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

A t h r e e - y e a r s t a r t e r, Ko u r y w i l l l e a d t h e C o l t s ’ defense in 2017.

A Richmond University recruit, Edler helps comprise one of the best defensive units in the Shore Conference. He picked up 18 ground balls and had 10 takea ways last season for a defense tha t allo wed just four goals per game.

Vojtko picked up 80 ground balls and also scored a goal last season, and returns after earning secondteam Class A South honors last season.

KYLE LEBLANC, SR., MANASQUAN Committed to Loyola, LeBlanc enters his senior season as a returning first-team All-Shore selection who helped Manasquan reach the Group II title game l a s t y e a r. H e p i c k e d u p 6 3 g r o u n d b a l l s a n d l e d a defense tha t allo wed just 5.3 goals per game.

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Photos by:

Paula Lopez

www.palimages.com

Rob Samuels

www.boofacephotography.com

Players listed alphabetically

By Bob Badders – Senior Managing Editor

ROBBIE BRUGNOLI, SR., ST. ROSE

RYAN MCGUINESS, SR., CBA

Committed to Mount St. Mar y’s, Brugnoli is coming off a junior year where he made 152 sa ves with a .605 sa ve percenta ge.

McGuiness stopped 148 shots last season with a sa ve percenta ge of .573. TOMMY POLLOCK, SR., MANASQUAN

CONOR DEVERIN, SR., RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN Rumson has a long tradition of developing top goalies. Deverin is a first-year starter but could emerge as one of the Shore’s best.

T h e l e a d i n g g o a l i e f o r t h e G r o u p I I f i n a l i s t Wa r r i o r s , Po l l o c k w a s t h i r d i n t h e Shore Conference in sa ve percenta ge a t .649 while making 111 sa ves. He was a second-team Class B South selection last year. He is committed to DeSales.

NICK ROBERTO, JR., HOWELL

TRISTAN FARINA, SR., SOUTHERN

A second-team Class A North pick last year, Roberto’s debut season as a starter sa w him make 192 sa ves with a .500 sa ve percenta ge.

Fa r i n a h a d a n e x c e l l e n t junior season when he had to fill the big shoes of gradua ted four-year starter Brendan Lefanto. He led the Shore in sa ve percenta ge with a .703 mark and stopped 175 shots. He was a second-team Class A South selection.

JAKE ROCHE, SR., MIDDLETOWN NORTH Roche had a .528 save percentage and 111 saves last season.

PARKER RONCIN, SO., POINT BORO

DYLAN FURNBACK, SR., JACKSON MEMORIAL

R o n c i n s t a r t e d f o r t h e Pa n t h e r s a s a freshman and was fifth in the Shore in sa ves with 204.

A first-team Class A South and second-team All-Shore selection last season, Furnback tied for second in the Shore with a 70 percent save percenta ge and was eighth with 182 saves. He is committed to Mount St. Mar y’s.

DAVID WALK, SR., OCEAN C o m m i t t e d t o N a z a r e t h C o l l e g e , Wa l k had a .620 save percentage last season and made 170 sa ves.

MIKE LAPOINT, SO., MANASQUAN Pa r t o f M a n a s q u a n ’s e x c e l l e n t t a n d e m with senior Tommy Pollock, La point split time last season and made 77 saves to h e l p t h e Wa r r i o r s r e a c h t h e S C T f i n a l and the NJSIAA Group II championship game.

Photo courtesy of Valerie Mills Photo courtesy of Jason Walk

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By Mat t Manley - S enior S taff Writ er

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he crosstown rivalry between Toms River South and Toms River North intensified last year as the two foes battled to the end for the Class A South title, with Toms River South winning an outright title for the first time since 2010. Toms River North got the Indians back by beating them in the Ocean County Tournament final, so the two teams – both restocked with experienced, talented rosters – have plenty to settle on the field in 2017, when the rivalry is sure to reach a crescendo. Of course, in Class A South, it’s never just a twoteam race. The division is once again complete from top to bottom and boasts six other programs that can give a first-place team a hard time. While Toms River North and Toms River South should battle for the top spot, there are a number of other teams who will decide the race and maybe even steal the division title.

TOMS RIVER NORTH

HEAD COACH: Andy Pagano, 4th season

2016 RECORD: 17-9 (9-5, tied second in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Brendan Mullins (Jr., RHP), Jared Bellissimo (Jr., LHP), Anthony Sasso (Jr., RHP, 3B), Craig Larsen (Jr., RHP, 2B), Brody Sprinkle (Sr., RHP), Mike Nyisztor (Sr., SS), Austin Feigin (Sr., 3B/OF), Ian Mindas (Sr., C), Alex Klalo (Jr., CF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Schaff (Jr., C/OF), Nick Sibilia (Jr., OF), Jonathan Giordano (So., RHP/OF), Mike Centeno (Jr., RHP)

A year after climbing back to the top of Ocean County via the OCT, Toms River North retur ns enough talent to think even bigger this year. The Mariners lost SSN Hitter of the Year Joey Rose – now in the Diamondbacks farm system – and a number of other key bats in the order to graduation but the pitching staff comes back entirely intact and the defense figures to be solid again. Junior righthander and Penn State commit Brendan Mullins emerged as Toms River North’s big-game pitcher last year, a reputation he cemented by pitching seven strong innings in the Ocean County Tournament final against Toms River South to claim the tour nament MVP honors while also clinching the Mariners their second OCT trophy in four years. Junior left-hander and Rutgers recruit Jared Bellissimo was second on the team in innings pitched and was proficient in attacking the strike zone as a sophomore. Junior right-hander and Villanova commit Anthony Sasso, meanwhile, struck out 24 in 22 innings while boasting an ERA under 1.00. Senior Brody Sprinkle is the elder statesman of the group and he is coming of 27 2/3 impressive innings as a junior, which included a 0.98 WHIP. Finally, junior Craig Larsen gave the Mariners some depth and length and could very easily perform to the level of the other four in the rotation this season. Bellissimo and Larsen will also be important pieces in the field and in the batter’s box for Toms River North, which enters the season with considerably less power in the lineup after the graduation of Rose and outfielder Jeff Ciervo. They do retur n some allaround good hitters, with senior Mike Nyisztor chief among them. The shortstop and Rutgers recruit led the Shore with 38 runs scored and was 10th in batting average at .448. Larsen will be the other half of the Mariners’ double-play combination, Bellissimo will play first base when not on the mound and senior Austin Feigin could end up playing third base after patrolling left field last year. The Mariners also retur n catcher Ian Mindas while junior Alex Klalo takes over in center field after playing a part-time role last year. The collection of position players will have to string together hits more often to keep up with last year’s offensive output, but with the pitching the Mariners retur n, scoring seven runs every game should not be a must. A well-oiled machine on offense is not necessary for Toms River North to have a good season, but it would give the Mariners a chance to have a very special year.

TOMS RIVER SOUTH

HEAD COACH: Ken Frank, 40th season

2016 RECORD: 229 (10-4, first in Class A South)

Toms riveR North Jr. Brendan Mullins

TOP RETURNERS: Justin Fall (Sr., LHP), T.J. Scuderi (Jr., RHP, OF), Matt Shiffer (Sr., RHP, 2B), Ben Montenegro (Sr., 3B), Tom Campo (Sr., SS), Mark Fitzpatrick (Sr., 1B/DH)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Dylan Danelson (Sr., OF), Jared Kwicinski (Sr., OF/RHP), Connor Leatherman (Sr., C),

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Toms riveR South s r . J u s t i n F a l l Cameron Foerst (Sr., INF), Tom Spiwak (Jr., RHP), Nico Gonnella (Jr., INF/RHP), Chris Mellott (Jr., OF/RHP), Derek Elmendorf (Jr., 2B), Jake Towell (Jr., C), Colin Mackle (So., OF/RHP), Jordan Erbe (So., INF/RHP), Gabe Driscoll (So., RHP/INF), Matt Hartshorn (So., RHP/1B), Sam Conover (So., OF), Mike Lazzaro (So., 2B), Damien Scott (So., C), Justin Lowden (So., RHP/OF)

BRICK

HEAD COACH: Jason Groschel, 12th season

2016 RECORD: 16-11 (6-8, tied fifth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Mike Soldo (Sr., LHP, 1B), John Zurawski (Sr., RHP), Matt Stadelberger (Sr., RHP, SS), Jayden Tisseker (Sr., RHP, 2B), John Prato (Sr., CF), A.J. Serrino (Sr., 3B), Jerry Hutchison (Sr., C), Kenny Bala (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ed Zarzynski (Sr.,P/3B), Nick Sekera (Sr., P/OF), Joe Guerra (Jr., C), Mike Brunner (Jr., P/1B), Chris Salsano (Jr., 2B), Vincent Galdieri (Jr., SS), John Coppola (Jr., OF), Jim Leblo (So., OF/P), Denzel Drumright (So., 1B/P), Cole Groschel (So., OF), Anthony Prato (Fr., 2B)

JACKSON MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Frank Malta, 13th season

2016 RECORD: 9-14 (7-7, fourth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Connor Takacs (Sr., LHP, 1B), Dylan Kanner (Sr., RHP, 1B), Tim Halasnik (Sr., RHP, 1B), Mike Dimino (Jr., RHP, INF), Colin McCulligh (Sr., RHP), Shawn Kelich (Jr., LHP), Matt D’Amore (Jr., RHP), Nick Sefick (Jr., RHP), Jake Fox (Sr., INF), Ryan Boyle (Sr., INF), Alex Iadisernia (So., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Rob Cenci (Jr., 3B), Danny Clemente (Jr., OF), Jason Longo (Jr., OF), Jared Mizrachi (Jr., 1B), Shaun Sullivan (Jr., 2B/3B), Nick Silvia (Jr., OF)

TOMS RIVER EAST

CENTRAL

Division Lineup

HEAD COACH: Keith Smicklo, 1st season

HEAD COACH: Mike Casale, 2nd season

Tom Ruscitti, Jr., Catcher, Central

TOP RETURNERS: Nick DeGennaro (Jr., RHP, 2B), Brad Brush (Jr., RHP, 1B/3B), Darren Scholl (Sr., RHP. OF), Jordan Lewis (Sr., OF), Ahmir Cournier (So., SS)

TOP RETURNERS: Jared Morris (Sr., RHP, OF), A.J. Smith (Jr., RHP), Connor Keehn (Sr., LHP, 1B), Ryan Greene (Sr., RHP, 1B), Vance Pelino (Jr., RHP, 3B), Tom Ruscitti (Jr., C), Jack Sudia (Sr., OF), Mike Bickford (Sr., 3B), Shane Black (Jr., OF), Colin Stacy (Jr., SS), Ryan Galati (Jr., 2B)

Matt Shiffer, Sr., 2B/RHP, Toms River South

2016 RECORD: 8-13 (5-9, seventh in A South)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Rob Cenci (Jr., 3B), Danny Clemente (Jr., OF), Jason Longo (Jr., OF), Jared Mizrachi (Jr., 1B), Shaun Sullivan (Jr., 2B/3B), Nick Silvia (Jr., OF)

SOUTHERN

HEAD COACH: Keith Cocuzza, 2nd season

2016 RECORD: 6-12-1 (6-8, tied fifth in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Nick Simone (Sr., RHP), Zach Fillmore (Sr., LHP), Pat Barrett (Sr., RHP, SS), Joey Robertson (Sr., 2B), Noah Brown (Sr., OF), Marcos Matias (Jr., OF), Garrett Lange (Sr., OF), Vaughn Walker (Sr., OF), Zach Oddo (Sr., 3B/OF/C), Nolan Watson (Sr., C), Danny Wright (Sr., SS/2B), Connor Ciliberto (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Nick Periera (Sr., 1B), Matt Tancredi (Jr., 1B), Mike Liantonio (Jr., 3B), Austin Pharo (Jr., SS/2B), Joe Colonna (Jr., OF), Nick Downey (Jr., SS/3B), Brady Clark (Jr., 1B)

2016 RECORD: 9-12 (5-9, tied sixth in Class B South)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mitch Greiner (Sr., INF), Zach Greiner (Sr., OF), Jake Whelan (Sr., LHP), Tyler Aires (Jr., LHP/OF)

BRICK MEMORIAL

HEAD COACH: Evan Rizzitello, 7th season

2016 RECORD: 15-11 (9-5, tied second in A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Nick Stephan (Jr., RHP), Ray Lutick (Sr., RHP, 3B), Antonio Laborte (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Blaine Netterman (Jr., OF/RHP), Trevor Sherman (Jr., LHP/1B), Anthony Garcia (Sr., 2B), Joey Howell (Sr., 2B/SS), Mike Murphy (So., C), Joe Manso (Sr., UTIL), Joe Tufaro (Sr., RHP), Vinny Guerra (Sr., RHP), Zack Hopcroft (Sr., RHP), Mike McCarthy (Sr., RHP), Dale DiMicco (Sr., C/DH), C.J. Banka (Sr., 3B/P), John Votta (Sr., OF), John Whalen (Sr., OF), Mike Sullivan (Jr., 1B/P), Justin Hans (Jr., OF), Alex Benson (Jr., OF), Teejay Rosace (So., SS/P), Tristan Savoia (So., P/1B), Torrey Savoia (So., P/OF), Joe Casselli (So., C), Nick Gillen (Fr., P), Nick Doubt (Fr., C), Colin Turner (Fr., OF/DH)

Tim Halasnik, Sr., 1B/RHP, Jackson Memorial Mike Nyisztor, Sr., Shortstop, Toms River North

Ben Montenegro, Sr., Third Base, Toms River South T.J. Scuderi, Jr., OF/RHP, Toms River South John Prato, Sr., Centerfield, Brick

Austin Feigin, Sr., Outfield, Toms River North

Jared Bellissimo, Jr., 1B/LHP, Toms River North

Division Rotation

Justin Fall, Sr., LHP, Toms River South

Brendan Mullins, Jr., RHP, Toms River North Nick DeGennaro, Jr., RHP, Toms River East Mike Soldo, Sr., LHP/1B, Brick

Brad Brush, Jr., RHP, Toms River East

Breakout Players to Watch

Anthony Sasso, Jr., RHP, Toms River North

Blaine Netterman, Jr., OF/RHP, Brick Memorial Alex Iadisernia, So., OF, Jackson Memorial

Colin Mackle, So., OF/RHP, Toms River South Pat Barrett, Sr., SS/RHP, Southern

arnegat head baseball coach Dan McCoy has had his share of legitimate high school aces – one of whom was his own son, Mark, and another who was the 12th overall pick in the last Major League Baseball First-Year Player Draft. He has had opportunities to ride those aces to postseason glory but being a former pitcher himself, he has always made protecting pitchers a major priority of his program.

So when the NJSIAA announced its new pitcher eligibility rules, which include a one-game pitch limit of 110, McCoy didn’t really care because he doesn’t have to change anything, nor does he feel like the rule would have retroactively changed much about his experience as head coach.

McCoy, of course, had Jason Groome as a senior last year, when the 6-foot-5 left-hander attracted dozens of Major League scouts and hoards of casual fans for every start leading up to his selection as the No. 12 pick by the Boston Red Sox in June. McCoy, however, also had Groome as a sophomore, before the scouts were tracking the talented hurler’s every step and before he had representation making recommendations about his use on the mound. Before the scrutiny set in, McCoy handled Groome the same way he did when all eyes were on Barnegat last season and the same way he handled his own son, who is now a pitcher in the Kansas City Royals system.

On the whole, coaches are supportive of the move to make pitches the measurement of pitcher use, in part because the vast majority of coaches already closely monitor pitch counts and limit pitcher use based on those figures.

“Hopefully it’s something that will benefit all schools regardless of size,” Christian Brothers Academy coach Marty Kenney said. “I do realize we are regulating just a few that abuse (the old rule). Most coaches are aware of pitch counts anyway. Most don’t want to do what we did a year ago.”

Now in his 44th season at CBA, Kenney is the longest-tenured baseball coach in the Shore Conference and was on the advisory committee that drew up the pitch count rules. Under the new rules, Kenney would not have been able to use his ace from a year ago, Luca Dalatri, the way he did on several occasions – including a 120plus-pitch outing against Middletown South last year and a pair of Shore Conference Tournament outings on three days’ rest.

“Luca was a different type of pitcher,” Kenney said. “He was so much bigger and stronger than most other high school pitchers and was so detailed in his preparation and execution that when he wanted to (pitch on short rest) we felt like he was less of a risk. During his career, we probably pitched him on short rest four times. For the last six, seven, maybe eight years, we’ve always stuck to a plan of four days’ rest and he’s the only exception that we’ve made.” What if, however, a team with far fewer players in the program has their version of Dalatri and now cannot use him as often as the old rules permitted?

“The one concern for us was that (the rule) does seriously handicap small schools,” Kenney said. “That was something that was argued quite a bit. It could possibly be changed as well, but it was important to get something in place this year and build on it from there.” One Group II school that might have been tempted to push its top pitcher this year under the old rules is Manasquan. Warriors left-hander T o m m y

“It’s not an issue at all. Not for us,” McCoy said. “I told the parents a few weeks ago that I’ve been the pitching coach here from the start and since I’ve been doing this, I can count on one hand how many times a pitcher on our team went over 100 pitches. It’s something I’ve always valued and I think most coaches are that way, so as far as how things are run, I don’t think this changes much, and if anything, it’s good for the kids.”

Warriors coach Bob Waldeyer, however, is not particularly concerned given that he opted not to increase how often he used Sheehan in the postseason last year. The left-hander is committed to play at Notre Dame and is getting plenty of looks from Major League organizations in advance of the June draft, so Waldeyer has always had Sheehan’s long-term wellness in mind.

Most of the coaches in the Shore Conference have shared similar sentiments to McCoy’s. The new rules do more than just limit pitches in an outing: they also change the measuring unit of a pitcher’s workload from innings to pitches while establishing new limits on how soon after an outing a pitcher can appear in another game as a pitcher.

The pertinent parts of the new rules read as follows:

“He’s a kid who’s only going to throw 70 or 80 pitches early (in the season),” Waldeyer said. “He’s not going to throw 110 pitches in a start early. When we get to May, will he be able to do that? Sure, he’ll be able to do that. I just think you have to be careful about doing that early, and how many days in between (pitching) also makes a difference.

If a pitcher pitches 91-110 pitches in a day, four calendar days of rest are required.

If a pitcher pitches 71-90 pitches in a day, three calendar days of rest are required.

If a pitcher pitches 51-70 pitches in a day, two calendar days of rest are required.

If a pitcher pitches 31-50 pitches in a day, one calendar day of rest are required. If a pitcher pitches 1-30 pitches in a day, no (0) days of rest are required.

Additionally, a pitcher cannot pitch on three consecutive calendar days, throw more than 50 pitches over two consecutive calendar days, nor exceed 140 pitches in a five-day calendar period.

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Sheehan is arguably the top pitcher returning in the Shore Conference this season, and the new rules could potentially limit how often he could pitch in a postseason tournament in ways the old rule would not have limited him or pitchers like him.

Manasquan Sr. Tommy Sheehan

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By Matt Manley – Senior Staff Editor

“We’re gonna be careful early (with Sheehan) and then 2-to-3 weeks in, you’ll see him start to extend to the 90 range and then into the 100 range.” Sheehan does enter the season healthier than he was last year, when he dealt with an illness for most of the season and still posted an ERA well under 1.00 and struck out 63 with only seven walks. With that in mind, it is one of his goals to pitch more often and to finish games when he does, which Waldeyer will now consider.

is throwing a great game through three innings, we’re going to let him take it as far as he can and as far as the rule will let him go. If it changes our original plan for that game or that week, then so be it. We want to let the kids have a chance to succeed and we have enough guys to adjust.”

If the new regulations do lead to more frequent sharing of games between pitchers or to coaches using their best pitchers for higher-leverage situations late in games rather than in the first inning, then Colts Neck and coach Mike Yorke are ahead of the curve. The Cougars had two All-Shore lefthanders in Chris Murphy and Mario Ferraioli two years ago and routinely used Murphy for two innings of relief or whenever Yorke felt he could most impact a game. Ferraioli, who was a senior last year, was more frequently used as a starter, but worked in relief more than your typical No. 1 pitcher in high school.

If Sheehan or any other pitcher, however, wants to talk his coach into staying in the game when the coach is leaning toward pulling him, there are now rules that make that conversation a moot point.

“Everybody has walked out to the mound and had a kid saying, ‘Coach leave me in, I want to finish’ and he’s at 115 pitches,” Waldeyer said. “When you’re standing in front of Tommy Sheehan and he’s like ‘Coach, I’m gonna finish this game,’ how do you take the ball out of his hands? But with this, we’re going to have to. I don’t think that’s a bad thing at the high school level to give them a cap of pitches that’s reasonably high for them to finish a game.”

Although the new rules might not change the way most coaches handle their individual pitchers, they do have the potential to influence the way the game is managed and how pitchers are incentivized to pitch. McCoy acknowledged that he might be quicker to go to his bullpen than he might otherwise have gone.

“You’re not going to be able to ride one guy,” McCoy said. “One positive about it is it’s going to make programs develop more pitchers who throw strikes. Situations where you would have never pulled a guy, now you might put your fourth or fifth guy on the mound. If it’s 8-0 after the fourth or fifth inning, I’m pulling my number one guy and saving him. Before, I probably wouldn’t have done that.”

Toms River South and Colts Neck are the two best examples of teams who, in recent years, have been creative about their use of pitching staffs. Toms River South has already made it a practice to split games between pitchers, but pitching coach Mitch Powitz said he and head coach Ken Frank still want to view the game through an oldschool lens even while adapting to the changes. “We’re fortunate enough to have a lot of pretty good arms, so we’ll be able to put a pretty good pitcher on the mound regardless of the situation,” Powitz said. “At the same time, myself and coach Frank, we’re both old school enough that if a kid

The age of pitch counts did not start with the adoption of the new rule, so this generation of pitchers has been considering their pitch counts for a long time – probably as long as they have been playing baseball. They know that the fewer pitches it takes them to complete an inning, the more likely it is they will be able to finish the game. With pitch counts now the determining measurement of workload instead of innings, it’s more likely a pitcher will be allowed by his coach to pitch into the sixth inning than he might have under the old rules, assuming he is economical about his pitch count.

This could lead to a number of alterations to the basic game theory that goes into the batter-vs.-pitcher dynamic. Pitchers are even more incentivized to throw strikes, which might seem like an obvious desired outcome no matter the pitch-count rules, but there are counts that are considered more conducive to “wasting pitches.” Will a pitcher still want to spike a breaking ball in the dirt or fling a fastball above the letter on an 0-and-2 count when that could be considered a waste of a now-valuable pitch?

In the same vein, will hitters – now aware that pitchers are even more incentivized to both close out at-bats in two-strike counts and invite weak, early-count contact – be more aggressive? The cycle of adjustments that batters and pitchers make over the course of the season will be one of the more interesting effects of the rule.

“You figure coaches are telling their hitters to be more aggressive knowing that pitchers have to attack the zone more,”

See

Middletown North Jr. Tyler Ras

PITCH Count Freehold Boro Sr. Dan Chiusano

page 18

pitch count C o n t in u ed f ro m p ag e 1 7

Powitz said. “So do you now get an advantage by playing off that aggressiveness by maybe making guys chase pitches they don’t want to hit? I don’t know, but to me, that’s kind of the interesting part: to see if it changes how pitchers pitch the game or how hitters approach at-bats.”

Like most sports, baseball is a game of adjustments, and any alterations to pitch-to-pitch, at-bat-to-at-bat and game-to-game approach will not be uncommon. Where coaches are apprehensive about the new regulations is in tracking and enforcement, and in reading the language of the NJSIAA rules and recommendations, it’s not hard to understand why they might feel that way.

By rule, the home team is to provide an “Official Adult Pitch Counter” who will be charged with counting pitches for both teams. The pitch counter is to verify the pitch count with representatives from both teams after each half inning and if there is a disagreement between said pitch counter and the representatives over what a pitch count is, the two teams can agree on a number independent of the pitch counter should they choose to do so. If they cannot agree, the official pitch counter’s number is official.

As long as schools are able to provide official pitch counters, the process should operate relatively smoothly, but the guidelines to follow when a home team cannot provide a pitch counter involve representatives from each team having to confer after each half inning. If there is a disagreement that cannot be resolved, it is up to the umpire to resolve it, but the umpire is ordered, by rule, to not delay the game to resolve the matter. Get all that?

Pt. Boro Sr. Josiah Gliddon staffs. In order to enforce violations, it will be up to opposing benches to point out violations to the umpiring crew, which means coaches could conceivably look the other way if they choose – most likely if the violation does not adversely affect their outcome.

“Charting is more the problem than the rule itself,” Kenney acknowledged. “We’re going to have somebody at all of our games who handles it, but on the road, you never know which schools are going to have somebody to do the pitch counts. It becomes a matter of whether or not a coach or the administration can find someone to do the job and it does put an extra burden on a staff to keep track of all the information. More than anything, that’s the part I think we’ll be looking at and evaluating to see if there is a way we can improve it.”

Other portions of the rule specify protocol for counting innings that are pitched in suspended games and in games played as part of a double-header. Kenney stressed that the state is planning on revisiting the rule on a year-to-year basis to address issues that the rule either does not address or itself causes.

“We’re definitely going to revisit it next year,” Kenney said. “It was always designed to be a pilot program that we refined over time as we saw the problems. There are definitely pluses and minuses, but it’s here to stay.” St. Rose Sr. Brandon Mology

There is also the matter of enforcement. Each team is now required to provide a pregame pitch log and declare to the umpires which pitchers are ineligible, which will be more work for the coaching

Freehold twp. Jr. Ryan Ford

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Teams listed by predicted order of finish

y just about any measure, Class A North has been the best top-to-bottom division in the Shore Conference for at least the last three seasons and probably even farther back in time. Christian Brothers Academy has ruled the Shore Conference and Monmouth County Tournaments in that time, Middletown South was the No. 2 team in the Shore Conference last season, Freehold Boro has been a postseason darling and Howell and Marlboro have also been successful team. Going back even farther, Manalapan won back-to-back Group IV titles in 2011 and 2012. While A North will certainly be strong again, the division does appear to be closer to ordinary this year. CBA graduated two of the best players in the history of its program – both of whom carried the team over the last two years. Middletown South and Middletown North moved over to Class B North, which takes two Division I arms out of the division. Colts Neck is back in the division for the first time since winning it in 2014, but the Cougars return only three starters. Despite all that, A North still has plenty of talent and might still be the Shore’s deepest division when all is said and done. As it stands, this group of eight teams should be in for a knock-down, drag-out scrap for 14 games and which team will emerge the winner is anybody’s guess.

MARLBORO

HEAD COACH: Jim Ferraro, 9th season

Marlboro must replace All-Shore right-hander Jeremy Dyzenhaus at the top of the rotation and it will be senior right-hander Jeremy Bello who assumes the mantle as the ace of the staff. Bello was a dependable pitcher for coach Jim Ferraro last season, when he pitched to a 2.12 ERA in 39 innings as both a starter and reliever. Filling in the rotation after Bello will be a key to Marlboro’s season and the Mustangs enter opening day with plenty of options, led by senior right-hander Noah Hutter (1.91 ERA in 18 1/3 innings last year). Senior right-hander Will Kramer will also figure into the mix after missing last season due to injury and sophomores Aaron Ayers and Ian Li are both waiting in the wings as sophomores.

2016 RECORD: 13-10 (8-6, tied 3rd in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Dan Chiusano (Sr., LHP. OF), Tom Holdorf (Sr., LHP), Pat White (Sr., RHP, 1B), Mark Costanzo (Jr., RHP), Matt Granato (Jr., RHP, 2B), Nick Aiello (Jr., RHP), Tom Holdorf (Sr., 1B), Chris Cassandra (Sr., SS), Mike Belka (Sr., OF), Mark Costanzo (Jr., 3B), Phil Marcantonio (Jr., C),

KEY NEWCOMERS: Isaiah Howard (Sr., OF), Roberto Reyes (Sr., 3B), Dan Brophy (Sr., 2B), Matt Horvath (Sr., P/OF), Matt DaSilva (Jr., OF), Dane Della Valle (Jr., P/1B), Luke Crivelli (So., OF), Cam Eslager (So., OF), Kacey MacCutcheon (So.)

Freehold Boro sr. Dan Chiusano

KEY NEWCOMERS: Anthony Petrosino (Sr., OF), Luke Ricciardi (Sr., INF/DH), Matt Hahn (Jr., RHP), Matt Lapoff (Jr., RHP/INF), Joey Pargament (Jr., RHP), Davonte Smith (Jr., OF), Justin Bernstein (Jr., OF), Paul Jun (Jr., OF), Aaron Ayers (So., RHP), Ian Li (So., RHP), Anthony Brienza (So., 3B), Vin Ferrigno (So., 1B/DH)

2016 RECORD: 14-12 (6-8, tied 5th in A North)

The ceiling of Marlboro’s lineup is even higher than that of its rotation. Manhattan recruit Will Trochiano retur ns at shortstop and his bat in the leadoff spot began to catch up to his outstanding glove last season. Junior second baseman Justin Levito won the job early in the year and hit better than .300 to give him the inside track as the No. 2 hitter this year. Marlboro’s three-four combination will be among the best in the Shore Conference, with catcher and Marist commit Gene Napolitano and sophomore Justin Kapuscinski stacking up next to one another in the lineup. Napolitano is one of the Shore’s top retur ning hitters and Kapuscinski figures to be on his way after getting pitched around (14 walks in 58 plate appearances) as a freshman. Seniors Mark Ventre, Jared Wright and Anthony Petrosino give the Mustangs a seasoned outfield and sophomore Anthony Brienza has impressed the staff at third base early on. With some production from that senior trio in the outfield and a strong debut from Brienza, the Mustangs could have one of the Shore’s top offenses to go with its traditionally strong defense.

TOP RETURNERS: Jeremy Bello (Sr., RHP), Noah Hutter (Sr., RHP), Will Kramer (Sr., RHP), Gene Napolitano (Sr., C), Will Trocchiano (Sr., SS), Justin Kapuscinski (So., 1B/C), Mark Ventre (Sr., OF), Justin Levito (Jr., 2B), Jared Wright (Sr., CF)

At several points during the 2016, Marlboro appeared as though it was about to take off on a run – whether it was during the A North regular season, the Monmouth County and Shore Conference Tournaments, or the NJSIAA Central Jersey Group IV Playoffs. At each pass, however, the Mustangs were tripped up, including three tour nament losses on their home field (Middletown South in the MCT, Colts Neck in the SCT and North Brunswick in CJ IV). Marlboro’s success in recent years has stemmed from its pitching and while the Mustangs boast a solid collection of arms this season, this year’s team might stake its reputation more at the plate.

FREEHOLD BORO

HEAD COACH: Jon Block, 26th season

CHRISTIAN BROTHERS ACADEMY

HEAD COACH: Marty Kenney, 44th season

2016 RECORD: 21-9 (9-5, second in Class A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Nick Hohenstein (Jr., RHP), Andrea Dalatri (Jr., RHP, 3B), Nick Hohenstein (Jr., OF), Brian Golden (Sr., 1B), Jack Harnisch (Jr., 2B), Joe Sparber (Sr., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Julian Greco (Jr., C), John Dudek (Jr., 1B), Matt Fitzsimmons (Jr., 1B/RHP), Joe Duffy (Jr., OF), Matt Barnes (Jr., OF), Perry Quartuccio (Jr., RHP), Mike Martorano (Jr., OF), Eddie Dudek (Jr., OF), Blaise Venancio (Jr., LHP), Jake Lawrie (Jr., LHP), Spencer Bauer (So., 3B/RHP), Tommy DiTullio (So., SS), Peter Morreale (So., 2B), Braedin Hunt (Fr., RHP)

Marlboro sr. Gene Napolitano VOLUME-IX

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KEY NEWCOMERS: Chris Aquinas (Sr., LHP), Sam Christopher (Sr., OF), Dan Schulte (Sr., OF), Nick Straub (Sr., INF), Hunter Boag (Jr., INF), Zach Albom (Jr., RHP), Joe Kohm (Jr., OF), Nick Merlo (Jr., OF), Shaun Scully (Jr., OF/C), Reece Horneck (So., OF/1B), Adrian Jimenez (So., 3B/P)

MANALAPAN

HEAD COACH: Brian Boyce, 12th season

2016 RECORD: 12-15 (6-8, tied 5th in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: John Pudder (Sr., RHP), Dan DeBlasio (Jr., SS), Giovanni Ciaccio (Jr., CF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: John Michael Sabatino (Sr., RHP), Robert Gargano (Jr., OF/P), Vin Lanza (Jr., 2B/3B), Joe Pellecchia (Sr., C), Edwin Melendez (Jr., RHP), Anthony Naylor (Jr., OF), Mike Perlamuter (Sr., 3B), Steven Bullen (Sr., 1B), Anthony Jomo (Jr., LHP)

HOWELL

HEAD COACH: Eric Johnson, 8th season

2016 RECORD: 11-12 (6-8, tied fifth in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Ferraro (Sr., RHP), J.P. Traynor (Sr., C), Kyle Ferraro (Sr., SS), Grant Hackett (Sr., OF), Nick Ruszczyk (Jr., OF), Eddie Morales (Jr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Walsh (Jr., LHP/1B), Austin Dave (Sr., 1B), Nick Lorenzo (Sr., RHP/OF), Ryan Bearse (So., RHP), John Limaldi (Jr., LHP), Greg Napolitano (Sr., RHP/INF), Mike Wynne (Jr., RHP/2B)

COLTS NECK

HEAD COACH: Mike Yorke, 18th season

2016 RECORD: 15-8 (11-3, second in Class B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Jon Weitzman (Sr., RHP, 1B), Dillon Pellechia (Sr., RHP), Kevin Condon (Sr., RHP), Matt Hawkins (Sr., LHP), Anthony Galason (Jr., RHP, OF). Brendan Clarke (Sr., 1B/OF), Joe Mancini (Jr., C), Jack Tirrell (Jr., SS)

n the hustle and bustle that is living in New Jersey, health can often times take a back seat to our busy schedules, impending deadlines, and social/personal responsibilities. If you’ve ever read the 4 Hour Work Week, or the 4 Hour Body, then you know full well that sometimes it’s not what we do, but when and how we do it. In the briefest of book summaries: Work smarter, not harder. At the CryoStudio, you have that opportunity! Located at 468 Broad St. in Shrewsbury, the CryoStudio has partnered with Critical MASS Training to keep active and busy individuals at the top of their game. Our top of the line Cryotherapy chamber stands to freeze you to better health so that you can continue to be the best version of yourself.

WHOLE BODY CRYOTHERAPY Just what the heck is it anyway? I’ve used ice baths, ice packs, and cold showers before. How is this any different? Well, the interesting thing about Whole Body Cryotherapy (or WBC) is that it addresses the body on a systemic level. This is done by circulating cold nitrogen gas around your skin, rather

Division Lineup

Gene Napolitano, Sr., Catcher, Marlboro

Tom Holdorf, Sr., 1B/LHP, Freehold Boro Dan DeBlasio, Jr., Shortstop, Manalapan Will Trochiano, Sr., Shortstop, Marlboro

Chris Cassandra, Sr., Shortstop, Freehold Boro Nick Hohenstein, Jr., OF/RHP, CBA

FREEHOLD TOWNSHIP

HEAD COACH: Todd Smith, 8th season

Brendan Clarke, Sr., Outfield, Colts Neck

2016 RECORD: 9-16 (2-12, 8th in A North)

Grant Hackett, Sr., Outfield, Howell

TOP RETURNERS: Mike Pirrotta (Sr., RHP, 1B), Ryan Ford (Jr., RHP, 3B), Greg Najar (Sr., RHP), Bryan Reed (Jr., RHP, 1B/DH), Andrew Beam (Sr., C), Greg Najar (Sr., OF), Nick Coluccio (Sr., C), Christian Corcione (So., 2B)

Ryan Ford, Jr., 3B/RHP, Freehold Twp.

Division Rotation

Dan Chiusano, Sr., LHP, Freehold Boro John Pudder, Sr., RHP, Manalapan

KEY NEWCOMERS: Liam Simon (So., RHP/2B), Zach Pericone (Sr., UTIL), Brandon Smith (So., SS), Luke Milchman (Jr., RHP/OF), Chris Goodman (Jr., OF), Kevin Goodman (Jr., OF), Mike Woods (So., OF), Nick Lodispoto (Jr., LHP/OF), Andrew Bernstein (So., C), Matt Beuka (Sr., OF), Tyler Hayden (Sr., LHP)

Jeremy Bello, Sr., RHP, Marlboro Justin Tucker, Sr., LHP, Neptune

Dillon Pellecchia, Sr., RHP, Colts Neck

Breakout Players to Watch

Justin Kapuscinski, So., 1B/C, Marlboro

Anthony Galason, Jr., OF/RHP, Colts Neck

NEPTUNE

Ron Cole, So., RHP/SS, Neptune

HEAD COACH: Kevin Frederick, 3rd season 2016 RECORD: 8-12 (4-10, 6th in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Justin Tucker (Sr., LHP, OF), Dylan Taliaferro (Sr., LHP, 1B), Ron Cole (So., RHP, SS), Aedan Martin (Sr., RHP, 3B), Sebastian Jno-Baptiste (So., RHP OF), Devon Furges (So., C)

Mike Walsh, Jr., LHP, Howell

Spencer Bauer, So., 1B/3B, CBA

KEY NEWCOMERS: Matt Bonderant (Jr., OF), Sam Draper (Jr., RHP/OF), Rocco Richard (Fr., 2B/RHP), Kyle Bailey (So., C), Greg Milliway (Jr., RHP/1B)

than putting your skin in direct contact with near freezing water. It’s a much more pleasant (and quicker) experience. Surrounded by gaseous nitrogen, the sub zero temperature provides the stimulus needed for the body to send blood from the extremities to the core where it is infused with oxygen and nutrient rich blood. The timing and temperature is the key. Exposed to temps of 166F for 3 minutes (max) the body will centralize blood flow via shunting mechanisms. While the exposure to the cold penetrates only 1mm deep, it is the stimulus that incites our vessels to behave this way. By providing this stimulus 2-3 times per week the body can continue to work with decreased inflammation.

SO HOW DO SESSIONS WORK? A trained Cryotherapy attendant comes into the room once alerted and ensures the patient and the equipment are ready to go. The attendant is present during the entire Cryotherapy treatment. The actual treatment only takes between 2 and 3 minutes. Including the information period and first-time housekeeping, the whole process takes about 10 minutes from start to finish.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS?

help improve recovery and minimize muscle aches and pains by fighting inflammation. But inflammation isn’t just something athletes and gym-goers need to worry about though. Keeping inflammatory markers in check and preventing chronic inflammation is one of the best things you can do to promote general health and well-being.

Stephen A. Bade Owner- CryoStudio

Cryotherapy, originally, was directed at athletes, using it to

By Mat t Manley - S enior S taff Writ er

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

ast year’s Class B South race was supposed to be a formality, with Barnegat returning the best pitching in the country to a team that already figured to be in the hunt. As it turned out, the race was a formality, but it was Point Pleasant Boro that ran the table and won B South going away. There is no juggernaut that should wipe out the field this year; in fact, the B South race should carry with it as much drama as any in the Shore Conference in 2017. Five of the eight teams in the division return their No. 1 pitcher and all five were all-division selections by Shore Sports Network. Two others return key pieces from deep staffs, which makes B South one of the best divisions in the conference for returning pitching talent. That should make for a while season and teams knock each other off based on the pitching matchups and jump each other in the standings based on who is hot or cold for a two-week stretch.

LACEY

HEAD COACH: Corey Hamman, fifth season

2016 RECORD: 6-14 (4-10, eighth in Class A South)

TOP RETURNERS: Don Zellman (Sr., RHP, INF), Anthony Elefante (Sr., RHP, OF), Tom Corragio (Sr., RHP), Brandon Haggerty (Sr., LHP), Jarrett Dial (Sr., RHP, UTIL), Jake Capatasto (Sr., LHP, OF), Jorden Jurkiewicz (So., C/3B), Paul Carluccio (Sr., C), Keith Apostolos (Jr., INF), Brandon Haggerty (Sr., 1B), Justin Thompson (Sr., OF), Colin Trembley (So., OF), Evan Ross (Sr., 3B/C) KEY NEWCOMERS: Miles Feaster (So., INF)

For the last four years, Lacey has been at the bottom of the food chain in the A South jungle and now the Lions have a chance to be kings of a smaller forest now that they reside in Class B South. With the talent Lacey has coming back though, limiting the expectations to just winning a Class B South title might be setting the bar too low, especially considering that its strength resides mostly in a deep pitching staff. Senior right-hander Don Zellman was among the top pitchers in Class A South a year ago, while classmate Anthony Elefante put up respectable numbers in a tough division – particularly when you take out a game against a loaded Toms River North lineup in which he failed to make it out of the first inning. Add in Tom Carragio (2.36 ERA in 2016) and Jarrett Dial from the right side and Jake Capatasto and Brandon Haggerty from the left and Lacey boasts an all-senior staff that is battle-tested. The group will also throw to a varsity veteran in catcher Paul Carluccio.

pitching staff, the rebuilding phase is over this year. The expectations for the Lions now include winning a championship.

JACKSON LIBERTY

HEAD COACH: Jim Rankin, 10th season

2016 RECORD: 11-11 (7-7, third in Class B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Pickus (Jr., RHP), Andrew Ludovico (Sr., RHP), Kyle Tavaska (Sr., CF), Billy Hart (Jr., 1B/C), Dave Melfi (So., C), Daniel Sofield (So., SS/2B), Alex Torres (So., 2B/SS), Connor Keenan (So., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Scott Wierciszewski (So., OF/P), Kevin Ritz (So., P), Nick DeCarlo (So., P), Shane Hickey (Fr., INF), Rich Dordas (Jr., 1B/P), Dan Dordas (Jr., INF), Jake Greene (Jr., C), Brandon Frith (Jr., OF), Matt Piro (Sr., P), Jared Carroll (Sr., P), Matt Hickman (Sr., OF), Chris Matragrano (Sr., INF)

MANCHESTER

HEAD COACH: Dave Beauchemin, 2nd season

2016 RECORD: 13-12 (8-6, second in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Joe Felipe (Sr., LHP), Gavin Pabst (Sr., RHP, 3B), James Cuber (Sr., RHP), Steven Rodriguez (Sr., 2B), Kirk Montanye (Sr., OF), Matt Migliaccio (Sr., CF), Derek Scmhidt (Jr., 1B), Jack Felipe (So., C) KEY NEWCOMERS: James Johns (Fr., SS/RHP), Quint Keanrs (So., OF), Patrick Carney (Sr., INF/RHP), Chris Santiago (Jr., 1B), Jacob Roberts (So., RHP), Jagger Karaska (Jr., RHP)

POINT PLEASANT BORO

HEAD COACH: Dave Drew, 7th season

2016 RECORD: 21-5 (14-0, first in Class B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Josiah Gliddon (Sr., RHP), Thomas Paul (Sr., RHP), Josiah Gliddon (Sr., INF), Tom Paul (Sr., OF), Justin Rafi (Sr., C), Patrick Feehan (Sr., INF), Kyle Lauria (Sr., INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: John Duggan (Sr., OF), Ben Herrman (Sr., OF/P), Ed Machnicki (Sr., 1B/P), Jack Waddleton (Sr., OF/1B), Hayden Frey (Sr., OF), John Sullivan (Sr., OF), Jack Brennan (Jr., INF), Andrew Laspina (Jr., OF/1B/P), Ryan Sansone (Jr., P/UTIL), Cole Weingarten (Jr., 3B), Joe Letizia (Jr., P/UTIL), Trent Livolsi (So., C/1B), Christian Aurin (So., C), Jonathan Alfonso (So., P/1B), Dylan Kleinfeldt (So., 2B/ OF), Jack Bysek (So., INF), Sam Collins (So., SS), Garrett Romer (So., UTIL), Paul Franceschini (So., UTIL), Nick Guzzi (Fr., P/INF)

PINELANDS

HEAD COACH: Rob Sanzari, 5th season

2016 RECORD: 10-13 (5-9, tied sixth in B South)

For the Lions to actually get over the hump this year, even in a new division that consists of smaller schools, they will need to produce more offense to help out a pitching staff and defense that gave up a little fewer than five runs per game. Zellman, Elefante, Haggerty and Dial will all be keys to the offense, but the most dangerous hitter in the group by the end of last season was sophomore Jorden Jurkiewicz, who hit .300 as a freshman and led the team with 13 RBI. His primary position is behind the plate, but he played a solid third base for the Lions last year as well. While Lacey has the development of Jurkiewicz and some other interesting sophomore prospects to look forward to, there is no doubt that with a senior-loaded

KEY NEWCOMERS: Riley Stephenson (Sr., C), Peter Hammond (So., RHP), Sean Crowley (Sr., INF), Billy Crawford (So., 2B), Jimmy Zazenski (Fr., C), Bobby LeFevre (So., OF)

VOLUME-IX

TOP RETURNERS: Noah Dean (So., LHP), Joey Ventresca (So., RHP, SS), Joey McDonald (Sr., RHP), Anthony Diaz (So., 3B), Chris Burke (Sr., 2B), Tommy Madge (Sr., OF), Brandon Weedo (Sr., C), Tommy Allen (Sr., OF), Sean O’Rourke (Sr., 1B)

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BARNEGAT

HEAD COACH: Dan McCoy, 6th season

2016 RECORD: 11-14 (6-8, tied fourth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Justin Diefenbach (Jr., RHP), Tyler Suydam (So., RHP, 3B), Ryan Bush (Jr., RHP), Evan Albanese (Sr., RHP, OF), Aaron McLaughlin (Sr., C), Justin Diefenbach (INF), Anthony Lani (Sr., SS), Mimo Padilla (Sr., 2B), Eric Becker (Sr., OF), Nik Caputo (Sr., 1B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Lucas Torres (Fr., OF/LHP)

DONOVAN CATHOLIC

HEAD COACH: Bill Beining, 2nd season

2016 RECORD: 7-14 (6-8, tied fourth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Zack Mann (Sr., RHP, 3B), Bart Goble (Sr., RHP, 1B), Charles Dowling (Sr., LHP), Jack Bilancia (Jr., LHP, 1B), Ryan O’Sullivan (Sr., 2B), Nick DeMaio (Jr., C), Matt Morro (Sr., OF), Gerard Russo (Sr., SS), Alex Jansen (Sr., OF), Thomas Smith (Sr., C), Brandon Zanetti (Sr., 3B)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ross Artale (Jr., OF), Andrew Connallon (So., RHP), Sawyer Conrad (Jr., OF/RHP), Eian Gilray (So., RHP/OF), Ryan Miller (Jr., RHP), J.T. Murphy (So., 2B), Jonathan Poplawski (Jr., LHP), Patrick Wade (So., 3B/RHP)

LAKEWOOD

HEAD COACH: Gene Drumright, 13th season

2016 RECORD: 10-12 (5-9, tied sixth in B South)

TOP RETURNERS: Angel Mendez (Jr.), Julian Zingler (Jr., INF), Hector Rodriguez (Sr., OF), Tayon Conover-Hart (Jr., OF), Yamil Toro (Sr., OF), Kevin Lopez (Sr., 1B), Deion Crooks (Jr.), Terrence Cole-Woodson (Sr.)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Vega (So.), Robert Alaberron (Sr.)

Division Lineup

Aaron McLaughlin, Sr., Catcher, Barnegat Josiah Gliddon, Sr., 1B/3B/RHP, Point Boro Steven Rodriguez, Sr., Second Base, Manchester Joey Ventresca, So., SS/RHP, Pinelands Anthony Diaz, So., Third Base, Pinelands Thomas Paul, Sr., Outfield, Point Boro Kyle Tavaska, Sr., Centerfield, Jackson Liberty Kirk Montanye, Sr., Outfield, Manchester Anthony Elefante, Sr., OF/RHP, Lacey

Division Rotation

Don Zellman, Sr., RHP/2B/SS, Lacey Matt Pickus, Jr., RHP, Jackson Liberty Joe Felipe, Sr., LHP, Manchester Zack Mann, Sr., RHP/3B, Donovan Catholic Noah Dean, So., LHP Pinelands

Breakout Players to Watch

Jorden Jurkiewicz, So., C/3B, Lacey Dave Melfi, So., Catcher, Jackson Liberty Jack Felipe, So., Catcher, Manchester Tyler Suydam, So., RHP, Barnegat Patrick Feehan, Sr., Second Base, Point Boro

By Mat t Manley - S enior S taff Writ er

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

baseman. Centerfielder Dom Caraballo is headed to Rider next year and will hit atop RBC’s deep, dangerous lineup.

n recent years, Class B North has been a division of have and have-nots: four very strong teams good enough to advance deep in a county or conference tournament, and maybe one other team that can make a state-tournament run. This year, B North is arguably the most loaded division in the Shore Conference – a title that has always been reserved for either Class A North or Class A South. Realignment swapped out Colts Neck (second place in 2016), Matawan (fifth), Neptune (sixth) and Red Bank (seventh) and brought in the Class A North champ (Middletown South), a third-place team from A North (Middletown North) and the top two teams from Class A Central (Manasquan and Monmouth Regional). For those counting at home, including defending B North champion Red Bank Catholic, B North is home to three teams that won outright division championships last season.

Seniors Mike Veit and Aidan Supp both carved out roles for themselves last season and Veit wound up being one of RBC’s best hitters as a junior. Veit will man first base, while Supp will slide to second base after play mostly third base last year. Seniors Brian Sheehy, Steve Turk and Connor Caizza all got at bats last year and will compete for starting spots, while sophomore David Glancy is poised to emerge as one of the Shore’s top outfielders over the next three years. Glancy has already generated interest from high-major Division I programs, according to coach Buddy Hausmann.

With a number of deep rosters and traditionally strong programs, the B North season is likely to be a war of attrition, so depth – particularly in the pitching staff – will be at a premium. No team is safe in any game and the chances of a team running the table in the division are slim-to-none. With that being said, there’s also a pretty good chance that multiple teams from the division are holding up a championship trophy at some point this year.

There is plenty of upcoming depth behind those three and the name to remember among that group is John Nimeth. The freshman right-hander works in the upper-80-miles-per-hour range and is already on the radar of a number of ACC schools, according to Hausmann. In a B North with so many good teams with quality pitching, the Caseys are likely to slip up at some point or another, but over the long haul, their roster is built to handle those fivegame weeks and the curveballs – figurative and literal – that come with a high school baseball season.

While RBC has a few spots in the lineup to replace, the pitching staff will be almost entirely new. Senior catcher Eddie Barnwell is also a first-year starter but is well-prepared to handle the young staff after sitting behind Doug Facendo. The Caseys will rely on three juniors to lead the way, beginning with right-handers Austin Nappi and Blaise Panzini. Nappi had the best season of the bunch last year, tossing 25 innings with a 2.24 ERA and a 19-to-2 strikeout-to-walk ratio. Panzini is committed to Army and appears to have the inside track to be the No. 1 starter early in the year. Junior right-hander Jake Birnbaum also got a small dose of work as a sophomore.

Midd. South sr. John Martin KEY NEWCOMERS: Scott Benigno (Jr., OF), Tom Clapsy (Jr., RHP), Ben Kinsella (Jr., OF), Joe Sprake (Jr., RHP/1B), Trevor Brey (So., C/INF), Aurellio Licata (So., INF), Jack Lisowski (So., LHP), Jack Roesch (So., RHP), Dylan Walling (So., INF/OF), Robby Zega (So., INF/RHP/C)

MIDDLETOWN NORTH

HEAD COACH: Justin Nathanson, 3rd season

2016 RECORD: 14-11 (8-6, tied third in A North)

TOP RETURNERS: Tyler Ras (Sr., RHP, OF), Garrett French (Jr., RHP, SS), Mike Mercier (Sr., RHP, 1B), Marc Cerbo (Sr., 2B), Brendon Doherty (Jr., CF), Nick Liubicich (Sr., 1B)

RED BANK CATHOLIC

KEY NEWCOMERS: Cody Sharkey (Sr., OF/RHP), Frank Wilton (Sr., C), Michael Adamson (Jr., 2B), Jake Dillon (Jr., C),

2016 RECORD: 22-8 (13-1, first in Class B North)

Jason Timmons (So., LHP/OF), Justin Valletta (Jr., C/RHP), Connor Welsh (Jr., OF)

Nick Donato (Jr., 3B), Chris Price (Jr., RHP/OF), Justin Romano (Jr., SS),

HEAD COACH: Buddy Hausmann, 10th season

TOP RETURNERS: Austin Nappi (Jr., RHP), Blaise Panzini (Jr., RHP), Jake Birnbaum (Jr., RHP), Steve Turk (Sr., RHP, OF), Aaron Ahn (Sr., SS), Anthony DeRosa (Sr., 3B), Dom Caraballo (Sr., CF), Aidan Supp (Sr., 2B), Mike Veit (Sr., 1B), Brian Sheehy (Sr., C/DH), Connor Caizza (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Eddie Barnwell (Sr., C), David Glancy (So., OF), John Beal (Sr., C), Shaun Golden (Sr., LHP), Sean Carver (Sr., OF), Jack Bertoldo (Jr., RHP), Mike Faletti (Jr., OF/C), Joe Ianelli (Jr., RHP), Tommy Lang (Jr., RHP), Jon Michael Rotondo (Jr., 1B), Tom Selden (Jr., RHP), Vin Bianchi (So., INF/RHP), John Nimeth (Fr., RHP)

Red Bank Catholic s r . A a r o n A h n

The Caseys have remained a Shore Conference contender for the past decade and have been building up toward a state title run over the last five or so. The 2017 roster has the makings of a team that can reclaim a Monmouth County and Shore Conference title and reach the NJSIAA Non-Public A Final on the first weekend in June. On the position-player side of things, RBC runs deeper than any team in the Shore, led by a trio of Division-I-level seniors. Navy recruit Aaron Ahn began his high school career playing third base, made the move to second base last year and will once again change positions for this season – this time serving as the Caseys’ shortstop with three-year starter Evan Madigan moving on to Bucknell. Ahn’s six home runs as a junior were the most of any returning Shore Conference player. Rutgers commit Anthony DeRosa had a huge sophomore season before a more understated 2016 and is primed for a strong finish as the Caseys third

HEAD COACH: Ryan Spillane, 9th season

VOLUME-IX

(photo by Mark Brown)

MIDDLETOWN SOUTH

2016 RECORD: 23-6 (11-3, first in Class A North)

TOP RETURNERS: John Martin (Sr., RHP, 1B/OF), Jeff Lewandowski (Sr., RHP, OF/C), Jeremy Joyce (Sr., RHP, INF), Matt Salicco (Sr., RHP), Ryan Ruziecki (Sr., INF/OF), Ben Porpora (Sr., 3B)

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Midd. North jr Tyler Ras

MANASQUAN

OCEAN

HEAD COACH: Bob Waldeyer, 2nd season

HEAD COACH: Cip Apicelli, 8th season

TOP RETURNERS: Tommy Sheehan (Sr., LHP, 1B), Connor Muly (Sr., RHP), Nick Perone (Sr., RHP), Declan Reichey (Sr., RHP), Ricky Flynn (Jr., RHP, OF), Ethan Thompson (Jr., SS), Adam Schreck (Sr., C), Tommy Antonucci (Jr., OF), James Harmstead (So., 1B), Joey Ostberg (Jr., INF), Nick Jaime (Sr., OF)

TOP RETURNERS: Phil DeMarco (Sr., LHP, 1B), Alec Keezer (Sr., RHP, 2B/3B), Travis Lillie (Sr., LHP), Max Winters (RHP, SS), Jack D’Auria (Jr., OF)

2015 RECORD: 13-7 (9-3, first in Class A Central)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Kyle Abbot (Sr., RHP), Ben Barry (Sr., RHP), Luke Brown (Sr., LHP/OF), Dan Del Guercio (Sr., OF), Dan Mulay (Sr., OF), Matt Snyder (Sr., RHP/INF), Dylan Finn (Jr., INF), Denny Maher (Jr., C/INF)

MONMOUTH

HEAD COACH: Paul Crivello, 4th season

2015 RECORD: 13-10 (8-4, tied third in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Joe Malfara (Sr., RHP), Paul Birzin (Sr., LHP), Noah Eggenschwiler (Sr., RHP), Dante Ciaramella (So., RHP, INF), Josh Jackson (Sr., C), Paul Birzin (Sr., 1B), Mark Abrams (Sr., OF), Mike Valerio (Sr., INF), Derek Radzik (Sr., P/INF), Josh Rife (Sr., RHP), Trevor D’Meo (Sr., RHP/INF), Charlie Kelly (Jr., OF/RHP), Anthony Guarino (Jr., INF/C), Liam Kile (Jr., INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Scotto (Jr., OF/INF) – Transferred from Robbinsville; Jack Martell (Jr., RHP), Joe Schwarz (Jr., RHP), Matt Kopp (Jr., OF), Tyler Riccardi (Jr., OF), Ricky Voss (Jr., LHP/OF), Eli Rife (So., INF), Andrew Faccone (So., C), Seth Gonzalez (Jr., OF), Chris Anfuso (So., OF)

2015 RECORD: 22-9 (10-4, third in B North)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Brian Davis (Jr., P), Evan Arbeeny (Jr., C), Stephen Hagerman (So., INF/RHP), Ryan Toomey (So., 2B), Matt Redbord (Jr., 1B), Jake Papa (Jr., OF), Mark Butler (Jr., INF/P), Ryan Jenks (Jr., P), Juan Baez (Sr., P), Will Callano (Sr., OF), Max Degilio (Sr., OF), Michael Kardane (Sr., OF), J.T. Gianotti (Jr., OF), David Yatcilla (Jr., OF), Matt Samilow (Jr., OF), Connor McQuillan (Sr., OF)

WALL

HEAD COACH: Todd Schmitt, 20th season

2016 RECORD: 11-11 (8-6, fourth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Yard (Sr., RHP), Shane Richey (Sr., 2B), David Howarth (So., C), Kevin Lenneper (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ryan Megill (Sr., 1B/DH), John Perrino (Sr., 1B), Alex Smith (Sr., RHP/SS), Grant Schulman (So., 3B/RHP), Dylan Richey (So., SS), Andy Lenneper (Jr., OF), Teddy Sharkey (Fr., P/OF), Joe Shimko (So., C/OF)

LONG BRANCH

HEAD COACH: James Reilly, 2nd season

2016 RECORD: 4-16 (1-13, eighth in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: James Horniacek (Jr., LHP), Matt Mincieli (Jr., RHP, SS), Justin Navarro (Sr., RHP, C),

Jalen Walls (Sr., RHP, 1B), T.J. Brewer (Jr., C), Pasa Fields (Jr., CF), Carlos Irizarry (Sr., 3B), Ryan Lorme (Sr., OF), Nick Luhn (Jr., 2B)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Edwin Suarez (Jr., OF), Jordan Pellot (Jr., OF), Evan Yerman (Jr., INF/RHP), Juwan Wilkins (Jr., 3B/RHP)

Division Lineup

Josh Jackson, Sr., Catcher, Monmouth Mike Veit, Sr., First Base, Red Bank Catholic Jeremy Joyce, Sr., SS/2B, Middletown South Aaron Ahn, Sr., SS, Red Bank Catholic Anthony DeRosa, Sr., 3B, Red Bank Catholic Dom Caraballo, Sr., Centerfield, Red Bank Catholic Justin Scotto, Jr., Outfield, Monmouth (Stats from 2016 with Robbinsville) Ryan Ruziecki, Sr., UTIL, Middletown South Ben Porpora, Sr., Third Base, Middletown South

Division Rotation

Tommy Sheehan, Sr., LHP/1B, Manasquan Tyler Ras, Jr., RHP/OF, Middletown North John Martin, Sr., RHP/1B, Middletown South Garrett French, Jr., RHP/SS, Middletown North Alec Keezer, Sr., RHP/3B, Ocean

Breakout Players to Watch

Max Winters, So., SS, Ocean Connor Muly, Sr., RHP, Manasquan David Howarth, So., C, Wall Austin Nappi, Jr., RHP, Red Bank Catholic Matt Mincieli, Jr., SS/RHP, Long Branch

By Mat t Manley - S enior S taff Writ er

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

he 2016 season ended without a Class A Central team in the Shore Sports Network Top 10 and the only one that was close – division champion Manasquan – is no longer in Class A Central this year. In fact, two of the three teams in last year’s A Central that had winning records (Manasquan, Shore and Monmouth) are gone, replaced by two – Matawan (12-11) and Red Bank (8-16) – that went a combined 20-27 while members of Class B North. So what does all of that mean? Well, it seems to suggest that the Class A Central race is wide open, with Shore Regional returning as the team with the highest standing last year. St. John Vianney is the perennial contender of the bunch, while Raritan, Red Bank and Holmdel all hope to make big leaps as programs this year. Matawan and Rumson, meanwhile, will hope to offset heavy losses to graduation. There may be a top 10 team in this group, but with opening day fast approaching, it’s unclear, at this point who that team is.

ST. JOHN VIANNEY

HEAD COACH: Mike Morgan, 11th season

2016 RECORD: 8-12 (6-6, fourth in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Ryan DeMille (Sr., RHP), Logan Marter (Jr., LHP), Brendan Martin (So., RHP), Sebi Bellone (Sr., C/1B), Logan Marter (Jr., OF), Seamus Coyle (Sr., OF/INF), Frank D’Alessio (Jr., OF), Michael DiPede (Jr., INF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Gerardo Rivera-Colon (Sr., INF), Robert Skinner (So., INF), Jack Whalen (Sr., OF), Matt Cerniglia (Sr., P/OF), Drew Cary (Sr., INF/OF), Fred Younger (Sr., INF), Matt McCormack (Jr., P), Evan Perrette (Jr., INF), Alex Tango (Jr., P), Anthony Almonte (So., C/INF), Chris Caragliano (So., INF), Matt Della (So., P), Luciano Fabrizzi (So., C), Joe Krause (So., P), Spencer Margulis (So., OF/C), Nick Noto (So., INF), John-Paul Fleming (Sr., P) The Lancers are coming off a rare sub-.500 season in a winnable Class A Central division and must replace their best two hitters and best pitcher. Despite that, the outlook for 2017 is positive because St. John Vianney returns two quality arms from either side of the rubber and will have plenty of depth to plug the gaps in the lineup, at least relative to the other teams in the division. Senior Ryan DeMille threw just under 30 innings last year with a 3.91 ERA and is poised to assume the role as stopper on the staff. Junior left-hander Logan Marter has a chance to cement himself as one of the Shore’s better dual threats after posting a sub-2.00 ERA and showing strikeout ability (16 punchouts in 14 2/3 innings) in a short stint last year. The key to the staff could be sophomore Brendan Martin, who worked seven varsity innings as a freshman and will headline the Class of 2019 for the Lancers. Senior Sebi Bellone returns to the middle of the order this season and while he did not have the kind of statistical year he might have hoped for, Bellone showed extra-base bunch with four doubles and a homer during the season. Senior Seamus Coyle and

juniors Frank D’Alessio and Michael DiPede will all look to increase their roles after getting a helping of playing time last year, as will senior Gerardo Rivera-Colon, senior Jack Whalen and sophomore Robert Skinner. Senior Matt Cerniglia also has a chance to make an impact for the Lancers on the mound and in the outfield after a small helping of time last year. With a stream of juniors and sophomores ready to compete for time and help out the lineup, St. John Vianney is positioned to improve in the win-loss column and compete for a division title in 2017.

RED BANK

HEAD COACH: Nick Tucker, 4th season

2016 RECORD: 8-16 (3-11, seventh in B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Mason O’Mara (Sr., RHP, 1B), Jack Povey (So., RHP, SS/3B), Josh Horowitz (Sr., RHP), Jack Mangold (Sr., RHP, SS), Danny Wagner (Sr., RHP), John Juco (Sr., 2B), Matt Santos (Sr., 1B), Jonah Rosen (Sr., OF), Aidan Kelly (So., OF), Danny Wagner (Sr., 3B), Jack Stamer (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Eulner (Jr., 1B/LHP), Will Grant (Sr., RHP/INF), Nick Quaranta (Jr., 3B/RHP), Zach Yates (Jr., (2B/3B/RHP), Colin Chatto (So., C), Luke Jurek (So., OF)

SHORE

HEAD COACH: Pat O’Neill, 6th season

2016 RECORD: 13-9 (8-4, tied second in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Michael Deusch (So., LHP), Michael Jelliff (Sr., RHP, 2B), Austin Cannon (Sr., OF), Ryan Jones (Sr., 3B)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alex King (Sr., OF), Dean Smolokoff (Sr., C), Jared Breithoff (Jr., C), Bailey Crochet (Jr., INF/RHP), Jack DuBois (Jr., OF), Thomas Dunleavy (Jr., 1B), James LaBruno (OF/LHP), Jimmy Malletto (Jr., INF/RHP), Michael Shirvanian (Jr., SS/RHP), Sal LaRosa (So., C), Cody Fleischer (Fr., INF/C/RHP), Oscar Scott (Fr., OF/RHP)

MATAWAN

HEAD COACH: Bobby Carnovsky, 5th season

2016 RECORD: 12-11 (6-8, fifth in Class B North)

TOP RETURNERS: Jake Burlew (Sr., 1B), Tom Collazo (Sr., SS), Antonio Martinez (Sr., 2B)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jackson Hercek (So., C/OF/P), Christian Rodriguez (Jr., 1B), Richie Olson (Jr., P), Wayne Bloom (Sr., INF/OF), Griffin Leibell (Sr., INF), John Carelli (Sr., P), Kyle Gamble (Sr., P), Mike Trapani (C)

HOLMDEL

HEAD COACH: Chris Arecchi, 1st season

2016 RECORD: 5-13 (3-9, tied sixth in Class A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Alex DiBona (Jr., RHP, INF),

Chris Ammirati (Sr., RHP, OF), Michael Stoneham (Sr., RHP), Tom Tesoriero (Sr., LHP), Sal Monticciolo (Jr., 1B), Alex Galarza (Jr., OF), Mike Devino (Jr., INF),

Andrew Pizzuto (Sr., C), Michael Stefany (Sr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Ezra Caspi (So., OF),

Jason Lyons (So., INF/RHP), Brandon Saghafi (So., C),

Victor Wladika (Fr., RHP/OF), Brandon Wong (Sr., INF/OF)

Division Lineup

Sebi Bellone, Sr., Catcher/First Base, St. John Vianney Sal Monticciolo, Jr., First Base, Holmdel Michael Jelliff, Sr., Second Base, Shore

Jack Mangold, Sr., Shortstop, Red Bank Ryan Jones, Sr., Third Base, Shore

Matt Fahey, Sr., Outfield, Rumson-Fair Haven Austin Cannon, Sr., Outfield, Shore Ken Friend, Sr., Outfield, Raritan Alex Galarza, Jr., OF, Holmdel

RARITAN

HEAD COACH: Jeff Struble, 5th season

Division Rotation

Matt Birdsall, Sr., RHP, Raritan

2016 RECORD: 6-13 (3-9, tied sixth in A Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Birdsall (Sr., RHP), Zack Johnston (Jr., RHP), Ken Friend (Sr., OF), Tyler Bruno (So., OF), Mike Wojtowicz (Sr., SS)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alex Lammatina (Jr., C), Jake Tennant (So., 1B/RHP), Tim Hayes (So., DH)

Ryan DeMille, Sr., RHP, St. John Vianney Mason O’Mara, Sr., RHP, Red Bank

Logan Marter, Jr., LHP/OF, St. John Vianney Jack Povey, So., RHP, Red Bank

Breakout Players to Watch

RUMSON-FAIR HAVEN

Michael Deusch, So., LHP, Shore

2016 RECORD: 8-13 (5-7, fifth in A Central)

Kyle Burnett, Jr., RHP, Rumson-Fair Haven

Connor Dupree, Sr., Shortstop, Rumson-Fair Haven

HEAD COACH: Kevin James, 15th season

TOP RETURNERS: Kyle Burnett (Jr., RHP), Patch Adams (Sr., RHP), Christian Lanzollatta (So., RHP, DH), Matt Fahey (Sr., OF), Connor Dupree (Sr., SS), Robbie Smith (Sr., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Jack Boyer (Sr., 1B), Alex Walsack (Sr., 2B), Andy Schluter (Sr., OF), Pat Russo (Sr., OF), P.K. Kelleher (Sr., RHP), Mike Martino (Jr., 1B), Thomas Scinto (Jr., OF), Dan Harbie (Jr., OF), Carson Kirman (Jr., P)

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Zack Johnston, Jr., RHP, Raritan

Jackson Hercek, So., UTIL, Matawan

Shore Sports Network’s

Shore Community

HERE ARE SOME SHORE-AREA FAVORITES for you to support

Getting something to eat before or after a sporting event or looking for a local

business that might have some shore sports-related opportunity is part of our culture, and often it’s a spur-of-the-moment decision for a potential customer based on where they are at the time and what restaurants or local businesses they are familiar with. The Shore Sports Network wants to put your business at the front of customer’s minds by featuring you on our sports-themed community page that will appear on both our website and in our bi-monthly Shore Sports Network Journal. Let our viewers and readers know you welcome them to stop in any time. These are often passionate fans and families who can be your customers through this customized, cost-effective marketing plan that puts your business front and center

Community Feature Page Available from Feb – June & will consist of the following • 5.25w x 2.45h color ad in two issues of our Bi-Weekly SSN Journal Publications. • SSN Publications distributed to the High Schools, all Jersey Mike’s Subs & Super WAWA locations within Ocean & Monmouth counties as well as local business and HS hot spots. • Website Community page posting on SSN site • Digital link to your website/Facebook page

CALL TODAY Margaret Lynn Scheiderman 848-221-8155

By Mat t Manley - S enior S taff Writ er

Teams listed by predicted order of finish

lass B Central has traditionally been St. Rose’s division to lose and while the Purple Roses have usually made good on those expectations, there have been some teams to spoil the party over the years. Point Beach has been that team and Mater Dei most recently won the title in 2015. Those two teams hope to knock off St. Rose again, as does Keyport, which has joined the upper echelon of B Central over the past two years. With four teams possibly chasing the title, the B Central seasons should have plenty of twists and turns, but given the roster St. Rose returns, the destination appears to be a familiar one.

ST. ROSE

HEAD COACH: Rich Lanko, 1st season

2016 RECORD: 19-7 (13-1, first in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Brandon Mology (Sr., RHP, 2B), Brian DiPasquale (Sr., RHP), John Crowley (Jr., RHP, OF), Riley Maypother (Jr., RHP, 3B), Brendan Hueth (Sr., LHP, OF), Andrew Baier (Sr., RHP), Will Gannon (Sr., RHP), Joe Volpe (Sr., SS), Brody Maypother (Jr., C), Will Gannon (Jr., INF), Tommy Blaes (Sr., OF), Adam Cohrs (Sr., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Kevin Fay (Sr., 1B/RHP), Nick Schmidt (Jr., RHP), Mike Thompson (Sr., OF), Dan Rose (Jr., OF), Sammy Sestito (Jr., 1B/RHP), Frank Bellezza (So., 2B/SS/RHP), Evan Peeke (Sr., 3B/OF/RHP)

St. Rose and first-year head coach Rich Lanko can feel good about its chances because just about the entire 2016 team is back. The Roses return every starter in the field except Mike Gowen, including all of their top pitchers. Brandon Mology ran a 1.43 ERA and a sub-1.00 WHIP in 49 innings as the St. Rose ace last year, which included a victory over Manalapan. Senior right-hander Brian DiPasquale was a dependable No. 2 and junior John Crowley returns after settling into the No. 3 slot, with senior Brendan Hueth and junior Will Gannon picking up some cleanup innings as well. Hueth – a center fielder who is committed to St. Joseph’s University – is among the offensive leaders who returns this year after leading the Shore Conference with 14 doubles in 2016. Senior Joe Volpe and juniors Riley Maypother and Will Gannon are all back on the infield, with Volpe manning shortstop, Maypother at third and Gannon shuffling between second and first depending whether or not Mology –who plays second base – is pitching. Junior Brody Maypother returns behind the plate after a big sophomore season with the bat and Crowley will also play his second season as a starter as an outfielder. It’s a deep, capable lineup that has some key players entering their junior seasons, so there is plenty of room for St. Rose to grow coming off a 19-win season.

RANNEY

HEAD COACH: Matt Hall, 2nd season

2016 RECORD: 4-11 (4-10, sixth in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Kiran Shah (Jr., OF), Cole Redman (So., OF) Ryan Batista (So., C/INF), Jacob Field (So., OF/1B), Ethan Gavin (So., INF/P), Ben Kraushaar (So., INF), KEY NEWCOMERS: Nate Aquino (Fr., C/OF), Kyle Lubin (Sr., OF), Alan Li (So., OF)

HENRY HUDSON

HEAD COACH: Angelo Fiore, 4th season

2016 RECORD: 12-13 (8-6, tied fourth in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Kevin Donnelly (Sr., LHP), John Nista (Jr., RHP, INF), Chris Russo (Jr., RHP, OF), Kenny MacPherson (Jr., RHP, SS), Jude Lovegren (Jr., RHP, INF), Josh Yates (Jr., RHP, 2B), Connor Prima (Sr., LHP, OF), Kevin Donnelly (Sr., 1B), Vincent Storino (Jr., C), Jean Verrier (Jr., OF/P) KEY NEWCOMERS: Roddy Rupp (Sr., OF), Ryan Craig (Sr., OF), Mihalis Hrisanfinis (So., OF), George Bersin Daly (Jr., OF), Nick Melito (Jr., OF), Will Thorn (Jr., 1B), Max Allia (So., 1B/OF), Luke Frauenheim (Jr., OF), Phil Antoniotti (Fr., INF/RHP), Aidan Conway (Fr., OF), Joey Favato (Fr., OF)

2016 RECORD: 1-14 (1-13, tied seventh in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Brendan Carlstrom (Sr., LHP), Ryan Doegler (Sr., RHP, SS), Liam Hagan (So., RHP, 1B), Matt Payne (So., LHP), Brendan Carlstrom (Sr., 1B/CF), Tom Colantino (Sr., C/OF), Jack Slocumb (Sr., OF), Tim Farrell (So., 2B/SS)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Mike Mohr (Fr., 3B/RHP), Grady Hendrickson (Fr., SS/OF/RHP), Mike Hoey (Fr., OF), Casey Haupt (Fr., OF), Blaise Cauvin (Fr., 2B/OF)

ASBURY PARK

HEAD COACH: Johnny Grasso, 11th season

2016 RECORD: 1-15 (1-13, tied seventh in B Central)

HEAD COACH: Kyle Keelen, 6th season

2016 RECORD: 13-11 (10-4, third in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Christian Smith (Sr., RHP, SS), Shane Chandler (Sr., RHP, CF), Kyle Johnson (Sr., RHP, 3B), Colin Fernandez (Jr., RHP, OF), Jackson Aumack (Sr., 2B), Alex Staats (Sr., 1B) KEY NEWCOMERS: Justin Young (So., OF/RHP), Matt Russo (Fr., C), Roan Maxwell (Fr., C), William Odom (Sr., 2B), Chris Shevlin (Jr., 2B)

MATER DEI PREP

HEAD COACH: Pat Riddell, 13th season

2016 RECORD: 12-12 (11-3, second in B Central)

TOP RETURNERS: Vinny Stanziale (Sr., RHP, 3B), Matt Carrigy (Jr., RHP, OF), Kevin Olaussen (Sr., RHP, 1B), Rob Lynch (Sr., LHP), Kyle Dowlen (Sr., SS), Ryan Turner (Jr., OF), Mike Dunne (Jr., C/OF), Joe Profaci (Jr., OF)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Greg Bender (Jr., 3B/RHP), Chase Hardy (So., 2B), Sean Turner (Fr., SS/2B/RHP), Patrick Masto (Fr.)

Last year was all about redemption for the St. Rose players who played on the 2015 team that came in second place in B Central behind Mater Dei. Winning Class B Central is something of a birthright for St. Rose baseball players and after missing out in 2015, the Purple Roses climbed back to the top by dominating the divisional schedule and winning 19 games. In three consecutive games, they beat Manalapan, Point Pleasant Boro and Ocean, which gives this year’s team some momentum as it tries to go from dominant B Central team to one that competes for tournament titles.

TOP RETURNERS: Matt Gibney (Sr., RHP, INF), Paul Eckleberry (Jr., RHP, OF), Liam Riecks (So., RHP, INF/OF),

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KEANSBURG

HEAD COACH: Ryan Lillis, 1st season

2016 RECORD: 8-11 (8-6, tied fourth in B Central)

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KEY NEWCOMERS: lex Agostini (Sr., OF/1B/RHP), Cristian Borrageiros (Sr., INF), David Clayton (Sr., INF/RHP), Kevin Rogers (Sr., OF/RHP), Dylan Ryan (Sr., 1B), Gabe Torres (So., INF/RHP), Brandon Rizzi (Fr., OF)

HEAD COACH: Matt Mancini, 1st season

POINT PLEASANT BEACH

KEYPORT

St. Rose sr. Brendan Hueth

Hunter Gorski (Sr., OF), Justin Alessi (Jr., SS), Joe Osterbye (Jr., C), Liam Meyer (So., CF)

4/4/17

TOP RETURNERS: Henry McGee (Sr., RHP, CF), Christian Bragg (Sr., RHP, 3B), Devin Nash-McGee (Jr., SS), Luis Rodriguez (Jr., C)

KEY NEWCOMERS: Alex Peavey (So., 2B), Kavon Robinson (Jr., LF)

Division Lineup

Brody Maypother, Jr., Catcher, St. Rose Kevin Donnelly, Sr., 1B/LHP, Point Beach Josh Yates, Jr., 2B/3B, Point Beach Joe Volpe, Sr., Shortstop, St. Rose Riley Maypother, Jr., Third Base, St. Rose Brendan Hueth, Sr., Outfield, St. Rose Shane Chandler, Sr., Outfield, Keyport Liam Meyer, So., Outfield, Keansburg John Nista, Jr., 3B/RHP, Point Beach

Division Rotation

Brandon Mology, Sr., RHP/2B, St. Rose Christian Smith, Sr., RHP/SS, Keyport Brian DiPasquale, Sr., RHP, St. Rose Matt Gibney, Sr., RHP, Keansburg John Crowley, Jr., RHP, St. Rose

Breakout Players to Watch

Ryan Turner, Jr., Outfield, Mater Dei Prep Jude Lovegren, Jr., INF/RHP, Point Beach Kyle Johnson, Sr., 3B, Keyport Henry McGhee, Sr., RHP, Asbury Park Ryan Batista, So., Catcher, Ranney

Baseball All-Star Game Featuring the Shore’s Top Underclassmen Set to Debut This Summer By Scott Stump - Shore Sports Network Cont ributor

ifteen years ago, Mike McGarrell had a vision for a local high school baseball all-star game featuring top underclassmen and a charity component, but then life got in the way. McGarrell, a 1980 graduate of what was then St. Joseph’s and is now Donovan Catholic, was diagnosed in 2005 with multiple myeloma, an incurable cancer of the blood and bones.

baseball player Gino Vizzi from Georgia, who is battling a rare form of incurable leukemia called chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML).

“I didn’t want to do just another all-star game,” McGarrell said. “I wanted it to be for something significant. This gives us a platform to encourage kids to do something in their community and think of others before yourself. That’s what the entire event is about.”

“I was really close to getting the event off the ground, and then my life went off the rails and all those years went by,” McGarrell said. “The journey has been unbelievable. It’s been a constant battle for years with broken bones, chemo, radiation, and three stem-cell transplants. I’ve been through hell and back a thousand times, but my best life has been lived on my journey with cancer.”

McGarrell, 54, who comes to the Shore three or four times a year for his apparel business, befriended Vizzi and his father, who is originally from Hazlet, through a mutual friend. Gino’s story and his perseverance since his diagnosis inspired McGarrell to want to join forces for the all-star game. “What Gino and his family have done given this horrible circumstance is extraordinary,” he said.

Doctors have not found evidence of cancer in his system in the past 18 months thanks to a new drug he has been taking. During that time, he finally saw his idea become reality with last year’s first all-star game in a baseball hotbed outside Atlanta, where McGarrell lives. Now he is bringing the concept back to where his own baseball career began with the inaugural Monmouth-Ocean All-Star Game featuring the Shore’s best underclassmen on July 10 at FirstEnergy Park in Lakewood. Rosters with 25 players for each county will be selected by the Shore Conference coaches, who will nominate their top underclassmen during this season for inclusion in the game.

The inaugural underclassmen all-star game put on by McGarrell in Georgia last year (above) was a success that led him to expand to the Shore Conference. (Photo courtesy of Mike McGarrell)

The day before the game will be the P4 Foundation Home Run Derby at FirstEnergy Park, an all-day event open to the public with participants ranging from 14 to 40, with all the proceeds going to the P4 Foundation. The organization was founded by now-17-year-old high school

While the Shore Baseball Coaches Association has held a senior all-star game for decades, this will be the first game featuring top underclassmen, who previously only represented the Shore in the annual Carpenter Cup all-star tournament in Philadelphia. The intention is that this becomes a fixture on the calendar for Shore Conference baseball players, fans and coaches for years to come.

Stars like Toms River South’s T.J. Scuderi, Christian Brothers Academy’s Nick Hohenstein and Middletown North ace Tyler Ras, who were SSN second-team All-Shore selections as sophomores, are potential candidates in a game showcasing the Shore’s top young talent. One of the bigger challenges was finding a good date in the summer to attract the most top players, who often have packed schedules filled with showcases and games for their travel teams.

The inaugural all-star game put on by McGarrell’s organization took place last year between top underclassmen in Cobb and Gwinnett counties in Georgia, one of the most talent-rich areas in the country. He had to overcome coaches’ initial skepticism considering nothing like that had been done before, but the game was a success, featuring players heading off to top programs like Vanderbilt and Clemson. He said bringing it to the Shore was a “no-brainer” when it came to expanding the concept, and got the stamp of approval from the Shore Conference coaches during a January meeting with them. The Monmouth County head coach will most likely be St. John Vianney’s Mike Morgan or Red Bank Catholic’s Buddy Hausmann, while the head coach for the Ocean County team will be Toms River South Hall of Famer Ken Frank, the state’s all-time wins leader. McGarrell played at Ocean County College under the legendary Al Fantuzzi, under whom Frank coached as an assistant for Toms River South before ascending to the head job in 1978. Frank helped McGarrell finish his career as the No. 1 pitcher at Biscayne College in Florida by putting in a call to then-head coach Paul Mainieri, who is now the head coach at LSU, after McGarrrell was done at OCC. Frank had one of his Toms River South players headed to Biscayne and put in a word for McGarrell. “I didn’t even play for him in high school, but Kenny changed my life,” McGarrell said. “He really gave me a college career.” McGarrell is looking to change some lives with the Monmouth-Ocean All-Star Game by teaching players the importance of community service while also getting them exposure in front of college coaches and hopefully big-league scouts. “We’re going to have an awards dinner the night before the game, and the focal point is making kids aware of what’s going on in their community,” he said. “We want this to be a first-class event that also will hopefully help the players with their college futures.” McGarrell, who has a daughter set to graduate from the University of Georgia this spring, also has learned plenty about himself during the journey into making his vision a reality while fighting for his life. “You don’t know what you have inside of you until you’re in that situation,” he said. “You can use this disease as an excuse and say ‘woe is me,’ or you can choose to be positive. When you think, ‘Am I promised tomorrow?’ and you’re able to live with that, I think you live your best life.”

Scottie Lewis with Bryce Stanhope from I'm Possible Training

Slam Dunk runner up Nasiem Brantley from Howell. The junior won a dunk-off against Toms River North junior Travis Holland to reach the final.

SCOTTIE LEWIS

WOWS Shore Crowd In Second Annual All-Star Dunk Contest anney sophomore Scottie Lewis wears the No. 23 for all of his games, but the No. 23 jersey he draped over his 6-foot-5 frame during the 2017 Shore Sports Network I’m Possible Slam Dunk Contest was different from the ones he usually wears.

That’s because it was a Chicago Bulls No. 23 jersey.

At halftime of the Shore Coaches’ Senior All-Star Game on March 23, game Lewis successfully defended his I'm Possible Slam Dunk Contest championship with a pair of successful dunks, including one while wearing a Michael Jordan jersey.

After cupping the ball and going up and under the rim for a one-handed finish to qualify for the championship round, Lewis donned a the Jordan jersey took off for a one-handed dunk just inside the free-throw line to clinch the championship.

Lewis beat out runner up Nasiem Brantley from Howell, who won a dunk-off against Toms River North junior Travis Holland to reach the final. Neptune junior and Ranney sophomore Bryan Antoine both made dunks up against the 30-second time limit after missing three attempts, while Rhoden did not complete a dunk.

Last year was the first year of the dunk contest and this year’s versioned was condensed from three rounds to two in order to get back to the all-star game in a more timely manner.

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A Memorable Day of Basketball

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

All-Star Boys Photos by:

All-Star Girlls Photos by:

www.rayrichphotography.smugmug.com

www.palimages.com

Ray Rich Photography

Paula Lopez

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